Part 8

gyroscope noun [ C ] ( ALSO gyro )
a device containing a wheel which spins freely within a frame, used on aircraft and
ships to help keep them horizontal, and as a children's toy
H ( ALSO h ) noun [ C ]
the 8th letter of the English alphabet
ha , hah , exclamation MAINLY HUMOROUS
used to express satisfaction that something bad has happened to someone who
deserved it, or to express a feeling of victory
He's left her has he? Ha! That'll teach her to go chasing other women's husbands!
Ha! So I am right after all!
habeas corpus noun [ U ] LEGAL
a legal order which states that a person in prison must appear before and be
judged by a court of law before he or she can be forced by law to stay in prison
haberdashery noun [ C or U ] CLOTH
1. UK ( US notions ) cloth, pins, thread, etc. used for sewing, or a shop or a
department of a large shop which sells these
haberdashery noun [ C or U ] MEN'S CLOTHES
2. US OLD-FASHIONED clothing for men, or a shop or department in a large shop
which sells this
habit noun REPEATED ACTION
1. [ C or U ] something which you do often and regularly, sometimes without
knowing that you are doing it
I always buy the same brand of toothpaste just out of (= because of) habit.
I'm trying not to get into (= start) the habit of always having biscuits with my
coffee.
I used to swim twice a week, but I seem to have got out of (= ended) the habit
recently.
I was taught to drive by my boyfriend and I'm afraid I've picked up (= caught)
some of his bad habits.
His eating habits are extraordinary.
I'm trying to get him to break (= end intentionally) the habit of switching on the
TV when he comes home at night.
I don't mind being woken up once or twice in the middle of the night by my
flatmate so long as she doesn't make a habit of it (= do it frequently) .
I'm not really in the habit of looking at (= I don't usually look at) other people's
clothes, but even I noticed that awful suit!
2. [ C ] something annoying that someone often does
She has a habit of finishing off other people's sentences.
3. [ C ] a strong physical need to keep having a particular drug
a cocaine habit
FIGURATIVE HUMOROUS I'm afraid I've got a chocolate habit.
habit noun CLOTHING
4. [ C ] a special piece of long clothing worn by monks and nuns
habitable adjective ( ALSO inhabitable )
providing conditions which are good enough to live in or on
A lot of improvements would have to be made before the building was habitable.
Some areas of the country are just too cold to be habitable.
Opposite uninhabitable
gyroscope noun [ C ] ( ALSO gyro )
a device containing a wheel which spins freely within a frame, used on aircraft and
ships to help keep them horizontal, and as a children's toy
H ( ALSO h ) noun [ C ]
the 8th letter of the English alphabet
ha , hah , exclamation MAINLY HUMOROUS
used to express satisfaction that something bad has happened to someone who
deserved it, or to express a feeling of victory
He's left her has he? Ha! That'll teach her to go chasing other women's husbands!
Ha! So I am right after all!
habeas corpus noun [ U ] LEGAL
a legal order which states that a person in prison must appear before and be
judged by a court of law before he or she can be forced by law to stay in prison
haberdashery noun [ C or U ] CLOTH
1. UK ( US notions ) cloth, pins, thread, etc. used for sewing, or a shop or a
department of a large shop which sells these
haberdashery noun [ C or U ] MEN'S CLOTHES
2. US OLD-FASHIONED clothing for men, or a shop or department in a large shop
which sells this
habit noun REPEATED ACTION
1. [ C or U ] something which you do often and regularly, sometimes without
knowing that you are doing it
I always buy the same brand of toothpaste just out of (= because of) habit.
I'm trying not to get into (= start) the habit of always having biscuits with my
coffee.
I used to swim twice a week, but I seem to have got out of (= ended) the habit
recently.
I was taught to drive by my boyfriend and I'm afraid I've picked up (= caught)
some of his bad habits.
His eating habits are extraordinary.
I'm trying to get him to break (= end intentionally) the habit of switching on the
TV when he comes home at night.
I don't mind being woken up once or twice in the middle of the night by my
flatmate so long as she doesn't make a habit of it (= do it frequently) .
I'm not really in the habit of looking at (= I don't usually look at) other people's
clothes, but even I noticed that awful suit!
2. [ C ] something annoying that someone often does
She has a habit of finishing off other people's sentences.
3. [ C ] a strong physical need to keep having a particular drug
a cocaine habit
FIGURATIVE HUMOROUS I'm afraid I've got a chocolate habit.
habit noun CLOTHING
4. [ C ] a special piece of long clothing worn by monks and nuns
habitable adjective ( ALSO inhabitable )
providing conditions which are good enough to live in or on
A lot of improvements would have to be made before the building was habitable.
Some areas of the country are just too cold to be habitable.
Opposite uninhabitable
habitat noun [ C or U ]
the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives
With so many areas of woodland being cut down, a lot of wildlife is losing its
natural habitat.
habitation noun [ U ] FORMAL
1. the act of living in a building
2. unfit for human habitation
describes a house that is too dirty or dangerous for people to be allowed to live in
it
habit-forming adjective
A habit-forming activity or drug makes you want to do or have it repeatedly.
habitual adjective SLIGHTLY FORMAL
usual or repeated
a habitual thief
habitual drug use
dressed in his habitual black
her habitual meanness
habitually adverb
There is something wrong with anyone who is so habitually rude.
habituated adjective FORMAL
used to something, especially something unpleasant
We find children's emotional needs difficult to respond to because we are
habituated to disregarding our own.
habitué noun [ C ] LITERARY
a person who regularly visits a particular place
Habitués of this gentlemen's club are generally middle-aged, grey-haired and
overweight.
habitué noun [ C ] LITERARY
a person who regularly visits a particular place
Habitués of this gentlemen's club are generally middle-aged, grey-haired and
overweight.
hack verb CUT
1. [ I or T + adverb or preposition ] to cut into pieces in a rough and violent way,
often without aiming exactly
Three villagers were hacked to death in a savage attack.
Don't just hack (away) at the bread - cut it properly!
The butcher hacked off a large chunk of meat.
FIGURATIVE The article had been hacked about (= carelessly changed) so much it
was scarcely recognizable.
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] UK in football and rugby, to kick the ball
away or to foul (= act against the rules) by kicking another player in the leg
Platt was twice hacked down in the second half by the other team's sweeper.
hack verb COMPUTING
3. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to get into someone else's computer
system without permission in order to find out information or do something illegal
Computer hacking has become very widespread over the last decade.
A programmer had managed to hack into some top-secret government data.
hack verb MANAGE
4. [ T usually in negatives ] INFORMAL to manage to deal successfully with
something
I tried working on the night shift for a while, but I just couldn't hack it.
hack verb HORSE
5. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] ( ALSO go hacking ) to ride a horse in the
countryside
hack sb off phrasal verb MAINLY UK INFORMAL
to make someone feel annoyed
He leaves all the difficult stuff for me to do and it really hacks me off.
hack noun [ C ] WRITER
1. DISAPPROVING a journalist (= writer for newspapers or magazines) whose work is
low in quality or does not have much imagination
Fleet Street hacks
hack noun [ C ] POLITICIAN
2. DISAPPROVING a politician, especially one who is not important
tired old party hacks
hack noun [ C ] HORSE
3. a ride on a horse in the countryside
hack noun [ C ] DRIVER/CAR
4. US INFORMAL (the driver of) a car which is available for rent, especially a taxi
ˌ hacked ˈ off adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
unhappy, tired or annoyed, especially because of the situation you are in
She's getting a bit hacked off with all the travelling she has to do.
ˌ hacked ˈ off adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
unhappy, tired or annoyed, especially because of the situation you are in
She's getting a bit hacked off with all the travelling she has to do.
hacker noun [ C ] ( ALSO computer hacker )
someone who hacks into other people's computer systems
ˌ hacking ˈ cough noun [ C usually singular ]
a loud cough that sounds painful
hackles plural noun
the hairs on the back of some animals or the feathers on the back of the neck of
some birds which rise when the animal or bird is frightened or about to fight
make ( sb's ) hackles rise ( ALSO raise ( sb's ) hackles )
to annoy someone
The prime minister's speech has raised hackles among the opposition.
hackney carriage noun [ C ]
1. ( ALSO hackney cab ) UK FORMAL a taxi
2. UK a carriage pulled by a horse that can be rented with a driver for making
short journeys, used especially in the past
hackneyed adjective DISAPPROVING
describes a phrase or an idea which has been said or used so often that it has
become boring and has no meaning
The plot of the film is just a hackneyed boy-meets-girl scenario.
hacksaw noun [ C ]
hacksaw
a small saw used especially for cutting metal
had , , verb HAVE
1. ( ALSO 'd ) PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF have , also used with the past
participle of other verbs to form the past perfect
When I was a child I had a dog.
No more food please - I've had enough.
I had heard/I'd heard they were planning to move to Boston.
FORMAL Had I known (= If I had known) , I would have come home sooner.
had , , verb FINISHED
2. have had it INFORMAL
(of a machine, etc.) to be in such a bad condition that it is not useful or (of a
person, team, etc.) to be doing so badly that they are certain to fail
I think this kettle's had it.
Liverpool have had it for this season.
had better/best do sth
If you had better/best do something, you should do it or it would be good to do it
I'd better leave a note so they'll know I'll be late.
have had it (up to here) with
to have suffered because of someone or something and to be no longer able to
bear them
I've had it up to here with you - get out!
I've had it with foreign holidays.
had adjective
be had INFORMAL
to be tricked and given less than you agreed or paid for
"I paid £2000 for this car." "You've been had, mate. It's not worth more than
£1000."
haddock noun [ C or U ]
a fish that can be eaten, which is found in the North Atlantic
haddock noun [ C or U ]
a fish that can be eaten, which is found in the North Atlantic
Hades noun
(in stories about Ancient Greece) a place under the Earth where the spirits (=
forms of dead people that cannot be seen) of the dead go; the underworld
hadj noun [ C ]
a hajj
hadn't short form of
had not
If you hadn't told him he would never have known.
haematite , US hematite noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a common dark red or grey rock from which iron is obtained
haematology , US hematology noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the scientific study of blood and the body tissues which make it
haematological , US hematological adjective
haematologist , US hematologist noun [ C ]
haemoglobin UK , US hemoglobin noun [ U ]
a substance in red blood cells which combines with and carries oxygen around the
body, and gives blood its red colour
haemophilia UK , US hemophilia noun [ U ]
a rare blood disease in which blood continues to flow after a cut or other injury
because one of the substances which causes it to clot does not work correctly
haemophiliac UK , US hemophiliac noun [ C ]
a person who suffers from haemophilia
haemorrhage UK , US hemorrhage noun [ C ]
1. a large flow of blood from a damaged blood vessel (= tube carrying blood
around the body)
a brain haemorrhage
2. a sudden or serious loss
The higher salaries paid overseas have caused a haemorrhage of talent from this
country.
haemorrhage UK , US hemorrhage verb
1. [ I ] to lose a large amount of blood in a short time
She started haemorrhaging while giving birth to the baby.
2. [ I or T ] to lose large amounts of something such as money over a period of
time and be unable to stop this happening
The business has been haemorrhaging money for several months.
haemorrhage UK , US hemorrhage noun [ C ]
1. a large flow of blood from a damaged blood vessel (= tube carrying blood
around the body)
a brain haemorrhage
2. a sudden or serious loss
The higher salaries paid overseas have caused a haemorrhage of talent from this
country.
haemorrhage UK , US hemorrhage verb
1. [ I ] to lose a large amount of blood in a short time
She started haemorrhaging while giving birth to the baby.
2. [ I or T ] to lose large amounts of something such as money over a period of
time and be unable to stop this happening
The business has been haemorrhaging money for several months.
haemorrhoids , US hemorrhoids plural noun SPECIALIZED
a medical condition in which the veins at the anus become swollen and painful and
sometimes bleed ; piles
hag noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
an ugly old woman
haggard adjective
looking ill or tired, often with dark skin under the eyes
He'd been drinking the night before and was looking a bit haggard.
haggis noun [ U ]
a dish which comes from Scotland consisting of different sheep's organs cut up
with onions and spices and cooked inside a sheep's stomach
haggle verb [ I or T ]
to attempt to decide on a price or conditions which are acceptable to the person
selling the goods and the person buying them, usually by arguing
It's traditional that you haggle over/about the price of things in the market.
hagiography noun
1. [ C or U ] a biography in which the writer represents the person as perfect or
much better than they really are, or the tendency to write so many admiring things
about a person that it is not realistic
2. [ U ] SPECIALIZED writings about the lives of holy people such as saints
hagiographic adjective LITERARY
The biography has been criticized for being too hagiographic.
hah , exclamation
ha
ha-ha , ha ha , exclamation
used in writing to represent a shout of laughter, or said by children or by adults
behaving like children as a way of making someone look silly
ha-ha , ha ha , exclamation
used in writing to represent a shout of laughter, or said by children or by adults
behaving like children as a way of making someone look silly
haiku noun [ C ]
a short Japanese poem in 17 syllables
hail noun
1. [ U ] small hard balls of ice which fall from the sky like rain
2. a hail of sth
a lot of similar things or remarks, thrown or shouted at someone at the same time
a hail of bullets
The Prime Minister was greeted with a hail of insults as she arrived at the
students' union.
hail verb CALL
1. [ T ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL to call someone in order to attract their attention
Shall we hail a taxi?
I tried to hail her from across the room.
hail verb ICE
2. [ I ] If it hails, small hard balls of ice fall from the sky like rain.
be within hailing distance of somewhere OLD-FASHIONED
to be near somewhere
hail sb/sth as sth phrasal verb [ often passive ]
to praise a person or an achievement by saying that they are similar to someone
or something very good
She's being hailed as one of the best up-and-coming young dancers today.
The film was hailed as a masterpiece in its day.
hail from somewhere phrasal verb FORMAL
to come from or to have been born in a particular place
Joe originally hails from Toronto.
hail-fellow-well-met adjective OLD-FASHIONED
If a man or his actions are described as hail-fellow-well-met, they are very
friendly and enthusiastic, sometimes in a way that is not sincere
He was greeted with the usual hail-fellow-well-met slap on the back and
handshake.
Hail Mary noun [ C ]
a Catholic prayer to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ
Hail Mary noun [ C ]
a Catholic prayer to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ
hailstone noun [ C ]
a small hard ball of ice which falls from the sky like rain; a piece of hail
hailstorm noun [ C ]
a sudden heavy fall of hail
hair noun [ C or U ]
the mass of thin thread-like structures on the head of a person, or any of these
structures that grow out of the skin of a person or animal
He's got short dark hair.
I'm going to have/get my hair cut .
She brushed her long red hair.
He had lost his hair by the time he was twenty-five.
He's starting to get a few grey hairs now.
I found a hair in my soup.
See picture hair
a hair's breadth
a very small distance or amount
His finger was within a hair's breadth of touch ing the alarm.
She came within a hair's breadth of losing her life (= She nearly died) .
get in sb's hair INFORMAL
to annoy someone, usually by being present all the time
My flatmate has been getting in my hair a bit recently.
the hair of the dog (that bit you) HUMOROUS
an alcoholic drink taken as a cure the morning after an occasion when you have
drunk too much alcohol
keep your hair on
See keep your shirt on
make sb's hair stand on end INFORMAL
to make someone very frightened
To be honest, the thought of jumping out of a moving aeroplane makes my hair
stand on end.
not a hair out of place
If someone does not have a hair out of place, their appearance is very tidy
She was immaculate as ever, not a hair out of place.
That'll put hairs on your chest! HUMOROUS
something that is said to someone who is going to drink something that is very
strongly alcoholic or eat something satisfying that will make their stomach feel full
hairband noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO Alice band )
a curved plastic strip worn in the hair, which fits closely over the top of the head
and behind the ears
See picture hair
and behind the ears
See picture hair
hairbrush noun [ C ]
a brush used for making the hair on your head tidy and smooth
haircut noun [ C ]
the style in which someone's hair is cut, or an occasion of cutting or styling the
hair
I've had a really awful haircut.
I wish he'd get/have a haircut.
hairdo noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
the style in which a person, especially a woman, has had their hair cut and
arranged, especially if it is unusual or done for a particular occasion
She had a most elaborate hairdo, all piled up on top of her head.
hairdresser noun [ C ]
a person who cuts people's hair and puts it into a style, usually working in a
special shop, called a hairdresser's
I'm going to change my hairdresser.
I've got a four o'clock appointment at the hairdresser's.
hairdressing noun [ U ]
a hairdressing salon
hairdryer noun [ C ] ( ALSO hairdrier )
an electrical device, usually held in the hand, which blows out hot air and is used
for drying and sometimes styling a person's hair
-haired suffix
with the hair described
dark-haired
short-haired
ˈ hair ex ˌ tension noun [ C usually plural ]
a long piece of hair that is added to a person's own hair in order to make the hair
longer
ˈ hair ˌ gel noun [ C or U ]
a thick liquid substance which is put in the hair to help the hair keep a particular
shape or style
and behind the ears
See picture hair
hairbrush noun [ C ]
a brush used for making the hair on your head tidy and smooth
haircut noun [ C ]
the style in which someone's hair is cut, or an occasion of cutting or styling the
hair
I've had a really awful haircut.
I wish he'd get/have a haircut.
hairdo noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
the style in which a person, especially a woman, has had their hair cut and
arranged, especially if it is unusual or done for a particular occasion
She had a most elaborate hairdo, all piled up on top of her head.
hairdresser noun [ C ]
a person who cuts people's hair and puts it into a style, usually working in a
special shop, called a hairdresser's
I'm going to change my hairdresser.
I've got a four o'clock appointment at the hairdresser's.
hairdressing noun [ U ]
a hairdressing salon
hairdryer noun [ C ] ( ALSO hairdrier )
an electrical device, usually held in the hand, which blows out hot air and is used
for drying and sometimes styling a person's hair
-haired suffix
with the hair described
dark-haired
short-haired
ˈ hair ex ˌ tension noun [ C usually plural ]
a long piece of hair that is added to a person's own hair in order to make the hair
longer
ˈ hair ˌ gel noun [ C or U ]
a thick liquid substance which is put in the hair to help the hair keep a particular
shape or style
hairgrip noun [ C ] UK ( US bobby pin )
a metal U-shaped pin which is tightly bent and slides into the hair in order to keep
it back off the face or to keep part of the hair in a suitable position
ˈ hair ˌ lacquer noun [ U ] UK
hair spray
hairless adjective
without hair
hairline noun [ C ]
the edge of a person's hair, especially along the top of the forehead (= part of the
face above the eyes)
He's got a receding hairline (= He's losing his hair at the front of the head) .
hairline adjective [ before noun ]
(of cracks or lines) very narrow
a hairline fracture
hairline noun [ C ]
a hairline fracture
ˈ hair ˌ mousse noun [ C or U ]
a light creamy substance which is put in the hair to help the hair keep a particular
shape or style
hairnet noun [ C ]
a light net that some women wear over their hair to keep it in place
See picture net
hairpiece noun [ C ]
an artificial covering of hair used to hide an area of the head where there is no
hair
Do you think he wears a hairpiece?
hairpin noun [ C ]
a thin metal U-shaped pin which is used to hold part of the hair in a suitable
position
ˌ hairpin ˈ bend noun [ C ] UK ( US hairpin turn )
a bend in the road which curves so sharply that it almost turns back to go in the
opposite direction
See picture hairpin bend
hair-raising adjective
very frightening
She gave a hair-raising account of her escape through the desert.
ˈ hair ˌ salon noun [ C ]
a shop where people go to have their hair cut and put into a particular style
ˈ hair ˌ slide noun [ C ] UK ( US barrette )
a small decorative piece of plastic, metal or wood that a woman or girl wears in
her hair, often to stop it falling in front of her face
ˈ hair ˌ spray noun [ C or U ] ( UK ALSO hair lacquer )
a sticky liquid which is sprayed onto someone's hair to keep it in a particular
shape
hairline noun [ C ]
a hairline fracture
shape or style
hairnet noun [ C ]
See picture net
hair
hairpin noun [ C ]
position
opposite direction
very frightening
shape
hairstyle noun [ C ]
the style in which someone's hair is cut and arranged
hair-trigger adjective INFORMAL
a hair-trigger temper
the characteristic of becoming very angry very easily
hairline noun [ C ]
a hairline fracture
shape or style
hairnet noun [ C ]
See picture net
hair
hairpin noun [ C ]
position
opposite direction
very frightening
shape
hairstyle noun [ C ]
the style in which someone's hair is cut and arranged
hair-trigger adjective INFORMAL
a hair-trigger temper
the characteristic of becoming very angry very easily
hairy adjective WITH HAIR
1. having a lot of hair, especially on parts of the body other than the head
hairy armpits/legs
a hairy chest
hairy adjective FRIGHTENING
2. INFORMAL frightening or dangerous, especially in a way that is exciting
I like going on the back of Laurent's motorbike, though it can get a bit hairy.
hairiness noun [ U ]
Haiti noun [ U ]
See table of Geographical names .
Haitian noun [ C ] , adjective
hajj , haj , hadj noun [ C ]
the religious journey to Mecca which all Muslims try to make at least once in their
life
haka noun [ C ]
a traditional war dance of the Maori people of New Zealand, or a similar
performance before a sports event which is intended to give support to one team while
making the opposing team less confident
haka noun [ C ]
a traditional war dance of the Maori people of New Zealand, or a similar
performance before a sports event which is intended to give support to one team while
making the opposing team less confident
hake noun [ C or U ]
a big sea fish which can be eaten
halal adjective [ before noun ]
describes meat from an animal that has been killed in the way that is demanded
by Islamic law, or someone who sells this meat
halal meat
a halal butcher
halcyon days plural noun LITERARY
a very happy or successful period in the past
She recalled the halcyon days of her youth.
hale and hearty adjective OLD-FASHIONED
(especially of old people) healthy and strong
Her grandfather was hale and hearty, walking five miles each day before
breakfast.
half noun , pronoun , predeterminer , adjective , adverb
1. either of the two equal or nearly equal parts that together make up a whole
"What's half of ninety-six?" "Forty-eight."
Roughly half (of) the class are Spanish and the others are a mixture of
nationalities.
Cut the apple in half/ into halves (= into two equal parts) .
My little brother is half as tall as me/half my height.
half a dozen (= six) eggs
Half of me would just like to give it all up and travel around the world (= partly I
would like to, but partly I would not) .
She was born in the latter half of the eighteenth century.
The recipe tells you to use a pound and a half of butter.
2. INFORMAL a lot
She invited a lot of people to the party but half of them didn't turn up.
I don't even know where she is half (of) the time .
3. half past
Half past a particular hour is 30 minutes later than that hour
I'll meet you at half past nine (= 09.30 or 21.30) .
UK INFORMAL I'll meet you at half seven (= half past seven) .
4. only partly
He answered the door half naked.
I was half expecting to see her at the party.
I'm half inclined to take the job just because it's in London.
He was being funny but I think he was half serious.
The bottle's half empty.
5. go halves INFORMAL
to divide the cost of something with someone
Shall we go halves on a bottle of champagne?
I'll go halves with you on a bottle of champagne.
6. half and half
equal amounts of two different things
"Do you use milk or cream in the recipe?" "Half and half."
7. half as much again ( US ALSO half again as much )
50% more of the existing number or amount
be half the battle
to be the most difficult part of a process so that once you have finished this part,
you have almost succeeded
For a lot of jobs, getting an interview is half the battle.
be half the dancer/writer, etc. you used to be
to be much less good at doing something than you used to be
She's half the tennis-player she used to be.
given half a/the chance INFORMAL
If someone would do something given half a chance, they would certainly do it if
they had the opportunity
I'd give up work given half a chance.
How the other half lives! HUMOROUS
Something people say when they see or hear about the lives of people who are
richer than them.
not do things by halves HUMOROUS
If someone does not do things by halves, they put a lot of effort and enthusiasm
into doing things, often more than is necessary
"I didn't realize you were decorating the whole house." "Oh, we don't do things by
halves round here."
not half UK INFORMAL
used in spoken English to express a positive statement more strongly
It wasn't half crowded in the club last night (= It was very crowded) .
She didn't half shout at him (= She shouted a lot at him) !
"You enjoyed yourself last night, didn't you?" "Not half (= Very much) !"
not half as ( ALSO not half such a ) INFORMAL
not nearly as
It wasn't half as good as that other restaurant we went to.
not know the half of it ( ALSO have not heard the half of it ) INFORMAL
If someone does not know the half of it, they know that a situation is bad but they
do not know how serious it is
"I hear things aren't going too well at work." "You don't know the half of it!"
That was a game/meal/walk, etc. and a half! INFORMAL
something that you say about something that was very surprising, very good, or
took a lot of time
half noun [ C ] DRINK
1. UK INFORMAL half a pint of a drink, especially beer
A pint of lager and two halves, please.
half noun [ C ] TICKET
2. UK a ticket which is cheaper because it is for a child
Two adults and three halves to Manchester, please.
half noun [ C ] SPORT
3. first/second half
either of two periods of time into which a game is divided
half-assed , UK ALSO half-arsed adjective SLANG DISAPPROVING
A half-assed idea or plan is stupid or has not been considered carefully enough
It's another one of her half-assed ideas for getting rich.
half-assed , UK ALSO half-arsed adjective SLANG DISAPPROVING
A half-assed idea or plan is stupid or has not been considered carefully enough
It's another one of her half-assed ideas for getting rich.
halfback noun [ C ] ( ALSO half )
(in football and other sports) a player who plays in the middle of the field, in front
of the fullbacks and behind the forwards
half-baked adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
An idea or plan which is half-baked has not been considered carefully enough.
The government has set up some half-baked scheme for training teachers on the
job.
ˌ half ˈ board noun [ U ] UK ( US modified American plan )
a hotel room combined with breakfast and another meal either in the evening or
in the middle of the day
Expect to pay about £350 for a week's half board in a three-star hotel.
half-board accommodation
Compare full board
half-brother noun [ C ]
a brother who is the son of only one of your parents
half-caste noun [ C ]
a person whose parents are from different races. This term is usually considered
offensive.
half-caste adjective
half-cock adjective OLD-FASHIONED
UK go off at half-cock / US go off half-cocked to start before arrangements
are complete, and failing as a result
half-cut adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL
drunk
He looked half-cut to me.
half-dead adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
extremely tired
half-decent adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL
quite good or skilled
Any half-decent sprinter can run 100m in 11 seconds.
half-decent adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL
quite good or skilled
Any half-decent sprinter can run 100m in 11 seconds.
half-hearted adjective
showing no enthusiasm and interest
He made a rather half-hearted attempt to clear up the rubbish.
half-heartedly adverb
The audience applauded half-heartedly.
ˌ half ˈ hour noun [ C ] ( ALSO half an hour )
a period of 30 minutes
The dollar surged against the yen in the final half hour of trading.
Half an hour later, she was smiling and chatting as if nothing had happened.
She is to host a new half-hour show which will be broadcast every weekday
evening.
Trains for Washington depart on the/every half hour (= at 10.30, 11.30, etc.) .
half-hourly adjective [ before noun ] , adverb
happening twice every hour
There's a half-hourly train service to London from here.
half-life noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the length of time needed for the radioactivity of a radioactive substance to be
reduced by half
half-light noun [ U ]
a low light in which you cannot see things well
In the dim half-light of evening, I was unable to tell whether it was Mary or her
sister.
half-marathon noun [ C ]
a running race over a distance of about 21 kilometres
half-mast noun ( US ALSO half-staff )
at half-mast
describes a flag that has been brought down to a point half the way down the pole
as an expression of sadness at someone's death
The palace flags were all flying at half-mast.
half-measures plural noun DISAPPROVING
actions which only achieve part of what they are intended to achieve
I'm not interested in half-measures.
half-measures plural noun DISAPPROVING
actions which only achieve part of what they are intended to achieve
I'm not interested in half-measures.
half-moon noun [ C usually singular ]
(something shaped like) the moon when only half of the surface facing the Earth
is lit by light from the sun
ˌ half-moon ˈ glasses plural noun
glasses with lenses shaped like half circles, used for reading
She peered over her half-moon glasses at me and asked why I was so late.
ˈ half ˌ note noun [ C ]
MAINLY US FOR minim
ˈ half ˌ pipe noun [ C ]
a U-shaped structure on which people skateboard , snowboard , etc.
half-price adjective , adverb
costing half the usual price
I got some half-price pizzas at the supermarket.
The railcard allows students and young people to travel half-price on most trains.
half-sister noun [ C ]
a sister who is the daughter of only one of your parents
half-size noun [ C ]
a size of clothing which is half of the way between two usual sizes
ˈ half ˌ step noun [ C ]
US FOR semitone
ˌ half ˈ term noun [ C usually singular ]
in the UK, a short holiday in the middle of each of the three periods into which the
school year is divided
half-timbered adjective
A half-timbered building has a wooden frame whose spaces are filled with brick or
stone to form the walls, so that the wood still shows on the surface.
half-time noun [ U ]
a short rest period between the two parts of a sports game
Italy had a comfortable three-goal lead over France by half-time.
What was the half-time score?
Compare full time
halftone noun PRINTING
1. [ C or U ] (a method of printing) a picture built up from a pattern of very small
black spots
halftone noun MUSIC
2. [ C ] ( ALSO half step ) US FOR semitone
half-truth noun [ C ]
a statement which is intended to deceive by being only partly true
ˌ half ˈ volley noun [ C ]
a shot in a game such as tennis in which the ball is hit just after it has bounced
halfway adjective , adverb
in the middle of something, or at a place which is equally far from two other
places
York is halfway between Edinburgh and London.
I'd like you to look at the diagram which is halfway down page 27.
She started feeling sick halfway through dinner.
The management's proposals don't even go halfway towards meeting our
demands.
halfway adverb
not very, but satisfactorily
Any halfway decent teacher should be able to explain the difference between
transitive and intransitive verbs.
ˌ halfway ˈ house noun
1. [ C usually singular ] something which combines particular features of two
other things, especially in order to try to please people who do not like the two things
on their own
The new proposals are a halfway house between the original treaty and the
British government's revised version.
2. [ C ] a place where prisoners or people with mental health problems stay after
they leave prison or hospital and before they start to live on their own
half-time noun [ U ]
a short rest period between the two parts of a sports game
Italy had a comfortable three-goal lead over France by half-time.
What was the half-time score?
Compare full time
halftone noun PRINTING
1. [ C or U ] (a method of printing) a picture built up from a pattern of very small
black spots
halftone noun MUSIC
2. [ C ] ( ALSO half step ) US FOR semitone
half-truth noun [ C ]
a statement which is intended to deceive by being only partly true
ˌ half ˈ volley noun [ C ]
a shot in a game such as tennis in which the ball is hit just after it has bounced
halfway adjective , adverb
in the middle of something, or at a place which is equally far from two other
places
York is halfway between Edinburgh and London.
I'd like you to look at the diagram which is halfway down page 27.
She started feeling sick halfway through dinner.
The management's proposals don't even go halfway towards meeting our
demands.
halfway adverb
not very, but satisfactorily
Any halfway decent teacher should be able to explain the difference between
transitive and intransitive verbs.
ˌ halfway ˈ house noun
1. [ C usually singular ] something which combines particular features of two
other things, especially in order to try to please people who do not like the two things
on their own
The new proposals are a halfway house between the original treaty and the
British government's revised version.
2. [ C ] a place where prisoners or people with mental health problems stay after
they leave prison or hospital and before they start to live on their own
half-wit noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a stupid person
half-witted adjective DISAPPROVING
stupid
a half-witted remark
halibut noun [ C ]
a big, flat sea fish which can be eaten
halitosis noun [ U ] ( ALSO bad breath )
breath which smells unpleasant when it comes out of the mouth
hall noun [ C ] BUILDING
1. a building or large room used for events involving a lot of people
the Royal Albert Hall
a concert hall
the school sports hall
I'm playing in a concert at the village/church hall.
hall noun [ C ] ENTRANCE
2. ( ALSO hallway ) the room just inside the main entrance of a house, apartment
or other building which leads to other rooms and usually to the stairs
I've left my bags in the hall.
hallah noun [ U ]
challah
hallah noun [ U ]
challah
hallelujah , alleluia exclamation , noun [ C ]
1. (an emotional expression of) praise and thanks to God
2. INFORMAL HUMOROUS said to express surprise and pleasure that something
positive that you were certain would not happen has happened
At last, Richard's found himself a girlfriend - hallelujah!
hallmark noun [ C ] MARK
1. in the UK, an official mark put on objects made of gold or silver which shows
their place and year of origin and the purity of the metal used to make them
hallmark noun [ C ] CHARACTERISTIC
2. a typical characteristic or feature of a person or thing
Simplicity is a hallmark of this design.
This explosion bears/has all the hallmarks of (= is extremely likely to have
been) a terrorist attack.
hallmark verb [ T ]
to put an official mark on an object made of gold or silver
hallo noun [ C ]
MAINLY UK FOR hello
ˌ hall of ˈ fame , Hall of Fame noun [ C usually singular ] MAINLY US
a building which contains images of famous people and interesting things that are
connected with them
You really know you've made it when they enshrine you in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of
Fame.
ˌ hall of ˈ residence noun [ C ] UK ( US dormitory )
a college building where students live
halloumi noun [ U ]
a white cheese from Cyprus, usually made from sheep's and goat's milk
hallowed adjective
1. very respected and praised because of great importance or great age
hallowed icons such as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean
2. holy
Can atheists be buried in hallowed ground?
hallah noun [ U ]
challah
hallelujah , alleluia exclamation , noun [ C ]
1. (an emotional expression of) praise and thanks to God
2. INFORMAL HUMOROUS said to express surprise and pleasure that something
positive that you were certain would not happen has happened
At last, Richard's found himself a girlfriend - hallelujah!
hallmark noun [ C ] MARK
1. in the UK, an official mark put on objects made of gold or silver which shows
their place and year of origin and the purity of the metal used to make them
hallmark noun [ C ] CHARACTERISTIC
2. a typical characteristic or feature of a person or thing
Simplicity is a hallmark of this design.
This explosion bears/has all the hallmarks of (= is extremely likely to have
been) a terrorist attack.
hallmark verb [ T ]
to put an official mark on an object made of gold or silver
hallo noun [ C ]
MAINLY UK FOR hello
ˌ hall of ˈ fame , Hall of Fame noun [ C usually singular ] MAINLY US
a building which contains images of famous people and interesting things that are
connected with them
You really know you've made it when they enshrine you in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of
Fame.
ˌ hall of ˈ residence noun [ C ] UK ( US dormitory )
a college building where students live
halloumi noun [ U ]
a white cheese from Cyprus, usually made from sheep's and goat's milk
hallowed adjective
1. very respected and praised because of great importance or great age
hallowed icons such as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean
2. holy
Can atheists be buried in hallowed ground?
Halloween , Hallowe'en noun [ C or U ]
the night of 31 October when children dress in special clothes and people try to
frighten each other
hallucinate verb [ I ]
to seem to see, hear, feel or smell something which does not exist, usually
because you are ill or have taken a drug
Mental disorders, drug use and hypnosis can all cause people to hallucinate.
hallucination noun [ C or U ]
when you see, hear, feel or smell something which does not exist, usually
because you are ill or have taken a drug
A high temperature can cause hallucinations.
auditory/olfactory hallucinations
hallucinatory adjective
relating to or causing hallucinations
In some patients the drug has been found to have hallucinatory side-effects.
hallucinogen noun [ C ]
a drug which makes people hallucinate
hallucinogens such as acid and ecstasy
hallucinogenic adjective
causing hallucinations
LSD is a hallucinogenic drug .
hallway noun [ C ]
a hall (ENTRANCE)
halo noun
1. [ C ] a ring of light around the head of a holy person in a religious drawing or
painting
2. [ C usually singular ] a bright circle of light around something, or something
that looks like this
the halo around the moon
a halo of blonde curls
halogen noun [ C ]
a member of a group of five particular chemical elements
Chlorine and iodine are halogens.
ˌ halogen ˈ hob noun [ C ] UK
If an electric cooker has a halogen hob, its top surface is heated by tubes
containing halogens
Halogen hobs heat up and cool down much more quickly than normal electric
hobs.
ˈ halogen ˌ lamp noun [ C ]
a lamp which gives a very bright light
halt verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) stop moving or doing something or happening
"Halt!" called the guard. "You can't go any further without a permit."
Production has halted at all of the company's factories because of the pay dispute.
Security forces halted the demonstrators by blocking the road.
halt noun [ S ]
1. when something stops moving or happening
the recent halt in production
Severe flooding has brought trains to a halt (= prevented them from moving) on
several lines in Scotland.
The bus came to a halt (= stopped) just in time to avoid hitting the wall.
If traffic increases beyond a certain level, the city grinds to a halt (= stops
completely) .
The car screeched to a halt (= suddenly and noisily stopped) just as the lights
turned red.
2. call a halt to sth
to prevent something from continuing
How many more people will have to die before they call a halt to the fighting?
halt verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) stop moving or doing something or happening
"Halt!" called the guard. "You can't go any further without a permit."
Production has halted at all of the company's factories because of the pay dispute.
Security forces halted the demonstrators by blocking the road.
halt noun [ S ]
1. when something stops moving or happening
the recent halt in production
Severe flooding has brought trains to a halt (= prevented them from moving) on
several lines in Scotland.
The bus came to a halt (= stopped) just in time to avoid hitting the wall.
If traffic increases beyond a certain level, the city grinds to a halt (= stops
completely) .
The car screeched to a halt (= suddenly and noisily stopped) just as the lights
turned red.
2. call a halt to sth
to prevent something from continuing
How many more people will have to die before they call a halt to the fighting?
halter noun ROPE
1. [ C ] a piece of rope or a leather strap which is tied round an animal's head so
that it can be led by someone or tied to something
halter noun CLOTHING
2. US FOR halterneck
See picture clothes 8 (necklines)
halterneck noun [ C ] UK ( US halter (top) )
halterneck
a piece of women's clothing which is held in position by a strap which goes behind
the neck, leaving the upper back and shoulders uncovered
a halterneck dress/swimsuit
halting adjective
stopping often while you are saying or doing something, especially because you
are nervous
He spoke quietly, in halting English.
haltingly adverb
He spoke haltingly (= often stopping) about his experiences as a hostage.
halva , halvah noun [ U ]
a sweet food made of crushed sesame seeds and honey
halve verb
1. [ T ] to reduce something by half or divide something into two equal pieces
In the past eight years, the elephant population in Africa has been halved.
The potatoes will cook more quickly if you halve them before you put them in the
oven.
2. [ I ] If something halves, it is reduced by half
Their profits have halved in the last six months.
halves
PLURAL OF half
halves
PLURAL OF half
ham noun MEAT
1. [ C or U ] pig's meat from the leg or shoulder, preserved with salt or smoke
ham noun ACTOR
2. [ C ] INFORMAL an actor whose style of acting is artificial and old-fashioned, often
using movements and emotions that are too obvious
They had some dreadful old ham in the main part.
a ham actor
ham noun RADIO
3. [ C ] a person who operates a radio station as a hobby rather than as a job
He's a radio ham.
ham verb
ham it up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to perform or behave in a false way, especially in a way that is too obvious or that
makes people laugh
hamburger noun
1. [ C ] ( INFORMAL burger , UK ALSO beefburger ) a round flat shape made of beef ,
which is fried and eaten between two halves of a bread roll
2. [ U ] US ( UK mince ) beef that is cut into very small pieces, used to make
hamburgers
ham-fisted adjective MAINLY UK ( US ham-handed )
doing things in an awkward or unskilled way when using the hands or dealing with
people
The report criticizes the ham-fisted way in which complaints were dealt with.
hamlet noun [ C ]
a small village, usually without a church
hammer noun [ C ]
hammer
a tool consisting of a piece of metal with a flat end which is fixed onto the end of a
long thin usually wooden handle, used for hitting things
be/go at it hammer and tongs INFORMAL
to do something, especially to argue, with a lot of energy or violence
come/go under the hammer
to be sold at an auction (= public sale where objects are bought by the people
who offer the most money)
A private collection of her early paintings is expected to go under the hammer
next year.
hammer verb TOOL
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hit something with a hammer
Can you hold this nail in position while I hammer it into the door?
I could hear you hammering upstairs.
My car's got a dent, and I was hoping they'd be able to hammer it out (= remove
it by hammering) .
hammer verb FORCE
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hit or kick something with a lot of
force
I was woken up suddenly by the sound of someone hammering on/at the front
door.
He hammered the ball into the net, giving France a 3-2 win over Italy.
hammer verb DEFEAT
3. [ T ] INFORMAL to defeat someone completely in a game or a fight
We were hammered in both games.
hammer verb CRITICIZE
4. [ T ] INFORMAL to criticize someone or something strongly
Her latest film has been hammered by the critics.
hammer home sth
to make certain that something is understood by expressing it clearly and
forcefully
The advertising campaign will try to hammer home the message that excessive
drinking is a health risk.
hammer away at sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to work without stopping and with a lot of effort
hammer sth into sb phrasal verb ( ALSO hammer sth in )
to force someone to understand something by repeating it a lot
I always had it hammered into me that I mustn't lie.
hammer sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to reach an agreement or solution after a lot of argument or discussion
Three years after the accident the lawyers finally managed to hammer out a
settlement with the insurance company.
halves
PLURAL OF half
ham noun MEAT
1. [ C or U ] pig's meat from the leg or shoulder, preserved with salt or smoke
ham noun ACTOR
2. [ C ] INFORMAL an actor whose style of acting is artificial and old-fashioned, often
using movements and emotions that are too obvious
They had some dreadful old ham in the main part.
a ham actor
ham noun RADIO
3. [ C ] a person who operates a radio station as a hobby rather than as a job
He's a radio ham.
ham verb
ham it up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to perform or behave in a false way, especially in a way that is too obvious or that
makes people laugh
hamburger noun
1. [ C ] ( INFORMAL burger , UK ALSO beefburger ) a round flat shape made of beef ,
which is fried and eaten between two halves of a bread roll
2. [ U ] US ( UK mince ) beef that is cut into very small pieces, used to make
hamburgers
ham-fisted adjective MAINLY UK ( US ham-handed )
doing things in an awkward or unskilled way when using the hands or dealing with
people
The report criticizes the ham-fisted way in which complaints were dealt with.
hamlet noun [ C ]
a small village, usually without a church
hammer noun [ C ]
hammer
a tool consisting of a piece of metal with a flat end which is fixed onto the end of a
long thin usually wooden handle, used for hitting things
be/go at it hammer and tongs INFORMAL
to do something, especially to argue, with a lot of energy or violence
come/go under the hammer
to be sold at an auction (= public sale where objects are bought by the people
who offer the most money)
A private collection of her early paintings is expected to go under the hammer
next year.
hammer verb TOOL
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hit something with a hammer
Can you hold this nail in position while I hammer it into the door?
I could hear you hammering upstairs.
My car's got a dent, and I was hoping they'd be able to hammer it out (= remove
it by hammering) .
hammer verb FORCE
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hit or kick something with a lot of
force
I was woken up suddenly by the sound of someone hammering on/at the front
door.
He hammered the ball into the net, giving France a 3-2 win over Italy.
hammer verb DEFEAT
3. [ T ] INFORMAL to defeat someone completely in a game or a fight
We were hammered in both games.
hammer verb CRITICIZE
4. [ T ] INFORMAL to criticize someone or something strongly
Her latest film has been hammered by the critics.
hammer home sth
to make certain that something is understood by expressing it clearly and
forcefully
The advertising campaign will try to hammer home the message that excessive
drinking is a health risk.
hammer away at sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to work without stopping and with a lot of effort
hammer sth into sb phrasal verb ( ALSO hammer sth in )
to force someone to understand something by repeating it a lot
I always had it hammered into me that I mustn't lie.
hammer sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to reach an agreement or solution after a lot of argument or discussion
Three years after the accident the lawyers finally managed to hammer out a
settlement with the insurance company.
ˌ hammer and ˈ sickle noun [ S ]
a symbol of Communism , which was based on tools used by workers in factories
and on farms
hammered adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
very drunk
hammering noun [ S ] DEFEAT
1. when someone is defeated completely
You should have seen the hammering I gave her in the second game.
Both countries took a tremendous hammering in the war.
hammering noun [ S ] CRITICIZE
2. strong criticism
Store cards have taken a hammering in recent years because of their high
interest rates.
hammer-throwing noun [ U ]
a sport in which a heavy metal ball joined by a wire to a handle is thrown as far
as possible
hammock noun [ C ]
a type of bed used especially outside, consisting of a net or long piece of strong
cloth which you tie between two trees or poles so that it swings (= moves sideways
through the air)
hammy adjective
INFORMAL describes an actor or acting that is unnatural and uses too much emotion
a hammy performance
hamper verb [ T ]
to prevent someone doing something easily
Fierce storms have been hampering rescue efforts and there is now little chance
of finding more survivors.
hamper noun [ C ]
hamper
1. a large rectangular container with a lid
a picnic hamper
2. UK a box containing food and drink, usually given as a present, for example at
Christmas
3. US OLD-FASHIONED a container used for carrying dirty clothes and bed sheets and
for storing them while they are waiting to be washed
hamster noun [ C ]
a small animal covered in fur with a short tail and large spaces in each side of its
mouth which are used for storing food. It is often kept as a pet.
hamstring verb [ T often passive ]
to limit the amount of something that can be done or the ability or power of
someone to do something
The company was hamstrung by traditional but inefficient ways of conducting
business.
hamstring noun [ C ]
any of five tendons (= bands of tissue connecting muscles to bones) at the back
of the knee
He pulled (= injured) a hamstring while playing rugby.
hand noun BODY PART
1. [ C ] the part of the body at the end of the arm which is used for holding,
moving, touching and feeling things
All their toys are made by hand.
I delivered her invitation by hand (= not using the postal service) .
INFORMAL Get your hands off (= Stop touching) my bike!
He can mend anything - he's so good with his hands.
You have to hold my hand when we cross the road.
They walked by, holding hands.
Hold your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right hand.
She sat, pen in hand (= with a pen in her hand) , searching for the right words.
They can't keep their hands off each other - they never stop kissing and
cuddling.
"Congratulations!" she said and shook me by the hand/ shook my hand/ shook
hands with me.
She took me by the hand and led me into the cave.
a hand towel
See pictures hand 2 , body , hand 1
hand noun CLOCK/WATCH
2. [ C ] one of the long, thin pieces that point to the numbers on a clock or watch
Does anyone have a watch with a second hand?
See picture hand 2
hand noun CARDS
3. [ C ] a (single part of a) game of cards, or the set of cards which a player has
in a game
Who's for a hand of poker?
You dealt me an appalling hand in that game.
See picture hand 2
hand noun HELP
4. [ S ] help with doing something that needs a lot of effort
[ + -ing verb ] Would you like a hand carry ing those bags?
Could you give/lend me a hand with (= help me to move) the table, please?
I think Matthew might need a hand with his maths homework.
I could really use a hand with these accounts if you could spare a moment.
hand noun PERSON
5. [ C ] a person who does physical work or is skilled or experienced in something
How many extra hands will we need to help with the harvest?
I joined the firm as a factory hand and gradually worked my way up to the top.
See also farmhand
6. [ C ] a sailor
All hands on deck!
hand noun CONTROL
7. [ U ] control or responsibility
Things got a little out of hand (= the situation stopped being controlled) at the
party and three windows were broken.
In my first year at college my drinking got completely out of hand.
The police have the situation in hand (= under control) .
How come there's a problem? I thought you had everything in hand (= arranged
and organized) .
Their youngest child needs taking in hand (= they should start to control her) if
you ask me.
8. hands
control or responsibility
I'm worried about confidential information falling into the wrong hands (=
being received by people who could use it against us) .
Are you sure your money's in safe hands?
You're in excellent hands with her - she's a very good doctor.
Unless I receive a satisfactory response from you within a month I shall put this
matter in(to) the hands of (= make it the responsibility of) my solicitor.
They're trying to get old stock off their hands by cutting prices.
We get Daryl off our hands one evening a week when my mother looks after him.
The court will decide how much money you get - the decision is out of our hands
(= is not our responsibility) .
He's got a real problem on his hands (= he has something difficult to deal with) .
I don't have enough time on my hands (= I do not have enough time) to work
and look after the children.
hand noun INVOLVEMENT
9. [ S ] involvement in or influence over an event
It is not thought that terrorists had a hand in the explosion.
hand noun CLAP
10. [ S ] clapping for a performer
So please give a big hand to (= welcome with clapping) your host for the
evening, Bill Cronshaw!
hand noun WRITING
11. [ S ] OLD USE a person's writing
an untidy hand
hand noun MEASUREMENT
12. [ C ] a unit for measuring the height of a horse up to its shoulder
One hand equals 4 inches (= 10.16 centimetres) .
See picture hand 2
at hand
near in time or position
We want to ensure that help is at hand (= easily available) for all children
suffering abuse.
at the hands of sb
If you suffer at the hands of someone, they hurt you or treat you badly
How many people have died at the hands of terrorist organizations?
get/lay/put your hands on sb INFORMAL
to catch someone
I'll kill him if I ever get my hands on him.
get/lay/put your hands on sth INFORMAL
to find something
I can never lay my hands on a stapler in this office.
go hand in hand with sth
If something goes hand in hand with something else, it is closely related to it and
happens at the same time as it or as a result of it
Prosperity goes hand in hand with investment.
hand in glove ( US ALSO hand and glove )
working together, often to do something dishonest
It was rumoured at the time that some of the gangs were working hand in glove
with the police.
hand in hand
holding each other's hand
I saw them walking hand in hand through town the other day.
hand over fist
If you make or lose money hand over fist, you make or lose a lot of money very
quickly
Business was good and we were making money hand over fist.
sb's hands are tied
If someone's hands are tied, they are not free to behave in the way that they
would like
I'd like to raise people's salaries but my hands are tied.
have your hands full
to be so busy that you do not have time to do anything else
I'd love to help but I've got my hands full organizing the school play.
have sth in hand MAINLY UK
If you have something in hand, you have not yet used it and it is still available
I've got enough money in hand to buy a new car.
Italy are three points behind France in the championship, but they have one game
in hand (= one game more than France still to play) .
have sth on your hands
If you have a difficult situation on your hands, you have to deal with it
If the police carry on like this they'll have a riot on their hands.
hold/put your hands up
to admit that something bad is true or that you have made a mistake
I know I'm bossy and I hold my hands up to that.
in hand
being worked on or dealt with now
They've had plenty of time to prepare, so the arrangements should be well in
hand (= almost ready) .
the job/matter in hand UK ( US the job/matter at hand )
the job or matter that is important at the present moment
Could you just concentrate on the job in hand?
If we could return to the matter in hand, we can discuss other issues later.
keep your hand in
to practise a skill often enough so that you do not lose the skill
I do a bit of teaching now and then just to keep my hand in.
keep a firm hand on sth
to control something or someone carefully
Susan keeps a firm hand on everything that goes on in the office.
live (from) hand to mouth
to have just enough money to live on and nothing extra
My father earned very little and there were four kids, so we lived from hand to
mouth.
on hand ( UK ALSO to hand )
near to someone or something, and ready to help or be used if necessary
A 1200-strong military force will be on hand to monitor the ceasefire.
For those of you who don't have an atlas to hand, Newcastle is a city in the north-
east of England.
on the one hand ... on the other hand
used when you are comparing two different facts or two opposite ways of thinking
about a situation
On the one hand I'd like a job which pays more, but on the other hand I enjoy the
work I'm doing at the moment.
out of hand
If you refuse something out of hand, you refuse it completely without thinking
about or discussing it
Moving to London is certainly a possibility - I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand.
put your hand in your pocket
to give money to someone or to charity (= organizations that collect money to
give to poor people, ill people, etc.)
People are more inclined to put their hands in their pockets to help children.
a safe pair of hands
someone who you can trust to do an important job well, without making mistakes
win ( sth ) hands down ( ALSO beat sb hands down )
to win something/beat someone very easily
She won the debate hands down.
The last time we played squash he beat me hands down.
hand verb [ T ]
to put something into someone's hand from your own hand
[ + two objects ] The waiter smiled politely as he handed me my bill/handed my
bill to me.
Please read this memo carefully and hand it on ( to your colleagues).
have (got) to hand it to sb
If you say you have (got) to hand it to someone you mean that they have been
very successful or skilful
I mean you've got to hand it to her, she's brought up those three children all on
her own.
hand sth around phrasal verb [ M ] ( UK ALSO hand round )
to pass or offer something to all the people in a group
Ben, could you hand round the biscuits?
hand sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to return something to the person who gave it to you
[ + two objects ] "No, I've never seen him before," I said, handing her back the
photograph.
hand sth down phrasal verb [ M ] OBJECT
1. to give something to someone younger than you in the family because you
want them to have it or because you no longer need it
This necklace was handed down to my mother by my grandmother.
hand sth down phrasal verb [ M ] TRADITION
2. to pass traditions from older people to younger ones
a custom handed down through the generations
hand sth down phrasal verb [ M ] DECISION
3. FORMAL to announce an official decision, often a decision about how someone
should be punished
The court handed down an eight-year sentence.
hand sth in phrasal verb
to give something to someone in a position of authority
Have you handed in your history essay yet?
I've decided to hand in my resignation (= tell my employer I am leaving my job) .
hand sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to give something to each person in a group or place
The teacher asked her to hand out the worksheets.
They stood on the street corner handing out leaflets.
hand sth over phrasal verb [ M ]
to give something to someone else
We were ordered to hand over our passports.
See also handover
hand sth/sb over phrasal verb [ M ]
to give another person control of someone or something, or responsibility for
dealing with them
The hijacker was handed over to the French police.
If you'll hold the line a moment I'll hand you over to someone who might be able
to help.
See also handover
handbag noun [ C ] ( US ALSO purse )
a small bag for money, keys, make-up, etc. carried especially by women
handball noun
1. [ U ] in the US, a game in which players hit a small hard rubber ball against a
wall with their hands
2. [ C or U ] in football, when a player intentionally touches the ball with their
hand or arm
3. [ U ] a game similar to football, played by hitting a ball with your hands instead
of your feet
handbill noun [ C ]
a small printed advertisement or notice that is given to people by hand
handbook noun [ C ]
a book which contains instructions or advice about how to do something or the
most important and useful information about a subject
The student handbook gives details of all courses.
handbrake noun [ C ] UK ( US emergency brake , US ALSO parking brake )
a device operated by hand which locks into position and prevents a vehicle from
moving
You're supposed to put the handbrake on whenever you stop on a hill.
See picture car interior
handcart noun [ C ]
a small vehicle with two wheels and two long handles which is used for carrying
goods, and is pushed or pulled with your hands
handclap noun [ C ]
See slow handclap
handcrafts noun [ C or U ]
AUSTRALIAN handicraft
handcuff verb [ T often passive ] ( INFORMAL cuff )
to put handcuffs on someone
He arrived in court handcuffed to two police officers.
handcuffs plural noun ( INFORMAL cuffs )
handcuffs
two metal rings joined by a short chain which lock around a prisoner's wrists
a pair of handcuffs
She was taken to the police station in handcuffs.
handful noun AMOUNT
1. [ C ] an amount of something that can be held in one hand
He pulled out a handful of coins from his pocket.
handful noun A FEW
2. [ S ] a small number of people or things
She invited loads of friends to her party, but only a handful of them turned up.
handful noun DIFFICULT PERSON
3. [ S ] a person, often a child, who is difficult to control
Her older son is fine but the little one is a bit of a handful.
ˈ hand gre ˌ nade noun [ C ]
a small bomb consisting of explosive material in a metal or plastic container that
can be thrown easily
handgun noun [ C ]
a gun which can be held in one hand and which does not need to be supported
against the shoulder when you shoot with it
hand-held adjective [ before noun ]
describes something that has been designed so that it can be held and used easily
with one or two hands
a hand-held computer/device
handheld noun [ C ]
a PDA
handhold noun [ C ]
a thing you can hold on to with your hand as a support
handicap noun CONDITION
1. [ C or U ] SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED something that is wrong with your mind or
body permanently
a physical handicap
In cases of severe mental handicap, constant supervision is recommended.
handicap noun DIFFICULTY
2. [ C ] something which makes it difficult for you to do something
I found not having a car quite a handicap in the country.
handicap noun COMPETITION
3. [ C ] a disadvantage given to a person taking part in a game or competition in
order to reduce their chances of winning, or a sports event in which such disadvantages
are given
Handicaps give people with different abilities an equal chance of winning.
My current golf handicap is nine.
handicap verb [ T ]
to make something more difficult to do
Rescue efforts have been handicapped by rough seas and hurricane-force winds.
handicapped adjective OLD-FASHIONED
not able to use part of your body or your mind because it has been damaged in
some way
What's the best way of improving theatre access for people who are physically
handicapped?
handicapped plural noun
the handicapped
people who cannot use part of their body or mind because it has been damaged in
some way
handicraft noun [ C usually plural ]
a skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands
rather than being produced by machines in a factory, or an object made by such an
activity
handily adverb
in a useful or convenient way
An additional power switch for the radio is handily located next to the steering
wheel.
US The Yankees handily (= easily) defeated the Boston Red Sox.
handiwork noun [ U ]
1. work done skilfully with the hands
Susannah put down the paintbrush and stood back to admire her handiwork.
2. something that you have done or caused, usually something bad
"Is this your handiwork?" he asked, pointing at the graffiti on the wall.
handkerchief noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL hankie, hanky )
a square piece of cloth used for cleaning the nose or drying the eyes when they
are wet with tears
She took out her handkerchief and blew her nose loudly.
Compare tissue
handle noun [ C ] PART
1. a part of an object designed for holding, moving or carrying the object easily
a door handle
the handle on a suitcase
I can't pick the kettle up - the handle's too hot.
She turned the handle and slowly opened the door.
See picture car exterior
handle noun [ C ] NAME
2. INFORMAL a name of a person or place, especially a strange one
That's some handle to go through life with!
handle verb DEAL WITH
1. [ T ] to deal with, have responsibility for, or be in charge of
I thought he handled the situation very well.
Some people are brilliant with computers, but have no idea how to handle (=
behave with) other people.
If you can't handle the job I'll get someone else to do it.
Who handles the marketing in your company?
handle verb TOUCH
2. [ T ] to pick something up and touch, hold or move it with your hands
Always wash your hands before handling food.
Please don't handle the vases - they're very fragile.
handle verb OPERATE
3. [ T ] to operate or control something which could be difficult or dangerous
Have you ever handled a gun before?
4. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] If a car handles well, it is easy and
pleasant to drive.
handle verb SELL
5. [ T ] to buy and sell goods
We only handle cosmetics which have not been tested on animals.
MAINLY UK He's been arrested for handling stolen goods.
handlebar moustache noun [ C ]
a thick wide moustache with curled ends in the shape of handlebars
handlebars plural noun
handlebars
a bar with curved ends forming handles which turns the front wheel of a bicycle or
motorcycle so that it points in a different direction
handler noun [ C ] TRAINER
1. a person who trains and is in charge of animals, especially dogs
police dog handlers
handler noun [ C ] ADVISER
2. US someone who advises someone important
The president's handlers are telling him to pull out of the talks.
handler noun [ C ] CARRY
3. someone who carries or moves things as part of their job
airport baggage handlers
handling noun [ U ] DEALING WITH
1. the way that someone deals with a situation or person
President Kennedy made his reputation with his handling of the Cuban missile
crisis.
handling noun [ U ] OPERATING
2. how easy a vehicle is to control
Power steering can dramatically improve a car's handling.
ˈ hand ˌ luggage noun [ U ]
the small cases or bags that a passenger carries with them onto an aircraft or bus
How many items of hand luggage am I allowed to take onto the plane?
handmade adjective
made using the hands rather than a machine
handmade chocolates/paper/shoes
handmaiden noun [ C ]
1. ( ALSO handmaid ) OLD USE a female servant
2. FORMAL something, such as an idea, which helps and supports something else
Technique is the handmaiden of art.
hand-me-down noun [ C ]
a piece of clothing which someone has given to a younger person because they no
longer want it
I got fed up with having to wear my sister's hand-me-downs.
handout noun [ C ] INFORMATION
1. a document given to students or reporters which contains information about a
particular subject
On page two of your handout you will find a list of the books that I have referred
to during the lecture.
handout noun [ C ] PRESENT
2. OFTEN DISAPPROVING something such as food, clothing or money that is given free
to someone who has a great need for it
I'm not interested in government handouts - all I want is a job.
handover noun [ U ]
the giving of control of or responsibility for something to someone else
The United Nations is to supervise the handover of the prisoners of war.
See also hand sth over
hand-picked adjective
Someone who is hand-picked has been carefully chosen for a special job or
purpose
a hand-picked audience
handrail noun [ C ]
a long narrow bar of wood or metal which people can hold on to for support,
especially when going up or down stairs
See picture rail
handset noun [ C ]
1. the outer part of a mobile phone which does not include the battery or the sim
card
2. the part of a telephone that you hold in front of your mouth and against your
ear
ˌ hands ˈ free adjective
describes a piece of equipment, especially a telephone, that you can use without
needing to hold it in your hand
a hands free car phone
a hands-free tap
ˌ hands ˈ free noun [ C ]
a piece of equipment, especially a telephone, that you can use without needing to
hold it in your hand
handshake noun [ C ]
a greeting, or an act showing that you have made an agreement, in which two
people who are facing each other take hold of and shake each other's right hand
He welcomed me with a wide smile and a warm handshake.
hands-off adjective [ before noun ]
Someone who has a hands-off way of organizing or dealing with something allows
other people to make decisions about how things should be done and avoids becoming
directly involved
Paul has a hands-off style of management.
handsome adjective ATTRACTIVE
1. describes a man who is physically attractive in a traditional, male way
She's dreaming she'll be whisked off her feet by a tall, dark handsome stranger.
2. describes a woman who is attractive but in a strong way
a handsome woman in her fifties
handsome adjective LARGE AMOUNT
3. [ before noun ] large in amount
They made a handsome profit on their house.
handsomely adverb
He said if his results were good, he would reward him handsomely.
hands-on adjective [ before noun ] INVOLVED
1. Someone with a hands-on way of doing things becomes closely involved in
managing and organizing things and in making decisions
She's very much a hands-on manager.
hands-on adjective [ before noun ] PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
2. Someone who has hands-on experience of something has done or used it
rather than just read or learned about it
Many employers consider hands-on experience to be as useful as academic
qualifications.
handstand noun [ C ]
an action in which you balance vertically on your hands with your legs pointing
straight up in the air
hand-to-hand adjective [ before noun ] , adverb
If people fight hand-to-hand, they are very near or touching each other while they
are fighting rather than firing guns at each other from a long way away
hand-to-hand combat
hand-to-mouth adjective
having only just enough money to live
Low wages mean a hand-to-mouth existence for many people.
handwriting noun [ U ]
1. writing with a pen or pencil
We need to ensure that handwriting is properly taught in our primary schools.
2. the particular way in which someone forms letters with a pen or pencil
His handwriting is illegible.
handwritten adjective
written using your hand rather than printed by a machine
handy adjective USEFUL
1. useful or convenient
a handy container/tool
First-time visitors to France will find this guide particularly handy.
It's a nice house and it's handy for (= near) the station.
INFORMAL Don't throw those bottles away - they'll come in handy (= be useful) for
the picnic next Sunday.
handy adjective SKILFUL
2. [ after verb ] able to use something skilfully
Jonathan's good at wallpapering but he's not so handy with a paintbrush.
Susannah's very handy (= good at doing things which need skilled use of the
hands) about the house.
handy adjective USEFUL
1. useful or convenient
a handy container/tool
First-time visitors to France will find this guide particularly handy.
It's a nice house and it's handy for (= near) the station.
INFORMAL Don't throw those bottles away - they'll come in handy (= be useful) for
the picnic next Sunday.
handy adjective SKILFUL
2. [ after verb ] able to use something skilfully
Jonathan's good at wallpapering but he's not so handy with a paintbrush.
Susannah's very handy (= good at doing things which need skilled use of the
hands) about the house.
handyman noun [ C ]
a man who is skilled at repairing and making things inside or outside the house
and who does this in his own home or as a job
hang verb FIX AT TOP
1. [ I or T + adverb or preposition ] to fasten or support something at the top
leaving the other parts free to move, or to be held in this way
A heavy gold necklace hung around her neck.
Long creepers hung (down) from the trees.
The curtains hung in thick folds.
Hang your coat and hat (up) on the rack over there.
Many of his finest pictures hang/are hung (= are fixed to the wall so that they can
be seen) in the National Gallery.
Hang the pheasant/Let the pheasant hang for a few days for the flavour to
improve before you cook it.
2. [ T ] If you hang wallpaper, you fix it to the wall.
hang verb KILL
3. [ I or T ] to kill someone, especially as punishment for a serious crime, by
dropping them with a rope tied around their neck, or to die in this way
He was found guilty and hanged later that year.
With so little evidence to prove her guilt, few people thought she should hang.
[ R ] The woman tried to hang her self with a sheet.
See also hangman
hang verb STAY
4. [ I ] to stay in the air
The falcon seemed to hang in the air for a moment before diving onto its prey.
Smoke from the houses hung above the village.
LITERARY The sound of the bells hung in the midnight air.
hang verb BEND DOWN
5. [ I or T ] to curve down
The branches hung heavy with snow.
He knew he'd done something wrong and hung his head in shame.
go hang ( yourself ) INFORMAL
You say that someone can go hang (themselves) if you do not care what they say
or do about something
If she's expecting the report by tomorrow she can go hang herself.
hang by a thread
If a serious situation hangs by a thread, it means that even a slight change can
decide what will happen and that a bad result such as death, failure, etc. is likely
The mayor's political future has been hanging by a thread since the fraud scandal.
hang on in there ( ALSO hang in there )
said as a way of telling someone to not give up, despite difficulties
Work can get tough in the middle of a term but hang on in there and it'll be OK.
hang the cost/expense
the cost is not important
Just buy it and hang the expense!
hang tough US INFORMAL
to not change your actions or opinions although other people try to make you do
this
The President is hanging tough on the hostage crisis.
have sb/sth hanging round your neck INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to be limited in what you can do by someone or something
The last thing I want is a couple of kids hanging round my neck!
hung, drawn and quartered
In the past, if someone was hung, drawn and quartered, they were hanged by the
neck and their body was cut into pieces.
I'll be hanged if... UK OLD-FASHIONED
used to express your determination not to do something or not to allow someone
else to do something
I'll be hanged if I'm going to clean up after him!
I'll be hanged if I know ( ALSO I'm hanged if I know ) UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to say that you certainly do not know
You might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb. UK SAYING
said to mean that because the punishment for a bad action and an even worse
one will be the same, you have no reason not to do the worse one
hang around phrasal verb ( UK ALSO hang about ) INFORMAL
to move or do things slowly
Go and pack but don't hang around - we have to go in an hour.
hang around (somewhere ) phrasal verb ( UK ALSO hang about )
to wait or spend time somewhere, usually for no particular reason
I spent most of my youth hanging around the bars of Dublin.
I thought I'd hang around for a while and see if she comes.
hang around with sb phrasal verb ( UK ALSO hang about with sb )
to spend time with someone
I got into drugs because I was hanging around with the wrong people.
hang back phrasal verb
to be slow to do something, often because of fear or having no confidence
There's no need to hang back - you can sing as well as anyone.
hang on phrasal verb WAIT
1. INFORMAL to wait for a short time
Sally's on the other phone - would you like to hang on?
Do you need the toilet right now or can you hang on for a while?
Hang on a minute - I'll be with you in a moment!
hang on phrasal verb HOLD
2. to hold or continue holding onto something
Hang on tight - it's going to be a very bumpy ride.
See also hanger-on
hang sth on sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to blame someone for something, especially something they did not do
I wasn't anywhere near the house when the window was broken, so you can't
hang that on me!
hang on/upon sth phrasal verb GIVE ATTENTION
1. to give careful attention to something, especially something that someone says
He hangs on her every word as if she were some sort of goddess.
hang on/upon sth phrasal verb DEPEND ON
2. to depend on something
The safety of air travel hangs partly on the thoroughness of baggage checking.
hang onto sth phrasal verb
to keep something
You should hang onto that painting - it might be valuable.
hang out phrasal verb INFORMAL
to spend a lot of time in a place or with someone
You still hang out at the pool hall?
I've been hanging out backstage with the band.
hang over sth phrasal verb
If a threat or doubt hangs over a place or a situation, it exists
Uncertainty again hangs over the project.
hang together phrasal verb STAY TOGETHER
1. If people hang together, they help each other and work together to achieve
something
If the opposition party can hang together over the next six months, they might
just stand a chance of being elected.
hang together phrasal verb SEEM TRUE
2. If the parts of something hang together, they are well organized or they seem
to be true or correct
Somehow her story doesn't quite hang together.
hang up phrasal verb
hang up
to end a telephone conversation
He started shouting so I hung up ( on him).
Let me speak to Melanie before you hang up.
hang sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to stop using and needing something because you have given up the sport or
activity it is used for
So when did you hang up your boxing gloves/golfclubs/ballet shoes?
hang noun
1. get the hang of sth INFORMAL
to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple
"I've never used a word processor before." "Don't worry - you'll soon get the hang
of it ."
2. the hang
the way something made of cloth looks when it is hanging
That coat fits you so well - the hang is perfect.
hangar noun [ C ]
a large building in which aircraft are kept
hangar noun [ C ]
a large building in which aircraft are kept
hangdog adjective [ before noun ]
(of an expression on a face) unhappy or ashamed, especially because of feeling
guilty
a hangdog look/expression
hanger noun [ C or ] ( ALSO clothes hanger , ALSO coat hanger )
a curved piece of wire, wood or plastic on which clothes are hung while they are
being stored
hanger-on noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a person who tries to be friendly and spend time with rich and important people,
especially to get an advantage
Wherever there is royalty, there are always hangers-on.
hang-glider noun [ C ]
a very small aircraft without an engine. It consists of a frame covered in cloth,
which forms a wing, and the pilot hangs from this frame.
hang-gliding noun [ U ]
the activity of using a hang-glider
She's taken up hang-gliding.
hanging noun KILL
1. [ C or U ] the practice of killing someone, especially as a punishment for a
serious crime, by dropping them with a rope tied around their neck
hanging noun PICTURE
2. [ C usually plural ] a large piece of cloth, often with a picture on it, that is hung
on a wall for decoration
The castle's great hall was decorated with sumptuous wall hangings.
ˌ hanging ˈ basket noun [ C ]
an open container with plants and flowers in it, which hangs outside a building
ˌ hanging ˈ valley noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a valley that ends suddenly with a steep cliff or waterfall where it meets the side
of a larger, deeper valley
ˌ hanging ˈ valley noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a valley that ends suddenly with a steep cliff or waterfall where it meets the side
of a larger, deeper valley
hangman , noun [ C ]
a person whose job is to operate the device which kills criminals by hanging them
from a rope by their necks
hangout noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a place where someone spends a lot of time or where they live
The café is a favourite hangout of artists.
hangover noun [ C ] ILLNESS
1. a feeling of illness after drinking too much alcohol
I had a terrible hangover the next morning.
a hangover cure
See also hung-over
hangover noun [ C ] CONTINUING
2. something that continues from an earlier time
The present political system is a hangover from the nineteenth century colonial
era.
hang-up noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a permanent and unreasonable feeling of anxiety about a particular feature of
yourself
sexual hang-ups
He's one of these men who went bald very young and has a terrible hang-up
about it.
hanker verb
hanker after/for sth phrasal verb
to have a strong wish for something, especially if you cannot or should not have it
What did you hanker after most when you were in prison?
Even after all these years, I still hanker for a motorbike.
hankering noun [ C ]
a strong wish
Don't you ever have a hankering for a different lifestyle?
hanky noun [ C ] ( ALSO hankie ) INFORMAL
a handkerchief (= square piece of cloth used for cleaning the nose and drying the
eyes)
hanky noun [ C ] ( ALSO hankie ) INFORMAL

a handkerchief (= square piece of cloth used for cleaning the nose and drying the
eyes)
hanky-panky noun [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
dishonest behaviour, especially involving sexual activity or money
There was a bit of hanky-panky going on at the Christmas party.
Hansard noun [ S ]
the official record of what is said and done in the British, Australian, New Zealand
and Canadian parliaments
hansom (cab) noun [ C ]
a two-wheeled carriage pulled by a horse, used like a taxi in the past
Hanukkah noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO Chanukah )
a Jewish religious holiday lasting for eight days in December
haphazard adjective DISAPPROVING
not having an obvious order or plan
He tackled the problem in a typically haphazard manner.
haphazardly adverb DISAPPROVING
hapless adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
unlucky and usually unhappy
Many children are hapless victims of this war.
haplessly adverb FORMAL
haploid adjective
having a single set of chromosomes (= structures containing chemical patterns
that control what a plant or animal is like) that comes from one parent only
a haploid cell
Sex cells such as eggs and sperm are haploid.
Compare diploid
ha'porth noun UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
(not) a ha'porth of difference
(not) any difference
You can shout as much as you like but it won't make a ha'porth of difference -
you're not going.
ha'porth noun UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
(not) a ha'porth of difference
(not) any difference
You can shout as much as you like but it won't make a ha'porth of difference -
you're not going.
happen verb [ I ] HAVE EXISTENCE
1. (of a situation or an event) to have existence or come into existence
No one knows exactly what happened but several people have been hurt.
Anything could happen in the next half hour.
A funny thing happened in the office today.
I don't like to think what might have happened if he'd been driving any faster.
2. happen to sb
If something happens to someone or something, it has an effect on them and
changes them in some way
I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to him (= if he was hurt, became
ill, or died) .
What happened to your jacket? There's a big rip in the sleeve.
What's happened to my pen (= Where is it) ? I put it down there a few moments
ago.
happen verb [ I ] CHANCE
3. to do or be by chance
[ + to infinitive ] They happened to look (= looked by chance) in the right place
almost immediately.
[ + ( that ) ] Fortunately it happened (that) there was no one in the house at the
time of the explosion.
[ + that ] It just so happens that I have her phone number right here.
She happens to like cleaning (= She likes cleaning, although that is surprising) .
I happen to think he's right (= I do think so, although you do not) .
As it happened (= Although it was not planned) , I had a few minutes to spare.
happen along/by (somewhere) phrasal verb MAINLY US
to go to a place by chance or without planning to
I'd have drowned if he hadn't happened along and pulled me out of the river.
happen on/upon sth/sb phrasal verb LITERARY
to find or meet something or someone by chance
Eventually they happened on a road leading across the desert.
happen adverb NORTHERN ENGLISH
possibly; I expect that
Happen it'll rain later on.
happening noun [ C usually plural ]
1. something that has happened
Recent happenings on the money markets can be interpreted in various ways.
2. a performance or similar event that happens without preparation
happening adjective INFORMAL
describes a place that is extremely fashionable and exciting
Ask Caroline - she knows all the happening clubs in town.
happening noun [ C usually plural ]

1. something that has happened
Recent happenings on the money markets can be interpreted in various ways.
2. a performance or similar event that happens without preparation
happening adjective INFORMAL
describes a place that is extremely fashionable and exciting
Ask Caroline - she knows all the happening clubs in town.
happenstance noun [ C or U ] MAINLY US
chance or a chance situation, especially one producing a good result
By (a strange) happenstance they were both in Paris at the same time.
happily adverb PLEASED
1. in a happy way
He was happily married with two young children.
She munched happily on her chocolate bar.
2. willingly
I'd happily offer to help him if I thought it would make any difference.
happily adverb LUCKY
3. having a good or lucky result
Happily, the weather remained fine throughout the afternoon.
happiness noun [ U ]
the feeling of being happy
It was only later in life that she found happiness and peace of mind.
FORMAL Will you join me in wishing the bride and groom every happiness?
happy adjective PLEASED
1. feeling, showing or causing pleasure or satisfaction
a happy marriage/childhood
She looks so happy.
School days are said to be the happiest days of your life.
Nicky seems a lot happier since she met Steve.
You'll be happy to know that Jean is coming with us.
I'm perfectly happy to (= I will willingly) help out.
I'm so happy (that) everything is working out for you.
Barry seems happy enough work ing for himself.
Are you happy about/with (= satisfied with) your new working arrangements?
Your mother's not going to be very happy when she sees the mess you've made!
FORMAL The manager will be happy (= is willing) to see you this afternoon.
happy adjective GREETING
2. [ before noun ] (used in greetings for special occasions) full of enjoyment and
pleasure
Happy Birthday!
Happy Anniversary!
Happy New Year!
happy adjective LUCKY
3. [ before noun ] (of a condition or situation) lucky
We hadn't planned to be in France at the same time as Ann and Charles - it was
just a happy coincidence .
happy adjective SUITABLE
4. LITERARY (of words or behaviour) suitable
It wasn't a happy choice of phrase given the circumstances.
the happy day HUMOROUS
a marriage
So when's the happy day then?
the happy event ( US ALSO the blessed event ) HUMOROUS
the birth of a child
not be a happy bunny UK HUMOROUS
to be annoyed about a situation
Her computer crashed an hour ago and she's lost a morning's work - she's not a
happy bunny at the moment.
ˌ happy ˈ camper noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
someone who is happy with the situation they are in
She's just found out about the pay cut and she's not a happy camper.
ˌ happy ˈ camper noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
someone who is happy with the situation they are in

She's just found out about the pay cut and she's not a happy camper.
happy clappy adjective UK INFORMAL OFTEN DISAPPROVING
describes Christians who sing, talk and shout enthusiastically during their religious
ceremonies and who try to persuade other people to join them
happy-go-lucky adjective
describes someone who does not plan much and accepts what happens without
being made anxious (= nervous and worried) by it
ˈ happy ˌ hour noun [ C usually singular ]
a period of time, usually in the early evening, when drinks are sold cheaply in a
bar or a pub
ˌ happy ˈ medium noun [ S ] APPROVING
a state or way of doing something which avoids being extreme, often combining
the best of two opposite states or ways of doing something
I try to strike a (= achieve a) happy medium when I'm on holiday, and spend
half my time doing things and the other half just relaxing.
ˈ happy ˌ slapping noun [ U ] INFORMAL
the activity of attacking someone and taking photographs of the attack with a
mobile phone
hara-kiri noun [ U ]
(in Japan, especially in the past) a formal way of killing yourself by cutting open
your stomach with a sword
harangue verb [ T ] DISAPPROVING
to speak to someone or a group of people, often for a long time, in a forceful and
sometimes angry way, especially to persuade them
A drunk in the station was haranguing passers-by.
harangue noun [ C ]
The team were given the usual half-time harangue by their manager.
harass verb [ T ]
to continue to annoy or upset someone over a period of time
Stop harassing me!
harass verb [ T ]
Stop harassing me!
harassed adjective
worried, annoyed and tired, especially because you have too many things to deal
with
harassed-looking mothers with young children
harassment noun [ U ]
behaviour that annoys or upsets someone
sexual harassment
harbinger noun [ C ] LITERARY
someone or a thing that shows that something is going to happen soon, especially
something bad
a harbinger of doom
harbour UK , US harbor noun [ C or U ]
harbour
an area of water next to the coast, often protected from the sea by a thick wall,
where ships and boats can shelter
Our hotel room overlooked a pretty little fishing harbour.
Compare dock
harbour UK , US harbor verb [ T ] HAVE IN MIND
1. to think about or feel something, usually over a long period
He's been harbouring a grudge against her ever since his promotion was refused.
There are those who harbour suspicions about his motives.
Powell remains non-committal about any political ambitions he may harbour.
harbour UK , US harbor verb [ T ] HIDE
2. to protect someone or something bad, especially by hiding them when the
police are looking for them
to harbour a criminal
harbour-master noun [ C ]
the official who is in charge of a harbour
hard adjective SOLID
1. firm and stiff; not easy to bend, cut or break
a hard surface
There was a heavy frost last night and the ground is still hard.
Heating the clay makes it hard.
Opposite soft
hard adjective DIFFICULT
2. difficult to understand, do, experience or deal with
There were some really hard questions in the exam.
It 's hard to say which of them is lying.
It 's hard be ing a single mother.
Her handwriting is very hard to read.
He's a hard man to please .
The topics get harder later in the course.
I feel sorry for the kids, too - they've had a hard time .
Opposite easy
hard adjective USING EFFORT
3. needing or using a lot of physical or mental effort
Go on - give it a good hard push!
It was hard work on the farm but satisfying.
hard adjective SEVERE
4. not pleasant or gentle; severe
You have to be quite hard to succeed in the property business.
Ooh, you're a hard woman, Elaine!
Our boss has been giving us all a hard time at work (= making our time at work
difficult) .
5. be hard on sb
to criticize someone severely, or to treat them unfairly
Don't be too hard on him - he's new to the job.
hard adjective ALCOHOL
6. [ before noun ] describes a drink that contains a high level of alcohol
hard liquor
hard adjective WATER
7. describes water which contains a lot of lime which prevents soap from cleaning
hard adjective CLEAR
8. [ before noun ] able to be proven
hard facts/evidence
hard adjective WEATHER
9. describes a time when there is bad weather
We had a very hard winter last year.
hardness noun [ U ]
These alloys are characterized by their extreme hardness.
be no hard and fast rules
If there are no hard and fast rules, there are no clear rules for you to follow.
hard feelings
anger towards someone that you have argued with
So we're friends again, are we? No hard feelings?
Hard luck! MAINLY UK
used to express sympathy to someone because something slightly bad has
happened
"We lost again." "Oh, hard luck!"
(that's) your hard luck UK INFORMAL
said if you think that it is someone's own fault that something bad has happened
to them
Well, if you missed the presentation because you couldn't be bothered to turn up
on time, that's your hard luck!
hard to swallow
difficult to believe
I found her story rather hard to swallow.
the hard way
1. a way of doing something which is unnecessarily difficult
She always does things the hard way.
2. If you learn something the hard way, you learn from unpleasant experiences
rather than by being taught
If she won't listen, she'll have to learn/find out the hard way.
take a hard line on sb/sth
to be very severe in the way that you deal with someone or something
hard adverb USING EFFORT
1. with a lot of physical or mental effort
Work hard and play hard, that's my motto.
I'm not surprised he failed his exam - he didn't exactly try very hard!
hard adverb WEATHER
2. If it rains or snows hard, it rains or snows a lot
It had been raining hard most of the afternoon.
feel hard done-by ( ALSO feel hard done-to ) UK
to feel that you have been treated unfairly
I'm feeling hard done-by because I've been looking after the kids all week and
Steve's been out every night.
hard at it UK INFORMAL
putting a lot of effort into what you are doing
That's what I like to see - everybody hard at it!
harass verb [ T ]
Stop harassing me!
harassed adjective
worried, annoyed and tired, especially because you have too many things to deal
with
harassed-looking mothers with young children
harassment noun [ U ]
behaviour that annoys or upsets someone
sexual harassment
harbinger noun [ C ] LITERARY
someone or a thing that shows that something is going to happen soon, especially
something bad
a harbinger of doom
harbour UK , US harbor noun [ C or U ]
harbour
an area of water next to the coast, often protected from the sea by a thick wall,
where ships and boats can shelter
Our hotel room overlooked a pretty little fishing harbour.
Compare dock
harbour UK , US harbor verb [ T ] HAVE IN MIND
1. to think about or feel something, usually over a long period
He's been harbouring a grudge against her ever since his promotion was refused.
There are those who harbour suspicions about his motives.
Powell remains non-committal about any political ambitions he may harbour.
harbour UK , US harbor verb [ T ] HIDE
2. to protect someone or something bad, especially by hiding them when the
police are looking for them
to harbour a criminal
harbour-master noun [ C ]
the official who is in charge of a harbour
hard adjective SOLID
1. firm and stiff; not easy to bend, cut or break
a hard surface
There was a heavy frost last night and the ground is still hard.
Heating the clay makes it hard.
Opposite soft
hard adjective DIFFICULT
2. difficult to understand, do, experience or deal with
There were some really hard questions in the exam.
It 's hard to say which of them is lying.
It 's hard be ing a single mother.
Her handwriting is very hard to read.
He's a hard man to please .
The topics get harder later in the course.
I feel sorry for the kids, too - they've had a hard time .
Opposite easy
hard adjective USING EFFORT
3. needing or using a lot of physical or mental effort
Go on - give it a good hard push!
It was hard work on the farm but satisfying.
hard adjective SEVERE
4. not pleasant or gentle; severe
You have to be quite hard to succeed in the property business.
Ooh, you're a hard woman, Elaine!
Our boss has been giving us all a hard time at work (= making our time at work
difficult) .
5. be hard on sb
to criticize someone severely, or to treat them unfairly
Don't be too hard on him - he's new to the job.
hard adjective ALCOHOL
6. [ before noun ] describes a drink that contains a high level of alcohol
hard liquor
hard adjective WATER
7. describes water which contains a lot of lime which prevents soap from cleaning
hard adjective CLEAR
8. [ before noun ] able to be proven
hard facts/evidence
hard adjective WEATHER
9. describes a time when there is bad weather
We had a very hard winter last year.
hardness noun [ U ]
These alloys are characterized by their extreme hardness.
be no hard and fast rules
If there are no hard and fast rules, there are no clear rules for you to follow.
hard feelings
anger towards someone that you have argued with
So we're friends again, are we? No hard feelings?
Hard luck! MAINLY UK
used to express sympathy to someone because something slightly bad has
happened
"We lost again." "Oh, hard luck!"
(that's) your hard luck UK INFORMAL
said if you think that it is someone's own fault that something bad has happened
to them
Well, if you missed the presentation because you couldn't be bothered to turn up
on time, that's your hard luck!
hard to swallow
difficult to believe
I found her story rather hard to swallow.
the hard way
1. a way of doing something which is unnecessarily difficult
She always does things the hard way.
2. If you learn something the hard way, you learn from unpleasant experiences
rather than by being taught
If she won't listen, she'll have to learn/find out the hard way.
take a hard line on sb/sth
to be very severe in the way that you deal with someone or something
hard adverb USING EFFORT
1. with a lot of physical or mental effort
Work hard and play hard, that's my motto.
I'm not surprised he failed his exam - he didn't exactly try very hard!
hard adverb WEATHER
2. If it rains or snows hard, it rains or snows a lot
It had been raining hard most of the afternoon.
feel hard done-by ( ALSO feel hard done-to ) UK
to feel that you have been treated unfairly
I'm feeling hard done-by because I've been looking after the kids all week and
Steve's been out every night.
hard at it UK INFORMAL
putting a lot of effort into what you are doing
That's what I like to see - everybody hard at it!
hardback noun [ C or U ] ( US ALSO hardcover )
a book which has a stiff cover
His latest novel will be published in hardback later this month.
Compare paperback ; softback
hardball noun [ U ]
US FOR baseball
Compare softball
hard-bitten adjective
If someone is hard-bitten, their character has been made stronger as a result of
difficult experiences in the past, and they control and do not show their emotions
This particular murder case was so horrific that it shocked even the most hard-
bitten of New York police officers.
hardboard noun [ U ]
a substance made of very small pieces of wood, mixed with glue and pressed into
large thin flat pieces
hard-boiled adjective EGG
1. describes an egg which has been heated in its shell in boiling water until both
the white and yellow parts are solid
hard-boiled adjective STRONG
2. INFORMAL describes a strong and determined person who shows little emotion
The film stars Kathleen Turner as the hard-boiled detective of Sarah Paretsky's
novel.
ˌ hard ˈ by adverb , preposition LITERARY OR OLD USE
very near
The house where he lived as a child is hard by the main plaza.
ˌ hard ˈ case noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO hard nut ) MAINLY UK INFORMAL
someone who is difficult to deal with and possibly angry and violent
ˌ hard ˈ cash noun [ U ]
money in the form of coins or notes but not cheques or a credit card
ˌ hard ˈ cider noun [ U ]
US FOR cider
ˌ hard ˈ copy noun [ C or U ]
information from a computer which has been printed on paper
ˈ hard ˌ core noun STONE/BRICK
1. [ U ] MAINLY UK the pieces of broken stone, brick, etc. used to make the base
under a floor, path or road
ˈ hard ˌ core noun BELIEF
2. ( ALSO hard-core ) [ S + singular or plural verb ] a small group of people within
a larger group, who strongly believe in the group's principles and usually have a lot of
power in it
The hard core of the party has not lost sight of the original ideals.
hard-core adjective SEX
1. showing sexual acts clearly and in detail
hard-core pornography
hard-core adjective BELIEF
2. describes people who strongly believe in something
hard-core party members
hardcover noun [ C or U ]
US FOR hardback
The novel was published in hardcover.
ˌ hard ˈ currency noun [ U ]
money that is valuable and can be exchanged easily because it comes from a
powerful country
ˌ hard ˈ drive noun [ C ] ( ALSO hard disk )
a magnetic device that is fixed inside a computer and stores a very large amount
of information
Compare floppy
ˌ hard ˈ drinker noun [ C ]
someone who often drinks a lot of alcohol
ˌ hard ˈ drug noun [ C usually plural ]
a very strong, illegal drug
hard-earned adjective
If something such as a holiday is hard-earned, you deserve it because you have
been working very hard.
harden verb [ I or T ] SOLID
1. to become or make hard
The mixture hardens as it cools.
It is thought that high cholesterol levels in the blood can harden the arteries (=
make them thicker and stiffer, causing disease) .
harden verb [ I or T ] SEVERE
2. to become more severe, determined or unpleasant
Living rough in the desert hardened the recruits a lot (= made them stronger) .
As the war progressed, attitudes on both sides hardened (= became more severe
and determined) .
hardening noun [ U ]
There has been a hardening of government policy since the invasion.
harden your heart
to make yourself stop feeling kind or friendly towards someone
You've just got to harden your heart and tell him to leave.
hardened adjective
1. a hardened criminal/detective, etc.
someone who has had a lot of bad experiences and as a result does not get upset
or shocked
2. be/become hardened to sth
to develop a way of dealing with a sad situation so that it no longer upsets you
You see all sorts of terrible things when you're a nurse so you become hardened
to it.
hard-fought adjective
achieved after a lot of difficulty or fighting
a hard-fought victory
ˌ hard ˈ going adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
difficult and tiring to do, deal with, or make progress with
I find her books a bit hard going.
ˈ hard ˌ hat noun [ C ]
a hat made of a strong substance which is worn by builders and other workers to
protect their head
hard-headed adjective
not influenced by emotions
a hard-headed approach to problems
hard-hearted adjective DISAPPROVING
If someone is hard-hearted, they are not kind or sympathetic.
Compare kind-hearted ; soft-hearted
hard-hitting adjective
A speech or piece of writing that is hard-hitting includes strong criticism of
something
The committee published a hard-hitting report on the bank's management.
ˌ hard ˈ labour UK , US hard labor noun [ U ]
a punishment for criminals, especially used in the past, which involves a lot of
tiring , physical work
hard line noun [ S ]
when someone is very strict and severe
The government wants to take a hard line against the strikers.
hard-line adjective
extreme and severe and not likely to change
a hard-line manifesto
a hard-line politician
hard-liner noun [ C ]
He needs to persuade the hard-liners in the cabinet.
hard-luck story noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a story or piece of information that someone tells you or writes about themselves
which is intended to make you feel sad and sympathetic towards them
She came out with some hard-luck story about never having been loved by her
mother.
hardly adverb ONLY JUST
1. only just; almost not
I could hardly hear her at the back.
The party had hardly started when she left.
He hardly ate anything/He ate hardly anything.
We hardly ever (= almost never) go to concerts.
Hardly had a moment passed before the door creaked open.
hardly adverb CERTAINLY NOT
2. certainly not
You can hardly expect a pay rise when you've only been working for the company
for two weeks!
Well don't be angry with me - it's hardly my fault that it's raining!
hard-nosed adjective
practical and determined
His hard-nosed business approach is combined with a very real concern for the
less fortunate in society.
ˌ hard of ˈ hearing adjective [ after verb ]
not able to hear well
My father is quite old now and he's increasingly hard of hearing.
hard-on noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
an erection (= condition of the penis when it is stiff)
to have a hard-on
ˌ hard ˈ palate noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the hard bony part that forms the top of the mouth, behind the front teeth
Compare soft palate
ˌ hard ˈ porn noun [ U ]
pornography (= books, films, etc. showing sexual acts) which shows sex in a very
detailed way
Compare soft porn
hard-pressed adjective
having a lot of difficulties doing something, especially because there is not enough
time or money
The latest education reforms have put extra pressure on teachers who are already
hard-pressed.
Because of shortages, the emergency services were hard-pressed to deal with the
accident.
Most people would be hard-pressed (= would find it difficult) to name more than
half a dozen members of the government.
ˌ hard ˈ rock noun [ U ]
a type of rock music with a strong beat in which drums and electric guitars are
played very loudly
ˌ hard ˈ science noun [ C or U ]
(a) science in which facts and theories can be firmly and exactly measured, tested
or proved
ˌ hard ˈ sell noun [ S ]
a method of selling in which the seller tries very hard to persuade the customer to
buy something
hardship noun [ C or U ]
(something which causes) difficult or unpleasant conditions of life, or an example
of this
economic hardship
ˌ hard ˈ shoulder noun [ C usually singular ] UK ( US shoulder , IRISH hard margin )
a hard area at the side of a main road, especially a motorway, where a driver can
stop if there is a serious problem
the ˈ hard ˌ stuff noun [ S ] INFORMAL HUMOROUS
strong alcohol
Would you like a drop of the hard stuff?
ˌ hard ˈ task ˌ master noun [ C usually singular ]
someone who gives others a lot of work to do
hardtop noun [ C ]
a car with a metal roof
ˌ hard ˈ up adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
having very little money
We're a bit hard up at the moment so we're not thinking in terms of holidays.
be hard up (for sth )
to not have enough of something important or valuable
If you're so hard up for friends, why don't you join a club?
hardware noun [ U ] COMPUTER
1. the physical and electronic parts of a computer, rather than the instructions it
follows
Compare software
hardware noun [ U ] TOOLS
2. metal tools, materials and equipment used in a house or a garden, such as
hammers, nails and screws
hardware noun [ U ] MILITARY
3. INFORMAL equipment, especially if it is for military use or if it is heavy
hard-wearing adjective
If something, especially clothing or material, is hard-wearing it lasts for a long
time and looks good even if it is used a lot.
hard-wired adjective
1. SPECIALIZED A computer or electronic device that is hard-wired is built to work in
a particular way and you cannot change the way it performs with new software, etc.
2. INFORMAL If someone or something is hard-wired to do a particular thing, they
automatically do it and cannot change that behaviour
Humans are hard-wired to love fattening foods.
hard-won adjective
If something is hard-won, it was only achieved after a lot of effort
a hard-won battle
hardwood noun [ C or U ]
strong heavy wood or the tree it comes from
Compare softwood
hard-working adjective
always doing a lot of work
She was always very hard-working at school.
hardy adjective
1. strong enough to bear extreme conditions or difficult situations
A few hardy souls continue to swim in the sea even in the middle of winter.
2. describes a plant that can live through the winter without protection from the
weather
a hardy perennial
hardiness noun [ U ]
hare noun [ C ]
an animal like a large rabbit that can run very fast and has long ears
hare verb [ I + adv/prep ] MAINLY UK
to run or go very quickly, usually in an uncontrolled way
I saw her haring off down the road after Molly.
harebell noun [ C ]
a wild plant found in northern parts of the world which has blue cup-shaped
flowers
harebrained adjective
(of plans or people) not practical; silly
That sounds like another of his harebrained schemes !
ˈ hare ˌ coursing noun [ U ] MAINLY UK
the activity of chasing a hare using dogs
ˌ Hare ˈ Krishna noun
1. [ U ] a modern type of Hinduism in which the god Krishna is especially
worshipped
2. [ C ] INFORMAL a member of this religion
harelip noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a cleft lip
harem , noun [ C ]
especially in the past in some Muslim societies, the wives or other female sexual
partners of a man, or the part of a house in which they live
haricot (bean) noun [ C ]
a small, usually white bean
hark verb [ I ] ( ALSO hearken ) OLD USE
used to tell someone to listen
Hark, I hear a distant trumpet!
Hark at sb ! HUMOROUS
said to someone who has just accused you of something that you think they are
guilty of themselves
Hark at him calling me lazy when he never walks anywhere if he can drive!
hark back to sth phrasal verb REPEAT
1. If someone harks back to something in the past, they talk about it again and
again, often in a way which annoys other people
He's always harking back to his childhood and saying how things were better
then.
hark back to sth phrasal verb BE SIMILAR
2. If something harks back to something in the past, it is similar to it
The director's latest film harks back to the early years of cinema.
harlequin noun [ C ]
a humorous character in plays at the theatre, especially in the past, who wears
brightly coloured clothes with a diamond pattern
Harley-Davidson noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a type of large, powerful motorcycle
ˈ Harley ˌ Street noun [ S ]
(the area around) a road in central London where many respected and well-known
doctors treat their patients
harlot noun [ C ] OLD USE DISAPPROVING
a female prostitute
harm noun [ U ]
physical or other injury or damage
Both deny conspiring to cause actual bodily harm.
A mistake like that will do his credibility a lot of harm.
Missing a meal once in a while never did anyone any harm.
You could always ask Jim if they need any more staff in his office - (there's) no
harm in asking (= no one will be annoyed and you might benefit) .
She meant no harm (= did not intend to offend) , she was joking.
She was frightened by the experience but she came to no harm (= was not hurt)
.
do more harm than good
to be damaging and not helpful
Getting involved at this stage would do more harm than good.
out of harm's way
in a position which is safe from harm or from which harm cannot be done
The children will be here soon - you'd better put that plate out of harm's way.
harm verb [ T ]
to hurt someone or damage something
Thankfully no one was harmed in the accident.
The government's reputation has already been harmed by a series of scandals.
harm a hair on sb's head
to hurt someone
If he so much as harms a hair on her head I won't be responsible for my actions.
harmful adjective
causing harm
This group of chemicals is known to be harmful to people with asthma.
harmfully adverb
harmfulness noun [ U ]
harmless adjective
not able or not likely to cause harm
Peter might look a bit fierce, but actually he's fairly harmless.
There were those who found the joke offensive, but Johnson insisted it was just a
bit of harmless fun .
harmlessly adverb
harmlessness noun [ U ]
harmless adjective
not able or not likely to cause harm
Peter might look a bit fierce, but actually he's fairly harmless.
There were those who found the joke offensive, but Johnson insisted it was just a
bit of harmless fun .
harmlessly adverb
harmlessness noun [ U ]
harmonic noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a special note that a musical instrument can play which sounds different from the
usual notes
harmonic adjective SPECIALIZED
harmonic complexity
harmonica noun [ C ] ( ALSO mouth organ )
harmonica
a small rectangular musical instrument which is played by blowing or sucking air
through one of the long sides at different places to make different notes
harmonious adjective MUSIC
1. having a pleasant tune or harmony
harmonious adjective PLEASANT
2. friendly and peaceful
harmonious relations between the country's ethnic groups
harmoniously adverb
harmonize , UK USUALLY harmonise verb [ I or T ] MUSIC
1. to add harmonies to a tune
harmonize , UK USUALLY harmonise verb [ I or T ] MATCH
2. to be suitable together, or to make different people, plans, situations, etc.
suitable for each other
The garden has been designed to harmonize with the natural landscape.
The plan is to harmonize (= make similar) safety standards across all the
countries involved.
harmonization , UK USUALLY harmonisation noun [ U ]
harmony noun MUSIC
1. [ C or U ] a pleasant musical sound made by different notes being played or
sung at the same time
singing in harmony
It is a simple melody with complex harmonies.
harmony noun MATCH
2. [ U ] when people are peaceful and agree with each other, or when things
seem right or suitable together
racial harmony (= good feelings between different races)
domestic harmony (= good feelings in the family or home)
Imagine a society in which everyone lived together in (perfect) harmony.
We must ensure that tourism develops in harmony with the environment.
harness noun [ C ]
a piece of equipment, with straps and belts, used to control or hold in place a
person, animal or object
a safety harness
a baby harness
a parachute harness
be back in harness
to have returned to work after being away for a period of time
in harness with
working together to achieve something
harness verb [ T ]
1. to put a harness on a horse, or to connect a horse to a vehicle using a harness
2. to control something, usually in order to use its power
There is a great deal of interest in harnessing wind and waves as new sources of
power.
harness noun [ C ]
a piece of equipment, with straps and belts, used to control or hold in place a
person, animal or object
a safety harness
a baby harness
a parachute harness
be back in harness
to have returned to work after being away for a period of time
in harness with
working together to achieve something
harness verb [ T ]
1. to put a harness on a horse, or to connect a horse to a vehicle using a harness
2. to control something, usually in order to use its power
There is a great deal of interest in harnessing wind and waves as new sources of
power.
harp noun [ C ]
harp
a large, wooden musical instrument with many strings that you play with the
fingers
harp verb
harp on phrasal verb INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to talk or complain about something many times
He's always harping on about lack of discipline.
I know you want to go to Paris. Don't keep harping on ( about it)!
harpist noun [ C ]
a person who plays the harp
harpoon noun [ C ]
a long heavy spear (= long sharp weapon) fixed to a rope, used for killing whales
See picture harpoon
harpoon verb [ T ]
to use a harpoon, usually to kill a whale
harpsichord noun [ C ]
a large musical instrument similar to a piano. It was played especially in the 17th
and 18th centuries.
harpy noun [ C ]
1. in Greek mythology , a creature with the head of a woman and the body of a
bird
2. LITERARY a cruel, unpleasant woman who shouts a lot
harridan noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING
an unpleasant, especially older woman, who shouts a lot
harridan noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING
an unpleasant, especially older woman, who shouts a lot
harrow noun [ C ]
a large piece of equipment which is pulled behind a tractor (= farm vehicle) to
break the earth into small pieces ready for planting
harrow verb [ I or T ]
harrowed adjective
looking as if you have suffered
His face was harrowed.
harrowing adjective
extremely upsetting because connected with suffering
a harrowing story
For many women, the harrowing prospect of giving evidence in a rape case can be
too much to bear.
harrumph verb [ I ] INFORMAL MAINLY HUMOROUS
to express anger and disapproval, often not by speaking but making a noise
I didn't hear what he said - he sort of harrumphed and walked off.
[ + speech ] "Absolute nonsense!" harrumphed the colonel.
harry verb [ T ] FORMAL
to repeatedly demand something from someone, often causing them to feel
worried or angry
She harried the authorities, writing letters and getting up petitions.
harried adjective
I saw a harried-looking mother at the checkout trying to manage two small
children and a mountain of shopping.
harsh adjective UNKIND
1. unpleasant, unkind, cruel or unnecessarily severe
harsh criticism
The children had had a harsh upbringing.
We thought the punishment was rather harsh for such a minor offence.
"There is no alternative, " she said in a harsh voice.
He said some harsh words (= spoke unkindly) about his brother.
harsh adjective TOO STRONG
2. too strong, bright, loud, etc
harsh chemicals/lighting
harshly adverb
I thought she'd been treated rather harshly.
harshness noun [ U ]
harum-scarum adverb OLD-FASHIONED
uncontrolled, in all directions or without thinking
harum-scarum adverb OLD-FASHIONED
uncontrolled, in all directions or without thinking
harvest noun [ C or U ]
the time of year when crops are cut and collected from the fields, or the activity of
cutting and collecting them, or the crops which are cut and collected
the grain/potato/grape harvest
We had a good harvest this year.
Farmers are reporting a bumper (= very big) harvest this year.
It won't be long now till harvest (time).
harvest verb [ I or T ] CROPS
1. to pick and collect crops, or to collect plants, animals or fish to eat
In the US, winter wheat is harvested in the early summer.
harvest verb [ I or T ] BODY PARTS
2. to take cells or other body parts from someone for medical use
The donor organ is harvested at the accident scene and rushed to a hospital.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the harvesting of stem cells.
harvester noun [ C ]
1. a machine for harvesting crops
2. OLD USE a person who harvests crops
ˌ harvest ˈ festival noun [ C usually singular ]
a celebration which is held in churches and schools in the autumn, which gives
thanks for crops and food
has , ,
HE/SHE/IT FORM OF have
has-been noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person who in the past was famous, important, admired or good at something,
but is no longer any of these
hash noun FAILURE
1. make a hash of sth UK INFORMAL
to do something very badly
He made a complete hash of the last question.
hash noun FOOD
2. [ U ] a mixture of meat, potatoes and vegetables cut into small pieces and
baked or fried
corned beef hash
US eggs and hash
hash noun DRUGS
3. [ U ] INFORMAL FOR hashish
hash verb
hash sth up phrasal verb [ M ] UK INFORMAL
to spoil something by doing it badly
The first interview was all right but I rather think I hashed up the second one.
hash noun FAILURE

1. make a hash of sth UK INFORMAL
to do something very badly
He made a complete hash of the last question.
hash noun FOOD
2. [ U ] a mixture of meat, potatoes and vegetables cut into small pieces and
baked or fried
corned beef hash
US eggs and hash
hash noun DRUGS
3. [ U ] INFORMAL FOR hashish
hash verb
hash sth up phrasal verb [ M ] UK INFORMAL
to spoil something by doing it badly
The first interview was all right but I rather think I hashed up the second one.
ˌ hash ˈ browns plural noun
small pieces of potato pressed into flat shapes and fried
hashish noun [ U ]
a drug, illegal in many countries, made from the cannabis plant and usually
smoked
hasn't short form of
has not
He hasn't done his homework.
Hasn't he grown!
hasp noun [ C ]
a piece of metal that fastens a box or door, used with a padlock (= removable
lock)
hassle noun [ C or U ] INFORMAL
(a situation causing) difficulty or trouble
I can't face the hassle of moving house again.
My boss has been giving me a lot of hassle this week.
It's one of the few bars that women can go to and not get any hassle from men.
It was such a hassle trying to get my bank account changed that I nearly gave up.
I should have taken it back to the shop but I just didn't think it was worth (all)
the hassle.
hassle verb [ T ]
to annoy someone, especially by repeatedly asking them something
I'll do it in my own time - just stop hassling me!
[ + to infinitive ] The children keep hassling me to take them to Disneyland.
haste noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
(too much) speed
Unfortunately the report was prepared in haste and contained several
inaccuracies.
[ + to infinitive ] In her haste to get up from the table, she knocked over a cup.
His father had just died and he didn't want to marry with indecent haste.
make haste OLD USE
hurry up
Make haste!
More haste less speed. UK SAYING
said to mean that if you try to do things too quickly, it will take you longer in the
end
hasten verb FORMAL
1. [ T ] You hasten something by acting in order to make it happen sooner
I was grateful for his letter which hastened the course of the enquiry.
There is little doubt that poor medical treatment hastened her death.
2. [ + to infinitive ] If you hasten to do something, you quickly do it
The president hastened to reassure his people that he was in perfect health.
3. [ + to infinitive ] If you hasten to say something, you want to make it clear
It was an unfortunate decision and I hasten to say it had nothing to do with me.
"People round here dress so badly - except you, Justin," she hastened to add.
hasten verb FORMAL
1. [ T ] You hasten something by acting in order to make it happen sooner

I was grateful for his letter which hastened the course of the enquiry.
There is little doubt that poor medical treatment hastened her death.
2. [ + to infinitive ] If you hasten to do something, you quickly do it
The president hastened to reassure his people that he was in perfect health.
3. [ + to infinitive ] If you hasten to say something, you want to make it clear
It was an unfortunate decision and I hasten to say it had nothing to do with me.
"People round here dress so badly - except you, Justin," she hastened to add.
hasty adjective
describes something that is done in a hurry, sometimes without the necessary
care or thought
He warned against making hasty decisions.
Now let's not leap to any hasty conclusions.
We saw the rain and made a hasty retreat into the bar.
I think perhaps we were a little hasty in judg ing him.
hastily adverb
"He's looks good for his age. Not that 55 is old, " she hastily added.
hastiness noun [ U ]
hat noun [ C ]
1. a covering for the head that is not part of a piece of clothing
a straw hat
a woolly hat
a wide-brimmed hat
See pictures clothes 4 , hats
2. used to refer to one of the various jobs or responsibilities that someone has
A couple of the kitchen staff are on holiday so I'm wearing my chef's hat tonight.
This is me with my manager's hat on talking.
hats off to sb OLD-FASHIONED
said to praise and thank someone for doing something helpful
Hats off to Connie for finding such a splendid venue for a party!
take your hat off to sb
If you say that you take your hat off to someone, you mean that you admire them
for an achievement
So Emma actually manages to juggle two small children and a full-time job, does
she? Well, I take my hat off to her.
throw your hat into the ring
to announce your intention of entering a competition or election
hatband noun [ C ]
a strip of material which is fixed around the outside of a hat
hatbox noun [ C ]
a round container for storing or carrying hats
hatbox noun [ C ]
a round container for storing or carrying hats
hatch verb EGG
1. [ I or T ] to (cause an egg to) break in order to allow a young animal to come
out
hatch verb PLAN
2. [ T ] to make a plan, especially a secret plan
It was in August of 1978 that the Bolton brothers hatched their plot to kill their
parents.
hatch noun [ C ] ( ALSO hatchway )
an opening through a wall, floor, etc., or the cover for it
an escape hatch
a serving hatch
Down the hatch! INFORMAL SAYING
said before swallowing a drink, especially an alcoholic one
hatchback noun [ C ]
a car which has an extra door at the back which can be lifted up to allow things to
be put in
hatchery noun [ C ]
a place where large numbers of eggs, especially fish eggs, are hatched and the
young are taken care of
hatchet noun [ C ]
hatchet
a small axe (= tool with a blade which cuts when you hit things with it)
hatchet-faced adjective
Someone who is hatchet-faced has a thin, hard and unpleasant face.
ˈ hatchet ˌ job noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a cruel written or spoken attack on someone or something
Fleck was certainly not the only critic to do a hatchet job on his latest novel.
ˈ hatchet ˌ man noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
someone who is used for unpleasant and difficult or violent jobs
ˈ hatchet ˌ man noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL

someone who is used for unpleasant and difficult or violent jobs
hate verb [ I or T ]
to dislike someone or something very much
Kelly hates her teacher.
She hated the cold dark days of winter.
I hate it when you do that.
[ + -ing verb ] I have always hated speak ing in public.
I hate him tell ing me what do to all the time.
[ + to infinitive ] I hate (= do not want) to interrupt, but it's time we left.
I'd hate (= would not like) you to think I didn't appreciate what you'd done.
hated adjective
He was the most hated teacher in the school.
hate sb's guts INFORMAL
to dislike someone very much
hate noun [ C or U ]
an extremely strong dislike
She gave him a look of pure hate.
The feelings of hate grew stronger every day.
UK One of my pet hates (= one of the main things I dislike) is people who use
your name all the while when they're speaking to you.
See also hatred
hateful adjective OLD-FASHIONED
very unpleasant
I never wear grey because it reminds me of my hateful school uniform.
ˈ hate ˌ mail noun [ U ]
unpleasant or cruel letters from someone who dislikes you
-hater suffix
someone who dislikes the stated thing
He thinks I'm a real man -hater.
hatpin noun [ C ]
a long metal pin, often with a decorated end, which is pushed through a woman's
hat and hair to keep the hat on the head
hatpin noun [ C ]
a long metal pin, often with a decorated end, which is pushed through a woman's
hat and hair to keep the hat on the head
hatred noun [ U ]
an extremely strong feeling of dislike
What is very clear in these letters is Clark's passionate hatred of his father.
The motive for this shocking attack seems to be racial hatred.
hatstand noun [ C ]
a vertical pole with hooks (= curved parts) at the top for hanging hats and coats
on
hatter noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
someone who makes hats
See also (as) mad as a hatter/March hare
ˈ hat ˌ trick noun [ C ]
when a player scores three times in the same game, especially in football, or
when someone is successful at achieving something three times
Goal! Fowler makes it a hat trick!
After two election victories the government clearly has hopes of a hat trick.
haughty adjective DISAPPROVING
unfriendly and seeming to consider yourself better than other people
She has a rather haughty manner.
haughtily adverb
haughtiness noun [ U ]
haul verb [ T ]
to pull something heavy slowly and with difficulty
They hauled the boat out of the water.
She hauled herself up into the tree.
haul ass US OFFENSIVE
to move very quickly to a different place
When the shooting started we hauled ass out of there.
haul sb up phrasal verb [ M often passive ] INFORMAL
to force someone to go somewhere or see someone in order to be punished or to
answer questions about their behaviour
He was hauled up in court/in front of a magistrate.
haul noun [ C ] AMOUNT
1. a usually large amount of something that has been stolen or is illegal
a haul of arms/drugs
haul noun [ C ] FISH
2. the amount of fish caught
Fishermen have been complaining of poor hauls all year.
haul noun [ C ] PERIOD OF TIME
3. a journey, often a difficult one, or a period of effort
From there it was a long haul/only a short haul (= long and difficult/short and
easy journey) back to our camp.
It was a long haul (= It took a long time and was difficult) , but the alterations to
the house are finished at last.
4. long-haul flight/short-haul flight
a long/short journey by air
haulage noun [ U ] UK
the business of moving things by road or railway
a road haulage firm
a road haulage firm
haulier noun [ C ] UK ( US hauler )
a business or a person involved in a business which transports goods by road
haunch noun
1. [ C ] one of the back legs of an animal with four legs that is used for meat
a haunch of venison
2. haunches
the top of a person's legs and their bottom
She was sitting/squatting on her haunches.
haunt verb [ T ] REPEATEDLY TROUBLE
1. to cause repeated suffering or anxiety
Fighting in Vietnam was an experience that would haunt him for the rest of his
life.
Thirty years after the fire he is still haunted by images of death and destruction.
haunt verb [ T ] SPIRIT
2. (of a ghost ) to appear in a place repeatedly
A ghostly lady is said to haunt the stairway looking for her children.
haunt noun [ C ]
a place often visited
This pub used to be one of your old haunts, didn't it Jim?
haunted adjective ANXIOUS
1. showing signs of suffering or severe anxiety
He had a haunted look about him.
haunted adjective SPIRIT
2. describes a place where ghosts often appear
a haunted house
This room is said to be haunted.
haunting adjective
beautiful, but in a sad way and often in a way which cannot be forgotten
a haunting melody
the haunting beauty of Africa
ˌ haute cou ˈ ture noun [ U ]
(the business of making) expensive clothes of original design and high quality
a road haulage firm
haulier noun [ C ] UK ( US hauler )
a business or a person involved in a business which transports goods by road
haunch noun
1. [ C ] one of the back legs of an animal with four legs that is used for meat
a haunch of venison
2. haunches
the top of a person's legs and their bottom
She was sitting/squatting on her haunches.
haunt verb [ T ] REPEATEDLY TROUBLE
1. to cause repeated suffering or anxiety
Fighting in Vietnam was an experience that would haunt him for the rest of his
life.
Thirty years after the fire he is still haunted by images of death and destruction.
haunt verb [ T ] SPIRIT
2. (of a ghost ) to appear in a place repeatedly
A ghostly lady is said to haunt the stairway looking for her children.
haunt noun [ C ]
a place often visited
This pub used to be one of your old haunts, didn't it Jim?
haunted adjective ANXIOUS
1. showing signs of suffering or severe anxiety
He had a haunted look about him.
haunted adjective SPIRIT
2. describes a place where ghosts often appear
a haunted house
This room is said to be haunted.
haunting adjective
beautiful, but in a sad way and often in a way which cannot be forgotten
a haunting melody
the haunting beauty of Africa
ˌ haute cou ˈ ture noun [ U ]
(the business of making) expensive clothes of original design and high quality
ˌ haute cui ˈ sine noun [ U ]
cooking of a high standard, typically French cooking
hauteur noun [ U ] LITERARY
a formal and unfriendly way of behaving which suggests that the person thinks
they are better than other people
have , , auxiliary verb [ + past participle ] ( ALSO 've/'s )
used with the past participle of other verbs to form the present and past perfect
tenses
I've heard that story before.
Diane's already gone.
John hasn't phoned.
I haven't visited London before.
Have you seen Roz?
Has she been invited?
They still hadn't had any news when I spoke to them yesterday.
FORMAL Had I known (= if I had known) you were coming, I'd have booked a larger
room.
have , , verb POSSESS
1. [ T not continuous ] ( ALSO 've/'s , MAINLY UK have got ) to own or possess
They have a beautiful home.
He has plenty of money but no style.
I've got two brothers.
Have you got time to finish the report today?
I've got a suggestion/an idea.
2. have the decency/good sense, etc. to do sth
to do one good thing, although you do other bad or silly things
At least he had the good sense to turn the gas off.
At least she had the decency to apologize.
have , , verb BE ILL
3. [ T ] ( MAINLY UK have got ) If you have a particular illness, you suffer from it
Have you ever had measles?
I've got a cold.
have , , verb DO
4. [ T ] to perform the action mentioned
have a wash/bath/shower
I had a swim.
We had a short walk after lunch.
I've never done it before but I'd like to have a try (= to try) .
Why don't you have a rest?
have , , verb EAT/DRINK
5. [ T ] to eat or drink something
I had prawns and rice for lunch.
Can I have a drink of water?
When are we having dinner?
have , , verb RECEIVE
6. [ T ] to receive, accept or allow something to happen
Here, have some more coffee.
[ + to infinitive ] My mother's having visitors ( to stay) next week.
Let me have the book back next week.
In the end they solved their problems and she had him back (= allowed him to
come and live with her again) .
I looked in all the shops for string but there was none to be had (= none that
anyone could obtain) .
I kept telling him that you were French but he wouldn't have it (= would not
accept that it was true) .
[ + -ing verb ] I won't have those kids runn ing all over my flowerbeds (= I
refuse to allow them to do this) .
have , , verb CAUSE
7. [ T ] to cause something to happen or someone to do something
[ + past participle ] We're having the house painted next month.
[ + infinitive without to ] If you wait, I'll have someone collect it for you.
[ + object + -ing verb ] The film soon had us cry ing .
Guy'll have it work ing in no time.
She had her parents down (= invited them to stay) for a week in the summer.
We had the boat out (= went out in the boat) for the first time this week.
We often have friends over/round (= invite them to come) on a Saturday night.
8. [ T + past participle ] to suffer something that someone does to you
She had her car stolen (= it was stolen) last week.
have , , verb EXPERIENCE
9. [ T ] to experience something
We're having a wonderful time here in Venice.
We didn't have any difficulty/problem finding the house.
He hasn't been having much luck recently.
have , , verb BABY
10. [ T ] to give birth to a baby
Elaine had a baby girl yesterday.
My mother had me at home.
11. be having a baby/twins, etc.
to be pregnant/pregnant with twins (= two babies) etc
I hear his wife's having a baby.
have , , verb SEX
12. [ T not continuous ] SLANG to have sex with someone
He asked me how many men I'd had.
and have done with it ( ALSO and be done with it )
to deal with and finish the whole matter
I think I'll just sell all the furniture and have done with it.
A good time was had by all. SAYING
said to mean that everyone enjoyed themselves
have it in you
to have a particular quality or ability
His speech was really funny - we didn't know he had it in him.
have it in for sb INFORMAL
to be determined to harm or criticize someone
She's always had it in for me.
have it off ( ALSO have it away ) UK SLANG
to have sex
He was having it off with his friend's wife.
have it out with sb
to talk to someone about something they have done which makes you angry, in
order to try to solve the problem
She'd been late for work every morning that week and I thought I'd better have it
out with her.
have nothing on sb or sth INFORMAL
to not be as good as someone or something
He's a good player, but he's got nothing on his brother.
not have any of it INFORMAL
to be completely unwilling or to refuse
I asked him to help out, but he wasn't having any of it.
have sb on phrasal verb UK ( US put sb on )
to persuade someone that something is true when it is not, usually as a joke
That's your new car? You're having me on!
have (got) sth on phrasal verb
1. [ M ] If you have clothes or shoes on, you are wearing them
I loved that dress you had on last night.
2. If you have something on, you have planned to do it
Have you got anything on this week?
I've got something on this Tuesday, but I'm free on Wednesday.
have sth out phrasal verb
to have something removed from your body
You'll have to have that tooth out.
He had his appendix out last week.
have sb up phrasal verb [ usually passive ] UK INFORMAL
to take someone to court for a trial
He was had up for burglary.
have , , modal verb
have (got) to do sth
to need to or be forced
I have to go to Manchester tomorrow on business.
What time have you got to be there?
Do we have to finish this today?
We'll have to start keeping detailed records.
Jackie's ill so they've had to change their plans.
haven noun [ C ]
a safe or peaceful place
The garden was a haven from the noise and bustle of the city.
They wanted to provide safe havens for the refugees.
haven noun [ C ]
a safe or peaceful place
The garden was a haven from the noise and bustle of the city.
They wanted to provide safe havens for the refugees.
haven't short form of
have not
I haven't been to Australia.
haversack noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a bag, often made from strong rough cloth, with one or two shoulder straps
haves plural noun
the haves and have-nots
the people who are not poor and the people who are poor
The government's change of policy is intended to reduce the gap between the
haves and have-nots in our society.
havoc noun [ U ]
confusion and lack of order, especially causing damage or trouble
The storm wreaked (= caused) havoc in the garden, uprooting trees and blowing
a fence down.
The delay played (= caused) havoc with their travel arrangements.
haw verb
hum and haw
See at hum
hawk noun [ C ] BIRD
1. a type of large bird which catches small birds and animals for food
hawk noun [ C ] PERSON
2. a person who strongly supports the use of force in political relationships rather
than discussion or other more peaceful solutions
Compare dove
hawk verb [ T ]
to sell goods informally in public places
On every street corner there were traders hawking their wares.
hawker noun [ C ]
someone who sells goods informally in public places
hawker noun [ C ]
someone who sells goods informally in public places
hawk-eyed adjective
Someone who is hawk-eyed watches and notices everything that happens
Hawk-eyed store detectives stood by the doors.
hawkish adjective
supporting the use of force in political relationships rather than discussion or other
more peaceful solutions
The president is hawkish on foreign policy.
hawser noun [ C ]
a strong thick rope, often made of steel
hawthorn noun [ U ]
a type of small wild tree with thorns (= sharp points) , white or pink flowers in
spring and small red fruits in the autumn
hay noun [ U ]
grass which is cut, dried and used as animal food or as covering material
Make hay while the sun shines. SAYING
said to mean that you should make good use of an opportunity while it lasts
ˈ hay ˌ fever noun [ U ]
an illness like a cold, caused by pollen
She gets really bad hay fever.
hay fever sufferers
haystack noun [ C ]
a large tall pile of hay in a field
haywire adjective INFORMAL
go haywire
to stop working, often in a way that is very sudden and noticeable
The television's gone haywire.
hazard noun [ C ]
something that is dangerous and likely to cause damage
a health/fire hazard
The busy traffic entrance was a hazard to pedestrians.
hazard verb [ T ]
1. to risk doing something, especially making a guess, suggestion, etc
I wouldn't like to hazard a guess .
2. FORMAL to risk doing something which might cause harm to someone or
something else
The policy hazarded the islands and put the lives of the inhabitants at risk.
hazard noun [ C ]
something that is dangerous and likely to cause damage
a health/fire hazard
The busy traffic entrance was a hazard to pedestrians.
hazard verb [ T ]
1. to risk doing something, especially making a guess, suggestion, etc
I wouldn't like to hazard a guess .
2. FORMAL to risk doing something which might cause harm to someone or
something else
The policy hazarded the islands and put the lives of the inhabitants at risk.
hazardous adjective
dangerous
a hazardous journey/occupation
ˌ hazard ( ˈ warning) ˌ light noun [ C ]
one of the orange lights at the front and back of a car which turn on and off
repeatedly to warn other drivers of danger
haze noun [ C or U ]
when the air is not very clear because of something such as heat or smoke,
making it difficult to see well
The road through the desert shimmered in the haze.
I saw her through a haze of cigarette smoke.
haze verb
haze over phrasal verb
If the sky hazes over, the air becomes less clear because of something such as
heat or smoke
The sky began to haze over during the afternoon.
hazel noun [ C ]
a small tree that produces nuts that can be eaten
hazel adjective
(especially of eyes) greenish brown or yellowish brown in colour
hazelnut noun [ C ]
the nut of the hazel tree which has a hard brown shell
hazy adjective WEATHER
1. describes air or weather that is not clear, especially because of heat
hazy sunshine
the hazy days of summer
hazy adjective MEMORY
2. not remembering things clearly
hazy memories of childhood
hazily adverb
She only hazily (= unclearly) remembered her last visit twenty years ago.
H-bomb noun [ C ]
a hydrogen bomb
H-bomb noun [ C ]
a hydrogen bomb
HCF SPECIALIZED
ABBREVIATION FOR highest common factor: the highest number that a set of two or
more different numbers can be divided by exactly
he , , pronoun
1. used to refer to a man, boy or male animal that has already been mentioned
Don't ask Andrew, he won't know.
There's no need to be frightened - he's a very friendly dog.
2. SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED used to refer to a person whose sex is not known
The modern traveller can go where he likes.
As soon as the baby is born he'll start to take an interest in the world around him.
he noun [ C ]
a male
How can you tell whether the fish is a he or a she?
head noun BODY PART
1. [ C ] the part of the body above the neck that contains the eyes, nose, mouth
and ears and the brain
Put this hat on to keep your head warm.
He banged his head on the car as he was getting in.
She nodded/shook her head (= showed her agreement/disagreement) .
See pictures body , head
2. [ S ] a person or animal when considered as a unit
Dinner will cost £20 a/per head (= for each person) .
I did a quick head count (= calculated how many people there were) .
They own a hundred head of (= 100) cattle.
3. [ S ] a measure of length or height equal to the size of a head
Her horse won by a head.
Paul is a head taller than Andrew.
head noun MIND
4. [ C ] the mind and mental abilities
You need a clear head to be able to drive safely.
What put that (idea) into your head (= What made you think that) ?
I can't get that tune/that man out of my head (= I cannot stop hearing the tune
in my mind/thinking about that man) .
Use your head (= Think more carefully) !
Harriet has a ( good ) head for figures (= She is very clever at calculating
numbers) .
UK Do you have a head for heights (= Are you able to be in high places without
fear) ?
head noun LEADER
5. [ C ] someone in charge of or leading an organization, group, etc
the head of the History department
the head chef
6. [ C ] MAINLY UK a headteacher
7. head boy/girl
MAINLY UK a boy or girl who is the leader of the other prefects and often represents
his or her school on formal occasions
head noun TOP PART
8. [ S ] the top part or beginning of something
the head of the queue
the head of the page
Diana, the guest of honour, sat at the head of the table (= the most important
end of it) .
9. [ C ] the larger end of a nail, hammer, etc.
10. [ C ] the top part of a plant where a flower or leaves grow
a head of lettuce
11. [ C ] the layer of white bubbles on top of beer after it has been poured
12. [ C ] the upper part of a river, where it begins
13. [ C ] the top part of a spot when it contains pus (= yellow liquid)
head noun DEVICE
14. [ C ] the part of a tape or video recorder (= machine for recording sound or
pictures) which touches the tape to record and play music, speech, etc.
a head of steam
1. the force produced by a large amount of steam in a closed space
2. when a person or an activity starts to become very active or successful
They're really beginning to build up a head of steam for their campaign.
an old/a wise head on young shoulders
a child or young person who thinks and talks like an older person who has more
experience of life
be banging, etc. your head against a brick wall INFORMAL
to try to do something that is very difficult or impossible to achieve and therefore
causes you to feel annoyed
I keep asking her not to park there but it's like banging your head against a brick
wall.
be in over your head INFORMAL
to be involved in a difficult situation that you cannot get out of
Sean tried to pay his gambling debts, but he was in over his head.
be off your head INFORMAL
1. to be crazy
You must be off your head going out in this weather!
2. to not be in control of your behaviour because you have drunk too much
alcohol or taken drugs
Hannah was off her head as usual.
bite/snap sb's head off INFORMAL
to speak to someone angrily
I asked what was wrong, but he just bit my head off.
bury/have your head in the sand
to refuse to think about unpleasant facts, although they will have an influence on
your situation
You've got to face facts here - you can't just bury your head in the sand.
can't get your head around INFORMAL
If you say that you can't get your head around something, you mean that you
cannot understand it
I just can't get my head around these tax forms.
can't make head nor tail of sth
to not be able to understand something
I can't make head nor tail of these instructions on the packet.
come to a head ( ALSO bring sth to a head )
If something comes to a head or someone brings something to a head, a situation
reaches a point where something must be done about it
Things hadn't been good between us for a while and this incident just brought it
to a head.
do sb's head in UK AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
to make someone feel confused and unhappy
Getting up at 4 o'clock every morning was doing my head in.
I've been trying to make sense of all these figures and it's doing my head in.
from head to foot/toe
completely covering your body
The dog was covered in mud from head to foot.
a full/good/thick, etc. head of hair
a lot of hair
Even as a tiny baby, she had a thick head of hair.
get your head down UK INFORMAL
to direct all your efforts into the particular task you are involved in
I'm going to get my head down and try and finish this report before I go home
today.
get sth into your head
to start to believe something
When will you get it into your head that he's not coming back?
One day, she got it into her head (= decided for no reason) that we all hated her.
get/put your head down INFORMAL
to sleep
I'm just going to put my head down for a couple of hours.
give head OFFENSIVE
to perform fellatio or cunnilingus
give sb their head OLD-FASHIONED
to allow someone to do what they want to do without trying to help them or give
them advice
go over sb's head
to speak to or ask permission from someone who has more authority than the
person who you would normally go to in that situation
Amanda was refusing to give me the week off so I went over her head and spoke
to the boss.
go to sb's head
1. If something goes to someone's head, it makes them think that they are very
important and makes them a less pleasant person
Don't let fame/success go to your head.
2. If alcohol goes to your head, it makes you feel slightly drunk
Champagne always goes straight to my head.
have your business/sensible, etc. head on INFORMAL
used for saying that you are considering something from a particular way of
thinking
I had my sensible head on that morning and knew we couldn't afford to buy the
car.
have your head (buried/stuck) in a book
to be reading
Rose always has her head buried in a book.
have your head in the clouds
to not know the facts of a situation
have your head screwed on (the right way) INFORMAL
to be practical and wise
Ask Lois to help - she's got her head screwed on the right way.
head and shoulders above
If someone or something is head and shoulders above other people or things,
they are a lot better than them
There's no competition - they're head and shoulders above the rest.
head over heels (in love)
completely in love
Heads I win, tails you lose. HUMOROUS SAYING
said about a situation in which you will win whatever happens
heads or tails?
asked before you throw a coin into the air and want someone else to guess which
side it will land on
Heads will roll!
something that is said to mean that people will be punished for something bad
that has happened
keep your head ( ALSO keep a cool head )
to stay calm despite great difficulties
She kept her head under pressure and went on to win the race.
keep your head above water
to just be able to manage, especially when you have financial difficulties
The business is in trouble, but we are just about keeping our heads above water.
keep your head down
to avoid trouble
He's in a bad mood today - I'm just keeping my head down.
laugh/shout/scream, etc. your head off INFORMAL
to laugh, shout, scream, etc. very noisily and for a long time
There I was lying face down on the pavement and you two were laughing your
heads off!
over your head
too difficult or strange for you to understand
I tried to take in what he was saying about nuclear fusion, but most of it went
over my head.
put their heads together
If two or more people put their heads together, they plan something together
If we put our heads together, we can think of a solution.
take it into your head to do sth
to suddenly decide to do something, often something silly or surprising
Anyway, they took it into their heads to get married.
head verb GO
1. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to go in a particular direction
I was heading out of the room when she called me back.
We were heading towards Kumasi when our truck broke down.
He headed straight for (= went towards) the fridge.
I think we ought to head back/home (= return to where we started) now, before
it gets too dark.
head verb LEADER
2. [ T ] to be in charge of a group or organization
She heads one of Britain's leading travel firms.
Judge Hawthorne was chosen to head the team investigating the allegations of
abuse.
head verb TOP PART
3. [ T ] to be at the front or top of something
The Queen's carriage headed the procession.
Jo's name headed the list of candidates.
head verb SPORT
4. [ T ] to hit a ball with your head
Owen headed the ball into the back of the net.
head for sth phrasal verb
to be likely to experience a bad situation soon, because of your own actions or
behaviour
They're heading for disaster if they're not careful.
The country is heading for recession.
head off phrasal verb
to start a journey or leave a place
What time are you heading off?
head sb/sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to force someone or something to change direction
I tried to head the dog off by running towards it.
head sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to prevent a difficult or unpleasant situation from happening
The company is putting up wages to head off a strike.
-head suffix
a person with a particular strong interest or addiction
a crack-head (= someone who depends on the drug crack )
H-bomb noun [ C ]
a hydrogen bomb
HCF SPECIALIZED
ABBREVIATION FOR highest common factor: the highest number that a set of two or
more different numbers can be divided by exactly
he , , pronoun
1. used to refer to a man, boy or male animal that has already been mentioned
Don't ask Andrew, he won't know.
There's no need to be frightened - he's a very friendly dog.
2. SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED used to refer to a person whose sex is not known
The modern traveller can go where he likes.
As soon as the baby is born he'll start to take an interest in the world around him.
he noun [ C ]
a male
How can you tell whether the fish is a he or a she?
head noun BODY PART
1. [ C ] the part of the body above the neck that contains the eyes, nose, mouth
and ears and the brain
Put this hat on to keep your head warm.
He banged his head on the car as he was getting in.
She nodded/shook her head (= showed her agreement/disagreement) .
See pictures body , head
2. [ S ] a person or animal when considered as a unit
Dinner will cost £20 a/per head (= for each person) .
I did a quick head count (= calculated how many people there were) .
They own a hundred head of (= 100) cattle.
3. [ S ] a measure of length or height equal to the size of a head
Her horse won by a head.
Paul is a head taller than Andrew.
head noun MIND
4. [ C ] the mind and mental abilities
You need a clear head to be able to drive safely.
What put that (idea) into your head (= What made you think that) ?
I can't get that tune/that man out of my head (= I cannot stop hearing the tune
in my mind/thinking about that man) .
Use your head (= Think more carefully) !
Harriet has a ( good ) head for figures (= She is very clever at calculating
numbers) .
UK Do you have a head for heights (= Are you able to be in high places without
fear) ?
head noun LEADER
5. [ C ] someone in charge of or leading an organization, group, etc
the head of the History department
the head chef
6. [ C ] MAINLY UK a headteacher
7. head boy/girl
MAINLY UK a boy or girl who is the leader of the other prefects and often represents
his or her school on formal occasions
head noun TOP PART
8. [ S ] the top part or beginning of something
the head of the queue
the head of the page
Diana, the guest of honour, sat at the head of the table (= the most important
end of it) .
9. [ C ] the larger end of a nail, hammer, etc.
10. [ C ] the top part of a plant where a flower or leaves grow
a head of lettuce
11. [ C ] the layer of white bubbles on top of beer after it has been poured
12. [ C ] the upper part of a river, where it begins
13. [ C ] the top part of a spot when it contains pus (= yellow liquid)
head noun DEVICE
14. [ C ] the part of a tape or video recorder (= machine for recording sound or
pictures) which touches the tape to record and play music, speech, etc.
a head of steam
1. the force produced by a large amount of steam in a closed space
2. when a person or an activity starts to become very active or successful
They're really beginning to build up a head of steam for their campaign.
an old/a wise head on young shoulders
a child or young person who thinks and talks like an older person who has more
experience of life
be banging, etc. your head against a brick wall INFORMAL
to try to do something that is very difficult or impossible to achieve and therefore
causes you to feel annoyed
I keep asking her not to park there but it's like banging your head against a brick
wall.
be in over your head INFORMAL
to be involved in a difficult situation that you cannot get out of
Sean tried to pay his gambling debts, but he was in over his head.
be off your head INFORMAL
1. to be crazy
You must be off your head going out in this weather!
2. to not be in control of your behaviour because you have drunk too much
alcohol or taken drugs
Hannah was off her head as usual.
bite/snap sb's head off INFORMAL
to speak to someone angrily
I asked what was wrong, but he just bit my head off.
bury/have your head in the sand
to refuse to think about unpleasant facts, although they will have an influence on
your situation
You've got to face facts here - you can't just bury your head in the sand.
can't get your head around INFORMAL
If you say that you can't get your head around something, you mean that you
cannot understand it
I just can't get my head around these tax forms.
can't make head nor tail of sth
to not be able to understand something
I can't make head nor tail of these instructions on the packet.
come to a head ( ALSO bring sth to a head )
If something comes to a head or someone brings something to a head, a situation
reaches a point where something must be done about it
Things hadn't been good between us for a while and this incident just brought it
to a head.
do sb's head in UK AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
to make someone feel confused and unhappy
Getting up at 4 o'clock every morning was doing my head in.
I've been trying to make sense of all these figures and it's doing my head in.
from head to foot/toe
completely covering your body
The dog was covered in mud from head to foot.
a full/good/thick, etc. head of hair
a lot of hair
Even as a tiny baby, she had a thick head of hair.
get your head down UK INFORMAL
to direct all your efforts into the particular task you are involved in
I'm going to get my head down and try and finish this report before I go home
today.
get sth into your head
to start to believe something
When will you get it into your head that he's not coming back?
One day, she got it into her head (= decided for no reason) that we all hated her.
get/put your head down INFORMAL
to sleep
I'm just going to put my head down for a couple of hours.
give head OFFENSIVE
to perform fellatio or cunnilingus
give sb their head OLD-FASHIONED
to allow someone to do what they want to do without trying to help them or give
them advice
go over sb's head
to speak to or ask permission from someone who has more authority than the
person who you would normally go to in that situation
Amanda was refusing to give me the week off so I went over her head and spoke
to the boss.
go to sb's head
1. If something goes to someone's head, it makes them think that they are very
important and makes them a less pleasant person
Don't let fame/success go to your head.
2. If alcohol goes to your head, it makes you feel slightly drunk
Champagne always goes straight to my head.
have your business/sensible, etc. head on INFORMAL
used for saying that you are considering something from a particular way of
thinking
I had my sensible head on that morning and knew we couldn't afford to buy the
car.
have your head (buried/stuck) in a book
to be reading
Rose always has her head buried in a book.
have your head in the clouds
to not know the facts of a situation
have your head screwed on (the right way) INFORMAL
to be practical and wise
Ask Lois to help - she's got her head screwed on the right way.
head and shoulders above
If someone or something is head and shoulders above other people or things,
they are a lot better than them
There's no competition - they're head and shoulders above the rest.
head over heels (in love)
completely in love
Heads I win, tails you lose. HUMOROUS SAYING
said about a situation in which you will win whatever happens
heads or tails?
asked before you throw a coin into the air and want someone else to guess which
side it will land on
Heads will roll!
something that is said to mean that people will be punished for something bad
that has happened
keep your head ( ALSO keep a cool head )
to stay calm despite great difficulties
She kept her head under pressure and went on to win the race.
keep your head above water
to just be able to manage, especially when you have financial difficulties
The business is in trouble, but we are just about keeping our heads above water.
keep your head down
to avoid trouble
He's in a bad mood today - I'm just keeping my head down.
laugh/shout/scream, etc. your head off INFORMAL
to laugh, shout, scream, etc. very noisily and for a long time
There I was lying face down on the pavement and you two were laughing your
heads off!
over your head
too difficult or strange for you to understand
I tried to take in what he was saying about nuclear fusion, but most of it went
over my head.
put their heads together
If two or more people put their heads together, they plan something together
If we put our heads together, we can think of a solution.
take it into your head to do sth
to suddenly decide to do something, often something silly or surprising
Anyway, they took it into their heads to get married.
head verb GO
1. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to go in a particular direction
I was heading out of the room when she called me back.
We were heading towards Kumasi when our truck broke down.
He headed straight for (= went towards) the fridge.
I think we ought to head back/home (= return to where we started) now, before
it gets too dark.
head verb LEADER
2. [ T ] to be in charge of a group or organization
She heads one of Britain's leading travel firms.
Judge Hawthorne was chosen to head the team investigating the allegations of
abuse.
head verb TOP PART
3. [ T ] to be at the front or top of something
The Queen's carriage headed the procession.
Jo's name headed the list of candidates.
head verb SPORT
4. [ T ] to hit a ball with your head
Owen headed the ball into the back of the net.
head for sth phrasal verb
to be likely to experience a bad situation soon, because of your own actions or
behaviour
They're heading for disaster if they're not careful.
The country is heading for recession.
head off phrasal verb
to start a journey or leave a place
What time are you heading off?
head sb/sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to force someone or something to change direction
I tried to head the dog off by running towards it.
head sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to prevent a difficult or unpleasant situation from happening
The company is putting up wages to head off a strike.
-head suffix
-head suffix
headache noun [ C ] PAIN
1. a pain you feel inside your head
I've got a splitting (= severe) headache.
headache noun [ C ] DIFFICULTY
2. something that causes you great difficulty and worry
Finding a babysitter for Saturday evening will be a major headache.
headachy adjective
having a headache
I knew I was getting a cold when I started feeling tired and headachy.
headband noun [ C ]
a narrow strip of material worn around the head, usually to keep your hair or
sweat out of your eyes
headbanger noun [ C ]
1. someone, especially a boy or young man, who enjoys listening to loud,
energetic rock music
2. UK a stupid or silly person
headbanging noun [ U ]
the activity of shaking your head up and down with great force to the beat of rock
music
headboard noun [ C ]
a vertical board at the end of a bed behind where your head rests
head-butt verb [ T ]
to hit someone violently on the head or in the face using the front of your head
head-butt noun [ C ]
headcase noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who behaves strangely or who is very silly or violent
headcheese noun [ U ]
US FOR brawn (FOOD)
ˈ head ˌ cold noun [ C ]
a cold when your nose feels very blocked
headdress noun [ C ]
a decorative covering for the head
headed adjective [ after verb ]
going in a particular direction
Which way are you headed?
-headed suffix
having the number or type of heads mentioned
a many-headed monster
ˌ headed ˈ notepaper noun [ U ]
writing paper with a person's or organization's name and address printed at the
top of it
header noun [ C ] FOOTBALL
1. the act of hitting the ball with your head in football
A fine header!
header noun [ C ] TEXT
2. SPECIALIZED a piece of text, such as a title or initials, that appears at the top of
every page in a document or book
Compare footer
headfirst adjective , adverb
1. [ before noun ] ( US ALSO headlong ) with the head going first
She dived headfirst into the pool.
2. without thinking or preparation
You shouldn't rush headfirst into starting your own business without proper
advice.
headgear noun [ U ]
a hat or other covering that is worn on the head
When riding a bicycle, you should wear the proper headgear.
headhunt verb [ T ]
to persuade someone to leave their job by offering them another job with more
pay and a higher position
She was headhunted by a rival firm.
headhunt verb [ T ]
to persuade someone to leave their job by offering them another job with more
pay and a higher position
She was headhunted by a rival firm.
headhunter noun [ C ] FIGHTER
1. a member of a tribe that keeps the heads of the enemies that it has killed
headhunter noun [ C ] JOB
2. a person who tries to persuade someone to leave their job by offering them
another job with more pay and a higher position
heading noun [ C ]
words written or printed at the top of a text as a title
headland , noun [ C ]
a piece of land that sticks out from the coast into the sea
headless adjective
without a head
a headless corpse
run round like a headless chicken
to be very busy doing a lot of things, but in a way that is not very effective
headlight noun [ C usually plural ] ( UK ALSO headlamp )
a large powerful light at the front of a vehicle, usually one of two
I could see a car's headlights coming towards me.
It was foggy, and all the cars had their headlights on .
Dip your headlights (= Make them shine downwards) when you see another car
coming towards you.
Compare sidelight
be like a deer/rabbit caught in the headlights
to be so frightened or surprised that you cannot move or think
Each time they asked him a question he was like a deer caught in the headlights.
headline noun [ C ]
a line of words printed in large letters as the title of a story in a newspaper, or the
main points of the news that are broadcast on television or radio
The news of his death was splashed in headlines across all the newspapers.
the eight o'clock headlines
Compare by-line
headline verb [ T + obj + noun ]
1. to have something as a headline or as the main story
The story was headlined 'Killer dogs on the loose'.
2. to be the main performer at an entertainment event
The band's headlining appearance at the Reading Festival could be their last.
headlong adverb , adjective
1. [ before noun ] with great speed or without thinking
The car skidded and plunged headlong over the cliff.
In the headlong rush to buy houses, many people got into debt.
2. US FOR headfirst
headlong adverb , adjective

1. [ before noun ] with great speed or without thinking
The car skidded and plunged headlong over the cliff.
In the headlong rush to buy houses, many people got into debt.
2. US FOR headfirst
headman noun [ C ]
the chief (= leader) of a village or tribe
headmaster noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a male headteacher
headmistress noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a female headteacher
ˌ head ˈ office noun [ C usually singular + sing/pl verb ]
the most important office of an organization or company, or the people working
there
Paul was transferred to our head office in London.
Head office have asked for a report.
ˌ head of ˈ state noun [ C ]
the official leader of a country, often someone who has few or no real political
powers
head-on adjective [ before noun ] , adverb
describes an accident in which the fronts of two vehicles hit each other
The car crossed the road and hit a truck head-on.
a head-on collision
headphones plural noun
headphones
a device with a part to cover each ear through which you can listen to music,
radio broadcasts, etc. without other people hearing
headquarters noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] ( ABBREVIATION HQ )
the main offices of an organization such as the army, police or a business
company
The company's headquarters is/are in Amsterdam.
headquarters noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] ( ABBREVIATION HQ )
the main offices of an organization such as the army, police or a business
company
The company's headquarters is/are in Amsterdam.
headrest noun [ C ]
the part of a chair that supports the head, especially a support fixed to the back
of the seat of a car
headroom , noun [ U ]
the amount of space below a roof or bridge
It's a small car but there's lots of headroom.
headscarf noun [ C ]
headscarf
a square piece of material worn on the head by women, often folded into a
triangle and tied under the chin
a silk headscarf
headset noun [ C ]
a set of headphones , especially one with a microphone fixed to it
headship noun
1. [ C ] MAINLY UK the position of being in charge of an organization or, especially
in Britain, in charge of a school
Dozens of well-qualified teachers applied for the headship.
2. [ C usually singular ] MAINLY UK the period during which a particular person is in
charge of a school or other organization
A lot of changes have taken place during her headship.
headstand noun [ C ]
when you balance upside down on your head, using your hands to support you
ˌ head ˈ start noun [ C usually singular ]
an advantage that someone has over other people in something such as a
competition or race
You've got a head start over/on others trying to get the job because you've got
relevant work experience.
headstone noun [ C ]
a large stone that is put at one end of a grave with the name of the person who
has died and other details such as the year they died
headstone noun [ C ]
a large stone that is put at one end of a grave with the name of the person who
has died and other details such as the year they died
headstrong adjective
very determined to do what you want without listening to others
She was a headstrong child, always getting into trouble.
heads-up noun [ S ] INFORMAL
a warning that something is going to happen, usually so that you can prepare for
it
This note is just to give you a heads-up that Vicky will be arriving next week.
headteacher noun [ C ] MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY principal , UK ALSO head )
someone who is in charge of a school
head-to-head noun [ C ]
a direct competition between two people or teams
a head-to-head contest
headway noun
make headway
to make progress or get closer to achieving something
I'm trying to learn to drive, but I'm not making much headway ( with it).
Little headway has been made so far in the negotiations.
headwind noun [ C ]
a wind blowing in the opposite direction to the one you are moving in
The runners had to battle against a stiff/strong headwind.
heady adjective
having a powerful effect, making you feel slightly drunk or excited
a heady wine/perfume
In the heady days of their youth, they thought anything was possible.
heal verb [ I or T ]
1. to make or become well again, especially after a cut or other injury
The wounds were gradually healing (up) .
The plaster cast helps to heal the broken bone.
2. If a bad situation or painful emotion heals, it ends or improves, and if
something heals it, it makes it end or improve
Peace talks were held to try to heal the growing rift between the two sides.
A broken heart takes a long time to heal.
healing noun [ U ]
the healing properties of plants
heal verb [ I or T ]
1. to make or become well again, especially after a cut or other injury
The wounds were gradually healing (up) .
The plaster cast helps to heal the broken bone.
2. If a bad situation or painful emotion heals, it ends or improves, and if
something heals it, it makes it end or improve
Peace talks were held to try to heal the growing rift between the two sides.
A broken heart takes a long time to heal.
healing noun [ U ]
the healing properties of plants
healer noun [ C ]
a person who has the power to heal people without using ordinary medicines
a spiritual healer
health noun [ U ]
1. the condition of the body and the degree to which it is free from illness, or the
state of being well
to be in good/poor health
Regular exercise is good for your health.
I had to give up drinking for health reasons.
He gave up work because of ill- health.
2. the condition of something that changes or develops, such as an organization
or system
the financial health of the business
ˈ health au ˌ thority noun [ C usually singular ]
in Britain, an organization that is responsible for hospitals and medical services in
a particular area
healthcare noun [ U ]
the set of services provided by a country or an organization for the treatment of
the physically and the mentally ill
Healthcare workers are some of the lowest paid people in the country.
ˈ health ˌ centre noun [ C ]
a building in which several doctors have offices and where people go to visit them
ˈ health ˌ farm noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY health spa )
a place where you go for a holiday and eat healthy food, take exercise, etc.
ˈ health ˌ food noun [ C or U ]
food that is believed to be good for you because it does not contain artificial
chemicals or much sugar or fat
Compare junk food
healthful adjective US
helping to produce good health
A healthful diet includes lots of green vegetables.
healthful adjective US
helping to produce good health
A healthful diet includes lots of green vegetables.
ˈ health in ˌ surance noun [ U ]
when you make regular payments to an insurance company in exchange for that
company paying most or all of the costs of your medical care
ˈ health ˌ service noun [ C ]
a public service which provides medical treatment
ˈ health ˌ visitor noun [ C ] UK
a person employed to give advice to people, especially older people and the
parents of very young children, about health care, sometimes by visiting them in their
own homes
healthy adjective HEALTH
1. strong and well
She's a normal healthy child.
He looks healthy enough.
2. showing that you are strong and well
The walk had given her a healthy glow.
a healthy appetite
3. good for your health
a healthy diet
a good healthy walk
healthy adjective SUCCESSFUL
4. successful and strong
a healthy economy
healthy adjective NORMAL
5. normal and showing good judgment
a healthy disrespect for authority
healthily adverb
Eat healthily (= Eat foods that are good for you) and take plenty of exercise.
heap noun [ C ]
an untidy pile or mass of things
a heap of clothes/rubbish
the bottom of the heap
People who are at the bottom of the heap are poor and unsuccessful and have the
lowest position in society.
collapse/fall in a heap
to fall down heavily and lie on the ground without moving
The woman staggered and collapsed in a heap.
a (whole) heap of sth INFORMAL
a lot of something
I've got a whole heap of work to do.
heap verb [ T + adv/prep ]
to put things into a large untidy pile
He heaped more food onto his plate.
heap sth on sb phrasal verb
to give someone a lot of praise/criticism, etc
He deals well with all the criticism heaped on him.
heaped adjective
(of a spoon or plate) containing as much as possible
Add a heaped teaspoonful of sugar.
heaped adjective
(of a spoon or plate) containing as much as possible
Add a heaped teaspoonful of sugar.
heaps plural noun , adverb INFORMAL
a lot
Let Sarah pay for dinner, she's got heaps of money.
Our new house is heaps bigger than our last one.
hear verb RECEIVE SOUND
1. [ I or T ] to receive or become conscious of a sound using your ears
She heard a noise outside.
My grandfather is getting old and can't hear very well.
You'll have to speak up, I can't hear you.
[ + object + -ing verb ] I heard/I could hear someone call ing my name.
[ + object + infinitive without to ] At eight o'clock Jane heard him go out.
hear verb BE TOLD
2. [ I or T ] to be told or learn (of); receive news
Have you heard the news?
If you haven't heard by Friday, assume I'm not coming.
[ + question word ] Have you heard wh at's happened?
[ + ( that ) ] I hear (that) you're leaving.
hear verb LISTEN
3. [ T ] to listen to someone or something with great attention or officially in court
I heard a really interesting programme on the radio this morning.
[ + infinitive without to ] I heard the orchestra play at Carnegie Hall last summer.
An audience gathered to hear him speak.
FORMAL Lord, hear our prayers.
The case will be heard (= officially listened to) by the High Court.
can't hear yourself think
If you cannot hear yourself think, you cannot give your attention to anything
because there is so much noise
There was so much noise in the classroom that I could hardly hear myself think.
do you hear?
a way of emphasizing that you want people to give their attention to what you are
saying
I won't stand for this rudeness, do you hear?
hear tell (of) OLD-FASHIONED
If you hear tell (of) something, someone tells you about it.
hear wedding bells INFORMAL
to think that someone is going to get married
She knew that if she brought her boyfriend home her mother would start hearing
wedding bells.
Hear, hear!
said to strongly agree with what someone else has just said
I must be hearing things. HUMOROUS
said when you cannot believe something because it is so unlikely
He's offered to wash the dishes - I must be hearing things.
will never hear the end of it INFORMAL
If you say you will never hear the end of it, you mean that someone is repeatedly
going to speak proudly, criticize, etc. about something
If Linda gets that promotion, we'll never hear the end of it.
won't hear a word (said) against sb/sth
If you won't hear a word said against someone or something, you refuse to
believe anything bad about them
He's completely infatuated with the woman and won't hear a word said against
her.
You could have heard a pin drop.
something that you say in order to describe a situation where there was complete
silence, especially because people were very interested or very surprised by what was
happening
Margaret's ex-husband turned up at the wedding. Honestly, you could have heard
a pin drop.
hear from sb phrasal verb
If you hear from someone, you get a letter or telephone call from them, or they
tell you something
We haven't heard from her for ages.
You'll be hearing from my solicitors (= They will write to you about my complaint)
.
hear of sb/sth phrasal verb
If you have heard of someone or something, you know that that person or thing
exists
I'd never heard of him before he won the prize.
It's a tiny country that most people have never heard of.
not hear of sth phrasal verb
If someone says they will not hear of something, they mean they will not allow it,
usually when you want to do something good for them
I wanted to pay but she wouldn't hear of it.
hear sth of sb phrasal verb
to receive news about someone
We haven't heard anything of Jan for months.
hear sb out phrasal verb
to listen to someone until they have said everything they want to say
At least hear me out before making up your mind.
hearer noun [ C ]
a person who hears or listens to something
Jokes establish an intimacy between the teller and the hearer.
hearer noun [ C ]
hearing noun MEETING
1. [ C ] an official meeting that is held to collect the facts about an event or
problem
A disciplinary hearing will examine charges of serious professional misconduct
against three surgeons.
I think we should give him a (fair) hearing (= we should listen to what he wants
to say) .
hearing noun ABILITY
2. [ U ] the ability to hear
He's getting old and his hearing isn't very good.
ˈ hearing ˌ aid noun [ C ]
hearing aid
a device worn inside or next to the ear by people who cannot hear well in order to
help them to hear better
hearing-impaired adjective
A person who is hearing-impaired cannot hear or cannot hear well.
hearken verb [ I ] LITERARY
to listen
hearsay noun [ U ]
information you have heard, although you do not know whether it is true or not
The evidence against them is all hearsay.
hearse noun [ C ]
hearse
a vehicle used to carry a body in a coffin to a funeral
heart noun ORGAN
heart
1. [ C ] the organ in your chest that sends the blood around your body
heart disease/failure
He's got a weak/bad heart (= His heart is not healthy) .
Isabel's heart was beating fast with fright.
See also picture heart
heart noun EMOTIONS
2. [ C or U ] used to refer to a person's character, or the place within a person
where their feelings or emotions are considered to come from
She has a good heart (= She is a kind person) .
I love you, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart (= very sincerely) .
I love you with all my heart (= very much) .
He said he'd never marry but he had a change of heart (= his feelings changed)
when he met her.
Homelessness is a subject very close/dear to her heart (= is very important to
her and she has strong feelings about it) .
He broke her heart (= made her very sad) when he left her for another woman.
It breaks my heart (= makes me feel very sad) to see him so unhappy.
They say he died of a broken heart (= because he was so sad) .
OLD-FASHIONED It does my heart good (= makes me very happy) to see those
children so happy.
His heart leapt (= He suddenly felt very excited and happy) when the phone
rang.
heart noun CENTRE
3. [ S ] the central or most important part
The demonstrators will march through the heart of the capital.
A disagreement about boundaries is at the heart of the dispute.
Let's get to the heart of the matter .
4. [ C ] the firm central part of a vegetable, especially one with a lot of leaves
artichoke hearts
the heart of a lettuce
See picture heart
heart noun BRAVERY
5. [ U ] bravery or determination or hope
You're doing really well - don't lose heart now.
Take heart - things can only get better.
heart noun SHAPE
6. [ C ] a shape, consisting of two half circles next to each other at the top and a
v-shape at the bottom, which is often coloured pink or red, and which represents love
See picture heart
7. [ C ] a card, with a red heart shape on it, which belongs to one of the four suits
in a set of playing cards
See picture heart
after your own heart
having the same opinions or interests as you
She's a woman after my own heart.
be all heart
to be very kind and generous. This phrase is often used humorously to mean the
opposite
She's all heart.
HUMOROUS "He deserves all he gets." "Oh, you're all heart (= you are not kind) !"
(off) by heart
learnt in such a way that you can say it from memory
My father can still recite the poems he learned off by heart at school.
Have a heart!
used to ask someone to be kinder to you
Don't make me write it again! Have a heart!
have a heart of gold
to be very kind and generous
She has a heart of gold.
have a heart of stone
to be unkind or cruel
your heart aches
If your heart aches, you feel sad or feel a sense of sympathy and sadness for the
suffering of other people
His heart ached with pity for her.
heart and soul LITERARY
completely
She loves those children heart and soul.
your heart goes out to sb
If your heart goes out to someone who is in trouble, you feel sympathy for them
Our hearts go out to the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy.
heart in your boots UK INFORMAL
feeling very sad, disappointed, worried, etc
Their hearts were in their boots when they realized that they would have to do the
work all over again.
your heart in your mouth
If your heart is in your mouth, you are feeling extremely nervous
My heart was in my mouth when I opened the letter.
her/his heart is in the right place
said about someone who you think has good intentions
He's an odd man but his heart is in the right place.
your heart isn't in it
If your heart isn't in it, you do not feel interested or enthusiastic about something
I tried to look interested, but my heart wasn't in it.
your heart skips/misses a beat
When your heart skips/misses a beat, you feel very excited or nervous
Every time he looks at me my heart skips a beat.
your heart's desire LITERARY
the thing or person you most want
in your heart of hearts
in your most secret and true thoughts
I didn't want to believe it, but in my heart of hearts I knew that it was true.
my heart bleeds for sb
used to say that you feel great sadness for someone. This phrase is often used
humorously to mean the opposite
HUMOROUS John complains he only has two cars - my heart bleeds for him (= I
certainly do not feel sadness about that) !
not have the heart to do sth
to feel unable to do something because you feel it would unkind
She asked me to go with her and I didn't have the heart to refuse.
put your heart and soul into sth
to make a lot of effort to do something
She's one of those people who puts their heart and soul into their work.
sb's heart sinks
to feel disappointed or to lose hope
My heart sank when I realized we couldn't afford the new house.
set your heart on sth/doing sth
to want to get or achieve something very much
She's set her heart on having a pony.
take sth to heart
If you take criticism or advice to heart, you think about it seriously, often because
it upsets you
Don't take it to heart - he was only joking about your hair.
to your heart's content
If you do something to your heart's content, you do something enjoyable for as
long as you want to do it
You've got a whole week to yourself and you can read to your heart's content.
hearer noun [ C ]
problem
to say) .
hearing aid
to listen
hearsay noun [ U ]
hearse noun [ C ]
hearse
heart noun ORGAN
heart
heart noun EMOTIONS
when he met her.
children so happy.
rang.
heart noun CENTRE
artichoke hearts
See picture heart
heart noun BRAVERY
heart noun SHAPE
See picture heart
See picture heart
be all heart
opposite
She's all heart.
(off) by heart
Have a heart!
your heart aches
completely
sb's heart sinks
take sth to heart
it upsets you
heartache noun [ C or U ] LITERARY
feelings of great sadness
You've caused me nothing but heartache.
She writes about the joys and heartaches of bringing up children.
ˈ heart at ˌ tack noun [ C ]
a serious medical condition in which the heart does not get enough blood, causing
great pain and often leading to death
John had a heart attack three years ago.
nearly/almost have a heart attack INFORMAL
to be extremely surprised or shocked
I almost had a heart attack when I found out how much the meal cost.
heartbeat noun [ C or U ]
the regular movement or sound that the heart makes as it sends blood around
your body
a steady heartbeat
heartbreak noun [ U ]
feelings of great sadness or disappointment
The kidnap has caused the family months of heartbreak and suffering.
heartbreaking adjective
causing extreme sadness
a heartbreaking story
It is heartbreaking ( for him) that he cannot see his children.
See also heartrending
heartbroken adjective
extremely sad
If she ever left him he would be heartbroken.
heartburn noun [ U ]
a painful burning feeling in the lower chest caused by the stomach not digesting
food correctly
-hearted suffix
having a character or feelings of the stated type
a light-hearted play
-heartedly suffix
-heartedness suffix
hearten verb [ T ]
to make someone feel happier and more positive about a situation
Anti-government protesters have been heartened by recent government promises
of free and fair elections.
Opposite dishearten
heartened adjective [ after verb ]
feeling happier and more positive about something
I was heartened to hear reports that the tickets for the show were selling well.
We all felt heartened by the news.
heartening adjective
making you feel happier and more positive
It was heartening to see so many people at the rally.
ˈ heart ˌ failure noun [ U ]
when the heart stops working correctly or stops completely
heartfelt adjective
strongly felt and sincere
heartfelt relief
FORMAL Please accept my heartfelt apologies/thanks .
hearth noun [ C ]
1. the area around a fireplace or the area of floor in front of it
A bright fire was burning in the hearth.
2. LITERARY a home, especially when seen as a place of comfort and love
They were reluctant to leave hearth and home .
heartily adverb ENTHUSIASTIC
1. enthusiastically, energetically and often loudly
She laughed heartily at the joke.
heartily adverb LARGE
2. completely or very much
I am heartily sick of the whole situation.
heartland noun [ C ]
the central or most important area
the Labour/Tory heartlands
heartless adjective
cruel and not worrying about other people
Don't be so heartless!
ˈ heart ˌ murmur noun [ C usually singular ]
a condition in which unusual sounds can be heard in the heart, sometimes as a
result of a fault in its structure
heartrending adjective
causing great sympathy or sadness
a heartrending story
See also heartbreaking
heart-searching noun [ U ]
when you think very seriously about your feelings, usually before making an
important decision
After a lot of heart-searching, we decided to split up.
heartsick adjective LITERARY
very sad or disappointed
heartstrings plural noun
pull/tug, etc. at the heartstrings
to cause strong feelings of love or sympathy
It's the story of a lost child - guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings.
heartthrob , heart-throb noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a famous man, often a singer or an actor, who is attractive to many women
heart-to-heart noun [ C usually singular ]
a serious conversation between two people, usually close friends, in which they
talk honestly about their feelings
We had a heart-to-heart over a bottle of wine.
a heart-to-heart talk/chat
heartwarming adjective
(especially of an event, action or story) seeming to be something positive and
good and therefore causing feelings of pleasure and happiness
a heartwarming tale of triumph over adversity
hearty adjective ENTHUSIASTIC
1. enthusiastic, energetic, and often loudly expressed
a hearty welcome
a hearty laugh
hearty adjective LARGE
2. large or (especially of food) in large amounts
We ate a hearty breakfast before we set off.
She's got a hearty appetite (= she eats a lot) .
3. OLD-FASHIONED very great
She has a hearty dislike of any sort of office work.
heat noun TEMPERATURE
1. [ S or U ] the quality of being hot or warm, or the temperature of something
the heat of the sun/fire
How do you manage to work in this heat without air conditioning?
She always wore a coat, even in the heat of summer.
Cook the meat on a high/low heat (= at a high/low temperature) .
heat noun RACE
2. [ C ] a less important race or competition in which it is decided who will
compete in the final event
heat noun ANIMAL
3. UK on/ US in heat describes an animal that is in a state of sexual excitement
and ready to breed
in the heat of the moment
If you say or do something in the heat of the moment, you say or do it without
thinking because you are very angry or excited
He didn't mean it - he said it in the heat of the moment.
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. SAYING
used as a way to tell someone that they should either stop complaining about a
difficult or unpleasant activity, or stop doing it
put the heat on sb INFORMAL
to try to persuade or force someone to do something
take the heat off sb INFORMAL
If someone or something takes the heat off you, they reduce the amount of
criticism you have to deal with
The deputy's resignation over the scandal has taken some of the heat off his
superior.
the heat is on SLANG
If you say the heat is on, you mean that a time of great activity and/or pressure
has begun
With only months to go before the deadline, the heat is on.
heat verb [ I or T ]
to make something hot or warm, or to become hot or warm
A large house like this must be expensive to heat.
Shall I heat up some soup for lunch?
heated adjective TEMPERATURE
1. describes something which has been made hot or warm
a heated towel rail
a heated swimming pool
heated adjective EMOTION
2. excited or angry
a heated debate
heatedly adverb
in an excited or angry way
heater noun [ C ]
a device which produces heat
a gas/electric heater
ˈ heat ex ˌ haustion noun [ U ] ( US ALSO heat prostration )
a condition in which you feel very weak and ill after being in a very hot place for
too long
heath noun [ C ]
an area of land that is not used for growing crops, where grass and other small
plants grow, but where there are few trees or bushes
ˈ heat ˌ haze noun [ U ] UK ( US haze )
an effect of very hot sun, making it difficult to see objects clearly
When the heat haze lifted, the island could be seen clearly.
heathen adjective OLD USE DISAPPROVING
(of people or their way of life, activities and ideas) having no religion, or
belonging to a religion that is not Christianity, Judaism or Islam
heathen noun [ C ]
1. OLD USE DISAPPROVING a person who has no religion, or who belongs to a religion
that is not Christianity, Judaism or Islam
2. the heathen
[ plural ] OLD-FASHIONED heathen people
Those who attempted to convert the heathen were put to death.
3. HUMOROUS someone who behaves as if they are not educated
He's such a heathen - he's never even heard of Puccini.
heather noun [ C or U ]
a low spreading bush with small pink, purple or white flowers, which grows wild,
especially on hills
heathland noun [ C or U ]
an area of heath
Heath Robinson adjective UK HUMOROUS OLD-FASHIONED
describes a machine which is very cleverly made and is complicated in a silly and
humorous way, but which is not practical or effective enough for general use
a Heath Robinson contraption
heating noun [ U ] ( US heat )
the system that keeps a building warm
Is the heating on ?
See also central heating
ˈ heat ˌ rash noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO prickly heat )
a condition in which the skin feels uncomfortable and is covered by red spots
heat-seeking adjective [ before noun ]
describes a weapon that can direct itself towards something hot, especially the
hot engine of an aircraft
heat-seeking missiles
ˈ heat ˌ shield noun [ C ]
the part of a spacecraft's structure which prevents it from getting too hot as it
returns to Earth
ˈ heat ˌ stroke noun [ U ]
a condition which can lead to death, caused by being too long in a very hot place
ˈ heat ˌ treatment noun [ C usually singular ]
when a part of the body is heated with an electrical device, usually in order to
relax it
ˈ heat ˌ wave noun [ C usually singular ]
a period of time such as a few weeks when the weather is much hotter than usual
heave verb MOVE
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to move something heavy using a lot
of effort
He heaved the bag onto his shoulder
He cleared a space, heaving boxes out of the way.
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to throw something forcefully,
especially something large and heavy
She picked up a great book and heaved it at him.
3. [ I ] If something heaves, it makes one or more large movements up and down
As the wind increased, the deck of the ship began to heave beneath his feet.
heave verb VOMIT
4. [ I ] to feel as if you are going to vomit
The smell of the fish made me/my stomach heave.
heave a sigh of relief
to suddenly feel very happy because something unpleasant has not happened or
has ended
We both heaved a sigh of relief when she left.
heave noun [ C ]
when you throw, push or pull something with a lot of effort
They gave a great heave and rolled the boulder out of the way.
ˌ heave ˈ ho exclamation OLD-FASHIONED
a phrase which you say or shout when you are making a big effort to pull or lift
something
ˌ heave ˈ ho noun
the ˌ heave- ˈ ho INFORMAL HUMOROUS
give sb the heave-ho
1. to take someone's job away from them, usually because they have done
something wrong
The newspaper's foreign editor was given the heave-ho yesterday.
2. to end a romantic relationship with someone
heaven noun
1. [ U ] in some religions, the place, sometimes imagined to be in the sky, where
God or the gods live and where good people are believed to go after they die, so that
they can enjoy perfect happiness
2. [ U ] INFORMAL a situation that gives you great pleasure
I just lay in the sun for a week and did nothing - it was heaven.
3. the heavens
the sky
We stared up at the heavens trying to see the comet.
the heavens open
If the heavens open, it suddenly starts to rain a lot
Just as we got to the park, the heavens opened.
heavenly adjective
1. of heaven
heavenly music
heavenly light
2. giving great pleasure
It was a good party and the food was heavenly.
ˌ heavenly ˈ body noun [ C ]
any object existing in space, especially a planet, star, or the moon
ˌ heavenly ˈ host noun [ C ] LITERARY
a group of angels
Heavens (above)! exclamation ( ALSO Good Heavens! ) OLD-FASHIONED
used to express surprise or anger
heaven-sent adjective
If someone or something is heaven-sent, they arrive or happen, usually
unexpectedly, at the time when they are most useful.
heavenward adverb ( ALSO heavenwards ) LITERARY
upwards
She raised her eyes heavenward.
heavily adverb TO A GREAT DEGREE
1. to a great degree
The terrorists are heavily armed.
The compound is heavily guarded.
She's heavily involved in the project.
heavily adverb WEIGHING A LOT
2. in a way which needs a lot of effort to move or lift
The news she had received weighed heavily on her (= worried her) .
heavily adverb SOLID
3. in a strong, thick or solid way
He's a heavily built (= large and strong) man.
be heavily into sth INFORMAL
to be very interested in and involved with something
When I was younger I was heavily into politics.
heaviness noun [ U ] WEIGHING A LOT
1. when something weighs a lot
heaviness noun [ U ] TO A GREAT DEGREE
2. when something happens or is done to a great degree
We were delayed by the heaviness of the traffic.
heaving adjective BUSY
1. INFORMAL full of people
The bar was absolutely heaving.
heaving adjective MOVING
2. moving in large movements up and down
He stood on the heaving deck.
heavy adjective WEIGHING A LOT
1. weighing a lot; needing effort to move or lift
heavy equipment
heavy work/lifting
How heavy is that box (= How much does it weigh) ?
heavy adjective TO A GREAT DEGREE
2. (especially of something unpleasant) of very or especially great force, amount
or degree
a heavy blow to the head
heavy fighting
heavy traffic
heavy rain/snow
a heavy smoker/drinker
a heavy sleeper
3. heavy seas
sea which is rough with large waves
heavy adjective SOLID
4. thick, strong, solid or strongly made
a heavy winter coat
a heavy meal (= a large amount of solid food)
a big man with heavy features
5. describes soil which is thick and difficult to dig or walk through
6. thick, solid-looking and not delicate
The sun disappeared behind heavy clouds.
heavy adjective MACHINES
7. describes machines or vehicles that are very large and powerful
heavy artillery/machinery
heavy adjective UNPLEASANT
8. OLD-FASHIONED SLANG describes something such as a situation that is dangerous
or unpleasant
Then the police arrived and things got really heavy.
a heavy date US AUSTRALIAN HUMOROUS
a planned meeting between two people who are very interested in having a
romantic or sexual relationship
I think Carol has a heavy date - she's been in the bathroom for over an hour.
have a heavy foot US INFORMAL
to drive a car too fast
She has a heavy foot - does the trip in half the time it takes me!
a heavy heart
a feeling of unhappiness
With a heavy heart, she turned to wave goodbye.
a heavy hitter MAINLY US
someone who is powerful and has achieved a lot
Have you seen his resumé? He's a real heavy hitter.
be heavy on sb
to treat or punish someone severely
I think his parents are being a bit heavy on him.
be/go heavy on sth
to use a lot of something
The engine is heavy on fuel.
heavy with
If something is heavy with something else, it has a lot of it or is full of it
The trees were heavy with fruit.
The atmosphere was heavy with menace.
make heavy weather of sth UK DISAPPROVING
to find something hard to do and spend a lot of time on it, although it is not
difficult
She's making such heavy weather of that report she's writing.
heavy noun [ C ] SLANG
a large strong man employed to protect someone else or to frighten other people
Frank always took a couple of heavies along with him when he went collecting his
debts.
ˌ heavy ˈ breather noun [ C ]
a man who gets sexual pleasure from making telephone calls, saying nothing, and
breathing noisily
heavy-duty adjective [ before noun ]
describes clothing, machinery or equipment that is stronger than usual so that it
can be used a lot, especially in difficult conditions
heavy-duty tools/shoes
ˌ heavy ˈ going adjective
difficult to read or understand
I liked the film but the book was rather heavy going.
I'm finding the advanced physics a bit heavy going.
ˌ heavy ˈ goods vehicle noun [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION HGV ) UK
a large truck used for transporting goods
heavy-handed adjective DISAPPROVING
using too much force in dealing with someone
The protestors accused the police of using heavy-handed tactics .
ˌ heavy ˈ industry noun [ C usually singular ]
industry that uses large machines to produce either materials such as steel or
large goods such as ships and trains
ˌ heavy ˈ metal noun METAL
1. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a dense (= heavy in relation to its size) and usually poisonous
metal, such as lead
ˌ heavy ˈ metal noun MUSIC
2. [ U ] a style of rock music with a strong beat, played very loudly using
electrical instruments
ˌ heavy ˈ petting noun [ U ]
when two people kiss, hold and touch each other in a sexual way, but do not have
sex
heavy-set adjective
Someone who is heavy-set has a large, wide, strong body.
heavyweight noun [ C ]
1. a boxer who weighs more than 175 pounds (79.5 kilograms) and is therefore in
the heaviest group
Mike Tyson was heavyweight champion of the world.
Compare lightweight
2. a person or thing that is important or serious and that other people notice
Her extraordinary intelligence and speaking ability made her a political
heavyweight.
Hebrew noun
1. [ U ] the ancient language of the Jewish people and the official language of
modern Israel
2. [ C ] a Jewish person, used especially about the Jews of ancient Israel
Hebraic adjective
Hebraic studies
Hebrew adjective
heck exclamation , noun INFORMAL
an expression of usually slight anger or surprise, or a way of adding force to a
statement, question, etc
Oh heck! It's later than I thought.
Where the heck have you been?
a heck of a
used for emphasis; a very
It's a heck of a long way to the nearest shop from here.
what the heck
used to say that you will do something although you know you should not do it
The doctor said I shouldn't drink, but what the heck.
heckle verb [ I or T ]
to interrupt a public speech or performance with loud unfriendly statements or
questions
A few angry locals started heckling (the speaker).
heckler noun [ C ]
The heckler was ejected from the hall by a couple of police officers.
hectare noun [ C ]
a unit of measurement of an area of land (10, 000 m 2 )
hectic adjective
full of activity; very busy and fast
a hectic schedule
The area has become a haven for people tired of the hectic pace of city life.
hector verb [ T ] DISAPPROVING
to talk and behave towards someone in a loud and unpleasantly forceful way,
especially in order to get them to act or think as you want them to
hectoring adjective
He had a loud, hectoring manner.
he'd short form of
1. he had
He'd already spent all his money by the second day of the trip.
2. he would
He'd be able to do it, if anyone could.
hedge noun [ C ] BUSHES
hedge
1. a line of bushes or small trees planted very close together, especially along the
edge of a garden, field or road
a privet hedge
hedge noun [ C ] PROTECTION
2. a way of protecting, controlling or limiting something
She'd made some overseas investments as a hedge against rising inflation in this
country.
hedge verb
1. [ T + adverb or preposition usually passive ] to limit something severely
We've got permission, but it's hedged about/around with strict conditions.
2. [ I ] to try to avoid giving an answer or taking any action
Stop hedging and tell me what you really think.
hedge your bets
to protect yourself against loss by supporting more than one possible result or
both sides in a competition
They're hedging their bets and keeping up contacts with both companies.
ˈ hedge ˌ fund noun [ C ]
a financial service where money is invested (= given to companies hoping to get
more back) in a way which tries to make very big profits, but which has a big risk
a hedge fund manager
hedgehog noun [ C ]
hedgehog
a small brown mammal with a protective covering of spines on its back
hedgerow noun [ C ]
a line of different types of bushes and small trees growing very close together,
especially between fields or along the sides of roads in the countryside
hedge-trimmers plural noun
a tool with which you cut a garden hedge to keep it tidy
hedonism noun [ U ]
living and behaving in ways that mean you get as much pleasure out of life as
possible, according to the belief that the most important thing in life is to enjoy yourself
hedonist noun [ C ]
hedonistic adjective
the heebie-jeebies plural noun INFORMAL
strong feelings of fear or worry
Don't start talking about ghosts - they give me the heebie-jeebies.
heed verb [ T ] FORMAL
to pay attention to something, especially advice or a warning
The airline has been criticized for failing to heed advice/warnings about lack of
safety routines.
heed noun [ U ] FORMAL
attention
The company took no heed of (= did not consider) public opposition to the plans.
heedless adjective FORMAL
not giving attention to a risk or possible difficulty
Heedless destruction of the rainforests is contributing to global warming.
Journalists had insisted on getting to the front line of the battle, heedless of the
risks.
heedlessly adverb
hee-haw noun [ C ]
the sound that a donkey makes
heel noun [ C ] BODY PART
1. the rounded back part of the foot
See also well-heeled
See picture foot
2. the part of a sock or shoe which covers the heel of the foot
3. the raised part at the back of a shoe, under your heel
heel noun [ C ] PERSON
4. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a person who treats other people badly and unfairly
I felt like a real heel when I saw how I'd upset her.
heel noun [ C ] HAND
5. the raised part of the palm of your hand nearest the wrist
heel noun [ C ] END PART
6. the end part of something, especially of a loaf of bread, that is usually left after
the rest has been eaten or used
bring/call sth/sb to heel
1. to order a dog to come close to you
2. to force someone to obey you
come to heel
If a person or organization comes to heel, they agree to obey, usually because
they have been forcefully persuaded to do so.
come/follow hard/hot on the heels of sth
to happen very soon after something
For Walter, disaster followed hard on the heels of his initial success.
hard/hot on sb's heels
following someone very closely
She ran down the steps with a group of journalists hard on her heels.
take to your heels
to quickly run away
When they saw the soldiers coming, they took to their heels.
under the heel of sth or sb DISAPPROVING
completely controlled by something or someone
This country would never submit to living under the heel of a foreign power.
heel verb [ T ]
1. to repair the heel of a shoe
2. SPECIALIZED In rugby, to heel the ball is to kick it backwards with the heel.
heel exclamation
said to a dog to order it to come and stand close to you or to walk close to your
side as you walk
heel-bar noun [ C ] UK
a small shop which repairs shoes, especially while a customer waits
heeler noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a dog used to collect together cattle or sheep
heft verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to lift, hold or carry something heavy using your hands
I watched him heft the heavy sack onto his shoulder.
hefty adjective
large in amount, size, force, etc
a hefty bill/fine
Her salary will go up by a hefty 10%.
a hefty woman with dyed blond hair
hegemony , , noun [ U ] FORMAL
(especially of countries) the position of being the strongest and most powerful and
therefore able to control others
The three nations competed for regional hegemony.
hegemonic , adjective
heifer noun [ C ]
a young cow, especially one that has not yet given birth to a calf (= baby cow)
heigh-ho exclamation
used to express the fact that you cannot change a situation so you must accept it
height noun [ C or U ]
1. the distance from the top to the bottom of something, or the quality of being
tall
The sheer height of New York's skyscrapers is so impressive.
She's about average height (= neither short nor tall) .
2. the particular distance that something is above a surface
The bullet entered the body at chest height.
3. heights
a. high places, or the top of hills
Don't go up the tower if you're afraid of heights.
Machine guns were mounted along the heights behind the town.
b. a high level of success
He reached the heights of his profession at the age of 35.
Share prices scaled new heights yesterday.
Her husband rose to the dizzy/lofty heights of transport minister.
4. the height of sth
a. the time when a situation or event is strongest or most full of activity
August is the height of the tourist season.
At the height of the violence/crisis we were left without any help.
b. an extreme example of something
the height of fashion
c. the time when you are most successful in what you do
She was at the height of her career when he first met her.
heighten verb [ I or T ]
to increase or make something increase, especially an emotion or effect
The strong police presence only heightened the tension among the crowd.
heinous adjective FORMAL
very bad and shocking
a heinous crime
heir noun
1. [ C ] a person who will legally receive money, property or a title from another
person, especially an older member of the same family, when that other person dies
The guest of honour was the Romanoff heir to the throne of all Russia.
Despite having a large family, they still had no son and heir.
See also heiress
2. [ C usually singular ] someone who now has responsibility for dealing with a
problem or situation that existed or was created earlier
The French finance minister is heir to a tradition of central control that goes back
to Louis XIV's minister, Colbert.
3. [ C usually singular ] someone who continues to do the work of someone
important who has died or who has the same symbolic position as they had
ˌ heir ap ˈ parent noun [ C usually singular ]
1. the person with the automatic right to legally receive all or most of the money,
property, titles, etc. from another person when they die
The Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the throne.
2. a person who seems certain to take the place of someone in power when they
stop working
heiress noun [ C ]
a woman or girl who will receive or already has received a lot of money, property
or a title from another person, especially an older member of the same family, when
that person dies
the heiress to the throne
a Texan oil heiress
See also heir
heirloom noun [ C ]
a valuable object that has been given by older members of a family to younger
members of the same family over many years
This ring is a family heirloom.
heist noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a crime in which valuable things are taken illegally and often violently from a
place or person
a $2 million jewellery heist
held verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF hold
held adjective
kept or maintained
firmly held beliefs
widely held opinions
helicopter noun [ C ]
helicopter
a type of aircraft without wings, that has one or two sets of large blades which go
round very fast on top. It can land and take off vertically and can stay in one place in
the air
The injured were ferried to hospital by helicopter.
a helicopter pilot
helipad noun [ C ]
a place where a single helicopter can take off and land
heliport noun [ C ]
an airport for helicopters
helium noun [ U ]
a gas that is lighter than air, will not burn, is an element and is used in balloons ,
airships and some types of lights
helix noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a curve that goes around a central tube or cone shape in the form of a spiral
helical adjective SPECIALIZED
in the shape of a helix
helical molecules
a helical structure
hell noun
1. [ S or U ] an extremely unpleasant or difficult place, situation or experience
Work is sheer hell at the moment.
The last few months have been absolute hell.
See also hellhole ; infernal
2. [ S ] ( ALSO Hell ) in some religions, the place where some people are believed
to go after death to be punished forever for the bad things they have done during their
lives
I'll go to Hell for this.
3. make sb's life hell ( ALSO make life hell for sb ) INFORMAL
to cause a lot of problems for someone and make them very unhappy
I worked for her for two years and she made my life hell.
all hell breaks loose INFORMAL
If all hell breaks loose, a situation suddenly becomes violent and noisy, especially
with people arguing or fighting
One policeman drew his gun and then suddenly all hell broke loose.
come hell or high water INFORMAL
If you say that you will do something come hell or high water, you mean that you
are determined to do it, despite any difficulties that there might be
I'll get you to the airport by noon, come hell or high water!
for the hell of it INFORMAL
If you do something for the hell of it, you do it without having any particular
purpose or wish, but usually for enjoyment
I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I drove my van round Europe, just for the
hell of it.
from hell INFORMAL
used to say that someone or something is extremely bad
Now Miranda - she was the housemate from hell.
Poor Ann has the mother-in-law from hell.
give sb hell INFORMAL
1. If someone gives you hell, they criticize you severely
She gave me hell for being twenty minutes late.
2. If something gives you hell, it causes you a lot of pain
These new shoes are giving me hell.
go to hell INFORMAL
used to angrily tell someone to stop talking and go away
"Anyway, it's your own fault." "Oh, go to hell!"
go to hell and back INFORMAL
to live through an extremely unpleasant, difficult or painful experience
I've been to hell and back over this court case.
hell for leather OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
If you go, run, ride, etc. hell for leather, you go as fast as you can.
hell on Earth INFORMAL
an extremely unpleasant place or situation
Soldiers who survived the war described it as hell on Earth.
be hell on wheels US INFORMAL
to behave in an angry or difficult way
When he was drinking, Ken was hell on wheels.
there'll be hell to pay INFORMAL
something you say which means someone will be very angry if something
happens
There'll be hell to pay if she doesn't get the money in time.
when hell freezes over OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
If you say that something will happen when hell freezes over, you mean that it
will never happen.
hell exclamation , noun [ U ]
used to express anger or to add emphasis
Oh hell, I've forgotten my key!
What the hell was that noise?
We haven't got a hope in hell (= we have no hope) of meeting such a tight
deadline.
annoy/frighten/scare, etc. the hell out of sb INFORMAL
to make someone extremely annoyed/frightened, etc
He jumped out from behind a wall and scared the hell out of her.
(as) ... as hell INFORMAL
used to emphasize a description of an unpleasant characteristic
She's really quite unpleasant about other people and she's as mean as hell.
be hell-bent on sth INFORMAL
to be extremely determined to do something, without considering the risks or
possible dangerous results
He was hell-bent on revenge.
beat the hell out of sb INFORMAL
to hit someone repeatedly with great force
get the hell out of somewhere INFORMAL
to leave a place quickly
Let's get the hell out of here, before any shooting starts.
the hell you do US INFORMAL
used to tell someone that you do not believe what they have said or that you will
not allow them to do what they want
"I don't need your advice, Gene, I know what's good for me." "The hell you do!"
hell of a ( ALSO helluva ) INFORMAL
extremely, or extremely big
It's a/one hell of a big decision to take.
The house was in a/one hell of a mess.
like hell INFORMAL
1. very much
We ran like hell.
We worked like hell to finish the job.
It hurt like hell.
2. certainly not
"Try to be polite to him." "Like hell I will!"
to hell INFORMAL
If you wish or hope to hell that something is true or that it will happen, you are
saying how strongly you want it to be true or to happen
I hope to hell she hasn't missed that plane.
what the hell INFORMAL
said when you suddenly realize that your plan is not important to you and that
you will do something else
I was supposed to be working this evening but what the hell - I'll see you in the
pub in half an hour.
hearer noun [ C ]
problem
to say) .
hearing aid
to listen
hearsay noun [ U ]
hearse noun [ C ]
hearse
heart noun ORGAN
heart
heart noun EMOTIONS
when he met her.
children so happy.
rang.
heart noun CENTRE
artichoke hearts
See picture heart
heart noun BRAVERY
heart noun SHAPE
See picture heart
See picture heart
be all heart
opposite
She's all heart.
(off) by heart
Have a heart!
your heart aches
completely
sb's heart sinks
take sth to heart
it upsets you
heartache noun [ C or U ] LITERARY
feelings of great sadness
You've caused me nothing but heartache.
She writes about the joys and heartaches of bringing up children.
ˈ heart at ˌ tack noun [ C ]
a serious medical condition in which the heart does not get enough blood, causing
great pain and often leading to death
John had a heart attack three years ago.
nearly/almost have a heart attack INFORMAL
to be extremely surprised or shocked
I almost had a heart attack when I found out how much the meal cost.
heartbeat noun [ C or U ]
the regular movement or sound that the heart makes as it sends blood around
your body
a steady heartbeat
heartbreak noun [ U ]
feelings of great sadness or disappointment
The kidnap has caused the family months of heartbreak and suffering.
heartbreaking adjective
causing extreme sadness
a heartbreaking story
It is heartbreaking ( for him) that he cannot see his children.
See also heartrending
heartbroken adjective
extremely sad
If she ever left him he would be heartbroken.
heartburn noun [ U ]
a painful burning feeling in the lower chest caused by the stomach not digesting
food correctly
-hearted suffix
having a character or feelings of the stated type
a light-hearted play
-heartedly suffix
-heartedness suffix
hearten verb [ T ]
to make someone feel happier and more positive about a situation
Anti-government protesters have been heartened by recent government promises
of free and fair elections.
Opposite dishearten
heartened adjective [ after verb ]
feeling happier and more positive about something
I was heartened to hear reports that the tickets for the show were selling well.
We all felt heartened by the news.
heartening adjective
making you feel happier and more positive
It was heartening to see so many people at the rally.
ˈ heart ˌ failure noun [ U ]
when the heart stops working correctly or stops completely
heartfelt adjective
strongly felt and sincere
heartfelt relief
FORMAL Please accept my heartfelt apologies/thanks .
hearth noun [ C ]
1. the area around a fireplace or the area of floor in front of it
A bright fire was burning in the hearth.
2. LITERARY a home, especially when seen as a place of comfort and love
They were reluctant to leave hearth and home .
heartily adverb ENTHUSIASTIC
1. enthusiastically, energetically and often loudly
She laughed heartily at the joke.
heartily adverb LARGE
2. completely or very much
I am heartily sick of the whole situation.
heartland noun [ C ]
the central or most important area
the Labour/Tory heartlands
heartless adjective
cruel and not worrying about other people
Don't be so heartless!
ˈ heart ˌ murmur noun [ C usually singular ]
a condition in which unusual sounds can be heard in the heart, sometimes as a
result of a fault in its structure
heartrending adjective
causing great sympathy or sadness
a heartrending story
See also heartbreaking
heart-searching noun [ U ]
when you think very seriously about your feelings, usually before making an
important decision
After a lot of heart-searching, we decided to split up.
heartsick adjective LITERARY
very sad or disappointed
heartstrings plural noun
pull/tug, etc. at the heartstrings
to cause strong feelings of love or sympathy
It's the story of a lost child - guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings.
heartthrob , heart-throb noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a famous man, often a singer or an actor, who is attractive to many women
heart-to-heart noun [ C usually singular ]
a serious conversation between two people, usually close friends, in which they
talk honestly about their feelings
We had a heart-to-heart over a bottle of wine.
a heart-to-heart talk/chat
heartwarming adjective
(especially of an event, action or story) seeming to be something positive and
good and therefore causing feelings of pleasure and happiness
a heartwarming tale of triumph over adversity
hearty adjective ENTHUSIASTIC
1. enthusiastic, energetic, and often loudly expressed
a hearty welcome
a hearty laugh
hearty adjective LARGE
2. large or (especially of food) in large amounts
We ate a hearty breakfast before we set off.
She's got a hearty appetite (= she eats a lot) .
3. OLD-FASHIONED very great
She has a hearty dislike of any sort of office work.
heat noun TEMPERATURE
1. [ S or U ] the quality of being hot or warm, or the temperature of something
the heat of the sun/fire
How do you manage to work in this heat without air conditioning?
She always wore a coat, even in the heat of summer.
Cook the meat on a high/low heat (= at a high/low temperature) .
heat noun RACE
2. [ C ] a less important race or competition in which it is decided who will
compete in the final event
heat noun ANIMAL
3. UK on/ US in heat describes an animal that is in a state of sexual excitement
and ready to breed
in the heat of the moment
If you say or do something in the heat of the moment, you say or do it without
thinking because you are very angry or excited
He didn't mean it - he said it in the heat of the moment.
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. SAYING
used as a way to tell someone that they should either stop complaining about a
difficult or unpleasant activity, or stop doing it
put the heat on sb INFORMAL
to try to persuade or force someone to do something
take the heat off sb INFORMAL
If someone or something takes the heat off you, they reduce the amount of
criticism you have to deal with
The deputy's resignation over the scandal has taken some of the heat off his
superior.
the heat is on SLANG
If you say the heat is on, you mean that a time of great activity and/or pressure
has begun
With only months to go before the deadline, the heat is on.
heat verb [ I or T ]
to make something hot or warm, or to become hot or warm
A large house like this must be expensive to heat.
Shall I heat up some soup for lunch?
heated adjective TEMPERATURE
1. describes something which has been made hot or warm
a heated towel rail
a heated swimming pool
heated adjective EMOTION
2. excited or angry
a heated debate
heatedly adverb
in an excited or angry way
heater noun [ C ]
a device which produces heat
a gas/electric heater
ˈ heat ex ˌ haustion noun [ U ] ( US ALSO heat prostration )
a condition in which you feel very weak and ill after being in a very hot place for
too long
heath noun [ C ]
an area of land that is not used for growing crops, where grass and other small
plants grow, but where there are few trees or bushes
ˈ heat ˌ haze noun [ U ] UK ( US haze )
an effect of very hot sun, making it difficult to see objects clearly
When the heat haze lifted, the island could be seen clearly.
heathen adjective OLD USE DISAPPROVING
(of people or their way of life, activities and ideas) having no religion, or
belonging to a religion that is not Christianity, Judaism or Islam
heathen noun [ C ]
1. OLD USE DISAPPROVING a person who has no religion, or who belongs to a religion
that is not Christianity, Judaism or Islam
2. the heathen
[ plural ] OLD-FASHIONED heathen people
Those who attempted to convert the heathen were put to death.
3. HUMOROUS someone who behaves as if they are not educated
He's such a heathen - he's never even heard of Puccini.
heather noun [ C or U ]
a low spreading bush with small pink, purple or white flowers, which grows wild,
especially on hills
heathland noun [ C or U ]
an area of heath
Heath Robinson adjective UK HUMOROUS OLD-FASHIONED
describes a machine which is very cleverly made and is complicated in a silly and
humorous way, but which is not practical or effective enough for general use
a Heath Robinson contraption
heating noun [ U ] ( US heat )
the system that keeps a building warm
Is the heating on ?
See also central heating
ˈ heat ˌ rash noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO prickly heat )
a condition in which the skin feels uncomfortable and is covered by red spots
heat-seeking adjective [ before noun ]
describes a weapon that can direct itself towards something hot, especially the
hot engine of an aircraft
heat-seeking missiles
ˈ heat ˌ shield noun [ C ]
the part of a spacecraft's structure which prevents it from getting too hot as it
returns to Earth
ˈ heat ˌ stroke noun [ U ]
a condition which can lead to death, caused by being too long in a very hot place
ˈ heat ˌ treatment noun [ C usually singular ]
when a part of the body is heated with an electrical device, usually in order to
relax it
ˈ heat ˌ wave noun [ C usually singular ]
a period of time such as a few weeks when the weather is much hotter than usual
heave verb MOVE
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to move something heavy using a lot
of effort
He heaved the bag onto his shoulder
He cleared a space, heaving boxes out of the way.
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to throw something forcefully,
especially something large and heavy
She picked up a great book and heaved it at him.
3. [ I ] If something heaves, it makes one or more large movements up and down
As the wind increased, the deck of the ship began to heave beneath his feet.
heave verb VOMIT
4. [ I ] to feel as if you are going to vomit
The smell of the fish made me/my stomach heave.
heave a sigh of relief
to suddenly feel very happy because something unpleasant has not happened or
has ended
We both heaved a sigh of relief when she left.
heave noun [ C ]
when you throw, push or pull something with a lot of effort
They gave a great heave and rolled the boulder out of the way.
ˌ heave ˈ ho exclamation OLD-FASHIONED
a phrase which you say or shout when you are making a big effort to pull or lift
something
ˌ heave ˈ ho noun
the ˌ heave- ˈ ho INFORMAL HUMOROUS
give sb the heave-ho
1. to take someone's job away from them, usually because they have done
something wrong
The newspaper's foreign editor was given the heave-ho yesterday.
2. to end a romantic relationship with someone
heaven noun
1. [ U ] in some religions, the place, sometimes imagined to be in the sky, where
God or the gods live and where good people are believed to go after they die, so that
they can enjoy perfect happiness
2. [ U ] INFORMAL a situation that gives you great pleasure
I just lay in the sun for a week and did nothing - it was heaven.
3. the heavens
the sky
We stared up at the heavens trying to see the comet.
the heavens open
If the heavens open, it suddenly starts to rain a lot
Just as we got to the park, the heavens opened.
heavenly adjective
1. of heaven
heavenly music
heavenly light
2. giving great pleasure
It was a good party and the food was heavenly.
ˌ heavenly ˈ body noun [ C ]
any object existing in space, especially a planet, star, or the moon
ˌ heavenly ˈ host noun [ C ] LITERARY
a group of angels
Heavens (above)! exclamation ( ALSO Good Heavens! ) OLD-FASHIONED
used to express surprise or anger
heaven-sent adjective
If someone or something is heaven-sent, they arrive or happen, usually
unexpectedly, at the time when they are most useful.
heavenward adverb ( ALSO heavenwards ) LITERARY
upwards
She raised her eyes heavenward.
heavily adverb TO A GREAT DEGREE
1. to a great degree
The terrorists are heavily armed.
The compound is heavily guarded.
She's heavily involved in the project.
heavily adverb WEIGHING A LOT
2. in a way which needs a lot of effort to move or lift
The news she had received weighed heavily on her (= worried her) .
heavily adverb SOLID
3. in a strong, thick or solid way
He's a heavily built (= large and strong) man.
be heavily into sth INFORMAL
to be very interested in and involved with something
When I was younger I was heavily into politics.
heaviness noun [ U ] WEIGHING A LOT
1. when something weighs a lot
heaviness noun [ U ] TO A GREAT DEGREE
2. when something happens or is done to a great degree
We were delayed by the heaviness of the traffic.
heaving adjective BUSY
1. INFORMAL full of people
The bar was absolutely heaving.
heaving adjective MOVING
2. moving in large movements up and down
He stood on the heaving deck.
heavy adjective WEIGHING A LOT
1. weighing a lot; needing effort to move or lift
heavy equipment
heavy work/lifting
How heavy is that box (= How much does it weigh) ?
heavy adjective TO A GREAT DEGREE
2. (especially of something unpleasant) of very or especially great force, amount
or degree
a heavy blow to the head
heavy fighting
heavy traffic
heavy rain/snow
a heavy smoker/drinker
a heavy sleeper
3. heavy seas
sea which is rough with large waves
heavy adjective SOLID
4. thick, strong, solid or strongly made
a heavy winter coat
a heavy meal (= a large amount of solid food)
a big man with heavy features
5. describes soil which is thick and difficult to dig or walk through
6. thick, solid-looking and not delicate
The sun disappeared behind heavy clouds.
heavy adjective MACHINES
7. describes machines or vehicles that are very large and powerful
heavy artillery/machinery
heavy adjective UNPLEASANT
8. OLD-FASHIONED SLANG describes something such as a situation that is dangerous
or unpleasant
Then the police arrived and things got really heavy.
a heavy date US AUSTRALIAN HUMOROUS
a planned meeting between two people who are very interested in having a
romantic or sexual relationship
I think Carol has a heavy date - she's been in the bathroom for over an hour.
have a heavy foot US INFORMAL
to drive a car too fast
She has a heavy foot - does the trip in half the time it takes me!
a heavy heart
a feeling of unhappiness
With a heavy heart, she turned to wave goodbye.
a heavy hitter MAINLY US
someone who is powerful and has achieved a lot
Have you seen his resumé? He's a real heavy hitter.
be heavy on sb
to treat or punish someone severely
I think his parents are being a bit heavy on him.
be/go heavy on sth
to use a lot of something
The engine is heavy on fuel.
heavy with
If something is heavy with something else, it has a lot of it or is full of it
The trees were heavy with fruit.
The atmosphere was heavy with menace.
make heavy weather of sth UK DISAPPROVING
to find something hard to do and spend a lot of time on it, although it is not
difficult
She's making such heavy weather of that report she's writing.
heavy noun [ C ] SLANG
a large strong man employed to protect someone else or to frighten other people
Frank always took a couple of heavies along with him when he went collecting his
debts.
ˌ heavy ˈ breather noun [ C ]
a man who gets sexual pleasure from making telephone calls, saying nothing, and
breathing noisily
heavy-duty adjective [ before noun ]
describes clothing, machinery or equipment that is stronger than usual so that it
can be used a lot, especially in difficult conditions
heavy-duty tools/shoes
ˌ heavy ˈ going adjective
difficult to read or understand
I liked the film but the book was rather heavy going.
I'm finding the advanced physics a bit heavy going.
ˌ heavy ˈ goods vehicle noun [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION HGV ) UK
a large truck used for transporting goods
heavy-handed adjective DISAPPROVING
using too much force in dealing with someone
The protestors accused the police of using heavy-handed tactics .
ˌ heavy ˈ industry noun [ C usually singular ]
industry that uses large machines to produce either materials such as steel or
large goods such as ships and trains
ˌ heavy ˈ metal noun METAL
1. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a dense (= heavy in relation to its size) and usually poisonous
metal, such as lead
ˌ heavy ˈ metal noun MUSIC
2. [ U ] a style of rock music with a strong beat, played very loudly using
electrical instruments
ˌ heavy ˈ petting noun [ U ]
when two people kiss, hold and touch each other in a sexual way, but do not have
sex
heavy-set adjective
Someone who is heavy-set has a large, wide, strong body.
heavyweight noun [ C ]
1. a boxer who weighs more than 175 pounds (79.5 kilograms) and is therefore in
the heaviest group
Mike Tyson was heavyweight champion of the world.
Compare lightweight
2. a person or thing that is important or serious and that other people notice
Her extraordinary intelligence and speaking ability made her a political
heavyweight.
Hebrew noun
1. [ U ] the ancient language of the Jewish people and the official language of
modern Israel
2. [ C ] a Jewish person, used especially about the Jews of ancient Israel
Hebraic adjective
Hebraic studies
Hebrew adjective
heck exclamation , noun INFORMAL
an expression of usually slight anger or surprise, or a way of adding force to a
statement, question, etc
Oh heck! It's later than I thought.
Where the heck have you been?
a heck of a
used for emphasis; a very
It's a heck of a long way to the nearest shop from here.
what the heck
used to say that you will do something although you know you should not do it
The doctor said I shouldn't drink, but what the heck.
heckle verb [ I or T ]
to interrupt a public speech or performance with loud unfriendly statements or
questions
A few angry locals started heckling (the speaker).
heckler noun [ C ]
The heckler was ejected from the hall by a couple of police officers.
hectare noun [ C ]
a unit of measurement of an area of land (10, 000 m 2 )
hectic adjective
full of activity; very busy and fast
a hectic schedule
The area has become a haven for people tired of the hectic pace of city life.
hector verb [ T ] DISAPPROVING
to talk and behave towards someone in a loud and unpleasantly forceful way,
especially in order to get them to act or think as you want them to
hectoring adjective
He had a loud, hectoring manner.
he'd short form of
1. he had
He'd already spent all his money by the second day of the trip.
2. he would
He'd be able to do it, if anyone could.
hedge noun [ C ] BUSHES
hedge
1. a line of bushes or small trees planted very close together, especially along the
edge of a garden, field or road
a privet hedge
hedge noun [ C ] PROTECTION
2. a way of protecting, controlling or limiting something
She'd made some overseas investments as a hedge against rising inflation in this
country.
hedge verb
1. [ T + adverb or preposition usually passive ] to limit something severely
We've got permission, but it's hedged about/around with strict conditions.
2. [ I ] to try to avoid giving an answer or taking any action
Stop hedging and tell me what you really think.
hedge your bets
to protect yourself against loss by supporting more than one possible result or
both sides in a competition
They're hedging their bets and keeping up contacts with both companies.
ˈ hedge ˌ fund noun [ C ]
a financial service where money is invested (= given to companies hoping to get
more back) in a way which tries to make very big profits, but which has a big risk
a hedge fund manager
hedgehog noun [ C ]
hedgehog
a small brown mammal with a protective covering of spines on its back
hedgerow noun [ C ]
a line of different types of bushes and small trees growing very close together,
especially between fields or along the sides of roads in the countryside
hedge-trimmers plural noun
a tool with which you cut a garden hedge to keep it tidy
hedonism noun [ U ]
living and behaving in ways that mean you get as much pleasure out of life as
possible, according to the belief that the most important thing in life is to enjoy yourself
hedonist noun [ C ]
hedonistic adjective
the heebie-jeebies plural noun INFORMAL
strong feelings of fear or worry
Don't start talking about ghosts - they give me the heebie-jeebies.
heed verb [ T ] FORMAL
to pay attention to something, especially advice or a warning
The airline has been criticized for failing to heed advice/warnings about lack of
safety routines.
heed noun [ U ] FORMAL
attention
The company took no heed of (= did not consider) public opposition to the plans.
heedless adjective FORMAL
not giving attention to a risk or possible difficulty
Heedless destruction of the rainforests is contributing to global warming.
Journalists had insisted on getting to the front line of the battle, heedless of the
risks.
heedlessly adverb
hee-haw noun [ C ]
the sound that a donkey makes
heel noun [ C ] BODY PART
1. the rounded back part of the foot
See also well-heeled
See picture foot
2. the part of a sock or shoe which covers the heel of the foot
3. the raised part at the back of a shoe, under your heel
heel noun [ C ] PERSON
4. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a person who treats other people badly and unfairly
I felt like a real heel when I saw how I'd upset her.
heel noun [ C ] HAND
5. the raised part of the palm of your hand nearest the wrist
heel noun [ C ] END PART
6. the end part of something, especially of a loaf of bread, that is usually left after
the rest has been eaten or used
bring/call sth/sb to heel
1. to order a dog to come close to you
2. to force someone to obey you
come to heel
If a person or organization comes to heel, they agree to obey, usually because
they have been forcefully persuaded to do so.
come/follow hard/hot on the heels of sth
to happen very soon after something
For Walter, disaster followed hard on the heels of his initial success.
hard/hot on sb's heels
following someone very closely
She ran down the steps with a group of journalists hard on her heels.
take to your heels
to quickly run away
When they saw the soldiers coming, they took to their heels.
under the heel of sth or sb DISAPPROVING
completely controlled by something or someone
This country would never submit to living under the heel of a foreign power.
heel verb [ T ]
1. to repair the heel of a shoe
2. SPECIALIZED In rugby, to heel the ball is to kick it backwards with the heel.
heel exclamation
said to a dog to order it to come and stand close to you or to walk close to your
side as you walk
heel-bar noun [ C ] UK
a small shop which repairs shoes, especially while a customer waits
heeler noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a dog used to collect together cattle or sheep
heft verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to lift, hold or carry something heavy using your hands
I watched him heft the heavy sack onto his shoulder.
hefty adjective
large in amount, size, force, etc
a hefty bill/fine
Her salary will go up by a hefty 10%.
a hefty woman with dyed blond hair
hegemony , , noun [ U ] FORMAL
(especially of countries) the position of being the strongest and most powerful and
therefore able to control others
The three nations competed for regional hegemony.
hegemonic , adjective
heifer noun [ C ]
a young cow, especially one that has not yet given birth to a calf (= baby cow)
heigh-ho exclamation
used to express the fact that you cannot change a situation so you must accept it
height noun [ C or U ]
1. the distance from the top to the bottom of something, or the quality of being
tall
The sheer height of New York's skyscrapers is so impressive.
She's about average height (= neither short nor tall) .
2. the particular distance that something is above a surface
The bullet entered the body at chest height.
3. heights
a. high places, or the top of hills
Don't go up the tower if you're afraid of heights.
Machine guns were mounted along the heights behind the town.
b. a high level of success
He reached the heights of his profession at the age of 35.
Share prices scaled new heights yesterday.
Her husband rose to the dizzy/lofty heights of transport minister.
4. the height of sth
a. the time when a situation or event is strongest or most full of activity
August is the height of the tourist season.
At the height of the violence/crisis we were left without any help.
b. an extreme example of something
the height of fashion
c. the time when you are most successful in what you do
She was at the height of her career when he first met her.
heighten verb [ I or T ]
to increase or make something increase, especially an emotion or effect
The strong police presence only heightened the tension among the crowd.
heinous adjective FORMAL
a heinous crime
heir noun
1. [ C ] a person who will legally receive money, property or a title from another
person, especially an older member of the same family, when that other person dies
The guest of honour was the Romanoff heir to the throne of all Russia.
Despite having a large family, they still had no son and heir.
See also heiress
2. [ C usually singular ] someone who now has responsibility for dealing with a
problem or situation that existed or was created earlier
The French finance minister is heir to a tradition of central control that goes back
to Louis XIV's minister, Colbert.
3. [ C usually singular ] someone who continues to do the work of someone
important who has died or who has the same symbolic position as they had
ˌ heir ap ˈ parent noun [ C usually singular ]
1. the person with the automatic right to legally receive all or most of the money,
property, titles, etc. from another person when they die
The Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the throne.
2. a person who seems certain to take the place of someone in power when they
stop working
heiress noun [ C ]
a woman or girl who will receive or already has received a lot of money, property
or a title from another person, especially an older member of the same family, when
that person dies
the heiress to the throne
a Texan oil heiress
See also heir
heirloom noun [ C ]
a valuable object that has been given by older members of a family to younger
members of the same family over many years
This ring is a family heirloom.
heist noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a crime in which valuable things are taken illegally and often violently from a
place or person
a $2 million jewellery heist
held verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF hold
held adjective
kept or maintained
firmly held beliefs
widely held opinions
helicopter noun [ C ]
helicopter
a type of aircraft without wings, that has one or two sets of large blades which go
round very fast on top. It can land and take off vertically and can stay in one place in
the air
The injured were ferried to hospital by helicopter.
a helicopter pilot
helipad noun [ C ]
a place where a single helicopter can take off and land
heliport noun [ C ]
an airport for helicopters
helium noun [ U ]
a gas that is lighter than air, will not burn, is an element and is used in balloons ,
airships and some types of lights
helix noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a curve that goes around a central tube or cone shape in the form of a spiral
helical adjective SPECIALIZED
in the shape of a helix
helical molecules
a helical structure
hell noun
1. [ S or U ] an extremely unpleasant or difficult place, situation or experience
Work is sheer hell at the moment.
The last few months have been absolute hell.
See also hellhole ; infernal
2. [ S ] ( ALSO Hell ) in some religions, the place where some people are believed
to go after death to be punished forever for the bad things they have done during their
lives
I'll go to Hell for this.
3. make sb's life hell ( ALSO make life hell for sb ) INFORMAL
to cause a lot of problems for someone and make them very unhappy
I worked for her for two years and she made my life hell.
all hell breaks loose INFORMAL
If all hell breaks loose, a situation suddenly becomes violent and noisy, especially
with people arguing or fighting
One policeman drew his gun and then suddenly all hell broke loose.
come hell or high water INFORMAL
If you say that you will do something come hell or high water, you mean that you
are determined to do it, despite any difficulties that there might be
I'll get you to the airport by noon, come hell or high water!
for the hell of it INFORMAL
If you do something for the hell of it, you do it without having any particular
purpose or wish, but usually for enjoyment
I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I drove my van round Europe, just for the
hell of it.
from hell INFORMAL
used to say that someone or something is extremely bad
Now Miranda - she was the housemate from hell.
Poor Ann has the mother-in-law from hell.
give sb hell INFORMAL
1. If someone gives you hell, they criticize you severely
She gave me hell for being twenty minutes late.
2. If something gives you hell, it causes you a lot of pain
These new shoes are giving me hell.
go to hell INFORMAL
used to angrily tell someone to stop talking and go away
"Anyway, it's your own fault." "Oh, go to hell!"
go to hell and back INFORMAL
to live through an extremely unpleasant, difficult or painful experience
I've been to hell and back over this court case.
hell for leather OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
If you go, run, ride, etc. hell for leather, you go as fast as you can.
hell on Earth INFORMAL
an extremely unpleasant place or situation
Soldiers who survived the war described it as hell on Earth.
be hell on wheels US INFORMAL
to behave in an angry or difficult way
When he was drinking, Ken was hell on wheels.
there'll be hell to pay INFORMAL
something you say which means someone will be very angry if something
happens
There'll be hell to pay if she doesn't get the money in time.
when hell freezes over OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
If you say that something will happen when hell freezes over, you mean that it
will never happen.
hell exclamation , noun [ U ]
used to express anger or to add emphasis
Oh hell, I've forgotten my key!
What the hell was that noise?
We haven't got a hope in hell (= we have no hope) of meeting such a tight
deadline.
annoy/frighten/scare, etc. the hell out of sb INFORMAL
to make someone extremely annoyed/frightened, etc
He jumped out from behind a wall and scared the hell out of her.
(as) ... as hell INFORMAL
used to emphasize a description of an unpleasant characteristic
She's really quite unpleasant about other people and she's as mean as hell.
be hell-bent on sth INFORMAL
to be extremely determined to do something, without considering the risks or
possible dangerous results
He was hell-bent on revenge.
beat the hell out of sb INFORMAL
to hit someone repeatedly with great force
get the hell out of somewhere INFORMAL
to leave a place quickly
Let's get the hell out of here, before any shooting starts.
the hell you do US INFORMAL
used to tell someone that you do not believe what they have said or that you will
not allow them to do what they want
"I don't need your advice, Gene, I know what's good for me." "The hell you do!"
hell of a ( ALSO helluva ) INFORMAL
extremely, or extremely big
It's a/one hell of a big decision to take.
The house was in a/one hell of a mess.
like hell INFORMAL
1. very much
We ran like hell.
We worked like hell to finish the job.
It hurt like hell.
2. certainly not
"Try to be polite to him." "Like hell I will!"
to hell INFORMAL
If you wish or hope to hell that something is true or that it will happen, you are
saying how strongly you want it to be true or to happen
I hope to hell she hasn't missed that plane.
what the hell INFORMAL
said when you suddenly realize that your plan is not important to you and that
you will do something else
I was supposed to be working this evening but what the hell - I'll see you in the
pub in half an hour.
he'll short form
he will
He'll be there, don't worry.
Hellenic adjective
of or relating to the ancient or modern Greeks, and their history, art, etc.
Hellenistic adjective
of or relating to the history, art, etc. of ancient Greece and other countries of the
Eastern Mediterranean, especially during the fourth to the first century BC
hellfire noun [ U ]
the punishment that some Christians believe bad people will suffer after they die
He certainly believed in preaching hellfire and damnation .
hellhole noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an extremely unpleasant place
hellish adjective
very bad or unpleasant
a hellish experience
hellishly adverb
a hellishly (= very unpleasantly) busy week
hello exclamation , noun ( UK ALSO hallo , ALSO hullo )
1. used when meeting or greeting someone
Hello, Paul. I haven't seen you for ages.
I know her vaguely - we've exchanged hellos a few times.
I just thought I'd call by and say hello.
And a big hello (= welcome) to all the parents who've come to see the show.
2. something that is said at the beginning of a telephone conversation
"Hello, I'd like some information about your flights to the USA, please."
3. something that is said to attract someone's attention
The front door was open so she walked inside and called out, "Hello! Is there
anybody in?"
4. INFORMAL said to someone who has just said or done something stupid,
especially something that shows they are not noticing what is happening around them
She asked me if I'd just arrived and I was like 'hello, I've been here for an hour.'
5. OLD-FASHIONED an expression of surprise
Hello, this is very strange - I know that man.
Hell's Angels plural noun
a group of people who ride large motorcycles, wear jackets with the name and
symbol of the group on them and are considered by some people to be noisy, violent
and drunk
hell's bells exclamation ( UK ALSO hell's teeth ) OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to express anger or surprise
Hell's bells, can't you do anything right?
helluva adjective , adverb ( ALSO hell of a ) INFORMAL
1. extremely, or extremely big
It's a helluva nice place.
We're going to have a helluva problem.
2. a helluva guy/woman/teacher, etc.
a man/woman/teacher, etc that you admire very much
helm noun [ C ]
1. the handle or wheel which controls the direction in which a ship or boat travels
Who was at the helm when the collision occurred?
2. at the helm
officially controlling an organization or company
With Steve Lewis at the helm, we are certain of success.
3. take the helm
to start to officially control an organization or company
helmet noun [ C ]
helmet
a strong hard hat that covers and protects the head
a crash helmet
a cycle helmet
See also picture hats
helmeted adjective
wearing a helmet
Helmeted, baton-wielding police forced back the crowd.
helmsman noun [ C ]
a person who directs a ship or boat, using a handle or wheel
help verb MAKE EASIER
1. [ I or T ] to make it possible or easier for someone to do something, by doing
part of the work yourself or by providing advice, money, support, etc
How can I help you?
I wonder if you could help me - I'd like some information about flights to New
Zealand.
My dad said he would help with the costs of (= give part of the cost of) buying a
house.
[ + object + ( to ) infinitive ] The £10, 000 loan from the bank helped her (to)
start her own business.
I feel that learning English will help (= improve) my chances of promotion at
work.
Nothing can help her now (= Her situation is too bad for anyone to be able to
improve it) .
See also helpline
2. [ I or T ] If something helps a difficult or painful situation, it improves it or
makes it easier or less painful
The morphine didn't seem to help (the pain).
3. [ + ( to ) infinitive ] If something or someone helps to do something, they are
one of several reasons for it happening
The drought has helped (to) make this a disastrous year for Somalia.
help verb STOP YOURSELF
4. can't/couldn't help
If you can't/couldn't help something, such as acting in a particular way or making
a particular remark, you are/were not able to control or stop it
It was awful, but I couldn't help laugh ing .
"Stop giggling!" "I can't help it!"
I can't help think ing (= My true feeling is that) she'd be better off without him.
help verb GIVE/TAKE
5. [ T ] to give something to someone or to take something for yourself
[ R ] "Might I have some more bread?" "Please, help yourself !"
SLIGHTLY FORMAL Shall I help you to some more soup?
give/lend sb a helping hand
to help someone
These tax cuts will give industry a helping hand.
God help sb ( ALSO heaven help sb )
used to give force to a statement of the danger or seriousness of a situation or
action
God help us if they attack now while we're still unprepared.
it can't be helped
used to say that an unpleasant or painful situation, or an unwanted duty cannot
be avoided and must be accepted
I really didn't want to go away this weekend but, oh well, it can't be helped.
so help me (God) FORMAL
used to make a promise in a very formal and serious way
Everything I have said is true, so help me God.
help (sb) out phrasal verb [ M ]
If you help out, you do a part of someone's work or give someone money
Her parents helped (her) out with a £500 loan.
help noun
1. [ U ] when someone helps another person
Do you need any help with those boxes?
Her parents gave her some help with her bank loan (= paid some of it) .
2. [ S ] something or someone that helps
Having a word processor would be a help.
He was a great help ( to me) while my husband was away.
3. [ C ] someone, usually a woman, who is employed to clean your house and do
other small jobs
a home help
there's no help for it MAINLY UK
there is no other choice in this situation
If you catch them stealing again, there'll be no help for it but (= except) to call
the police.
help exclamation
Help!
shouted by a person who is asking for someone to come and save them from a
dangerous situation
ˈ help ˌ desk noun [ C ]
a service which provides information and help to people using a computer network
helper noun [ C ]
someone who helps with an activity
The teachers make great use of volunteer helpers.
helpful adjective
willing to help, or useful
She's such a pleasant, helpful child!
I'm sorry, I was only trying to be helpful.
He made several helpful suggestions.
helpfully adverb
The manufacturers helpfully provide an instruction manual.
helpfulness noun [ U ]
helping noun [ C ]
an amount of food given to one person at one time
a small/large helping of pasta
helpless adjective
unable to do anything to help yourself or anyone else
a helpless two-day-old baby
You feel so helpless because there's nothing you can do to make the child better.
The government is helpless ( to act) against these crooks.
helplessly adverb
Unable to swim, he watched helplessly as the child struggled desperately in the
water.
helplessness noun [ U ]
I was overwhelmed by a feeling of helplessness as I watched her being wheeled
into the operating theatre.
helpline noun [ C ]
a telephone service providing advice and comfort to worried or unhappy people
A new helpline is now available for people trying to stop smoking.
ˈ help ˌ screen noun [ C ]
information or instructions which you can ask the computer to show you if you are
having difficulty using the computer
helter-skelter adverb
quickly and in all directions
People were screaming and running helter-skelter down the steps to escape the
flames.
helter-skelter noun [ C ] UK
a tall structure at a fair which you slide down and around for enjoyment
hem noun [ C ]
the edge of a piece of cloth, such as the bottom edge of a skirt or dress, which is
folded over and sewn so that it does not develop loose threads
I took the hem up/let the hem down .
hem verb [ T ]
to sew a hem on a piece of clothing or cloth
I need to hem those curtains.
hem sb in phrasal verb [ M ]
to surround someone and prevent them from moving or doing what they want to
do
When they reached Oxford Circus, the demonstrators were hemmed in by the
police.
he-man noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a man who is very strong and who likes to show everyone how strong he is
hematite noun [ C ]
US FOR haematite
hematology noun [ U ]
MAINLY US FOR haematology
hemisphere noun [ C ]
half of a sphere , especially the Earth
the northern hemisphere
hemline noun [ C ]
the length of a skirt or dress, or the lower edge of a skirt or dress
In the 1960s hemlines suddenly shot up with the introduction of the miniskirt.
hemlock noun [ U ]
a type of poison made from a plant which has small white flowers and divided
leaves
hemoglobin noun [ U ]
MAINLY US FOR haemoglobin
hemophilia noun [ U ]
US FOR haemophilia
MAINLY
hemorrhage noun [ C ] , verb [ I ]
US FOR haemorrhage
hemorrhoids plural noun
MAINLY US FOR haemorrhoids
hemp noun [ U ]
a family of plants, some of which are used to make rope and strong rough cloth
and others of which are used to get the drug cannabis
hen noun [ C ]
hen
1. an adult female chicken which is often kept for its eggs, or the female of any
bird
2. SCOTTISH INFORMAL used as a way of talking to a woman or girl, especially
someone that you like
"Are you not feeling too good, hen?"
hence adverb FORMAL THEREFORE
1. that is the reason or explanation for; therefore
His mother was Italian, hence his name - Luca.
hence adverb FORMAL FROM NOW
2. from this time
The project will be completed at the end of the decade, two years hence.
henceforth adverb ( ALSO henceforward ) FORMAL OR LEGAL
starting from this time
Henceforth, the said building shall be the property of Brendan Duggan.
henchman noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
someone who does unpleasant or illegal things for a powerful person
Like other dictators, he tried to distance himself from the dirty deeds carried out
by his henchmen.
henna noun [ U ]
a reddish brown dye , used mainly for changing the colour of the hair and skin
henna verb [ T ]
to put henna on the hair or skin in order to change its colour
Is her hair hennaed or is that a natural red?
ˈ hen ˌ night noun [ C ] ( ALSO hen party ) UK
a party for women only, usually one held for a woman before she is married
Compare stag night/party
henpecked adjective DISAPPROVING
A henpecked man is controlled by and a little frightened of a woman, especially
his wife.
hepatic adjective SPECIALIZED
relating to the liver
he ˌ patic ˈ portal ˌ vein noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO portal vein ) SPECIALIZED
the vein that carries blood, containing substances obtained from food, from the
intestines to the liver
hepatitis noun [ U ]
a serious disease of the liver . There are three main types of hepatitis: hepatitis A,
B and C.
heptagon noun [ C ]
a shape which has seven straight sides
heptagonal adjective
heptathlon noun [ C ]
a competition in which women athletes compete in seven sports events
Compare biathlon ; decathlon ; pentathlon
heptathlete noun [ C ]
her , , , , pronoun , determiner
1. (belonging to or connected with) a woman, girl or female animal that has just
been mentioned or is known about
If your sister's around, bring her too.
I'll see if Louisa will bring her guitar to the party.
I gave her the letter.
I don't know why she quit her job.
See also hers
2. SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED used to refer to a country, a boat or a car
The boat sank with all her crew.
3. her own
used to emphasize that something belongs to or is connected with a particular
woman or girl and not anyone else
She got her very own pony as a birthday present when she was eleven.
herald verb [ T ] FORMAL
to be a sign that something important, and often good, is starting to happen, or
to make something publicly known, especially by celebrating or praising it
The president's speech heralds a new era in foreign policy.
This drug has been heralded as a major breakthrough in the fight against breast
cancer.
herald noun [ C ]
1. FORMAL a sign that something will happen, change, etc
If this first opera of the season is a herald (= sign) of what is to come, we can
expect great things.
2. in the past, a person who carried important messages and made
announcements
heraldry noun [ U ]
the study of coats of arms and the history of the families which they belong to
heraldic adjective
a heraldic banner
herb noun [ C ]
a type of plant whose leaves are used in cooking to give flavour to particular
dishes, or which are used in making medicine
dried/fresh herbs
Basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary are all herbs.
A large range of herbs and spices are used in South Asian cookery.
herbaceous adjective SPECIALIZED
(of plants) soft and not woody
her ˌ baceous ˈ border noun [ C ]
a narrow strip of land in a garden which is planted with different types of plants
that produce flowers that mainly live for more than two years
herbal adjective
relating to or made from herbs
herbal tea
herbal cigarettes/remedies
herbalist noun [ C ]
a person who grows or sells herbs for use as medicine
herbicide noun [ C or U ]
a chemical which is used to destroy plants, especially weeds
Compare insecticide ; pesticide
herbivore noun [ C ]
an animal that eats only plants
Cows and sheep are herbivores.
Compare carnivore
herbivorous adjective
herby adjective INFORMAL
tasting or smelling of herbs
This salad dressing is nice and herby.
herculean adjective
needing great strength and determination
a herculean effort
She faces the herculean task of bringing up four children single-handedly.
herd noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
1. a large group of animals of the same type that live and feed together
a herd of cattle/elephants/goats
2. MAINLY DISAPPROVING a large group of people that is considered together as a
group and not separately
Poor Janine - she just follows the herd (= does what all the other people are
doing) .
herd verb
1. [ I or T + adverb or preposition ] to make animals move together as a group
A old woman was herding the goats up the mountainside.
2. [ T + adverb or preposition ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING to make people move
somewhere as a group, often with force or against their wishes
The football fans complained that they had been herded into a small alley.
ˈ herd ˌ instinct noun [ S ] DISAPPROVING
when people act like everyone else without considering the reason why
herdsman noun [ C ]
a man who takes care of a large group of animals of the same type
here adverb
1. in, at, or to this place
I've lived here for about two years.
I like it here.
London is only 50 miles from here.
Come here - I've got something to show you.
How long are you over here (= in this country) ?
2. used at the beginning of a statement to introduce someone or something
Here's Fiona - let me introduce you to her.
Here's the book I said I'd lend you.
3. used to show that someone has arrived or that something has started
Here they are! We thought you'd never come!
Here we are (= We have arrived) - I said it wouldn't take more than half an hour
by car.
Now that Christmas is here (= has begun) , I might as well give up my diet.
4. describes someone or something that is near you
I don't know anything about this, but I'm sure my colleague here can help you.
It says here (= in this piece of writing) that she was born in 1943.
5. now
Shall we break here and have a coffee?
Where do we go/Where do we take it from here? (= What should we do next?)
6. here (you are)
used when giving something to someone
"Could you pass the sugar, please?" "Here you are."
Here, try some of this - it's delicious!
the here and now
the present time
Most people can't be bothered thinking about their retirement - they're too busy
concentrating on the here and now.
here and there
in different places
There were a few books here and there, but apart from that the room was quite
bare.
Here goes! ( ALSO Here goes nothing! ) INFORMAL
said just before you do something brave or something that you have never done
before
Well, I've never ridden a motorbike before, so here goes!
Here today, gone tomorrow. SAYING
said about something which lasts only a short time
A lot of new Internet companies are here today and gone tomorrow.
here we go INFORMAL
a phrase often sung repeatedly by British football crowds when their team is
successful
here we go (again) INFORMAL
said when something bad starts happening again
Oh, here we go again! Claude's just asked to borrow some more money from me.
Here we go again - moan, moan, moan!
here's to ...
said when asking a group of people to hold up their glasses and then drink as an
expression of good wishes to someone or hope for the success of something
Here's to the happy couple!
hereabouts adverb UK ( US hereabout )
in this area; near this place
Any trouble hereabouts is swiftly dealt with by the police.
hereafter adverb ( ALSO hereinafter ) FORMAL OR LEGAL
starting from this time; in the future
Elizabeth Gaskell's novel 'Ruth' will hereafter be cited within the text as EG.
hereafter noun [ S ] FORMAL
the hereafter
life after death
She had a firm conviction that they would meet again in the hereafter.
hereby adverb FORMAL OR LEGAL
with these words or with this action
I hereby pronounce you man and wife.
hereditary adjective
(of characteristics or diseases) passed from the genes of a parent to a child, or (of
titles and positions in society) passed from parent to a child as a right
a hereditary disease
Depression is often hereditary.
It is a hereditary title , so Mark Howard will become Sir Mark Howard on his
father's death.
he ˌ reditary ˈ peer noun [ C ]
someone whose parent passed on a peerage (= high social rank) to them when
they died, and who can pass it on to their oldest child
heredity noun [ U ]
the process by which characteristics are given from a parent to their child through
the genes
Diet and exercise can influence a person's weight, but heredity is also a factor.
herein adverb FORMAL OR LEGAL
in this
The people have no faith in their government, and herein lies the root of the
problem.
hereinafter adverb FORMAL OR LEGAL
hereafter
heresy noun
1. [ C or U ] (the act of having) an opinion or belief that is the opposite of or
against what is the official or popular opinion, or an action which shows that you have
no respect for the official opinion
Radical remarks like this amount to heresy for most members of the Republican
party.
She committed the heresy of playing a Madonna song on a classical music station.
2. [ U ] a belief which is against the principles of a particular religion
He was burned at the stake in the fifteenth century for heresy.
heretic noun [ C ]
a person who is guilty of heresy
heretical adjective
Her belief that a split would be good for the party was regarded as heretical.
hereto adverb FORMAL OR LEGAL
to this matter or document
You will find attached hereto the text of the Treaty on European Union.
heretofore adverb FORMAL OR LEGAL
before this point in time; previously
hereupon adverb FORMAL
at this point in time
herewith , adverb FORMAL OR LEGAL
together with this letter or other official written material
I enclose three documents herewith.
herewith , adverb FORMAL OR LEGAL

together with this letter or other official written material
I enclose three documents herewith.
heritage noun [ U ]
features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions,
languages or buildings, which still exist from the past and which have a historical
importance
These monuments are a vital part of the cultural heritage of South America.
heritage-listed building noun [ C ]
AUSTRALIAN listed building
hermaphrodite noun [ C ]
a plant, animal or person with both male and female sex organs
hermetic adjective
1. SPECIALIZED (of a container) so tightly closed that no air can leave or enter
a hermetic seal
2. FORMAL If a particular group is hermetic, the people who live within it don't often
communicate with those who live outside it
He entered the hermetic world of the monastery at a young age.
hermetically sealed adjective
1. SPECIALIZED describes a container or space which is so tightly closed that no air
can leave or enter it
2. DISAPPROVING separated and protected from very different conditions outside, in
an unnatural way
We drove past a row of squalid shacks on the way to our hotel, where we slept in
air-conditioned, hermetically sealed rooms.
hermit noun [ C ]
a person who lives alone and apart from the rest of society, especially for religious
reasons
hermitage noun [ C ]
a place where a religious person lives on their own, apart from the rest of society
hernia noun [ C ]
a medical condition in which an organ pushes through the muscle which surrounds
it
hernia noun [ C ]
it
hero noun [ C ] PERSON
1. ( FEMALE heroine ) a person who is admired for having done something very
brave or having achieved something great
a war hero
He became a national hero for his part in the revolution.
HUMOROUS Graham says he'll take my parents to the airport at four o'clock in the
morning - what a hero!
See also anti-hero
2. ( FEMALE heroine ) the main male character in a book or film who is usually good
the hero of her latest novel
3. someone who you admire very much
Humphrey Bogart's my hero - I've seen every one of his films.
hero noun [ C ] FOOD
4. US a long thin sandwich filled with cold meat, cheese, salad, etc.
heroic adjective
1. very brave or great
a heroic act/deed
2. INFORMAL If you make a heroic attempt or effort to do something, you try very
hard to do it
Despite Roz's heroic efforts to liven it up, the party was a disaster.
heroically adverb
She fought heroically against the disease.
heroics plural noun MAINLY DISAPPROVING
risky or silly actions which are only done to make other people admire you
I was in no mood for heroics after my fall and skied very slowly down the
mountainside.
heroin noun [ U ]
a powerful illegal drug
Heroin is obtained from morphine and is extremely addictive.
a heroin addict
She died from a heroin overdose.
heroine noun [ C ]
See at hero
hernia noun [ C ]
it
hero noun [ C ] PERSON
1. ( FEMALE heroine ) a person who is admired for having done something very
brave or having achieved something great
a war hero
He became a national hero for his part in the revolution.
HUMOROUS Graham says he'll take my parents to the airport at four o'clock in the
morning - what a hero!
See also anti-hero
2. ( FEMALE heroine ) the main male character in a book or film who is usually good
the hero of her latest novel
3. someone who you admire very much
Humphrey Bogart's my hero - I've seen every one of his films.
hero noun [ C ] FOOD
4. US a long thin sandwich filled with cold meat, cheese, salad, etc.
heroic adjective
1. very brave or great
a heroic act/deed
2. INFORMAL If you make a heroic attempt or effort to do something, you try very
hard to do it
Despite Roz's heroic efforts to liven it up, the party was a disaster.
heroically adverb
She fought heroically against the disease.
heroics plural noun MAINLY DISAPPROVING
risky or silly actions which are only done to make other people admire you
I was in no mood for heroics after my fall and skied very slowly down the
mountainside.
heroin noun [ U ]
a powerful illegal drug
Heroin is obtained from morphine and is extremely addictive.
a heroin addict
She died from a heroin overdose.
heroine noun [ C ]
See at hero
heroine noun [ C ]
See at hero
heroism noun [ U ]
great bravery
an act of heroism
heron noun [ C ]
a large bird with long legs, a long neck and grey or white feathers that lives near
water
ˈ hero ˌ worship noun [ U ]
a feeling of extreme admiration for someone, imagining that they have qualities
or abilities that are better than anyone else's
hero-worship verb [ T ]
She hero-worshipped her elder brother, and she was devastated when he died.
herpes noun [ U ]
an infectious disease which causes painful red spots to appear on the skin,
especially on the lips or sexual organs
herring noun [ C or U ]
a long silvery coloured fish which swims in large groups in the sea, or its flesh
eaten as food
herringbone noun [ U ]
herringbone
a pattern, used especially in cloth, which consists of rows of V shapes
herringbone tweed
hers pronoun
used to show that something belongs to or is connected with a woman, girl or
female animal that has just been mentioned
Nicky and I both have red hair but hers is lighter than mine.
herself pronoun
1. used to refer to a female object of a verb, that is the same person as the
subject of the verb
She kept telling herself that nothing was wrong.
My mother would worry herself to death if she knew what I was doing.
2. used to give special attention to a female noun or to make clear which female
person or animal is being referred to
She decorated the cake herself.
She herself admitted that it was wrong.
3. (all) by herself
If a woman or girl does something by herself, she does it alone or without help
from anyone else
She lives by herself in an enormous house.
Holly's only three but she wrote her name all by herself.
4. (all) to herself
for her use only
Mum's got the house to herself this weekend.
5. not be/seem herself
If a woman or girl is not/does not seem herself, she does not seem as happy as
usual
Is Michelle all right? She doesn't seem quite herself at the moment.
6. in herself UK INFORMAL
used when describing or asking about a woman's state of mind, when she is
physically ill
I know she's got back trouble but how is she in herself?
herself pronoun
1. used to refer to a female object of a verb, that is the same person as the
subject of the verb
She kept telling herself that nothing was wrong.
My mother would worry herself to death if she knew what I was doing.
2. used to give special attention to a female noun or to make clear which female
She decorated the cake herself.
She herself admitted that it was wrong.
3. (all) by herself
If a woman or girl does something by herself, she does it alone or without help
from anyone else
She lives by herself in an enormous house.
Holly's only three but she wrote her name all by herself.
4. (all) to herself
for her use only
Mum's got the house to herself this weekend.
5. not be/seem herself
If a woman or girl is not/does not seem herself, she does not seem as happy as
usual
Is Michelle all right? She doesn't seem quite herself at the moment.
6. in herself UK INFORMAL
used when describing or asking about a woman's state of mind, when she is
physically ill
I know she's got back trouble but how is she in herself?
hertz noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Hz )
a unit for measuring the number of cycles (= events that are repeated) which
happen every second, used especially in electronics
See also kilohertz ; megahertz
he's short form
1. he is
He's a great guy.
2. he has
He's just bought a new digital camera.
hesitant adjective
If you are hesitant, you do not do something immediately or quickly because you
are nervous or not certain
You seemed a bit hesitant about recommend ing that restaurant - is something
wrong with it?
She gave me a hesitant smile.
hesitancy noun [ U ]
The president is not known for his hesitancy in such matters.
hesitantly adverb
She approached the teacher hesitantly.
hesitate verb [ I ]
to pause before you do or say something, often because you are uncertain or
nervous about it
She hesitated slightly before answering the inspector's question.
"Do you love me?" she asked. He hesitated and then said, "I'm not sure".
[ + to infinitive ] If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me.
hesitation noun [ C or U ]
when you pause before doing something, especially because you are nervous or
not certain
After a slight hesitation, she began to speak.
Any hesitation on the part of the government will be seen as weakness.
FORMAL I have no hesitation in recommend ing Ms Shapur for the job.
hessian noun [ U ] UK ( US burlap )
a type of thick rough cloth used for things and coverings which must be strong
hessian noun [ U ] UK ( US burlap )

a type of thick rough cloth used for things and coverings which must be strong
hetero noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR heterosexual
heterodox adjective FORMAL
(of beliefs, ideas or activities) different and in opposition to generally accepted
beliefs or standards
His opinions have always been distinctly heterodox.
Compare orthodox
heterodoxy noun [ U ]
heterogeneous adjective FORMAL
consisting of parts or things that are very different from each other
Switzerland is a heterogeneous confederation of 26 self-governing cantons.
Compare homogeneous
heterogeneity noun [ U ]
Archaeological studies of the tombs have shown the heterogeneity of religious
practices in the region.
heterosexual noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL hetero )
a person who is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex
Compare bisexual ; homosexual
heterosexual adjective
heterosexual sex/relationships
heterosexuality noun [ U ]
heterosexually adverb
I don't think he's heterosexually inclined.
heterozygous adjective SPECIALIZED
having two different forms of a gene (= part of a cell containing DNA information)
that controls a particular characteristic, one inherited from each parent, and therefore
able to pass on either form
a heterozygous cell
Compare homozygous
heterozygote noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a heterozygous person, animal or organism
het up adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL
worried or angry and not calm
There's no need to get so het up about a few dirty dishes in the sink!
het up adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL

worried or angry and not calm
There's no need to get so het up about a few dirty dishes in the sink!
heuristic adjective SPECIALIZED
(of a method of teaching) allowing students to learn by discovering things
themselves and learning from their own experiences rather than by telling them things
hew verb [ T ]
to cut a large piece out of rock, stone or another hard material in a rough way
The monument was hewn out of the side of a mountain.
hex noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
an evil spell, bringing bad luck and trouble
Someone's put a hex on my computer this morning - it keeps on crashing.
hexagon noun [ C ]
a shape which has six straight sides
hexagonal adjective
a hexagonal building/object
hey exclamation INFORMAL
used as a way of attracting someone's attention, sometimes in a way which is not
very polite
Hey! What are you doing with my car?
Hey, are you guys coming to Angela's party?
heyday noun [ C usually singular ]
the most successful or popular period of someone or something
In their heyday, they sold as many records as all the other groups in the country
put together.
hey presto exclamation ( US presto ) INFORMAL
said when something appears or happens so quickly or easily that it seems to be
magic
You put your money in the machine and, hey presto, the coffee comes out!
HHOK , hhok
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR ha ha only kidding: used in an email or in a discussion in
a chat room to show that you have written something that is not true and is a joke
HHOK , hhok
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR ha ha only kidding: used in an email or in a discussion in
a chat room to show that you have written something that is not true and is a joke
hi exclamation INFORMAL
used as an informal greeting, usually to people who you know
Hi, there!
Hi, how're you doing?
hiatus noun [ C usually singular ] FORMAL
a short pause in which nothing happens or is said, or a space where something is
missing
The company expects to resume production of the vehicle again after a two-
month hiatus.
hibernate verb [ I ]
(of some animals) to spend the winter sleeping
The turtle hibernates in a shallow burrow for six months of the year.
hibernation noun [ U ]
Bears go into hibernation in the autumn.
hibiscus noun [ C ]
a tropical plant or bush with large brightly coloured flowers
hiccup , hiccough noun NOISE
1. [ C usually plural ] a loud noise made in the throat caused by a sudden
uncontrollable tightening of a muscle just below the chest, usually happening repeatedly
over a short period
2. the hiccups
a series of hiccups
I've got the hiccups.
an attack of the hiccups
hiccup , hiccough noun PROBLEM
3. [ C ] a problem which delays or interrupts something for a while, but which
does not usually cause serious difficulties
We've had one or two slight hiccups, but progress has generally been quite
steady.
hiccup , hiccough verb [ I ]
to make a loud noise in the throat because of a sudden uncontrollable tightening
of a muscle just below the chest
I can't stop hiccuping - does anyone know a good cure?
hick noun [ C ] US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person from the countryside who is considered to be stupid and without
experience
a hick town (= a small town which is a long way from a city)
hick noun [ C ] US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING

a person from the countryside who is considered to be stupid and without
experience
a hick town (= a small town which is a long way from a city)
hickey noun [ C ] US ( UK love bite )
a temporary red mark on someone's skin, often their neck, where someone has
sucked or bitten it as a sexual act
hickory noun [ C or U ]
a small tree from North America or East Asia which has nuts that can be eaten, or
the hard wood from this tree
ˈ hickory ˌ chips plural noun
small pieces of hickory wood used as a fuel for a barbecue (= a method of cooking
outside) which give food a special taste
hicksville noun [ U ] US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a small town or village which is not interesting and not modern
ˌ hidden a ˈ genda noun [ C ]
a secret reason for doing something
[ + to infinitive ] The prime minister denied that the new visa requirements were
part of a hidden agenda to reduce immigration.
hide verb
1. [ I or T ] to put something or someone in a place where they cannot be seen or
found, or to put yourself somewhere where you cannot be seen or found
She used to hide her diary under her pillow.
A kilo of heroin was found hidden inside the lining of the suitcase.
I like wearing sunglasses - I feel I can hide behind them.
2. [ T ] to prevent something from being seen
He tries to hide his bald patch by sweeping his hair over to one side.
3. [ T ] to not show an emotion
She tried to hide her disappointment at not getting the promotion.
4. [ T ] If you hide information from someone, you do not allow that person to
know it
I feel sure there's something about her past that she's trying to hide from me.
Don't hide your light under a bushel. SAYING
said to advise someone not to keep their good qualities and abilities secret from
other people
hide noun SKIN
1. [ C or U ] the strong thick skin of an animal which is used for making leather
hide noun FOR WATCHING BIRDS/ANIMALS
2. [ C ] UK ( US blind ) a place where people can watch wild animals or birds
without being noticed by them
hide-and-seek noun [ U ]
a children's game in which a group of children hide in secret places and then one
child has to go to look for them
hide-and-seek noun [ U ]
a children's game in which a group of children hide in secret places and then one
child has to go to look for them
hideaway noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a place where someone goes when they want to relax away from other people
hidebound adjective DISAPPROVING
having fixed opinions and ways of doing things and not willing to change or be
influenced, especially by new or modern ideas
hideous adjective
extremely ugly or bad
They've just built some hideous new apartment blocks on the seafront.
She wears the most hideous colour combinations you could ever imagine.
hideousness noun [ U ]
hideously adverb
1. in an extremely ugly way
hideously fat/ugly
a hideously misshapen body
2. INFORMAL used to emphasize the great degree of something
a hideously expensive restaurant
hideout noun [ C ]
a secret place where someone can go when they do not want to be found by other
people
hidey-hole noun [ C ] ( ALSO hidy-hole ) UK INFORMAL
a small place for hiding things in
hiding noun
1. [ C usually singular ] OLD-FASHIONED a punishment by being beaten repeatedly
2. [ C usually singular ] UK INFORMAL a total defeat
"How did the French team get on in their match against Italy?" "They got a real
hiding!"
hiding noun
3. be in hiding/go into hiding
to be/go somewhere where you cannot be found
be on a hiding to nothing UK INFORMAL
to be trying to do something when there is no chance that you will succeed
ˈ hiding ˌ place noun [ C ]
a place where something can be hidden
ˈ hiding ˌ place noun [ C ]

a place where something can be hidden
hie verb [ I or T ] OLD USE OR HUMOROUS
to go quickly or to hurry yourself
I must hie me to the sales before all the bargains are gone.
hierarchy noun [ C ]
1. a system in which people or things are arranged according to their importance
Some monkeys have a very complex social hierarchy.
He rose quickly through the political hierarchy to become party leader.
2. the people in the upper levels of an organization who control it
hierarchical adjective
It's a very hierarchical organization in which everyone's status is clearly defined.
hierarchically adverb
The company is hierarchically structured.
hieroglyph noun [ C ]
a picture or symbol which represents a word, and which is used in some writing
systems, such as that used in ancient Egypt
hieroglyphics plural noun
a system of writing which uses pictures instead of words, especially as used in
ancient Egypt
hifalutin adjective
highfalutin
hi-fi noun
1. [ C ] a set of electronic equipment which is used to play recorded sound,
especially music
I've just bought a new hi-fi.
hi-fi equipment
See picture music listening
hi-fi noun
2. [ U ] high fidelity
ABBREVIATION FOR
higgledy-piggledy adjective , adverb INFORMAL
mixed up and in no particular order
My clothes are all higgledy-piggledy in my drawers.
higgledy-piggledy adjective , adverb INFORMAL

mixed up and in no particular order
My clothes are all higgledy-piggledy in my drawers.
high adjective DISTANCE
1. (especially of things that are not living) being a large distance from top to
bottom or a long way above the ground, or having the stated distance from top to
bottom
a high building/mountain
high ceilings
It's two and a half metres high and one metre wide.
The corn grew waist-high (= as high as a person's waist) in the fields.
high adjective ABOVE AVERAGE
2. greater than the usual level or amount
The job demands a high level of concentration.
He suffers from high blood pressure.
Antique furniture fetches very high prices these days.
She got very high marks in her geography exam.
It's very dangerous to drive at high speed when the roads are wet.
He's in a high-security prison.
3. high standards/principles
very good or very moral standards
She was a woman of high principles.
She demands very high standards from the people who work for her.
4. high winds
fast, strong wind
High winds caused delays on the ferries.
high adjective IMPORTANT
5. having power, an important position, or great influence
an officer of high rank
high adjective SOUND
6. near or at the top of the range of sounds
I can't reach the high notes.
high adjective BAD
7. UK (of food) smelling bad and no longer good to eat
This meat is rather high - shall I throw it out?
high adjective MENTAL STATE
8. not thinking or behaving normally because of taking drugs
He was high on heroin at the time.
be as high as a kite
1. INFORMAL to behave in a silly or excited way because you have taken drugs or
drunk a lot of alcohol
I tried to talk to her after the party, but she was as high as a kite.
2. to feel very happy and excited
I was a high as a kite when I'd heard I'd got the job.
come/get (down) off your high horse
to stop talking as if you were better or more clever than other people
It's time you came down off your high horse and admitted you were wrong.
get on your high horse
to start talking angrily about something bad that someone else has done as if you
feel you are better or more clever than they are
have it on the highest authority FORMAL
to have been told something by someone who knows the truth
I have it on the highest authority that they are getting a divorce.
high and mighty DISAPPROVING
Someone who is high and mighty behaves as if they are more important than
other people.
hunt/search high and low
to search everywhere for something
I've been hunting high and low for that certificate and I still can't find it!
leave sb high and dry INFORMAL
to do something which is not at all convenient for someone and put them in a
very difficult situation
They pulled out of the deal at the last minute leaving us high and dry.
live high on/off the hog US INFORMAL OFTEN DISAPPROVING
to live in great comfort with a lot of money
on high
1. OLD USE in heaven
God looked down from on high.
2. MAINLY HUMOROUS If an order comes from on high, it comes from someone in a
position of authority
Instructions came from on high to reduce our travel expenses.
high noun ABOVE AVERAGE
1. [ C ] a higher level than has ever been reached previously
Interest rates have reached an all-time/record high.
high noun MENTAL STATE
2. [ C usually singular ] a period of extreme excitement or happiness when you
feel full of energy, often caused by a feeling of success, or by drugs or alcohol or a
religious experience
Exercise gives you a high.
She's been on a high ever since she got her article published.
There are lots of highs and lows in this job.
high noun EDUCATION
3. [ S ] US INFORMAL FOR high school (when used in the name of a school)
I go to Santa Ana High.
high adverb
at or to a large distance from the ground
You'll have to hit the ball quite high to get it over that net.
Concorde flew much higher than most aeroplanes.
highball noun [ C ] MAINLY US
an alcoholic drink made with whisky and water or soda (= water with bubbles)

ˈ high ˌ beams plural noun US
car headlights which are on as brightly as possible
highbrow adjective MAINLY DISAPPROVING
(of books, plays, etc.) involving serious and complicated or artistic ideas, or (of
people) interested in serious and complicated subjects
Compare lowbrow ; middlebrow
highbrow noun [ C ]
ˈ high ˌ chair noun [ C ]
high chair
a chair with long legs, for a baby or a small child, usually with a small table
connected to it for the child to eat from
ˌ high ˈ church adjective
related to the part of the Church of England that is closest to the Roman Catholic
Church and contains a lot of ceremonies
Compare low church
high-class adjective
of very good quality, or of high social rank
ˌ High Com ˈ mission noun [ C usually singular ]
1. the embassy of one Commonwealth country in another Commonwealth country
2. an international organization that has been established for a particular purpose
the United Nations High Commission for Refugees
ˌ High Com ˈ missioner noun [ C ]
the main representative of one Commonwealth country in another Commonwealth
country, or a person in charge of a High Commission
highbrow noun [ C ]
high chair
Compare low church
ˌ High ˈ Court noun [ C usually singular ]
1. UK a law court in England and Wales for trials of civil rather than criminal cases
and where decisions made in regional courts can be considered again
2. high court
US the Supreme Court
High Court of Australia noun [ S ]
the law court in Australia where decisions that are made in the Supreme Court of
each state can be considered again
ˌ high defi ˌ nition ˈ television noun [ U ]
a system which produces very good quality television images in greater detail
than ordinary systems
high-end adjective
1. intended for people who want very good quality products and who do not mind
how much they cost
high-end video equipment/a high-end department store
2. wanting very good quality products, and willing to pay a lot of money for them
high-end consumers
higher adjective HIGH
1. COMPARATIVE OF high
higher adjective EDUCATION
2. [ before noun ] describes an advanced level of education
A greater proportion of people with first degrees are now going on to study for
higher degrees.
higher noun [ C ] SCOTTISH
(in Scotland) an official examination that is taken in schools, especially by
students who want to study at college or university
ˌ higher edu ˈ cation noun [ U ]
education at a college or university where subjects are studied at an advanced
level
higher-up noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone with a more important position than you in an organization
They're still waiting for a decision about the extra money from the higher-ups.
ˌ highest common ˈ factor noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the highest number that a set of two or more different numbers can be divided by
exactly
4 is the highest common factor of 8 and 12.
ˌ high ex ˈ plosive noun [ C or U ]
a very powerful explosive that can damage a large area
highfalutin adjective ( ALSO hifalutin ) INFORMAL
trying to seem very important or serious, but without having a good reason for
doing so and looking silly as a result
ˌ high fi ˈ delity noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION hi-fi )
the production by electrical equipment of very good quality sound that is as
similar as possible to the original sound
a major manufacturer of high fidelity audio equipment
high-five noun [ C ]
a greeting or an expression of admiration in which two people each raise a hand
above their shoulder and bring the fronts of their hands together with force
high-flier noun [ C ]
See high-flyer
high-flown adjective SLIGHTLY DISAPPROVING
describes language, ideas, or behaviour that is meant to make you admire
someone
high-flyer noun
1. ( ALSO high-flier ) [ C ] someone who has a lot of ability and a strong wish to be
successful and is therefore expected to achieve a lot
High-flyers in the industry typically earn 25% more than their colleagues.
high-flyer noun
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] ( ALSO high-flier ) MAINLY UK an extremely
successful organization, business or team
high-flying adjective [ before noun ]
extremely successful
a high-flying investment banker
high-grade adjective [ before noun ]
of very good quality or of better quality than usual
high-grade petrol
high-handed adjective DISAPPROVING
Someone who is high-handed uses their power or authority more forcefully than is
needed without thinking about the feelings or wishes of other people.
high-handedness noun [ U ]
ˌ high ˈ heels plural noun
high heels
women's shoes in which the heels are raised high off the ground
high-heeled adjective [ before noun ]
high-heeled shoes
high jinks , US ALSO hijinks plural noun INFORMAL
energetic and excited behaviour in which people do funny things or play tricks on
someone
the ˈ high ˌ jump noun [ S ]
a sport in which competitors try to jump over a bar supported on two poles. The
height of the bar is gradually raised and the winner is the person who jumps highest
without knocking the bar off the poles.
be for the high jump UK
to be going to be punished for something you have done wrong
ˈ high ˌ jumper noun [ C ]
someone who competes in the high jump
Highlander noun [ C ]
a person who comes from the Scottish Highlands
ˌ Highland ˈ fling noun [ C usually singular ]
an energetic Scottish dance
ˌ Highland ˈ Games plural noun
an event which involves traditional Scottish dancing, music and sports
competitions
highlands plural noun
a mountainous area of a country
Most villages in the highlands are now connected by roads.
highland adjective [ before noun ]
in or relating to an area with mountains or hills
highland springs
the ˈ Highlands plural noun
a mountainous area in northern Scotland
the Scottish Highlands
Highland adjective [ before noun ]
related to or connected with the Scottish Highlands
a Highland reel

highbrow noun [ C ]
high chair
Compare low church
ˌ High ˈ Court noun [ C usually singular ]
1. UK a law court in England and Wales for trials of civil rather than criminal cases
and where decisions made in regional courts can be considered again
2. high court
US the Supreme Court
High Court of Australia noun [ S ]
the law court in Australia where decisions that are made in the Supreme Court of
each state can be considered again
ˌ high defi ˌ nition ˈ television noun [ U ]
a system which produces very good quality television images in greater detail
than ordinary systems
high-end adjective
1. intended for people who want very good quality products and who do not mind
how much they cost
high-end video equipment/a high-end department store
2. wanting very good quality products, and willing to pay a lot of money for them
high-end consumers
higher adjective HIGH
1. COMPARATIVE OF high
higher adjective EDUCATION
2. [ before noun ] describes an advanced level of education
A greater proportion of people with first degrees are now going on to study for
higher degrees.
higher noun [ C ] SCOTTISH
(in Scotland) an official examination that is taken in schools, especially by
students who want to study at college or university
ˌ higher edu ˈ cation noun [ U ]
education at a college or university where subjects are studied at an advanced
level
higher-up noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone with a more important position than you in an organization
They're still waiting for a decision about the extra money from the higher-ups.
ˌ highest common ˈ factor noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the highest number that a set of two or more different numbers can be divided by
exactly
4 is the highest common factor of 8 and 12.
ˌ high ex ˈ plosive noun [ C or U ]
a very powerful explosive that can damage a large area
highfalutin adjective ( ALSO hifalutin ) INFORMAL
trying to seem very important or serious, but without having a good reason for
doing so and looking silly as a result
ˌ high fi ˈ delity noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION hi-fi )
the production by electrical equipment of very good quality sound that is as
similar as possible to the original sound
a major manufacturer of high fidelity audio equipment
high-five noun [ C ]
a greeting or an expression of admiration in which two people each raise a hand
above their shoulder and bring the fronts of their hands together with force
high-flier noun [ C ]
See high-flyer
high-flown adjective SLIGHTLY DISAPPROVING
describes language, ideas, or behaviour that is meant to make you admire
someone
high-flyer noun
1. ( ALSO high-flier ) [ C ] someone who has a lot of ability and a strong wish to be
successful and is therefore expected to achieve a lot
High-flyers in the industry typically earn 25% more than their colleagues.
high-flyer noun
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] ( ALSO high-flier ) MAINLY UK an extremely
successful organization, business or team
high-flying adjective [ before noun ]
extremely successful
a high-flying investment banker
high-grade adjective [ before noun ]
of very good quality or of better quality than usual
high-grade petrol
high-handed adjective DISAPPROVING
Someone who is high-handed uses their power or authority more forcefully than is
needed without thinking about the feelings or wishes of other people.
high-handedness noun [ U ]
ˌ high ˈ heels plural noun
high heels
women's shoes in which the heels are raised high off the ground
high-heeled adjective [ before noun ]
high-heeled shoes
high jinks , US ALSO hijinks plural noun INFORMAL
energetic and excited behaviour in which people do funny things or play tricks on
someone
the ˈ high ˌ jump noun [ S ]
a sport in which competitors try to jump over a bar supported on two poles. The
height of the bar is gradually raised and the winner is the person who jumps highest
without knocking the bar off the poles.
be for the high jump UK
to be going to be punished for something you have done wrong
ˈ high ˌ jumper noun [ C ]
someone who competes in the high jump
Highlander noun [ C ]
a person who comes from the Scottish Highlands
ˌ Highland ˈ fling noun [ C usually singular ]
an energetic Scottish dance
ˌ Highland ˈ Games plural noun
an event which involves traditional Scottish dancing, music and sports
competitions
highlands plural noun
a mountainous area of a country
Most villages in the highlands are now connected by roads.
highland adjective [ before noun ]
in or relating to an area with mountains or hills
highland springs
the ˈ Highlands plural noun
a mountainous area in northern Scotland
the Scottish Highlands
Highland adjective [ before noun ]
related to or connected with the Scottish Highlands
a Highland reel
high-level adjective
If discussions are high-level, very important people are involved in them
high-level meetings/talks between the two sides
ˌ high-level ˈ language noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a language for writing computer programs which looks more like human language
than computer language and is therefore easier to understand
ˌ high-level ˈ waste noun [ U ]
waste, such as nuclear fuel that has been used to produce electricity, which is
very radioactive and needs to be kept cool for many years before it can be got rid of
without harming the environment
ˌ high-level ˈ waste noun [ U ]

waste, such as nuclear fuel that has been used to produce electricity, which is
very radioactive and needs to be kept cool for many years before it can be got rid of
without harming the environment
the ˈ high ˌ life noun [ S ]
an exciting way of living in which rich and successful people enjoy themselves by
spending a lot of time and money in fashionable places
highlight verb [ T ]
to attract attention to or emphasize something important
The report highlights the need for improved safety.
The spelling mistakes in the text had been highlighted in green.
highlight noun BEST PART
1. [ C ] the best or most exciting, entertaining or interesting part of something
Highlights of the match will be shown after the news.
highlight noun HAIR
2. [ C usually plural ] a narrow strip of hair on a person's head which has been
made a more pale colour than the surrounding hair
highlighter noun [ C ]
highlighter
a special pen containing bright ink which is used to mark words in a book,
magazine, etc.
highly adverb ABOVE AVERAGE
1. very, to a large degree, or at a high level
a highly paid job
a highly profitable line of products
For our country to remain competitive, we need a highly-skilled, highly-educated
workforce.
2. think/speak highly of sb
to admire/say admiring things about someone
He's very highly thought of within the company.
highly adverb IMPORTANT
3. in an important or influential (= having a lot of influence) position
According to one highly -placed source, the Prime Minister had threatened to
resign over this issue.
highly-strung adjective ( US high-strung )
very nervous and easily upset
a highly-strung young woman
a highly-strung racehorse
highly-strung adjective ( US high-strung )

very nervous and easily upset
a highly-strung young woman
a highly-strung racehorse
high-minded adjective
having very high moral standards of behaviour
Highness noun FORMAL
Her/His/Your Highness
used when you are speaking to or about a royal person
[ as form of address ] Will that be all, Your Highness?
ˌ high ˈ noon noun [ U ]
exactly twelve o'clock, when the sun should be at its highest point in the sky
high-octane adjective [ before noun ]
1. describes fuel that is of very good quality
high-octane fuel
high-octane UK petrol/ US gas
2. full of energy or very powerful
a high-octane performance
high-pitched adjective VOICE
1. A voice that is high-pitched is higher than usual.
high-pitched adjective NOISE
2. describes a noise that is high and sometimes also loud or unpleasant
the high-pitched scream of the fire alarm
ˈ high ˌ point noun [ S ]
the best part of an experience
The high point of the trip for me was visiting the Pyramids.
high-powered adjective POWERFUL
1. (of machines) very powerful
a high-powered motorbike
a high-powered computer
high-powered adjective IMPORTANT JOB
2. (of people) very successful or having a very important job
a high-powered attorney
high-pressure adjective [ before noun ] PRESSURE
1. involving pressure which is greater than usual
They used special high-pressure hoses to help them put out the fires.
high-pressure adjective [ before noun ] SELLING
2. describes methods of selling that involve persuading people in a forceful way to
buy something that often they do not want
I refuse to be intimidated by high-pressure sales techniques.
high-pressure adjective [ before noun ] WORRY
3. involving a lot of responsibility or worry
a high-pressure job in advertising
high-pressure adjective [ before noun ] PRESSURE
1. involving pressure which is greater than usual
They used special high-pressure hoses to help them put out the fires.
high-pressure adjective [ before noun ] SELLING
2. describes methods of selling that involve persuading people in a forceful way to
buy something that often they do not want
I refuse to be intimidated by high-pressure sales techniques.
high-pressure adjective [ before noun ] WORRY
3. involving a lot of responsibility or worry
a high-pressure job in advertising
ˌ high ˈ priest noun [ C ] ( FEMALE high priestess )
1. a very important priest or priestess in a religious or spiritual organization
2. the most important or famous person in a particular area of interest
She is widely regarded as the high priestess of contemporary dance.
high-profile adjective [ before noun ]
attracting a lot of attention and interest from the public and newpapers,
television, etc
high-profile politicians
He resigned from a high-profile job as economic adviser to the Prime Minister.
high-ranking adjective
having an important position in an organization
ˈ high ˌ rise noun [ C ]
a tall modern building with a lot of floors
She lives in a high rise overlooking the river.
high-rise adjective
a high-rise office building
high-risk adjective [ before noun ]
involving a greater than usual amount of risk
Only people who can afford to lose their money should make high-risk
investments.
ˌ high ˈ roller noun [ C ]
someone who spends a lot of money or who gambles with large amounts of
money
ˈ high ˌ school noun [ C ]
1. ( INFORMAL high ) a school in the US for children aged from 14 to 18, or from 16
to 18 if there is also a junior high school
Diane goes to Santa Ana High.
2. in the UK and Australia, sometimes used in the names of schools for children
aged from 11 to 18
the ˌ high ˈ seas plural noun
the seas which are not controlled by any country
the ˌ high ˈ seas plural noun

the seas which are not controlled by any country
ˌ high ˈ season noun [ U ]
the time of year when the greatest number of people visit a place and when the
prices are at their highest level
People on limited budgets should avoid travelling in/during/ UK at high season if
they can.
Compare low season
ˌ high so ˈ ciety noun [ U ]
rich, powerful and fashionable people
There were 2000 guests from European high society at the prince's wedding.
high-speed adjective [ before noun ]
describes something that moves or operates very quickly
a high-speed train/ferry
a high-speed computer
high-speed data transmission
high-spirited adjective PERSON
1. Someone who is high-spirited is energetic and happy and likes doing exciting
and enjoyable things.
high-spirited adjective ANIMAL
2. describes a very active horse that is difficult to control
ˌ high ˈ spirits plural noun
If someone is in high spirits, they are extremely happy and enjoying themselves
They'd had a couple of drinks and were in high spirits.
ˈ high ˌ street noun UK
1. [ C ] a street where the most important shops and businesses in a town are
There's a new Italian restaurant opening on the high street.
2. the high street
business done in shops
There are signs of economic recovery in the high street.
high-street adjective
1. relating to business done in shops
There was a modest rise in high-street spending last month.
2. describes products, especially clothes, which are intended for the ordinary
public and not for rich people
high-street fashions
high-street adjective
1. relating to business done in shops
There was a modest rise in high-street spending last month.
2. describes products, especially clothes, which are intended for the ordinary
public and not for rich people
high-street fashions
ˌ high ˈ table noun [ C or U ] UK
a table at a formal meal where the most important guests sit
hightail verb MAINLY US INFORMAL
hightail it
to leave or go somewhere in a great hurry
As soon as I heard he was coming I hightailed it out of there.
ˌ high ˈ tea noun [ C or U ] UK
a light meal eaten in the late afternoon or early evening which usually includes
cooked food, cakes and tea to drink
high-tech adjective
1. ( ALSO hi-tech ) using the most advanced and developed machines and methods
This weapons system is an affordable, hi-tech solution.
Compare low-tech
2. very modern looking or made with modern materials
high-tech architecture
ˌ high tech ˈ nology noun [ U ]
the most advanced and developed machines and methods
a thriving economy built on high technology
ˌ high ˈ tension adjective [ before noun ] OLD-FASHIONED
high-voltage
a high-tension cable
ˌ high ˈ tide noun SEA/RIVER
1. [ C or U ] the time when the sea or a river reaches its highest level and comes
furthest up the beach or the bank
ˌ high ˈ tide noun SUCCESSFUL POINT
2. [ S ] UK Something's high tide is its most successful point
The signing of the peace treaty was the high tide of her presidency.
high-top , hi top noun [ C ]
a type of shoe that covers the foot and the ankle
high-top trainers
high-top , hi top noun [ C ]
a type of shoe that covers the foot and the ankle
high-top trainers
ˌ high ˈ treason noun [ U ]
the committing of a crime which seriously threatens the safety of your country
ˌ high ˈ up adjective [ after verb ]
Someone who is high up in an organization has an important position in it.
high-voltage adjective ELECTRICITY
1. relating to or containing large amounts of electricity
high-voltage adjective EXCITING
2. INFORMAL very exciting and full of energy
Sara Hughes gives a high-voltage performance in one of the most exciting plays
to hit London this year.
ˌ high ˈ water noun [ U ]
UK FOR high tide
ˌ high ˈ water ˌ mark noun [ C usually singular ] SEA/RIVER
1. a mark which shows the highest level that the sea or river reaches at a
particular place
ˌ high ˈ water ˌ mark noun [ C usually singular ] SUCCESSFUL POINT
2. the most successful point of something
His 1991 election victory was probably the high water mark of his popularity.
highway noun [ C ]
US OR UK FORMAL a public road, especially an important road that joins cities or
towns together
a coastal/interstate highway
See also superhighway
the highways and byways LITERARY
the roads and paths of a place
They travelled the highways and byways of Britain.
the ˌ Highway ˈ Code noun [ S ] UK
the set of official rules, published in a small book, which have to be obeyed by
drivers in the UK
the ˌ Highway ˈ Code noun [ S ] UK
the set of official rules, published in a small book, which have to be obeyed by
drivers in the UK
highwayman noun [ C ]
in the past, a man on a horse and carrying a gun who stopped people travelling
on public roads and stole from them
hijab noun
1. [ C ] the head covering that some Muslim women wear when they are outside
2. [ U ] the religious law that controls the clothes that Muslim women can wear
hijack verb [ T ]
1. to take control of an aircraft or other vehicle during a journey, especially using
violence
Two men hijacked a jet travelling to Paris and demanded $125 000.
2. DISAPPROVING to take control of or use something that does not belong to you for
your own advantage
He resents the way his ideas have been hijacked by others in the department.
hijacker noun [ C ]
hijack noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO hijacking )
when someone uses force to take control of an aircraft or other vehicle
The hijack ended with the release of all the plane's passengers unharmed.
hike noun [ C ] WALK
1. a long walk, especially in the countryside
hike noun [ C ] INCREASE
2. an increase in the cost of something, especially a large or unwanted increase
The recent hike in train fares came as a shock to commuters.
Take a hike! US INFORMAL
a rude way of telling someone to leave
hike verb WALK
1. [ I ] to go for a long walk in the countryside
hike verb INCREASE
2. [ I or T ] to increase the cost of something
The Chancellor has hiked (up) interest rates again.
hike sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to lift or raise something with a quick movement
She hiked up her skirt and climbed onto the bicycle.
hiker noun [ C ]
a person who goes for a long walk in the countryside
On sunny days the trails are full of hikers.
hiker noun [ C ]
a person who goes for a long walk in the countryside
On sunny days the trails are full of hikers.
hiking noun [ U ]
the activity of going for long walks in the countryside
We're going hiking in the Lake District next weekend.
hilarious adjective
extremely funny and causing a lot of laughter
He didn't like the film at all - I thought it was hilarious.
hilariously adverb
Her new book's hilariously funny.
hilarity noun [ U ]
when people laugh very loudly and think something is very funny
What was all the hilarity about?
hill noun [ C ]
1. an area of land that is higher than the surrounding land
Hills are not as high as mountains.
Their house is on the top of a hill.
In the summer, the shepherds move their sheep up into the hills (= an area
where there are hills) .
2. a slope in a road
That hill's far too steep to cycle up.
over the hill OFTEN HUMOROUS
used for describing someone who is old and no longer useful or attractive
hillbilly noun [ C ] US OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING
a person from a mountainous area of the US who has a simple way of life and is
considered to be slightly stupid by people living in towns and cities
hillock noun [ C ]
a small hill
hillside noun [ C ]
the sloping surface of a hill, rather than the level surface at the top of it
hillside noun [ C ]
the sloping surface of a hill, rather than the level surface at the top of it
ˈ hill ˌ station noun [ C ] UK
a village or town high up in the hills, especially in South Asia, where people go in
the summer to escape from the heat
hilltop noun [ C ]
the top part of a hill, rather than its sloping sides
hilly adjective
having a lot of hills
hilly countryside
a hilly area
hilt noun [ C ]
the handle of a sharp pointed weapon such as a sword
(up) to the hilt
Something that is done (up) to the hilt is done completely and without any limits
The government is already borrowing up to the hilt.
him , pronoun MALE
1. used, usually after a verb or preposition, to refer to a man, boy or male animal
that has just been mentioned or is just about to be mentioned
If you see Kevin give him my love.
What's Terry up to - I haven't seen him for ages.
Why don't you give him his present?
We've just got a new cat, but we haven't named him yet.
him , pronoun FEMALE OR MALE
2. used, especially in formal situations, usually after a verb or preposition, to refer
to a person or animal that has just been mentioned or is just about to be mentioned
and whose sex is not known or not considered to be important
Man's ability to talk makes him unlike any other animal.
himself pronoun MALE
1. used to refer to a male object of a verb that is the same person as the subject
of the verb
He'd cut himself shaving.
Most nights he would cry himself to sleep.
2. used to give special attention to a male noun or to make clear which male
Did you want to talk to the chairman himself, or could his personal assistant help
you?
Guy was going to buy a bookcase, but in the end he made one himself.
3. (all) to himself
for his use only
Johnny's got the apartment to himself next week.
4. (all) by himself
If a man or boy does something by himself, he does it alone or without help from
anyone else
Little Timmy made that snowman all by himself.
5. not be/not seem himself
not being or seeming as happy or as healthy as usual
Is Tom all right? He doesn't seem quite himself this morning.
himself pronoun FEMALE OR MALE
6. used to refer to an object of a verb that is the same person or animal as the
subject of the verb, when referring to a person or animal whose sex is not known or not
considered to be important
Any fool can teach himself to type.
in himself UK INFORMAL
used when describing or asking about a man's state of mind when he is physically
ill
He's well enough in himself - he just can't shake this cold off.
hind adjective [ before noun ]
at the back of an animal's body
a hind leg
hind noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a female deer, especially a red deer
a hind leg
hinder verb [ T ]
to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of
something
High winds have hindered firefighters in their efforts to put out the blaze.
Her progress certainly hasn't been hindered by her lack of experience.
Hindi noun [ U ]
one of the official languages of India, spoken especially in northern India
hindquarters plural noun
the back part of an animal with four legs
hindrance noun [ C usually singular U ]
something which makes it more difficult for you to do something or for something
to develop
I've never considered my disability a hindrance, but other people have.
hindsight noun [ U ]
the ability to understand an event or situation only after it has happened
With (the benefit/wisdom of) hindsight, I should have taken the job.
In hindsight, it would have been better to wait.
Hindu noun [ C ]
someone who believes in Hinduism
Hinduism noun [ U ]
an ancient religion with Indian origins whose characteristics include the worship of
many gods and goddesses and the belief that when a person or creature dies, their
spirit returns to life in another body
hinge noun [ C ]
hinge
a piece of metal that fastens the edge of a door, window, lid, etc. to something
else and allows it to swing open or closed
We had to take the front door off its hinges to get our new sofa into the house.
hinged adjective
a hinged lid
hinge verb
hinge on/upon sth phrasal verb
1. If one thing hinges on another, the first thing depends on the second thing or is
very influenced by it
The prosecution's case hinged on the evidence of a witness who died before the
trial.
2. If a story or situation hinges on an idea or subject, it develops from that idea
or that is the most important subject in it
The film's plot hinges on a case of mistaken identity.
a hind leg
hinder verb [ T ]
to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of
something
High winds have hindered firefighters in their efforts to put out the blaze.
Her progress certainly hasn't been hindered by her lack of experience.
Hindi noun [ U ]
one of the official languages of India, spoken especially in northern India
hindquarters plural noun
the back part of an animal with four legs
hindrance noun [ C usually singular U ]
something which makes it more difficult for you to do something or for something
to develop
I've never considered my disability a hindrance, but other people have.
hindsight noun [ U ]
the ability to understand an event or situation only after it has happened
With (the benefit/wisdom of) hindsight, I should have taken the job.
In hindsight, it would have been better to wait.
Hindu noun [ C ]
someone who believes in Hinduism
Hinduism noun [ U ]
an ancient religion with Indian origins whose characteristics include the worship of
many gods and goddesses and the belief that when a person or creature dies, their
spirit returns to life in another body
hinge noun [ C ]
hinge
a piece of metal that fastens the edge of a door, window, lid, etc. to something
else and allows it to swing open or closed
We had to take the front door off its hinges to get our new sofa into the house.
hinged adjective
a hinged lid
hinge verb
hinge on/upon sth phrasal verb
1. If one thing hinges on another, the first thing depends on the second thing or is
very influenced by it
The prosecution's case hinged on the evidence of a witness who died before the
trial.
2. If a story or situation hinges on an idea or subject, it develops from that idea
or that is the most important subject in it
The film's plot hinges on a case of mistaken identity.
hint noun INDIRECT STATEMENT
1. [ C ] something that you say or do that shows, but not directly, what you think
or want
[ + that ] He's dropped (= given) several hints to the boss that he'll quit if he
doesn't get a promotion.
Did she give you any hints about where she was going?
You can't take (= understand) a hint, can you? Just go away and leave me alone!
hint noun ADVICE
2. [ C ] a piece of advice which helps you to do something
Could you give us a hint about how to do this exercise, please?
This recipe book is full of handy (= useful) hints.
hint noun SMALL AMOUNT
3. [ C usually singular ] a very small amount of something
There's just a hint of brandy in the sauce.
I detected a hint of doubt in his voice.
hint verb [ I ]
to say or do something that shows, but not directly, what you think or want
[ + ( that ) ] Mum's hinted (that) she might pay for my trip to Mexico.
He's hinted at the possibility of moving to America.
hinterland noun
1. [ C usually singular ] the land behind the coast or the banks of a river, or an
area of a country that is far away from cities
2. hinterlands
[ plural ] US a part of the country that is far away from the big city areas
hip noun [ C ] BODY PART
1. the area below the waist and above the legs at either side of the body, or the
joint which connects the leg to the upper part of the body
This exercise is designed to trim your hips and stomach.
The skirt was a bit tight across the hips.
See pictures body , body positions 3
hip noun [ C ] FRUIT
2. MAINLY UK FOR rose hip
hip adjective INFORMAL
fashionable
The bars and cafés in the old part of the town are frequented by hip young
students.
hip exclamation
Hip, hip hooray/hurray!
an expression that is called out, often by a group of people at the same time, to
express approval of someone
Three cheers for the bride and groom! Hip, hip, hooray!
hipbath noun [ C ] UK
a small bath with a seat built into it which is designed for sitting rather than lying
in
ˈ hip ˌ flask noun [ C ]
hip flask
a small flat bottle that is used to carry alcohol in your pocket
hip-hop noun [ U ]
a type of popular music in which the subject of the songs is often politics or
society and the words are spoken rather than sung
hippie , hippy noun [ C ]
a person, typically young, especially in the late 1960s and early 1970s, who
believed in peace, was opposed to many of the accepted ideas about how to live, had
long hair, and often lived in groups and took drugs
the Hippocratic oath noun [ S ]
a promise made by people when they become doctors to do everything possible to
preserve human life and to keep high working standards
hippopotamus noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL hippo )
hippopotamus
a very large animal with short legs and thick, dark grey skin which lives near
water in Africa
hipster noun PERSON
1. [ C ] INFORMAL someone who is very influenced by the most recent ideas and
fashions
hipster noun TROUSERS
2. hipsters UK ( US hiphuggers )
trousers which do not reach as high as the waist
hire verb [ T ] UK
1. ( US rent ) to pay to use something for a short period
How much would it cost to hire a car for a fortnight?
You could always hire a dress for the ball if you can't afford to buy one.
2. to employ someone or pay them to do a particular job
I was hired by the first company I applied to.
[ + to infinitive ] We ought to hire a public relations consultant to help improve
our image.
hired adjective UK
a hired car
The police believe he was killed by a hired assassin.
hire sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ]
to allow someone to use something or someone temporarily in exchange for
money
How much do you charge for hiring out a bicycle for a week?
[ R ] He's decided to go freelance and hire him self out as a technical writer.
hire noun [ U ] UK
when you arrange to use something by paying for it
The price includes flights and car hire.
There's a camping shop in town that has tents for hire (= available to be hired) at
£10 a week.
hireling noun [ C ] UK DISAPPROVING
someone who has been persuaded by an offer of money to do an unpleasant or
unpopular job
He's not the boss, he's just a hireling employed to do the dirty work.
ˌ hire ˈ purchase noun [ U ] UK ( ABBREVIATION HP , US installment plan )
a method of paying for something in which the buyer pays part of the cost
immediately and then makes small regular payments until the debt is completely paid
hiring noun [ C usually plural ]
the act of starting to employ someone
The office has completely changed in the past few weeks because there have been
so many hirings and firings (= a lot of new people have been employed and a lot of
others have lost their jobs) .
hirsute adjective LITERARY OR HUMOROUS
having a lot of hair, especially on the face or body
his determiner , pronoun MALE
1. (something) belonging to or connected with a man, boy or male animal that
has just been mentioned
"Jo's got a new boyfriend." "Oh really? What's his name?"
Mark just phoned to say he'd left his coat behind. Do you know if this is his?
FORMAL Did Chris tell you about his winn ing some money in the lottery?
2. his own
used to emphasize that something belongs to or is connected with a particular
man or boy and no one else
He got his very own computer for Christmas.
his determiner , pronoun FEMALE OR MALE
3. (something) belonging to or connected with a person or animal that has just
been mentioned and whose sex is not known or not considered to be important
Anyone who drives his car at 100 miles an hour is asking for trouble.
What a lovely dog! What's his name?
ˌ his and ˈ hers adjective [ before noun ]
describes a pair of similar things designed for a man and woman in a romantic
relationship to use
My mum gave us his and hers matching dressing gowns for Christmas.
Hispanic adjective
connected with Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, especially those countries in
Latin America
Hispanic noun [ C ]
Hispanics make up a large proportion of the population of Miami.
hiss verb
1. [ I ] to make a noise which is like the first sound in the word 'sing' but which
lasts a lot longer
Why do snakes hiss?
The iron was hissing and spluttering.
People in the audience were hissing their disapproval.
2. [ T ] to say something in a quiet angry way
"Shut up, Tom!" she hissed.
hiss noun [ C or U ]
a sound like the letter 's'
I heard a hiss and a pop as the cork came out of the bottle.
hissy (fit) noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a sudden period of uncontrolled and silly anger like a child's
Sue, of course, threw a hissy when she found out.
histamine noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical in the body which is released after an injury or during an allergic
reaction
histogram noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a bar chart/graph
histology noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the scientific study of the structure of tissue from plants, animals and other living
things
historian noun [ C ]
someone who writes about or studies history
historian noun [ C ]
someone who writes about or studies history
historic adjective
important or likely to be important in history
historic buildings
a historic day/moment
In a historic vote, the Church of England decided to allow women to become
priests.
historical adjective
connected with the study or representation of things from the past
Many important historical documents were destroyed when the library was
bombed.
She specializes in historical novels set in eighteenth-century England.
historically adverb
The film makes no attempt to be historically accurate.
Historically (= Over a long period in the past) , there have always been close links
between France and Scotland.
hist ˌ oric ˈ present noun [ C usually singular ] SPECIALIZED
the present tense when it is used to describe past events, either informally, or to
produce a special effect
history noun PAST EVENTS
1. [ C or U ] (the study of or a record of) past events considered together,
especially events of a particular period, country or subject
I studied modern European history at college.
American history
Annie's decided to write a history of electronic music.
I only asked him for a cigarette, but two hours later he'd told me his whole life
history.
2. [ U ] INFORMAL something that happened or ended a long time ago and is not
important now, or a person who is not important now, although they were in the past
Last year's report is ancient history and totally irrelevant to the current situation.
"What about Dan - are you still seeing him?" "Oh, he's history."
history noun PARTICULAR RECORD
3. [ C usually singular ] something that has been done or experienced by a
particular person or thing repeatedly over a long period
Her family has a history of heart problems.
There's a long history of industrial disputes at the factory.
He has a good credit history (= a good record of paying money that he owes) .
make history
to do something important which has not been done before and which will be
recorded publicly and remembered for a long time
Margaret Thatcher made history when she became the first British woman Prime
Minister.
histrionic adjective DISAPPROVING
very emotional and energetic, but without sincerity or real meaning
a histrionic outburst
She put on a histrionic display of grief at her ex-husband's funeral.
histrionically adverb.
histrionic adjective DISAPPROVING

very emotional and energetic, but without sincerity or real meaning
a histrionic outburst
She put on a histrionic display of grief at her ex-husband's funeral.
histrionically adverb
histrionics plural noun DISAPPROVING
very emotional and energetic behaviour that has no sincerity and real meaning
I'd had enough of Lydia's histrionics.
hit verb TOUCH
1. [ T ] to swing your hand or an object onto the surface of something so that it
touches it, usually with force
Teachers are not allowed to hit their pupils.
This type of glass won't shatter no matter how hard you hit it.
She hit her thumb with the hammer.
2. [ T ] to touch something with sudden force
They were going at about 60 kilometres an hour when their car hit the tree.
One journalist was hit in the leg by a stray bullet.
That new shelf in the bathroom is too low - I just hit my head on it.
hit verb EFFECT
3. [ T ] to have an unpleasant or negative effect on a person or thing
Production has been badly hit by the strike.
Demand for transatlantic flights has been hit by fears of terrorist attacks.
hit verb SHOOT
4. [ T often passive ] to shoot at or bomb a place or person, causing damage or
injury
Two schools were hit during the air raid.
He was hit in the neck by a bullet from a sniper.
Try to hit the middle of the target.
hit verb REACH
5. [ T ] to arrive at a place or position
If we turn left at the next junction, we should hit the main road after five miles or
so.
6. [ T ] to succeed in reaching or achieving something
Our profits hit an all-time high of £20 million last year.
I just can't hit (= sing) those high notes like I used to.
hit verb SUCCESS
7. hit it off INFORMAL
to like someone and become friendly immediately
I didn't really hit it off with his friends.
Jake and Sue hit it off immediately.
hit verb ATTACK
8. [ T ] MAINLY US SLANG to kill someone
Three drug dealers were hit in the city over the weekend.
hit sb between the eyes
to shock someone or have a sudden strong effect on them
hit sb where it hurts
to do or say something to someone that will upset them as much as possible
He's always worrying about his weight, so if you want to hit him where it hurts,
tell him he's looking a bit fat.
hit home
to cause you to fully realize how unpleasant or difficult something is
The full horror of the war only hit home when we started seeing the television
pictures of it in our living rooms.
hit the books MAINLY US AND AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
to study
I can't go out tonight. I've got to hit the books.
hit the bottle
to start to drink too much alcohol
hit the ceiling/roof
to become extremely angry
Dad'll hit the ceiling when he finds out I've left school.
hit the deck
to lie down quickly and suddenly so that you are hidden from view or sheltered
from something dangerous
hit the ground running
to immediately work hard and successfully at a new activity
hit the hay/sack INFORMAL
to go to bed in order to sleep
I've got a busy day tomorrow, so I think I'll hit the sack.
hit the headlines
to appear in the news suddenly or receive a lot of attention in news reports
He hit the headlines two years ago when he was arrested for selling drugs to the
Prime Minister's nephew.
hit the jackpot
to suddenly get or win a lot of money
hit the nail on the head
to describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
I think Mick hit the nail on the head when he said that what's lacking from this
company is a feeling of confidence.
hit the road
to leave a place or begin a journey
I'd love to stay longer but I must be hitting the road.
hit the spot
to be exactly what is needed
That bacon sandwich really hit the spot!
not know what hit you
to feel shocked or confused because something bad has happened to you
suddenly when you were not expecting it
hit back phrasal verb
to attack or criticize someone who has attacked or criticized you
In tonight's speech, the minister is expected to hit back at critics who have
attacked her handling of the crisis.
hit on sb phrasal verb US SLANG
to show someone that you are sexually attracted to them
Some guy hit on me while I was standing at the bar.
hit on/upon sth phrasal verb
to think of an idea when you didn't expect or intend to, especially one that solves
a problem
When we first hit on the idea, everyone told us it would never work.
hit out phrasal verb
to criticise something or someone strongly
The Medical Association yesterday hit out at government cuts in healthcare
services.
hit sb up phrasal verb [ M ] US INFORMAL
to ask someone for something
She hit me up for $20.
hit noun [ C ] SUCCESS
1. a thing or person that is very popular or successful
The Beatles had a string of number-one hits in the 1960s.
Your cake was a real hit at the party - everyone commented.
They've just released a CD of their greatest hits (= their most successful songs) .
hit noun [ C ] COMPUTING
2. a request to use a web page on the Internet that is then counted to calculate
the number of people looking at the page
Our web page had 243 hits this week.
hit noun [ C ] TOUCH
3. when you hit something or someone, or when something or someone hits you
She gave him a hit on the head which knocked him flying.
4. in baseball, when the batter (= person trying to hit the ball) safely reaches first
base after hitting the ball
hit noun [ C ] SHOOT
5. when something that has been thrown, dropped, shot, etc. at a place or object
reaches that place or object
The rebel headquarters took a direct hit from a bomb during the attack.
I scored a hit on my second shot.
hit noun [ C ] ATTACK
6. MAINLY US SLANG an act of murder
He was the victim of a mafia hit.
are/make a hit with INFORMAL
If you are/make a hit with someone, they like you a lot from the time that they
first meet you
You've made a big hit with my dad - he hasn't stopped talking about you.
hit-and-miss adjective ( ALSO hit-or-miss )
If something is hit-and-miss you cannot depend on it to be of good quality, on
time, accurate, etc
The trains are often late, so getting to work on time is a fairly hit-and-miss affair.
hit-and-miss adjective ( ALSO hit-or-miss )
If something is hit-and-miss you cannot depend on it to be of good quality, on
time, accurate, etc
The trains are often late, so getting to work on time is a fairly hit-and-miss affair.
hit-and-run adjective [ before noun ] ACCIDENT
1. describes a road accident in which the driver who caused the accident drives
away without helping the other people involved and without telling the police
a hit-and-run driver/accident
hit-and-run adjective [ before noun ] MILITARY
2. describes a military attack that needs to happen unexpectedly and quickly in
order to be successful
hit-and-run warfare
hitch noun [ C ]
a temporary difficulty which causes a short delay
Due to a slight technical hitch the concert will be starting half an hour late.
go (off) without a hitch
to happen successfully without any problems
To the bride's relief, the wedding ceremony went off without a hitch.
hitch verb RIDE
1. hitch a lift/ride INFORMAL
to get a free ride in someone else's vehicle as a way of travelling
They hitched a lift to Edinburgh from a passing car.
hitch verb FASTEN
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to fasten something to another thing by
tying it with a rope or using a metal hook
The horses were hitched to a shiny black carriage.
We just need to hitch the trailer (on)to the car and then we can go.
hitch sth up phrasal verb [ M ] PULL STH UP
1. to pull something, especially trousers or a skirt, upwards to a slightly higher
position
She hitched her skirt up before wading across the stream.
hitch sth up phrasal verb [ M ] CONNECT
2. If you hitch up a vehicle, you connect it so that it can be pulled, and if you
hitch up an animal to a vehicle, you connect it so that it can pull the vehicle
We watched as the farmer hitched up a team of oxen.
hitched adjective SLANG
get hitched
to get married
Is Tracy really getting hitched then?
hitched adjective SLANG
get hitched
to get married
Is Tracy really getting hitched then?
hitchhike verb [ I ]
to travel by getting free rides in someone else's vehicle
Women should never hitchhike on their own.
See also hitch
hitchhiker noun [ C ]
Jack often picks up hitchhikers.
hither adverb OLD USE OR FORMAL
to or towards this place
Come hither, young sir!
hither and thither ( LITERARY hither and yon )
in many directions
In clearer water, one encounters shoals of tiny fish, which dart hither and thither
like flights of arrows.
hitherto adverb FORMAL
until now or until a particular time
Mira revealed hitherto unsuspected talents on the cricket pitch.
ˈ hit ˌ list noun [ C usually singular ]
a list of people who someone intends to murder or take unpleasant action against
The newspapers were sent a hit list of 100 military and political targets.
ˈ hit ˌ man noun [ C usually singular ]
a man who is paid to murder someone
ˈ hit pa ˌ rade noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a list which shows which pop songs have sold the most copies in a particular week
hitter noun [ C ]
in baseball, the player whose turn it is to hit the ball
Davis is expected to see action primarily as a designated hitter (= a player who
regularly hits instead of another player, usually instead of the pitcher, each time it is
the other player's turn to hit) .
In the seventh inning, the manager inserted Trammell as a pinch hitter (= a
player who hits instead of another player after the other player has appeared in the
game) .
HIV noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR human immunodeficiency virus: the virus that causes AIDS (= a
serious disease that destroys the body's ability to fight infection)
HIV noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR human immunodeficiency virus: the virus that causes AIDS (= a
serious disease that destroys the body's ability to fight infection)
hive noun BEES
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a structure where bees live, especially a beehive
(= container like a box) or the group of bees living there
hive noun SKIN CONDITION
2. hives
[ U ] a condition in which a person's skin develops red raised areas
She broke out in hives after eating strawberries.
a hive of activity/industry
a place where a lot of people are working very hard
The whole house was a hive of activity on the day before the wedding.
hive verb
hive sth off phrasal verb [ M ] UK
to separate one part of a company, usually by selling it
The plan is to hive off individual companies as soon as they are profitable.
HIV-positive adjective
If a person is HIV-positive, they are infected with HIV although they might not
have AIDS (= a serious disease that destroys the body's ability to fight infection) or
develop it for a long time.
hiya exclamation INFORMAL
an expression said when people who know each other well meet
Hiya, Pete, how're you doing?
hm , hmm exclamation
something you say when you pause while talking or when you are uncertain
"Which one do you like best?" "Hm. I'm not sure."
"He says he's doing it for our benefit." "Hmm, I'm still not convinced."
HMO noun [ C ] MEDICAL
1. US ABBREVIATION FOR health maintenance organization: a group that provides
health care to people who pay to join it
For a monthly flat fee, paid by the consumer or employer, HMOs provide a
specified list of medical services both in and outside the hospital.
HMO noun [ C ] SHARED HOUSE
2. UK SPECIALIZED ABBREVIATION FOR house in multiple occupation: a house shared by
several people, especially those receiving money from the government because they
have little or no income
Today, the once-grand streets are characterized by decaying HMOs, sorely in need
not just of redecoration but more fundamental repair.
HMO noun [ C ] MEDICAL
1. US ABBREVIATION FOR health maintenance organization: a group that provides
health care to people who pay to join it
For a monthly flat fee, paid by the consumer or employer, HMOs provide a
specified list of medical services both in and outside the hospital.
HMO noun [ C ] SHARED HOUSE
2. UK SPECIALIZED ABBREVIATION FOR house in multiple occupation: a house shared by
several people, especially those receiving money from the government because they
have little or no income
Today, the once-grand streets are characterized by decaying HMOs, sorely in need
not just of redecoration but more fundamental repair.
HMS
ABBREVIATION FOR Her or His Majesty's Ship: used before the names of ships in the
British navy
HMS Illustrious
HMSO noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Her or His Majesty's Stationery Office: a British government
department that prints many official documents
HNC noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Higher National Certificate: a qualification, especially in a
scientific or technical subject, that is studied for at a British college
HND noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Higher National Diploma: a qualification, especially in a scientific
or technical subject, that is studied for at a British college
hoagie noun [ C ] US
a long thin loaf of bread filled with salad and cold meat or cheese
hoard verb [ T ]
to collect large amounts of something and keep it in a safe, often secret, place
During the siege people began hoarding food and supplies.
There would be enough food on a daily basis if people were not hoarding it.
hoarder noun [ C ]
hoard noun [ C ]
a large amount of something that someone has saved and hidden
We found a huge hoard of tinned food in the basement.
hoarding noun [ C ] UK ADVERTISEMENT
1. ( US billboard ) a very large board on which advertisements are shown,
especially at the side of a road
an advertising hoarding
hoarding noun [ C ] UK FENCE
2. a temporary fence, usually made of boards, put around an area, especially one
where people are building
hoarding noun [ C ] UK ADVERTISEMENT

1. ( US billboard ) a very large board on which advertisements are shown,
especially at the side of a road
an advertising hoarding
hoarding noun [ C ] UK FENCE
2. a temporary fence, usually made of boards, put around an area, especially one
where people are building
hoar frost noun [ U ]
a white layer of pieces of ice like needles which forms on objects outside when it
is very cold
hoarse adjective
(of a voice or a person) having a rough voice, often because of a sore throat or a
cold
a hoarse voice
She sounded a bit hoarse.
You'll make your self hoarse if you keep shouting like that!
See also husky
hoarsely adverb
hoarseness noun [ U ]
hoary adjective
1. OLD-FASHIONED very old and familiar and therefore not interesting or funny
He told a few hoary old jokes and nobody laughed.
2. LITERARY (of a person) very old and white- or grey-haired
hoax noun [ C ]
a plan to deceive someone, such as telling the police there is a bomb somewhere
when there is not one, or a trick
The bomb threat turned out to be a hoax.
He'd made a hoax call claiming to be the President.
hoax verb [ T ]
to deceive, especially by playing a trick on someone
hoaxer noun [ C ]
hob noun [ C or ]
1. ( US stove , ALSO stovetop ) UK the top part or surface of a cooker on which
pans can be heated
Most domestic hobs have four gas or electric rings.
See picture in the kitchen
2. UK OLD-FASHIONED in the past, a metal shelf next to a fireplace where pans were
heated
hobbit noun [ C ]
an imaginary small creature like a human described in books by J.R.R. Tolkien
hobbit noun [ C ]
an imaginary small creature like a human described in books by J.R.R. Tolkien
hobble verb WALK
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to walk in an awkward way, usually
because the feet or legs are injured
The last time I saw Rachel she was hobbling around with a stick.
Some of the runners could only manage to hobble over the finishing line.
hobble verb LIMIT
2. [ T ] to limit something or control the freedom of someone
A long list of amendments have hobbled the new legislation.
3. [ T ] LITERARY If you hobble an animal, especially a horse, you tie two of its legs
together so that it cannot run away.
hobby noun [ C ]
an activity which someone does for pleasure when they are not working
Ben's hobby is restoring vintage motorcycles.
ˈ hobby ˌ horse noun [ C ] SUBJECT
1. a subject that someone often talks about, usually for a long time
Don't mention tax or Bernard'll get on his hobby horse again.
ˈ hobby ˌ horse noun [ C ] TOY
2. a toy made from a long stick with a shape like a horse's head at one end, which
a child can pretend to ride
hobbyist noun [ C ] MAINLY US
someone who does something as a hobby
a computer hobbyist
hobgoblin noun [ C ]
(in stories) a small ugly creature which causes trouble
hobnail (boot) noun [ C ] ( ALSO hobnailed boot )
a heavy boot or shoe that has nails hammered into the bottom to make it last
longer
hobnob verb [ I ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to spend time being friendly with someone who is important or famous
She often has her picture in the papers, hobnobbing with the rich and famous.
hobnob verb [ I ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to spend time being friendly with someone who is important or famous
She often has her picture in the papers, hobnobbing with the rich and famous.
hobo noun [ C ] US
someone who does not have a job or a house and who moves from one place to
another
Hobson's choice noun [ U ]
a situation in which it seems that you can choose between different things or
actions, but there is really only one thing that you can take or do
It's a case of Hobson's choice, because if I don't agree to their terms, I'll lose my
job.
hock noun WINE
1. [ U ] MAINLY UK a type of white wine from Germany
hock noun MONEY
2. in hock
a. in debt; owing or owed
The company's entire assets are now in hock to the banks.
b. Possessions which are in hock are pawned (= left temporarily with a person in
exchange for an amount of money which must be paid back after a limited time to
prevent the thing from being sold)
Most of her jewellery is in hock.
hock noun ANIMAL
3. [ C ] the middle joint in the back leg of an animal such as a horse
4. [ C ] MAINLY US the meat on the lower leg of an animal
ham hocks
hock verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to sell something which you hope to buy back later because you need money now
She had to hock her wedding ring.
hockey noun [ U ]
hockey
1. UK ( US field hockey ) a game played on a sports field between two teams of
eleven players who each have a curved stick with which they try to put a small hard ball
into the other team's goal
2. US FOR ice hockey
hocus-pocus noun [ U ]
tricks used to deceive, or words used to hide what is happening or make it not
clear
So much of what politicians say is just hocus-pocus.
hocus-pocus noun [ U ]
tricks used to deceive, or words used to hide what is happening or make it not
clear
So much of what politicians say is just hocus-pocus.
hod noun [ C ]
a container for carrying bricks made of an open box on a pole which is held
against the shoulder
hodgepodge noun [ C ]
a hotchpotch
hoe noun [ C ]
hoe
a garden tool with a long handle and a short blade used to remove weeds and
break up the surface of the ground
hoe verb [ I or T ]
They spent the afternoon hoeing (the vegetable patch).
hoedown noun [ C ]
in the US, a party, usually in the countryside, where there is traditional music and
dancing
hog noun [ C ] ANIMAL
1. US a pig, especially one which is allowed to grow large so that it can be eaten
2. UK a male pig with its sexual organs removed which is kept for its meat
Compare boar ; sow
hog noun [ C ] PERSON
3. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING someone who takes much more than a fair share of
something, especially by eating too much
You've eaten it all? You hog!
go hog wild US INFORMAL
to become too excited and eager about something, often so that you do too much
There's no need to go hog wild just because it's Sarah's birthday - she won't want
such a fuss.
hog verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to take or use more than your share of something
He's always hogging the bathroom (= spending too much time in the bathroom,
so that no one else can use it) .
hog the road DISAPPROVING
to drive so that other vehicles cannot go past
hoggish adjective
(of people) selfish, dirty or greedy (= taking too much for themselves)
hoggish adjective
(of people) selfish, dirty or greedy (= taking too much for themselves)
Hogmanay noun [ C or U ] UK
in Scotland, the last day of the year and the parties to celebrate it which start in
the evening and continue until the next day
See also New Year's Eve
hogwash noun [ U ] INFORMAL
nonsense, or words which are intended to deceive
His answer was pure hogwash.
ho-ho(-ho) exclamation
used in writing or sometimes spoken to represent the sound of laughter
ho-hum exclamation
an expression used when someone is bored, or when they accept that something
unpleasant cannot be stopped from happening
So I've got to do it all again. Ho-hum.
ho-hum adjective
boring or ordinary
hoick verb [ T + adv/prep ] UK INFORMAL
to raise or pull something, usually with a quick movement and with effort
They hoicked the box onto the table.
He hoicked up his trousers.
the hoi polloi plural noun DISAPPROVING OR HUMOROUS
ordinary people
Anthony will be in the VIP lounge where he doesn't have to mix with the hoi
polloi.
hoist verb [ T ]
1. to lift something heavy, sometimes using ropes or a machine
A helicopter hoisted the final section of the bridge into place.
With some difficulty he hoisted her onto his shoulders.
[ R ] I scrabbled for a handhold and hoisted my self up.
2. hoist a flag
to raise a flag to the top of a pole using a rope
be hoist(ed) with/by your own petard FORMAL
to suffer harm from a plan by which you had intended to harm someone else
hoist noun [ C ]
a device used for lifting heavy things
hoity-toity adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
behaving as if you are better or more important than other people
hoity-toity adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
behaving as if you are better or more important than other people
hokey adjective US INFORMAL
too emotional or artificial and therefore difficult to believe
The ending of the movie was awful hokey.
hoki noun [ C or U ]
a large sea fish from New Zealand which you can eat
hokum noun [ U ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a film, play or television programme which does not show life as it really is
As a whole the series was never less than watchable - hokum, perhaps, but
entertaining.
hold verb SUPPORT
1. [ T ] to take and keep something in your hand or arms
Can you hold the bag while I open the door?
He was holding a gun.
The little girl held her mother's hand .
He held her in his arms.
[ + object + adjective ] Could you hold the door open , please?
Rosie held out an apple for the horse.
All those who agree please hold up their hand (= raise their arm) .
2. [ T ] to support something
Will the rope be strong enough to hold my weight?
Each wheel is held on with four bolts.
The parts are held together with glue.
3. hold your nose
to press your nose tightly between thumb and finger in order to close it
I have to hold my nose when I jump into water.
4. hold hands
hold hands
When two people hold hands, one person holds the other person's hand in their
hand, especially to show that they love each other
They walked along holding hands.
See also hand in hand
hold verb CONTAIN
5. [ T not continuous ] to contain or be able to contain something
This jug holds exactly one pint.
One bag won't hold all of the shopping - we'd better take two.
Modern computers can hold huge amounts of information.
6. [ T not continuous ] to have or contain something which you will experience
Who can tell what the future holds?
She's very religious, so death holds no fear for her.
hold verb CONTROL
7. [ T ] to have something, especially a position or money, or to control
something
He currently holds the position of technical manager.
The bank holds large reserves of gold.
Despite incurring heavy losses, the rebels now hold the town and the surrounding
hills.
hold verb KEEP
8. [ T ] to keep something, especially when it might have been lost
I asked the shop to hold the dress for me until this afternoon.
You have to be a fairly good speaker to hold an audience's attention/interest .
9. [ T ] to keep someone in a place so that they cannot leave
The police are holding several people in custody (= at the police station) for
questioning.
[ + object + noun ] The terrorists held him hostage for 18 months.
I was held prisoner in a tiny attic room.
hold verb MAKE HAPPEN
10. [ T ] to make something, especially a meeting or an election happen
Could we hold a meeting to discuss this tomorrow afternoon?
The election will be held on 8th of August.
I find it's almost impossible to hold a sensible conversation with her.
hold verb CONTINUE
11. [ I or T ] to cause to stay or continue in the same way as before
Let's hope our good luck holds.
I hope the repair holds until we get the car to a garage.
The old adage that 'money talks' still holds true (= is still true) .
The government is committed to holding exports at their present level.
The ship/aircraft held its course.
hold verb BELIEVE
12. [ T not continuous ] to believe an idea or opinion
[ + to infinitive ] Small amounts of alcohol are held to be good for the heart.
You sold it to me, so if it breaks I'll hold you responsible (= make you take
responsibility) .
hold verb DELAY
13. [ I or T ] to wait, or to stop something temporarily
They've decided to hold all future deliveries until the invoice has been paid.
How long can you hold your breath (= stop breathing) ?
Will you hold my calls for the next half hour please?
She's on the phone at the moment - will you hold (the line) (= wait on the
telephone until she can speak to you) ?
hold verb NOT INCLUDE
14. [ T ] US If you ask someone to hold something, you do not want them to
include it
I'd like a ham sandwich on rye, hold the lettuce.
can't hold your drink ( US USUALLY can't hold your liquor ) DISAPPROVING
If you can't hold your drink, you feel ill quickly when you drink alcohol.
can't hold a candle to
to not be as good as the person or thing mentioned
Her latest book is readable enough, but it can't hold a candle to her earlier work.
don't hold your breath INFORMAL
do not expect a stated thing to happen for a very long time
She said she'd get back to us, but don't hold your breath!
hold all the cards
to be in a strong position when you are competing with someone else, because
you have all the advantages
Management holds all the cards when it comes to the negotiations over job cuts.
hold court MAINLY HUMOROUS
to receive a lot of attention from other people who stand or sit round you to
listen, especially on a social occasion
Patrick is holding court at the end table.
hold down a job
to manage to keep a job for a period of time
Hold everything! INFORMAL
used to tell someone to stop what they are doing
Hold everything! He's changed his mind again.
hold good
to continue to be true
Their arguments were valid a hundred years ago and they still hold good today.
hold your head (up) high
to be very confident and proud
If you know that you did your best, you can hold your head high.
hold your horses OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to tell someone to stop and consider carefully their decision or opinion about
something
Just hold your horses, Bill! Let's think about this for a moment.
Hold it! INFORMAL
used to tell someone to wait or stop doing something
Hold it! I haven't got my coat on yet.
Hold it! What are you saying?
hold on/tight
to make yourself continue to do what you are doing or stay where you are
although it is difficult or unpleasant
If you can just hold on I'll go and get some help.
hold your own
1. ( ALSO hold your (own) ground ) to be as successful as other people or things in
a situation
Josie can hold her own in any argument.
2. to not become more ill or more weak
He's still ill but holding his own.
hold still
used to tell someone to stop moving
Hold still, this won't hurt.
hold sway
to have power or a very strong influence
Fundamentalist beliefs hold sway over whole districts, ensuring the popularity of
religious leaders.
hold that thought
used for telling someone to remember an idea or thought that has just been
mentioned, especially because it will be useful later
hold the floor
to speak to a group of people, often for a long time, without allowing anyone else
to speak
hold (down) the fort HUMOROUS
to have responsibility for something while someone is absent
I'll be out of the office for a few hours - will you hold the fort until I get back?
hold the key
to have control of something
Because the two main parties have won almost the same number of votes, the
minority group holds the key to the result.
hold the reins
be in control
She's the boss but her secretary often seems to hold the reins.
hold the road
If a vehicle holds the road, its wheels stay firmly on the road and do not slide
while moving.
See also roadholding
hold your tongue
to not speak
Hold your tongue, young man!
I'm going to have to learn to hold my tongue (= to not say things that upset
people) .
hold water
If a reason, argument or explanation holds water, it is true
Her alibi just didn't hold water.
there is no holding sb (back)
If there is no holding someone (back), they do what they want to do eagerly and
cannot be stopped.
hold it/that against sb phrasal verb
to like someone less because they have done something wrong or behaved badly
in the past
He made a mistake but I don't hold it against him - we all make mistakes.
hold back phrasal verb
to not do something, often because of fear or because you do not want to make a
bad situation worse
He held back, terrified of going into the dark room.
hold sb/sth back phrasal verb [ M ] STOP DEVELOPMENT
1. to stop someone or something developing or doing as well as they should
She felt that having children would hold her back.
hold sb/sth back phrasal verb [ M ] STOP MOVEMENT
2. If you hold something back, you stop it coming or advancing
Sandbags will hold the flood waters back for a while.
hold sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to keep information secret from someone on purpose
hold sb/sth down phrasal verb [ M ]
to keep someone or something in a particular place or position and to stop them
from moving
He was struggling so much it took three officers to hold him down.
hold sth down phrasal verb [ M ]
to keep something, especially costs, at a low level
to hold down prices/wages
hold forth phrasal verb USUALLY DISAPPROVING
to talk about a particular subject for a long time, often in a way that other people
find boring
She held forth all afternoon about/on government incompetence.
hold off phrasal verb NOT DO
1. to not do something immediately
[ + -ing verb ] Let's hold off mak ing a decision until next week.
US They've decided to hold off on buy ing a car until they're both working.
hold off phrasal verb RAIN/STORM
2. If rain or a storm holds off, it does not start immediately.
ˌ hold sb ˈ off phrasal verb [ M ]
to stop someone from attacking or defeating you
How much longer will the resistance fighters be able to hold off the enemy?
hold on phrasal verb WAIT
1. INFORMAL to wait for a short time
Hold on, I'll check in my diary.
hold on phrasal verb HOLD
2. to hold something or someone firmly with your hands or arms
She held on tightly to his waist.
hold onto sth phrasal verb
to hold something or someone firmly with your hands or your arms
Hold onto the rope and don't let go.
hold onto/on to sth phrasal verb
to keep something you have
Hold on to your ticket - you'll need it later.
Lewis held onto the lead until the final lap.
hold out phrasal verb
1. to continue to defend yourself against an enemy or attack without being
defeated
They won't be able to hold out much longer under this sort of bombardment.
hold out phrasal verb SUPPLY OF STH
2. If a supply of something such as food or money holds out, there is enough of it
to last for a particular period of time.
hold sth out phrasal verb
to offer a possibility, solution, hope, etc
Few people hold out any hope of finding more survivors.
hold out for sth phrasal verb
to wait until you get what you want
The workers are holding out for a 10% pay rise.
The other side are holding out for a higher price.
hold out on sb phrasal verb
1. INFORMAL to refuse to give help or information to someone
Don't hold out on me - I need to know who did it.
2. MAINLY US INFORMAL to refuse to give money to someone
hold sth over phrasal verb US
If a film, play, etc. is held over, it is shown or performed more times than was
originally planned, usually because it is very popular with the public.
hold sb to sth phrasal verb
to cause someone to act on a promise or agreement
We'll hold him to the exact terms of the contract.
hold up phrasal verb
to remain strong or successful
Will his alibi hold up (= continue to seem true) in court?
I hope the repairs hold up until we can get to a garage.
hold sb/sth up phrasal verb [ M ] DELAY
1. to delay someone or something
Traffic was held up for several hours by the accident.
hold sb/sth up phrasal verb [ M ] STEAL
2. to steal from someone using violence or the threat of violence
They held the same bank up twice in one week.
He was held up at gunpoint by a gang of masked youths.
hold sth up as sth phrasal verb ( ALSO hold up sth as sth )
to use someone or something as an example of something, especially something
very good
Sweden is often held up as an example of a successful social democracy.
not hold with sth phrasal verb FORMAL
to not approve of an idea or activity
hold noun SUPPORT
1. [ S or U ] when you hold something or someone, or the way you do this
Keep a tight hold on your tickets.
Don't worry if you lose hold of the reins - the horse won't wander off.
See also foothold ; handhold ; toehold
2. catch/get/grab/take hold of sth/sb
to start holding something or someone
He took hold of one end of the carpet and tugged.
I just managed to grab hold of Lucy before she fell in the pool.
3. [ C ] in fighting sports, a position in which one person holds another person so
that they cannot move part of their body
4. [ C ] a place to put the hands and feet, especially when climbing
hold noun CONTROL
5. [ S ] power or control over something or someone
Their company has a strong hold on/over the computer market.
hold noun DELAY
6. on hold
a. If you are on hold when using the telephone, you are waiting to speak to
someone
Mr Briggs is on hold.
His phone is engaged - can I put you on hold?
b. If an activity is on hold, it has been intentionally delayed
Everything's on hold again because of the bad weather.
The film's been put on hold until the financial situation improves.
hold noun SPACE
7. [ C ] the space in a ship or aircraft in which goods are carried
get hold of UK ( US get ahold of )
1. INFORMAL to find someone or obtain something
Where can I get hold of some stamps?
How can I get ahold of Chris?
2. MAINLY UK to understand something
This is a very difficult concept to get hold of.
no holds barred
without limits or controls
This is comedy with no holds barred.
holdall noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY carryall ) MAINLY UK
a small case used for carrying clothes and personal things when travelling
holdall noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY carryall ) MAINLY UK
a small case used for carrying clothes and personal things when travelling
holder noun [ C ] CONTAINER
1. a device for putting objects in or for keeping them in place
a toothbrush holder
a cigarette holder
holder noun [ C ] OWNER
2. someone who officially owns something
an account/licence/passport holder
Holders of shares in the company receive various benefits.
See also shareholder
holding noun [ C ]
something that you own such as shares in a company or buildings, or land which
you rent and farm
To ensure security the investment fund has holdings in many companies.
ˈ holding ˌ company noun [ C ]
a company whose main purpose is to control another company or companies
through owning shares in it or them
ˈ holding ope ˌ ration noun [ C usually singular ] UK
a temporary way of dealing with a situation until a new and better way can be
introduced
This is just a holding operation until we get the new management structure sorted
out.
holdout noun [ C ]
a person, organization or country that continues to do something, despite other
people trying to force them not to
It's time to shame holdouts like the USA into signing the treaty.
hold-up noun DELAY
1. [ C ] INFORMAL a delay
Come on, let's go. What's the hold-up?
hold-up noun STEAL
2. [ C ] when someone steals from someone else using violence or the threat of
violence
In the hold-up, a masked youth threatened the bank staff with a gun.
hold-up noun CLOTHING
3. hold-ups
stockings (= light coverings for the legs and feet) which are elasticated (=
stretch) or have a piece of sticky material at the top and can hold themselves up
hole noun [ C ] SPACE
1. an empty space in an object, usually with an opening to the object's surface, or
an opening which goes completely through an object
We dug a hole and planted the tree.
My jumper's got a hole in it.
Drill a hole through the back of the cupboard and pass the wires through.
2. in golf, one of the small circular spaces in the ground into which the ball is hit
See picture sports 1
3. in golf, one of the usually 18 areas of play
the famous 18-hole Old Course at St. Andrews
hole noun [ C ] PLACE
4. a place in the ground where a small animal lives
a mouse/rabbit/fox hole
5. INFORMAL a small unpleasant place where someone lives
What a hole that house was - I'm so pleased we moved.
See also hole in the wall
hole noun [ C ] FAULT
6. a mistake or problem in the reasoning of an argument, discussion, plan, etc
The new proposal has several holes in it.
be in a hole UK INFORMAL
to be in a difficult or an embarrassing situation
We've lost the order and we're in a bit of a hole.
be in the hole US INFORMAL
to be in debt
After selling all its assets, the bank was still half a million dollars in the hole.
a hole in one
in golf, when someone's ball goes into the hole the first time they hit it, which is
rare
make a hole in sth UK
to reduce an amount of money by a lot
The holiday made a big hole in our savings but I'm glad we went.
need sth like you need a hole in the head HUMOROUS
to not need or want something at all
Extra work? I need that like I need a hole in the head.
hole verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to make a hole in something, especially a ship or boat
A torpedo holed the ship below the water and it quickly sank.
be holed up
to be hiding in a safe place
The robbers were holed up in a deserted warehouse.
hole up ( somewhere ) phrasal verb INFORMAL
to stay in a safe place, often as a way of escape
We'd better find some shelter and hole up until the storm passes.
hole noun [ C ] SPACE
1. an empty space in an object, usually with an opening to the object's surface, or
an opening which goes completely through an object
We dug a hole and planted the tree.
My jumper's got a hole in it.
Drill a hole through the back of the cupboard and pass the wires through.
2. in golf, one of the small circular spaces in the ground into which the ball is hit
See picture sports 1
3. in golf, one of the usually 18 areas of play
the famous 18-hole Old Course at St. Andrews
hole noun [ C ] PLACE
4. a place in the ground where a small animal lives
a mouse/rabbit/fox hole
5. INFORMAL a small unpleasant place where someone lives
What a hole that house was - I'm so pleased we moved.
See also hole in the wall
hole noun [ C ] FAULT
6. a mistake or problem in the reasoning of an argument, discussion, plan, etc
The new proposal has several holes in it.
be in a hole UK INFORMAL
to be in a difficult or an embarrassing situation
We've lost the order and we're in a bit of a hole.
be in the hole US INFORMAL
to be in debt
After selling all its assets, the bank was still half a million dollars in the hole.
a hole in one
in golf, when someone's ball goes into the hole the first time they hit it, which is
rare
make a hole in sth UK
to reduce an amount of money by a lot
The holiday made a big hole in our savings but I'm glad we went.
need sth like you need a hole in the head HUMOROUS
to not need or want something at all
Extra work? I need that like I need a hole in the head.
hole verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to make a hole in something, especially a ship or boat
A torpedo holed the ship below the water and it quickly sank.
be holed up
to be hiding in a safe place
The robbers were holed up in a deserted warehouse.
hole up ( somewhere ) phrasal verb INFORMAL
to stay in a safe place, often as a way of escape
We'd better find some shelter and hole up until the storm passes.
ˌ hole in the ˈ heart noun [ C ]
a medical condition in which there is an additional opening between the main
parts of the heart
ˌ hole in the ˈ wall noun [ C usually singular ] MONEY
1. UK INFORMAL FOR cash machine
ˌ hole in the ˈ wall noun [ C usually singular ] BUILDING
2. US a small, often unpleasant, shop, house or restaurant
It's just a hole in the wall but the food is good.
hole punch(er) noun [ C ]
hole punch(er)
a device used for making holes in pieces of paper so that they can be fastened
together
holiday noun
1. [ C or U ] UK ( UK INFORMAL holidays , UK INFORMAL hols , US vacation ) a time,
often one or two weeks, when someone does not go to work or school but is free to do
what they want, such as travel or relax
a camping/skiing holiday
Have you decided where you're going for your holiday(s) this year?
Patricia is on holiday next week.
How many days' holiday do you get with your new job?
We thought we'd go to France for our summer holiday.
Surely the school holidays start soon.
2. [ C ] an official day when you do not have to go to work or school
a public holiday
St Patrick's Day is a holiday in Ireland.
holiday verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] UK ( US vacation )
to take a holiday
My parents are holidaying in Spain this year.
ˈ holiday ˌ camp noun [ C ] UK
a place where people on holiday can stay and different types of entertainment are
provided for them
ˈ holiday ˌ camp noun [ C ] UK

a place where people on holiday can stay and different types of entertainment are
provided for them
holidaymaker noun [ C ] UK ( US vacationer )
a person who is on holiday away from where they usually live
the ˈ holiday ˌ season noun [ S ] MAINLY US
the period around Christmas and New Year
holier-than-thou adjective DISAPPROVING
If a person is holier-than-thou, they think that they are morally better than
anyone else.
Holiness noun
His/Your Holiness
a title used when talking to or about the Pope
Yes, Your Holiness.
holiness noun [ U ]
the quality of being holy
This temple is a place of great holiness for the religion's followers.
holism noun [ U ]
the belief that each thing is a whole which is more important than the parts that
make it up
holistic adjective
dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part
My doctor takes a holistic approach to disease.
Ecological problems usually require holistic solutions.
holistically adverb
ho ˌ listic ˈ medicine noun [ U ]
treatment which deals with the whole person, not just the injury or disease
Holland noun [ U ]
Holland noun [ U ]
holler verb [ I or T ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to shout loudly
He was hollering something about seeing a snake.
holler noun [ C ]
He let out a holler as he fell.
hollow adjective EMPTY
1. having a hole or empty space inside
a hollow tube
Hollow blocks are used because they are lighter.
a hollow log
2. hollow cheeks/eyes
If someone has hollow cheeks or eyes, their cheeks curve in or their eyes look
deep in their head because they are old, tired, or ill.
hollow adjective NOT SINCERE
3. (of situations, feelings or words) without value; not true or sincere
It was something of a hollow victory - she won the case but lost all her savings in
legal fees.
Even sex had become a hollow pleasure.
Will their good intentions become realities or are they just hollow promises?
hollow adjective SOUND
4. (of sound) as if made by hitting an empty container
a hollow sound
This tree trunk sounds hollow.
hollowness noun [ U ]
the hollowness of fame/success
ring/sound hollow
If something someone says rings hollow, it does not sound true or sincere.
hollow verb
hollow sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to make an empty space inside something
Sand carried by the wind has hollowed out the base of the cliff.
hollow noun [ C ]
1. a hole or empty space in something, or a low area in a surface
The dog found a hollow in the ground to hide in from the wind.
2. ( ALSO Hollow ) US a valley
We used to go for long walks in the hollow.
Sleepy Hollow
hollow-cheeked adjective
describes a person whose face is too thin
hollow-cheeked adjective
describes a person whose face is too thin
hollow-eyed adjective
describes a person whose eyes seem to have sunk into their face because of
illness or tiredness
hollowly adverb NOT SINCERE
1. in a way that does not sound true or sincere
hollowly adverb SOUND
2. making a sound as if hitting an empty container
Her footsteps echoed hollowly in the quiet streets.
holly noun [ C or U ]
a small evergreen (= never losing its leaves) tree with shiny sharp leaves and
small round red fruit
hollyhock noun [ C ]
hollyhock
a garden plant which has very tall stems covered with brightly coloured flowers
Hollywood noun
the centre of the US film industry
holocaust noun [ C ]
a very large amount of destruction, especially by fire or heat, or the killing of very
large numbers of people
A nuclear holocaust (= destruction caused by nuclear weapons) would leave few
survivors.
the Holocaust noun [ S ]
the killing of millions of Jews and others by the Nazis before and during the
Second World War
hologram noun [ C ]
a special type of photograph or image made with a laser in which the objects
shown look solid, as if they are real, rather than flat
hologram noun [ C ]
holography noun [ U ]
the making of holograms
holographic adjective
a holographic picture/image/projection
hols plural noun
UK INFORMAL FOR holiday
Holstein , noun [ C ]
US FOR Friesian
holster noun [ C ]
a small case usually made of leather and fixed on a belt or a strap, used for
carrying a gun
holy adjective RELIGIOUS
1. related to a religion or a god
holy scriptures/rites
2. very religious or pure
a holy person
holy adjective EMPHASIS
3. Holy cow/mackerel/shit, etc! MAINLY US INFORMAL
used to show surprise, fear, etc
Holy cow! How did you get that black eye?
ˌ Holy Com ˈ munion noun [ U ] FORMAL
Communion
the Holy Grail noun [ S ]
1. a cup believed to have been used by Jesus Christ at the meal before his death
2. something that is extremely difficult to find or get
Sustained nuclear fusion is the holy grail of the power industry.
the ˌ holy of ˈ holies noun [ S ]
1. the holiest part of a religious building, especially the Jewish temple
2. UK HUMOROUS any place which is very special
This football stadium is the holy of holies to many fans.
hologram noun [ C ]
hols plural noun
US FOR Friesian
holster noun [ C ]
carrying a gun
a holy person
Communion
ˌ holy ˈ orders plural noun
the ceremony by which someone becomes a priest in some parts of the Christian
Church
Will you be taking holy orders?
the ˌ Holy ˈ See noun [ S ]
the government of the Roman Catholic Church, under the pope
ˌ Holy ˈ Spirit noun [ S ] ( ALSO Holy Ghost )
in the Christian Church, God in the form of a spirit
the ˌ Holy ˈ Trinity noun [ S ]
the Trinity
ˌ holy ˈ war noun [ C ]
a war fought to defend religious beliefs or to force others to follow a different
religion
See also crusade ; jihad
ˈ Holy ˌ Week noun [ S ]
the week before Easter Sunday
homage noun [ U ]
deep respect and often praise shown for a person or god
On this occasion we pay homage to him for his achievements.
homburg noun [ C ]
a man's hat with a wide curled brim and a fold in the middle of the top
home noun HOUSE/APARTMENT
1. [ C or U ] the house, apartment, etc. where you live, especially with your
family
The senator has two homes - an apartment in Washington and a house in
Colorado.
He was living on the streets for three months, and his home was a cardboard box.
Phone me at home after four o'clock.
I took home a couple of books to read.
He left home (= stopped living with his parents) when he was 23.
More and more couples are setting up home together without getting married.
2. [ C ] a house, apartment, etc. when it is considered as property which you can
buy or sell
luxury/starter homes
3. [ C ] the type of family you come from
We had a happy home.
children from a broken home (= from a family in which the parents had
separated)
4. [ C ] a place where people or animals live and are cared for by people who are
not their relations or owners
a children's home/an old people's home/a dogs' home
He spent his early years in a home.
home noun ORIGIN
5. [ C or U ] someone's or something's place of origin, or the place where a
person feels they belong
I live in London, but my home (= where I was born) is in Yorkshire.
I was actually born in New Zealand, but I've lived in England for so long that it
feels like home now.
home noun COUNTRY
6. [ C or U ] your own country or your own area
I wonder what they're doing back home.
7. be/play at home
If a sports team are/play at home, they play on their own sports field.
be home and dry ( AUSTRALIAN be home and hosed )
to have successfully finished something
We just have to finish this section, then we're home and dry.
be home free US INFORMAL
to be certain to succeed at something because you have done the most difficult
part of it
Once you leave the main road and cross the bridge, you're home free - we live
just three houses further on.
be/feel at home
to feel comfortable and relaxed
By the end of the week she was beginning to feel at home in her new job.
bring sth home (to sb )
to make someone understand something much more clearly than they did before,
especially something unpleasant
When I saw for myself the damage that had been caused, that really brought
home to me the scale of the disaster.
come home to sb
If something comes home to someone, they understand it clearly
The danger really came home to me when I saw the pictures on TV.
drive/hammer sth home
to say something clearly and with a lot of force so that you are certain people
understand it
She really drove home the message that we need to economize.
home from home UK ( US home away from home )
a place where you feel as comfortable as you do in your own home
The hotel was a real home from home.
make yourself at home
to relax and make yourself comfortable in someone else's home
home adjective DONE/USED AT HOME
1. done at home, or intended to be used at home
home cooking
home-brewed beer
a home computer
home adjective COUNTRY
2. [ before noun ] connected with or done in your own country
His books were a success in his home market , but failed to find an audience
abroad.
home adjective SPORTS
3. relating to the place where a sports event happens
the home team/side
home verb
home in on sth/sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
1. to aim for
The missile homed in on the ship.
2. to find and give a lot of attention to something or someone
The report homed in on the weaknesses in the management structure.
ˌ home ad ˈ dress noun [ C usually singular ]
the address of the house or apartment you live in
ˌ home ˈ base noun BASEBALL
1. [ U ] home plate
ˌ home ˈ base noun PLACE
2. [ C usually singular ] a place where someone or something usually lives, works,
or operates from
homeboy noun [ C ] ( ALSO homey ) US SLANG
a boy or man from your own town, or someone who is a close friend or a member
of your gang
ˈ home ˌ buyer noun [ C ]
a person who is buying a house or an apartment
homecoming noun ARRIVAL HOME
1. [ C ] a person's arrival home after being away for a long time
They planned a special celebration for her homecoming.
homecoming noun SCHOOL CELEBRATION
2. [ C or U ] US a celebration at a school or a college to honour people who were
students there earlier
the ˌ Home ˈ Counties plural noun
the counties (= areas) around London in southeast England, considered to be a
place where rich people live
ˌ home eco ˈ nomics noun [ U ]
at school, the study of cooking, sewing and all matters relating to the
management of a home
the ˌ home ˈ front noun [ S ]
the people who stay in their own country during a foreign war
home-grown adjective
1. from your own garden
home-grown vegetables
2. If someone or something is home-grown, they belong to or were developed in
your own country
She's a home-grown talent.
ˌ home ˈ help noun [ C ] UK
someone who is paid to help someone else with the cleaning of their home
homeland noun [ C ]
1. the country you were born in
2. (in the past) one of the areas in South Africa in which black people were
separated from whites under the political system of apartheid
homeless adjective
without a home
Accommodation needs to be found for thousands of homeless families.
homeless plural noun
the homeless
people who do not have a home, usually because they are poor
homelessness noun [ U ]
One common cause of homelessness is separation or divorce.
ˈ home ˌ loan noun [ C ]
money borrowed from a bank or similar organization in order to buy a house or
apartment
homely adjective PLAIN
1. UK ( US homey ) plain or ordinary, but pleasant
The hotel was homely and comfortable.
homely adjective UGLY
2. US DISAPPROVING describes a person who is ugly
homeliness noun [ U ]
hologram noun [ C ]
hols plural noun
US FOR Friesian
holster noun [ C ]
carrying a gun
a holy person
Communion
ˌ holy ˈ orders plural noun
the ceremony by which someone becomes a priest in some parts of the Christian
Church
Will you be taking holy orders?
the ˌ Holy ˈ See noun [ S ]
the government of the Roman Catholic Church, under the pope
ˌ Holy ˈ Spirit noun [ S ] ( ALSO Holy Ghost )
in the Christian Church, God in the form of a spirit
the ˌ Holy ˈ Trinity noun [ S ]
the Trinity
ˌ holy ˈ war noun [ C ]
a war fought to defend religious beliefs or to force others to follow a different
religion
See also crusade ; jihad
ˈ Holy ˌ Week noun [ S ]
the week before Easter Sunday
homage noun [ U ]
deep respect and often praise shown for a person or god
On this occasion we pay homage to him for his achievements.
homburg noun [ C ]
a man's hat with a wide curled brim and a fold in the middle of the top
home noun HOUSE/APARTMENT
1. [ C or U ] the house, apartment, etc. where you live, especially with your
family
The senator has two homes - an apartment in Washington and a house in
Colorado.
He was living on the streets for three months, and his home was a cardboard box.
Phone me at home after four o'clock.
I took home a couple of books to read.
He left home (= stopped living with his parents) when he was 23.
More and more couples are setting up home together without getting married.
2. [ C ] a house, apartment, etc. when it is considered as property which you can
buy or sell
luxury/starter homes
3. [ C ] the type of family you come from
We had a happy home.
children from a broken home (= from a family in which the parents had
separated)
4. [ C ] a place where people or animals live and are cared for by people who are
not their relations or owners
a children's home/an old people's home/a dogs' home
He spent his early years in a home.
home noun ORIGIN
5. [ C or U ] someone's or something's place of origin, or the place where a
person feels they belong
I live in London, but my home (= where I was born) is in Yorkshire.
I was actually born in New Zealand, but I've lived in England for so long that it
feels like home now.
home noun COUNTRY
6. [ C or U ] your own country or your own area
I wonder what they're doing back home.
7. be/play at home
If a sports team are/play at home, they play on their own sports field.
be home and dry ( AUSTRALIAN be home and hosed )
to have successfully finished something
We just have to finish this section, then we're home and dry.
be home free US INFORMAL
to be certain to succeed at something because you have done the most difficult
part of it
Once you leave the main road and cross the bridge, you're home free - we live
just three houses further on.
be/feel at home
to feel comfortable and relaxed
By the end of the week she was beginning to feel at home in her new job.
bring sth home (to sb )
to make someone understand something much more clearly than they did before,
especially something unpleasant
When I saw for myself the damage that had been caused, that really brought
home to me the scale of the disaster.
come home to sb
If something comes home to someone, they understand it clearly
The danger really came home to me when I saw the pictures on TV.
drive/hammer sth home
to say something clearly and with a lot of force so that you are certain people
understand it
She really drove home the message that we need to economize.
home from home UK ( US home away from home )
a place where you feel as comfortable as you do in your own home
The hotel was a real home from home.
make yourself at home
to relax and make yourself comfortable in someone else's home
home adjective DONE/USED AT HOME
1. done at home, or intended to be used at home
home cooking
home-brewed beer
a home computer
home adjective COUNTRY
2. [ before noun ] connected with or done in your own country
His books were a success in his home market , but failed to find an audience
abroad.
home adjective SPORTS
3. relating to the place where a sports event happens
the home team/side
home verb
home in on sth/sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
1. to aim for
The missile homed in on the ship.
2. to find and give a lot of attention to something or someone
The report homed in on the weaknesses in the management structure.
ˌ home ad ˈ dress noun [ C usually singular ]
the address of the house or apartment you live in
ˌ home ˈ base noun BASEBALL
1. [ U ] home plate
ˌ home ˈ base noun PLACE
2. [ C usually singular ] a place where someone or something usually lives, works,
or operates from
homeboy noun [ C ] ( ALSO homey ) US SLANG
a boy or man from your own town, or someone who is a close friend or a member
of your gang
ˈ home ˌ buyer noun [ C ]
a person who is buying a house or an apartment
homecoming noun ARRIVAL HOME
1. [ C ] a person's arrival home after being away for a long time
They planned a special celebration for her homecoming.
homecoming noun SCHOOL CELEBRATION
2. [ C or U ] US a celebration at a school or a college to honour people who were
students there earlier
the ˌ Home ˈ Counties plural noun
the counties (= areas) around London in southeast England, considered to be a
place where rich people live
ˌ home eco ˈ nomics noun [ U ]
at school, the study of cooking, sewing and all matters relating to the
management of a home
the ˌ home ˈ front noun [ S ]
the people who stay in their own country during a foreign war
home-grown adjective
1. from your own garden
home-grown vegetables
2. If someone or something is home-grown, they belong to or were developed in
your own country
She's a home-grown talent.
ˌ home ˈ help noun [ C ] UK
someone who is paid to help someone else with the cleaning of their home
homeland noun [ C ]
1. the country you were born in
2. (in the past) one of the areas in South Africa in which black people were
separated from whites under the political system of apartheid
homeless adjective
without a home
Accommodation needs to be found for thousands of homeless families.
homeless plural noun
the homeless
people who do not have a home, usually because they are poor
homelessness noun [ U ]
One common cause of homelessness is separation or divorce.
ˈ home ˌ loan noun [ C ]
money borrowed from a bank or similar organization in order to buy a house or
apartment
homely adjective PLAIN
1. UK ( US homey ) plain or ordinary, but pleasant
The hotel was homely and comfortable.
homely adjective UGLY
2. US DISAPPROVING describes a person who is ugly
homeliness noun [ U ]
homemade , home-made adjective
made at home and not bought from a shop
homemade bread/cakes
homemade wine
homemaker noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a woman who manages a home and often raises children instead of earning
money from a job
Compare house husband
ˌ home ˈ movie noun [ C ]
a film that you make yourself using a video camera , especially one of family or
holiday activities
ˌ home ( ˈ phone) ˌ number noun [ C usually singular ]
the telephone number at the house or apartment where you live
ˈ Home ˌ Office noun [ S ]
the British government department which deals with matters inside Britain that
are not the responsibility of other departments, for example justice and the rules for
people from other countries entering Britain
ˈ Home ˌ Office noun [ S ]
the British government department which deals with matters inside Britain that
are not the responsibility of other departments, for example justice and the rules for
people from other countries entering Britain
homeopath , UK ALSO homoeopath noun [ C ]
a person who treats ill people by homeopathy
homeopathy , UK ALSO homoeopathy noun [ U ]
a system of treating diseases in which ill people are given very small amounts of
natural substances which, in healthy people, would produce the same effects as the
diseases produce
homeopathic , UK ALSO homoeopathic adjective
homeopathic medicine/remedies
homeostasis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the ability or tendency of a living organism, cell or group to keep the conditions
inside it the same despite any changes in the conditions around it, or this state of
internal balance
Warm-blooded animals are able to achieve temperature homeostasis.
homeothermic adjective SPECIALIZED
If a living organism is homeothermic, it is able to keep its body temperature at
the same level despite any change in the temperature around it
Homeothermic animals are often described as warm-blooded.
homeotherm noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a homeothermic animal
homeowner noun [ C ]
a person who owns their house or apartment
The new law will benefit many homeowners.
ˈ home ˌ page noun [ C usually sing ]
1. the first page of a website which gives an introduction to the business or
organization it belongs to and links to more detailed information on other pages
2. a web page of your own choice that appears on your computer screen when
you first connect to the Internet
To make this your home page, click here.
ˈ home ˌ plate noun [ S ] ( US INFORMAL the plate )
in baseball, the place that the player has to stand next to in order to hit the ball,
and the last place they have to touch to score a point
ˈ home ˌ plate noun [ S ] ( US INFORMAL the plate )
in baseball, the place that the player has to stand next to in order to hit the ball,
and the last place they have to touch to score a point
homer noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
a home run
ˌ home ˈ rule noun [ U ]
a political arrangement in which a part of a country governs itself independently
of the central government of the country
ˌ home ˈ run noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL homer ) US
a point scored in baseball by hitting the ball so far that you have time to run all
the way round the four corners of the playing field before it is returned
ˌ home ˈ schooling noun [ U ]
the teaching of children at home, usually by parents
ˌ Home ˈ Secretary noun [ U ]
the British government politician who controls the Home Office
ˌ home ˈ shopping noun [ U ]
shopping from home by ordering goods from a magazine, a television programme,
or from the Internet
homesick adjective
unhappy because of being away from home for a long period
As I read my mother's letter, I began to feel more and more homesick.
homesickness noun [ U ]
homespun adjective
(of beliefs, theories, etc.) simple and ordinary
homespun philosophy/wisdom
homestead noun [ C ]
1. MAINLY US a house and the surrounding area of land usually used as a farm
2. US in the past, land given by the government for farming
homestead verb [ I or T ] US
in the past, to build a house and grow crops on land given by the government
homesteader noun [ C ] US
someone who goes to live and grow crops on land given by the government,
especially in the past
In the 1800s, thousands of homesteaders settled on the prairies of the western
US.
homesteader noun [ C ] US
someone who goes to live and grow crops on land given by the government,
especially in the past
In the 1800s, thousands of homesteaders settled on the prairies of the western
US.
ˌ home ˈ straight noun [ S ] UK ( US home stretch )
1. the last part of something which is being done
It's taken three months so far, but we're on the home straight now.
2. the last part of a race
ˌ home ˈ town noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY hometown )
the town or city that a person is from, especially the one in which they were born
and lived while they were young
He was born in Bristol, but he considers London his home town since he's lived
there most of his life.
ˌ home ˈ truth noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a piece of information which is not pleasant or wanted, but is true
He decided it was time to tell her a few home truths.
homewards adverb ( ALSO homeward )
towards home
After three hours cycling we decided to turn homewards.
homeward adjective
homework noun [ U ]
work which teachers give their students to do at home
You can't watch TV until you've done your homework.
history/geography homework
do your homework
to study a subject or situation carefully so that you know a lot about it and can
deal with it successfully
It was obvious that she had done her homework and thoroughly prepared for her
interview.
homeworker noun [ C ]
someone who does their job at home rather than in an office, factory, etc.
homey noun [ C ] US SLANG
homeboy
homey adjective
US FOR homely
homey noun [ C ] US SLANG
homeboy
homey adjective
US FOR homely
homicidal adjective
likely to murder
a homicidal maniac
homicide noun [ C or U ] US FORMAL OR LEGAL
(an act of) murder
He was convicted of homicide.
The number of homicides in the city has risen sharply.
homily noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a piece of spoken or written advice about how someone should behave
He launched into a homily on family relationships.
homing adjective [ before noun ]
relating to the ability of some animals to find their way home, or (of an electronic
device) producing a special signal so that it can be found using electronic equipment
Migrating birds and fish have a strong homing instinct .
The president's car is equipped with a homing device .
ˈ homing ˌ pigeon noun [ C ]
a pigeon (= a type of bird) that is trained to return to its home from any place
that it starts its journey
See also carrier pigeon ; racing pigeon
hominy noun [ U ] US
dried maize which is boiled and eaten
homoerotic adjective
(of art, literature, etc.) connected to or causing homosexual desire or pleasure
homoerotic photographs/literature
homogeneous , adjective ( ALSO homogenous )
consisting of parts or people which are similar to each other or are of the same
type
a homogeneous group/society
The population of the village has remained remarkably homogeneous.
Compare heterogeneous
homogeneity noun [ U ]
cultural/racial homogeneity
homogenized , UK USUALLY homogenised adjective SPECIALIZED
describes milk which has been treated so that the cream is mixed into the other
parts of the liquid
homogenized , UK USUALLY homogenised adjective SPECIALIZED
describes milk which has been treated so that the cream is mixed into the other
parts of the liquid
homogenous , adjective
homogeneous
homograph noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a word which is spelled the same as another word and might be pronounced the
same or differently, but which has a different meaning
'Bow' meaning the front of a ship, 'bow' meaning a loop made in a string or ribbon
and 'bow' meaning a device used to shoot arrows are all homographs.
homologous adjective
1. FORMAL having a similar position, structure, value or purpose
2. SPECIALIZED in biology, having the same origin although now having a different
purpose or shape as a result of evolution (= gradual change over millions of years)
The wing of a bat and the arm of a man are homologous structures.
homonym noun [ C ]
a word that sounds the same or is spelled the same as another word but has a
different meaning
'No' and 'know' are homonyms.
'Bow' (= bend at the waist) and 'bow' (= weapon) are also homonyms.
homophobia noun [ U ]
a fear or dislike of homosexuals
homophobic adjective
a homophobic attitude
homophone noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a word which is pronounced the same as another word but has a different
meaning or a different spelling or both
The words 'so' and 'sew' are homophones.
Homo sapiens noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
humans considered together as a type of animal
homosexual , noun [ C ]
a person, especially a man, who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex
and not to people of the opposite sex
homosexual , adjective
homosexual sex/relationships
homosexuality , noun [ U ]
I've never been ashamed of my homosexuality.
homosexual , noun [ C ]
a person, especially a man, who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex
and not to people of the opposite sex
homosexual , adjective
homosexual sex/relationships
homosexuality , noun [ U ]
I've never been ashamed of my homosexuality.
homozygous adjective SPECIALIZED
having two of the same form of gene (= part of a cell containing DNA information)
that controls a particular characteristic and is therefore able to pass on that form only
a homozygous cell
Compare heterozygous
homozygote noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a homozygous person, animal or organism
hon adjective [ before noun ]
UK ABBREVIATION FOR honorary , when used as part of a title
the hon treasurer
Hon adjective [ before noun ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Honourable , when used as a title
The report was written by a recently appointed judge, the Hon Mr Justice Carlton.
honcho noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
the person in charge
Who's the head honcho round here?
Honduran noun [ C ] , adjective
Honduras noun [ U ]
hone verb [ T ] MAKE SHARP
1. to sharpen an object
The bone had been honed to a point.
hone verb [ T ] MAKE PERFECT
2. to make something perfect or completely suitable for its purpose
His physique was honed to perfection .
Her debating skills were honed in the students' union.
honest adjective
telling the truth or able to be trusted and not likely to steal, cheat or lie
She's completely honest.
I'd like you to give me an honest answer/your honest opinion.
He had an honest face (= He looked like he could be trusted) .
To be honest ( with you), I don't think it will be possible.
Opposite dishonest
honest (to God/goodness) INFORMAL
used to emphasize that what you are saying is true
I tried to be nice to him, honest to God I did!
make an honest living HUMOROUS
earn money by working hard at a job
make an honest woman (out) of sb INFORMAL HUMOROUS
to marry a woman you are having a sexual relationship with
honest adjective
telling the truth or able to be trusted and not likely to steal, cheat or lie
She's completely honest.
I'd like you to give me an honest answer/your honest opinion.
He had an honest face (= He looked like he could be trusted) .
To be honest ( with you), I don't think it will be possible.
Opposite dishonest
honest (to God/goodness) INFORMAL
used to emphasize that what you are saying is true
I tried to be nice to him, honest to God I did!
make an honest living HUMOROUS
earn money by working hard at a job
make an honest woman (out) of sb INFORMAL HUMOROUS
to marry a woman you are having a sexual relationship with
ˌ honest ˈ broker noun [ C ]
someone who speaks to both sides involved in an argument or disagreement and
tries to help them to agree
honestly adverb
in a way that is truthful
They have always dealt honestly and fairly with their customers.
I can't honestly say what time I'll be home.
I'll do it tomorrow, honestly (= I promise that I will do it) .
honestly adverb , exclamation
used to emphasize disapproval
Honestly, you'd think she'd have asked you first!
honest-to-goodness adjective [ before noun ]
real or true
The book is an honest-to-goodness account of her early life.
honesty noun [ U ]
the quality of being honest
I appreciate your honesty.
I must tell you in all honesty (= truthfully and hiding nothing) that there is little
chance of the scheme being approved.
Honesty is the best policy. SAYING
said to advise someone that it is better to tell the truth than to lie
honey noun SWEET SUBSTANCE
1. [ U ] a sweet sticky yellow substance made by bees and used as food
UK set honey/runny honey
clover honey
honey noun PERSON
2. [ C ] MAINLY US a name that you call someone you love or like very much
Hi, honey, I'm home!
honeybee noun [ C ]
a type of bee which lives with others in a hive and makes honey
honeybee noun [ C ]
a type of bee which lives with others in a hive and makes honey
honeycomb noun
honeycomb
1. [ C or U ] a wax structure containing many small holes which is made by bees
to store their honey
2. [ C ] something with a similar structure
The hotel complex was a honeycomb of rooms and courtyards (= there were
many small rooms and passages) .
honeycombed adjective [ after verb ]
The tomb was honeycombed with passages and chambers.
honeydew noun STICKY SUBSTANCE
1. [ U ] a sticky substance left on leaves by some types of insect
honeydew noun FRUIT
2. [ C or U ] ( ALSO honeydew melon ) a type of melon (= large fruit with a thick
skin) that has white, green or yellow skin and sweet flesh with a lot of juice
honeyeater noun [ C ]
an Australian bird whose beak and tongue are specially shaped for taking honey
from flowers
honeyed adjective
honeyed tones/words/voice
describes speech or a person's voice when it is gentle and pleasant to listen to,
sometimes in a way that is not sincere
honeymoon noun
1. [ C or U ] a holiday taken by a man and a woman immediately after their
marriage
Where are you going on your honeymoon?
2. [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO honeymoon period ) a short period at the beginning
of a new job, government, etc. when the relationship is good
honeymoon verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to go on a honeymoon (= holiday)
They are honeymooning in the Bahamas.
honeymooners plural noun
people who are on their honeymoon
The hotel is a favourite with honeymooners.
honeysuckle noun [ C or U ]
honeysuckle
a climbing plant with flowers that smell sweet
honeysuckle noun [ C or U ]
honeysuckle
a climbing plant with flowers that smell sweet
ˈ honey ˌ trap noun [ C usually singular ] UK
1. something that is very attractive
The Tower of London is a honey trap for tourists.
2. the use of an attractive person to try to get information from someone
Police set up a honey trap to get him to confess to the crime.
Hong Kong adjective [ before noun ]
Hong Kong noun [ U ]
honk verb [ I or T ] SOUND
1. If a goose or a car horn honks, it makes a short, loud sound.
honk verb [ I or T ] VOMIT
2. UK SLANG to vomit
He honked (up) all over the floor.
honk noun [ C ]
a short, loud sound made by a car horn or a goose
He gave us a honk on his horn as he drove off.
honky noun [ C ] US SLANG DISAPPROVING
a word used by some black people to refer to a white person
honky-tonk adjective [ before noun ]
connected with an informal type of jazz piano playing
a honky-tonk piano
honky-tonk music
honky-tonk noun [ C ] US
a noisy, cheap bar with loud jazz or country (= traditional) music
honor noun
US FOR honour
honor noun
US FOR honour
honorable adjective
US FOR honourable
honorably adverb
US FOR honourably
honorarium noun [ C ] FORMAL
a usually small sum of money paid to someone for a service for which no official
charge is made
We usually offer our visiting lecturers an honorarium of £50.
honorary adjective
1. (especially of a degree) given as an honour to someone who has not finished a
course of study
She received an honorary doctorate from Oxford University in recognition of her
work for the homeless.
2. An honorary position in an organization is one for which no payment is made
Charities often have a well-known person as their honorary treasurer.
honorific adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
showing or giving honour or respect
an honorific title
ˈ honors de ˌ gree noun [ C ] ( FORMAL degree with honors )
in the US, a degree from a school, college or university which shows that a
student has done work of a very high standard
Compare honours degree
honour UK , US honor noun RESPECT
1. [ U ] a quality that combines respect, being proud, and honesty
a man of honour
We fought for the honour of our country.
2. in honour of sb/sth
in order to celebrate or show great respect for someone or something
a banquet in honour of the president
3. be/feel honour bound to do sth
to feel you must do something because it is morally right, even if you do not want
to do it
I felt honour bound to tell him the truth.
4. do sb the honour of doing sth FORMAL
to make someone proud and happy by doing or being something
Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to the New Year Ball?
5. Your Honour FORMAL
the way to address a judge
honour UK , US honor noun REWARD
6. [ C ] a reward, prize or title that publicly expresses admiration or respect
She received an honour for her services to the community.
He was buried with full military honours (= with a special celebration to show
respect) .
7. with honours
If you complete a school or university qualification with honours, you achieve a
high standard.
be on your honour OLD-FASHIONED
If you are on your honour to do something, you have made a promise to act as
you have said you will.
do the honours HUMOROUS
to pour drinks or serve food
John, will you do the honours?
honour UK , US honor verb [ T ] RESPECT
1. to show great respect for someone or something, especially in public
He was honoured for his bravery.
FORMAL We are honoured (= proud and happy) to have you here tonight.
I would be honoured to meet him.
2. To honour a promise or agreement is to do what you said you would
They decided not to honour an existing order for aircraft.
honour UK , US honor verb [ T ] REWARD
3. to give someone public praise or a reward
He was honoured with a knighthood.
Honourable UK , US Honorable adjective ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Hon )
the Honourable
a title used before the name of some government officials, and in the UK before
the names of certain people of high social rank
the Honourable Andrew Robinson
the Honorable Daniel P. Moynihan of New York
honourable UK , US honorable adjective
honest and fair, or deserving praise and respect
an honourable person
honourably , US honorably adverb
They acted honourably and returned the wallet.
ˌ honourable ˈ mention noun [ C ]
a prize given in a competition for work of high quality which did not receive first,
second or third prize
ˈ honours de ˌ gree noun [ C ] ( FORMAL degree with honours )
in the UK, a first university degree, based especially on one subject
Compare honors degree
ˈ honours ˌ list noun [ S ]
in the UK, the list of people who receive a title and public praise as a reward for
things they have done
hooch , hootch noun [ U ] US SLANG
strong alcohol, especially whisky
hood noun [ C ] CLOTHING
1. part of a piece of clothing which can be pulled up to cover the top and back of
the head
The coat has a detachable hood.
2. a bag which is put over someone's head so that they cannot see or be
recognized
The prisoners had been tortured and made to wear hoods.
hood noun [ C ] COVER
3. a part which covers or shelters a piece of equipment
The hood over the air vent is loose.
hood noun [ C ] CAR
4. US FOR bonnet (METAL COVER)
hood noun [ C ] PLACE
5. ( ALSO 'hood ) US SLANG a poor neighbourhood
When he started he was just a poor boy from the hood - now he's a
multimillionaire.
-hood suffix
used to form nouns describing the state of being a particular thing
priesthood
childhood/manhood
nationhood
-hood suffix
used to form nouns describing the state of being a particular thing
priesthood
childhood/manhood
nationhood
hooded adjective CLOTHES
1. having a hood
a hooded jacket
armed and hooded intruders
hooded adjective EYES
2. describes eyes which are partly covered by the eyelids because the eyelids are
big
He watched her from under hooded eyelids.
hoodie , hoody noun [ C ]
1. a sweatshirt (= cotton clothing for the upper body) that has a hood to cover
the head
2. a person who wears a hoodie
hoodlum noun [ C ] ( ALSO hood ) OLD-FASHIONED
a violent person, especially one who is member of a group of criminals
hoodwink verb [ T ]
to deceive or trick someone
He hoodwinked us into agree ing .
hoof noun [ C ]
the hard part on the bottom of the feet of animals such as horses, sheep and deer
Compare paw
See picture hoof
on the hoof UK INFORMAL
If you do something on the hoof, you do it while you are moving about or doing
something else, often without giving it the attention it deserves
I've got a meeting downtown in 20 minutes so I'll have lunch on the hoof.
hoof verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to kick a ball
The defender hoofed the ball up the field.
hoof it INFORMAL
to walk somewhere, or to walk somewhere quickly
We missed the bus and had to hoof it.
ˌ hoof and ˈ mouth (di ˌ sease) noun [ U ]
US FOR foot and mouth (disease)
ˌ hoof and ˈ mouth (di ˌ sease) noun [ U ]
US FOR foot and mouth (disease)
hoo-ha noun [ S or U ] INFORMAL
when there is too much interest in or discussion of something not important
One of the tabloids published the pictures and they caused a great hoo-ha.
hook noun [ C ] DEVICE
1. a curved device used for catching or holding things, especially one fixed to a
surface for hanging things on
a coat/picture hook
a boat hook
a fish hook
See pictures hook , in the office
hook noun [ C ] HIT
2. a way of hitting in boxing , cricket or golf
a right/left hook
a hook shot
See picture hook
by hook or by crook
by any method possible
I decided I was going to get that job by hook or by crook.
fall for sth hook, line and sinker
to completely believe something that someone tells you which is not true
She told him she needed the money for her baby and he fell for it hook, line and
sinker.
get your hooks into sb/sth
to get control or influence over someone or something
This product has really got its hooks into the American market.
off the hook
1. If you leave the telephone off the hook, you do not put the part of it that you
talk with back correctly and it will not ring.
2. If you are off the hook, you have escaped from a difficult situation
John's agreed to go to the meeting in my place so that gets/lets me off the
hook.
hook verb DEVICE
1. [ T ] to fasten something with a hook, hang something on a hook, or catch
something with a hook
He hooked the trailer (= joined it with a hook) to his car.
How many salmon did you hook (= catch) this afternoon?
She hooked the shoe (= lifted it with a hook) out of the water.
hook verb SEX
2. [ I ] US INFORMAL to have sex for money
hook ( sb/sth ) up to sth phrasal verb
to connect a machine to a power supply or to another machine, or to connect a
person to a piece of medical equipment
Can we hook up to the electricity supply at the campsite?
Helen was unconscious and hooked up to a life support machine.
hookah noun [ C ]
a type of pipe which brings smoke through a container of water before it is
breathed in
hookah noun [ C ]
a type of pipe which brings smoke through a container of water before it is
breathed in
ˌ hook and ˈ eye noun [ C usually singular ]
hook and eye
a device for fastening clothes consisting of a small bent piece of metal into which
a hook fits
See also picture hook
hooked adjective CANNOT STOP
1. [ after verb ] INFORMAL unable to stop taking a drug
to be hooked on cocaine
2. [ after verb ] INFORMAL enjoying something so much that you are unable to stop
having, watching, doing, etc. it
I was hooked after two episodes.
hooked adjective NOSE
3. describes a nose which is large and curved
hooker noun [ C ] SEX
1. INFORMAL a prostitute (= woman who has sex for money)
hooker noun [ C ] SPORT
2. a rugby player who pulls the ball out of the scrum with his foot
hook-nosed adjective
Someone who is hook-nosed has a large nose which curves out from the face.
hook-up noun [ C ]
a connection between two or more things, places or people using electronic
equipment
We hope to bring you a live report from Ouagadougou via our satellite hook-up.
hooky noun MAINLY US INFORMAL
play hooky
to stay away from school without permission
hooligan noun [ C ]
a person who acts in a violent way without thinking and causes damage
Hooligans had sprayed paint all over the car.
hooliganism noun [ U ]
football/soccer hooliganism
hooligan noun [ C ]
a person who acts in a violent way without thinking and causes damage
Hooligans had sprayed paint all over the car.
hooliganism noun [ U ]
football/soccer hooliganism
hoop noun [ C ]
1. a ring of wood, metal or plastic, or sometimes a half ring
The dogs had been trained to jump through hoops.
2. ( ALSO hoop earring ) a ring-shaped earring (= a piece of jewellery which hangs
from the ear)
She was wearing large gold hoops in her ears.
go/jump through hoops
to do a lot of difficult things before you are allowed to have or do something you
want
hoopla noun GAME
1. [ U ] UK ( US ring toss ) a game in which a ring is thrown so that it falls over an
object
a game of hoopla
hoopla noun EXCITEMENT
2. [ S or U ] MAINLY US exciting noise and activity in celebration of an event
The usual hoopla surrounded the arrival of the pop star.
hooray , exclamation , noun
hurray
Hooray Henry noun [ C ] UK DISAPPROVING
a young man from a high social class who speaks loudly and behaves in a
noticeable way in public
The pub was full of Hooray Henrys.
hooroo exclamation
AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL FOR goodbye
hoot noun [ C ]
1. a short loud high sound
She gave three short hoots on the car horn.
He gave a hoot of laughter/derision.
2. the sound an owl makes
be a hoot INFORMAL
to be very funny
He's an absolute hoot.
not care/give two hoots ( ALSO not care/give a hoot ) INFORMAL
to not care about something or someone
I don't give two hoots what she thinks.
hoot verb
1. [ I or T ] to make a short loud high sound
She hooted her horn at the dog in the road.
He hooted with laughter.
2. [ I ] to make the sound that an owl makes
hooter noun NOSE
1. [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a nose
hooter noun DEVICE
2. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED an electrical device which makes a loud noise, often to mark
the start or end of work at a factory
hooter noun BREASTS
3. hooters
[ plural ] US SLANG a woman's breasts. This sense is considered offensive.
hooter noun NOSE
1. [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a nose
hooter noun DEVICE
2. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED an electrical device which makes a loud noise, often to mark
the start or end of work at a factory
hooter noun BREASTS
3. hooters
[ plural ] US SLANG a woman's breasts. This sense is considered offensive.
Hoover noun [ C ] UK TRADEMARK
a vacuum (cleaner)
hoover verb [ I or T ] UK
He was busy hoovering the bedroom carpet when I got home.
hoovering noun [ U ]
Could you do the hoovering?
hooves
PLURAL OF hoof
hop verb
1. [ I ] to jump on one foot or to move about in this way
I tried to hop on my good foot while holding onto Jim.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to go somewhere quickly or to get into or
out of a vehicle quickly
We hopped over to Bruges for the weekend.
I hopped on the bus at the traffic lights.
3. [ I ] If a small animal, bird or insect hops, it moves by jumping on all or two of
its feet at the same time
The rabbit/bird hopped across the grass.
hop it UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to tell someone to go away
hopping mad OLD-FASHIONED
very angry
hop noun JUMP
1. [ C ] a short jump by a person on one foot, or by a small animal, bird or insect
on all or two of its feet at the same time
With his feet tied together he could only move in little hops.
2. be a short hop INFORMAL
to be a short journey or distance, especially in an aircraft
London to Edinburgh is just a short hop by plane.
hop noun PLANT
3. hops
[ plural ] the dried fruits of a climbing plant which are used to give a bitter flavour
to beer
catch sb on the hop UK INFORMAL
to do something when someone is not ready for it and is not able to deal with it
I'm afraid you've caught me on the hop - I wasn't expecting you till next week.
hop adjective [ before noun ]
relating to hops
a hop plant
hope verb [ I or T ]
to want something to happen or to be true, and usually have a good reason to
think that it might
I'm hoping for an interview next week.
[ + ( that ) ] She's hoping (that) she won't be away too long.
I hope (that) she'll win.
We have to hope and pray (that) the operation will go well.
[ + to infinitive ] They hope to visit us next year.
It's good news, I hope.
"Will you be at the meeting tomorrow?" "I hope not/so ".
Compare wish
hope against hope
to hope very strongly that something will happen, although you know it is not
likely
They're just hoping against hope that she's still alive.
hope for the best
to hope that something will be successful or happen in the way you want, even if
it seems unlikely
I've repaired it as well as I can - we'll just have to hope for the best.
hope noun [ C or U ]
something good that you want to happen in the future, or a confident feeling
about what will happen in the future
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Is there any hope of getting financial support for the project?
[ + that ] Is there any hope that they will be home in time?
Young people are growing up in our cities without any hope of find ing a job.
His reply dashed (= destroyed) our hopes.
They have pinned (all) their hopes on (= They are depending for success on)
their new player.
She's very ill, but there's still hope/we live in hope (= we think she might be
cured) .
The situation is now beyond/past hope (= unlikely to produce the desired result)
.
We never gave up hope (= stopped hoping) that she would be found alive.
The letter offered us a glimmer/ray of (= a little) hope.
I didn't phone till four o'clock in the hope that you'd be finished.
I don't hold out much hope of getting (= I don't expect to be able to get) a
ticket.
not have a hope in hell INFORMAL
to have no possibility of doing or achieving something
We were so outclassed - we didn't have a hope in hell of winning.
hope verb [ I or T ]
to want something to happen or to be true, and usually have a good reason to
think that it might
I'm hoping for an interview next week.
[ + ( that ) ] She's hoping (that) she won't be away too long.
I hope (that) she'll win.
We have to hope and pray (that) the operation will go well.
[ + to infinitive ] They hope to visit us next year.
It's good news, I hope.
"Will you be at the meeting tomorrow?" "I hope not/so ".
Compare wish
hope against hope
to hope very strongly that something will happen, although you know it is not
likely
They're just hoping against hope that she's still alive.
hope for the best
to hope that something will be successful or happen in the way you want, even if
it seems unlikely
I've repaired it as well as I can - we'll just have to hope for the best.
hope noun [ C or U ]
something good that you want to happen in the future, or a confident feeling
about what will happen in the future
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Is there any hope of getting financial support for the project?
[ + that ] Is there any hope that they will be home in time?
Young people are growing up in our cities without any hope of find ing a job.
His reply dashed (= destroyed) our hopes.
They have pinned (all) their hopes on (= They are depending for success on)
their new player.
She's very ill, but there's still hope/we live in hope (= we think she might be
cured) .
The situation is now beyond/past hope (= unlikely to produce the desired result)
.
We never gave up hope (= stopped hoping) that she would be found alive.
The letter offered us a glimmer/ray of (= a little) hope.
I didn't phone till four o'clock in the hope that you'd be finished.
I don't hold out much hope of getting (= I don't expect to be able to get) a
ticket.
not have a hope in hell INFORMAL
to have no possibility of doing or achieving something
We were so outclassed - we didn't have a hope in hell of winning.
ˈ hope ˌ chest noun [ C usually singular ]
US FOR bottom drawer
hopeful adjective
1. having hope
He was hopeful about the outcome of the meeting.
They were hopeful of a successful agreement.
I'm hopeful (that) we can reach a compromise.
2. giving hope
The green shoots were hopeful signs of spring.
hopefulness noun [ U ]
hopeful noun [ C usually plural ]
a person who is trying to get a part in a film, play for a famous football team, etc.
Over a thousand young hopefuls went to the Theatre Royal today to audition for
a part in the new musical.
hopefully adverb
1. used, often at the start of a sentence, to express what you would like to
happen
Hopefully it won't rain.
Hopefully we'll be in Norwich by early evening.
2. in a hopeful way
"Do you have a cigarette?" he asked hopefully.
hopeless adjective
1. without hope
a hopeless situation
They searched for survivors but it was hopeless.
She was depressed and felt totally hopeless about the future.
2. completely without skill at a particular activity
I'm hopeless at sports.
He's a hopeless cook.
hopelessness noun [ U ]
I find the hopelessness of the situation very depressing.
hopelessly adverb
extremely, or in a way that makes you lose hope
They met at university and fell hopelessly in love.
We were hopelessly lost.
hopelessly adverb
hopper noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a large tube, wide at one end, through which large amounts of small separate
things, for example seeds, can be moved from one container to another
hoppy adjective
like hops (= dried fruit used to make beer)
a hoppy aroma/flavour
hopscotch noun [ U ]
a game played by children, who throw a stone onto a set of joined squares drawn
on the ground and jump on one leg and then on two legs into each square in turn to get
the stone
horde noun OFTEN DISAPPROVING
1. [ C ] a large group of people
Hordes of students on bikes made crossing the road difficult.
2. in their hordes INFORMAL
in very great numbers
When they heard the concert was free, they came in their hordes.
horizon noun [ S ]
the line at the farthest place which you can see, where the sky seems to touch
the land or sea
The moon rose slowly above the horizon.
We could see a row of camels silhouetted on the horizon.
broaden/expand/widen sb's horizons
to increase the range of things that someone knows about or has experienced
Travelling certainly broadens your horizons.
on the horizon
likely to happen or exist soon
There is no new drug on the horizon that will make this disease easier to treat.
horizontal adjective
flat or level; parallel to the ground or to the bottom or top edge of something
Draw a horizontal line across the bottom of the page.
Keep the patient horizontal with the feet slightly raised.
Compare vertical
horizontally adverb
horizontal noun [ C usually singular ]
a horizontal line, surface or position
Rotate it slowly from the horizontal into a vertical position.
hopelessly adverb
hopper noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a large tube, wide at one end, through which large amounts of small separate
things, for example seeds, can be moved from one container to another
hoppy adjective
like hops (= dried fruit used to make beer)
a hoppy aroma/flavour
hopscotch noun [ U ]
a game played by children, who throw a stone onto a set of joined squares drawn
on the ground and jump on one leg and then on two legs into each square in turn to get
the stone
horde noun OFTEN DISAPPROVING
1. [ C ] a large group of people
Hordes of students on bikes made crossing the road difficult.
2. in their hordes INFORMAL
in very great numbers
When they heard the concert was free, they came in their hordes.
horizon noun [ S ]
the line at the farthest place which you can see, where the sky seems to touch
the land or sea
The moon rose slowly above the horizon.
We could see a row of camels silhouetted on the horizon.
broaden/expand/widen sb's horizons
to increase the range of things that someone knows about or has experienced
Travelling certainly broadens your horizons.
on the horizon
likely to happen or exist soon
There is no new drug on the horizon that will make this disease easier to treat.
horizontal adjective
flat or level; parallel to the ground or to the bottom or top edge of something
Draw a horizontal line across the bottom of the page.
Keep the patient horizontal with the feet slightly raised.
Compare vertical
horizontally adverb
horizontal noun [ C usually singular ]
a horizontal line, surface or position
Rotate it slowly from the horizontal into a vertical position.
hori ˈ zontal ˌ axis noun [ S ] SPECIALIZED
the line of figures or coordinates that are arranged from left to right along the
bottom of a graph or map; the x-axis
hormone noun [ C ]
any of various chemicals made by living cells which influence the development,
growth, sex, etc. of an animal and are carried around the body in the blood
male and female hormones
growth hormones
hormonal adjective
a hormonal imbalance
ˌ hormone re ˈ placement therapy noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION HRT )
a treatment for women whose level of female hormones is low because they have
reached the menopause
ˌ hormone re ˈ placement therapy noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION HRT )
a treatment for women whose level of female hormones is low because they have
reached the menopause
horn noun ANIMAL
1. [ C or U ] a hard, pointed, often curved part that grows from the top of the
head of some animals, or the hard substance of which a horn is made
See picture animals 1
horn noun VEHICLE
2. [ C ] a device on a vehicle that is used to make a loud noise as a warning or
signal to other people
The driver blew/sounded / INFORMAL honked her horn.
See also foghorn
See picture car interior
horn noun MUSIC
3. [ C ] a curved musical instrument made of metal, which is narrow at the end
you blow down to make a sound, and wider towards the other end
be on the horns of a dilemma
to be unable to decide which of two things to do because either could have bad
results
draw/pull in your horns
to act in a more careful way than you did before, especially by spending less
money
He'll have to draw in his horns now he's lost his job.
horn verb
horn in phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to try to become involved in a discussion or activity when you are not wanted
She's always horning in on our conversations.
horned adjective
describes an animal with horns
horned cattle
hornet noun [ C ]
a large wasp (= type of flying insect) which can give you a bad sting
hornet's nest noun [ C usually singular ]
a very difficult or unpleasant situation, especially in which a lot of people get very
angry and complain
His remarks about the lack of good women tennis players stirred up a (real)
hornet's nest.
hornet's nest noun [ C usually singular ]
a very difficult or unpleasant situation, especially in which a lot of people get very
angry and complain
His remarks about the lack of good women tennis players stirred up a (real)
hornet's nest.
horniness noun [ U ] INFORMAL
sexual excitement or sexual attraction
horn-rimmed adjective [ before noun ]
describes glasses with frames that are coloured with a mixture of dark and light
brown
horny adjective SEXUAL
1. INFORMAL sexually excited
She'd had a couple of drinks and was feeling horny.
2. UK INFORMAL sexually attractive
You look horny in that skirt.
horny adjective HARD
3. made of a hard substance, like horn
Birds have horny beaks.
4. (especially of skin) hard and rough
horoscope noun [ C ]
a description of what is going to happen to you, based on the position of the stars
and planets at the time of your birth
I read my horoscope most days.
My horoscope said I was going to be lucky in love this month.
horrendous adjective
extremely unpleasant or bad
a horrendous accident/tragedy/crime
horrendous suffering/damage
Conditions in the refugee camps were horrendous.
The firm made horrendous (= very big) losses last year.
horrendously adverb
horrendously expensive clothes
horrendousness noun [ U ]
horrible adjective
1. very unpleasant or bad
He's got a horrible cold.
What's that horrible smell?
That was a horrible thing to say!
2. very shocking and frightening
a horrible crime
horribly adverb
extremely, especially in a very bad or unpleasant way
His face was horribly scarred.
Their plans went horribly wrong.
horribly adverb
extremely, especially in a very bad or unpleasant way
His face was horribly scarred.
Their plans went horribly wrong.
horrid adjective OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
unpleasant or unkind; nasty
Don't be so horrid!
The medicine tasted horrid.
horridly adverb INFORMAL
horridness noun [ U ] INFORMAL
horrific adjective
a horrific accident/crime
horrific injuries
horrifically adverb
horrified adjective
very shocked
He looked horrified when I told him.
We were horrified at/by the size of the bill.
I was horrified to hear of his death.
I was horrified that they hadn't included you.
horrify verb [ T ]
to shock someone very much
This news will horrify my parents.
horrifying adjective
very shocking
horrifying injuries/conditions/news
horrifyingly adverb
The prediction of 4 million unemployed now looks horrifyingly realistic.
horror noun
1. [ U ] an extremely strong feeling of fear and shock, or the frightening and
shocking character of something
The crowd cried out in horror as the car burst into flames.
The thought of speaking in front of so many people fills me with horror.
I then realized to my absolute horror, that I had forgotten the present.
What the book does convey very successfully is the horror of war.
2. horrors
[ plural ] things that are very shocking or frightening
The population now faces the horrors of starvation.
Nuclear war is one of the horrors that face the modern world.
3. [ C ] UK INFORMAL a child who behaves very badly
Her youngest boy is a little horror.
have a horror of sth
to hate something very much or be very frightened of something
It may be childish but I have a horror of worms.
horror of horrors UK HUMOROUS
said when you are telling someone about a very bad or embarrassing situation
Then I went to the toilets and, horror of horrors, discovered that my zip had been
undone.
ˈ horror ˌ film noun [ C ] MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US horror movie )
a film in which very frightening and especially unnatural things happen, for
example dead people coming to life and people being murdered
ˈ horror ˌ film noun [ C ] MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US horror movie )
a film in which very frightening and especially unnatural things happen, for
example dead people coming to life and people being murdered
ˈ horror ˌ story noun [ C ]
1. a story in which very frightening and unnatural things happen
2. a report of real events in which things have gone very wrong
the usual travel horror stories about delays at the airport and flight cancellations
horror-struck adjective [ after verb ] ( ALSO horror-stricken )
extremely shocked and frightened
They watched, horror-struck, as the car came off the road.
hors d'oeuvre noun [ C ]
1. UK a small savoury dish eaten at the start of a meal
2. US small pieces of food eaten at a party
horse noun ANIMAL
1. [ C ] a large animal with four legs which people ride on or use for carrying
things or pulling vehicles
to ride a horse
a horse and cart
2. the horses
[ plural ] INFORMAL horse races where you try to win money by correctly guessing
which horse will win
He spends all his money on the horses.
horse noun WOODEN STRUCTURE
3. [ C ] ( ALSO vaulting horse ) a wooden structure which you jump over for
exercise
horse noun DRUG
4. [ U ] SLANG heroin
(straight) from the horse's mouth
If you hear something (straight) from the horse's mouth, you hear it from the
person who has direct personal knowledge of the matter.
horses for courses UK
something that you say which means that it is important to choose suitable people
for particular activities because everyone has different skills
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. SAYING
said to emphasize that you can make it easy for someone to do something, but
you cannot force them to do it
horse verb
horse around/about phrasal verb INFORMAL
to behave in a silly and noisy way
He was horsing around in the kitchen and broke my favourite bowl.
horseback adjective [ before noun ]
on a horse
horseback riding
a horseback rider
horseback noun
on horseback
riding a horse
police on horseback
horseback adjective [ before noun ]
on a horse
horseback riding
a horseback rider
horseback noun
on horseback
riding a horse
police on horseback
horsebox noun [ C ] UK ( AUSTRALIAN ALSO horse float )
horsebox
a vehicle for transporting horses, sometimes pulled by another vehicle
ˌ horse ˈ chestnut noun [ C ]
(the poisonous shiny brown nut from) a large tree with pink or white flowers
See also conker
horse-drawn adjective [ before noun ]
describes a vehicle pulled by a horse
horsefly noun [ C ]
any of various large flying insects that bite horses, cattle and sometimes people
horsehair noun [ U ]
hairs from a horse's tail and mane , used especially in the past as a soft filling for
furniture
horseman noun [ C ]
a person who rides a horse, especially someone who rides well
horsemanship noun [ U ]
skill at riding horses
horseplay noun [ U ] SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED
rough noisy behaviour, especially when people push each other as a joke
horsepower noun [ C or U ] ( ABBREVIATION hp )
a unit for measuring the power of an engine
a 100-horsepower engine
ˈ horse ˌ racing noun [ U ]
horse racing
a sport in which people race on horses, usually to win money for the horses's
owners
ˈ horse ˌ racing noun [ U ]
horse racing
a sport in which people race on horses, usually to win money for the horses's
owners
horseradish noun [ U ]
a plant with large green leaves and a long white root with a strong sharp taste
roast beef and horseradish sauce
ˈ horse ˌ riding noun [ U ] UK ( US horseback riding )
horse riding
the sport or activity of riding a horse
horse's ass noun [ C usually singular ] US OFFENSIVE
a stupid and annoying person
You may think you're being funny, but everyone else thinks you're being a real
horse's ass.
ˈ horse ˌ sense noun [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED
practical knowledge and good judgment about ordinary life; common sense
horseshit noun [ U ] US OFFENSIVE
nonsense; bullshit
He described the film as 'middle-class, bourgeois horseshit'.
horseshoe noun FOR A HORSE
1. [ C ] a U-shaped piece of metal which is fixed to the bottom of a horse's hoof
to protect it
For many people the horseshoe is a symbol of good luck.
horseshoe noun GAME
2. horseshoes
[ U ] US a game in which horseshoes are thrown at a wooden or metal rod in the
ground
horsetrading noun [ U ] OFTEN DISAPPROVING
unofficial discussion in which people make agreements that provide both sides
with advantages
There's been a lot of political horsetrading while the parties try to form a
government.
horsetrade verb [ I ] DISAPPROVING
horsetrading noun [ U ] OFTEN DISAPPROVING
unofficial discussion in which people make agreements that provide both sides
with advantages
There's been a lot of political horsetrading while the parties try to form a
government.
horsetrade verb [ I ] DISAPPROVING
ˈ horse ˌ trailer noun [ C ] US ( UK horsebox , AUSTRALIAN horse float )
a vehicle for transporting horses that is pulled behind another vehicle
horsewhip verb [ T ]
to hit someone with a whip
horsewoman noun [ C ]
a female horseman
She's a keen horsewoman.
horsey ( ALSO horsy ) adjective
1. INFORMAL liking horses and being involved with them
2. DISAPPROVING looking like a horse, usually in a way that is not attractive
horticulture noun [ U ]
the study or activity of growing garden plants
horticultural adjective
a horticultural show
horticulturalist noun [ C ] ( ALSO horticulturist )
hosanna exclamation
a shout of praise to God
hose noun PIPE
1. [ C ] ( UK ALSO hosepipe ) a long plastic or rubber pipe, used to direct water
onto fires, gardens, etc
The severe drought has led to a hosepipe ban in eastern England.
hose noun CLOTHES
2. [ U ] SPECIALIZED hosiery
See also pantyhose
hose verb [ T ]
to direct water onto something using a hose
He was covered in mud so we hosed him down .
hoser noun [ C ] US AND CANADIAN SLANG
a stupid or rude person
hoser noun [ C ] US AND CANADIAN SLANG
a stupid or rude person
hosiery noun [ U ] ( ALSO hose ) FORMAL
a word used especially in shops for things such as socks, tights and stockings
Women's hosiery you'll find on the second floor, Madam.
hospice noun [ C ]
a hospital for people who are dying, especially from cancer
hospitable adjective
1. friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors
The villagers were very hospitable to/towards anyone who passed through.
Opposite inhospitable
2. providing good conditions for living or growing
It's difficult to think of a less hospitable environment than the surface of the
Moon.
hospitably adverb
hospital noun [ C or U ]
a place where people who are ill or injured are treated and taken care of by
doctors and nurses
a general/children's/maternity hospital
hospital patients/staff
UK I've got to go (in)to hospital ( US to the hospital) for three weeks to have an
operation.
UK She spent a week in hospital ( US in the hospital) last year.
hospitality noun [ U ]
1. when people are friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors
The local people showed me great hospitality.
2. the food, drink, etc. that an organization provides in order to keep its guests
happy
The company's guests at Ascot are entertained in the corporate hospitality area.
hospitalize , UK USUALLY hospitalise verb [ T often passive ]
to take someone to hospital and keep them there for treatment
His wife's been hospitalized for depression.
hospitalization , UK USUALLY hospitalisation noun [ U ]
host noun PERSON WITH GUESTS
1. [ C ] ( FEMALE ALSO hostess ) someone who has guests
We thanked our hosts for the lovely evening.
The local language school is advertising for host families (= families with whom
people stay when they are visiting another country) .
host noun ON TELEVISION
2. [ C ] ( FEMALE ALSO hostess ) a person who introduces guests and performers,
especially on television or radio
Our host for tonight's show is Terry Wogan.
host noun FOR AN EVENT
3. [ C ] a place or organization that provides the space and other necessary things
for a special event
Japan is playing host to the next international conference.
the host nation for the next World Cup
host noun ANIMAL/PLANT
4. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a plant or animal that another plant or animal lives on as a
parasite
host noun A LOT
5. a host of
a large number of something
There's a whole host of reasons why he didn't get the job.
host noun CHURCH
6. the host SPECIALIZED
the holy bread which is eaten at Communion (= a Christian religious ceremony)
host noun INTERNET
7. [ C ] a company which hosts a website on the Internet
host verb [ T ] EVENT
1. to provide the space and other things necessary for a special event
Which country is hosting the next Olympic Games?
host verb [ T ] TELEVISION SHOW
2. to be the host of television or radio programme
to host a show/programme
host verb [ T ] INTERNET
3. to provide the computer hardware and software which allows a website to exist
on the Internet
I've written my website, now I just need to find a company to host it.
host noun PERSON WITH GUESTS
1. [ C ] ( FEMALE ALSO hostess ) someone who has guests
We thanked our hosts for the lovely evening.
The local language school is advertising for host families (= families with whom
people stay when they are visiting another country) .
host noun ON TELEVISION
2. [ C ] ( FEMALE ALSO hostess ) a person who introduces guests and performers,
especially on television or radio
Our host for tonight's show is Terry Wogan.
host noun FOR AN EVENT
3. [ C ] a place or organization that provides the space and other necessary things
for a special event
Japan is playing host to the next international conference.
the host nation for the next World Cup
host noun ANIMAL/PLANT
4. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a plant or animal that another plant or animal lives on as a
parasite
host noun A LOT
5. a host of
a large number of something
There's a whole host of reasons why he didn't get the job.
host noun CHURCH
6. the host SPECIALIZED
the holy bread which is eaten at Communion (= a Christian religious ceremony)
host noun INTERNET
7. [ C ] a company which hosts a website on the Internet
host verb [ T ] EVENT
1. to provide the space and other things necessary for a special event
Which country is hosting the next Olympic Games?
host verb [ T ] TELEVISION SHOW
2. to be the host of television or radio programme
to host a show/programme
host verb [ T ] INTERNET
3. to provide the computer hardware and software which allows a website to exist
on the Internet
I've written my website, now I just need to find a company to host it.
hostage noun [ C ]
someone who is taken as a prisoner by an enemy in order to force the other
people involved to do what the enemy wants
She was taken/held hostage by the gunmen.
The terrorists have seized 20 hostages and are threatening to kill one a day
unless their demands are met.
hostage to fortune
an action or statement that is risky because it could cause you trouble later
The Prime Minister was extremely cautious, saying nothing inflammatory and
giving no hostages to fortune.
hostel noun [ C ]
1. a large house where people can stay free or cheaply
a student hostel
Compare hotel
2. UK ( US shelter ) a building where people with no home can live for a short
time
a hostel for the homeless
a Salvation Army hostel
hostelry noun [ C ] OLD USE OR HUMOROUS
a bar or pub
hostess noun [ C ]
1. a woman who has guests
2. a woman who entertains customers, especially men, at a nightclub
hostile adjective UNFRIENDLY
1. unfriendly and not liking or agreeing with something
a hostile crowd
The President had a hostile reception in Ohio this morning.
I'm not hostile to (= against) the idea of change as such.
hostile adjective DIFFICULT
2. difficult or not suitable for living or growing
hostile weather conditions
a hostile climate/environment
hostile adjective ENEMY
3. [ before noun ] connected with the enemy in a war
hostile aircraft/forces
hostility noun UNFRIENDLINESS
1. [ U ] when someone is unfriendly or shows that they do not agree with or like
something
They showed open (= obvious) hostility to/towards their new neighbours.
hostility noun FIGHTING
2. hostilities
[ plural ] FORMAL fighting in a war
Hostilities began/broke out just after midnight.
Hostilities were suspended (= fighting stopped temporarily) during the talks.
something
2. hostilities
hot adjective VERY WARM
1. having a high temperature
a hot sunny day
hot weather
a hot drink/meal
It's too hot in here, can we turn down the heating?
Bake the cake in a hot oven, about 220°C, for 30 minutes.
The food was piping hot (= very hot) .
hot adjective SPICY
2. describes food which causes a burning feeling in the mouth
a hot curry
hot spicy food
Opposite mild
hot adjective CAUSING DISAGREEMENT
3. describes a subject which causes a lot of disagreement or discussion
Global warming has become a very hot issue.
hot adjective NEW/EXCITING
4. new and exciting
Hollywood's hottest new actress
hot gossip
This 21-year old actor has become Hollywood's hottest property .
hot adjective SKILFUL
5. [ after verb ] INFORMAL knowing a lot or skilful
I'm not too hot on Russian history.
hot adjective MOST LIKELY
6. hot tip
INFORMAL an accurate piece of advice about who will win a race
Have you got any hot tips for this afternoon's race?
7. hot favourite
the person or animal that is most likely to win a race, competetion, election, etc
He's the hot favourite to win the election.
hot adjective DEMANDING
8. be hot on sth INFORMAL
to think that a particular thing is very important and to demand that it is done
well or correctly
They're very hot on dress at work so she always looks very smart for the office.
hot adjective STOLEN
9. SLANG describes goods that have been recently stolen and are therefore difficult
to sell or dangerous to deal with because the police are still looking for them
hot adjective SEXY
10. INFORMAL sexually attractive, or feeling sexually excited
She's hot alright.
I'm hot for you, baby.
I've got a hot date tonight.
hot adjective ANGRY
11. hot temper
If someone has a hot temper, they are easily made angry.
be hot on sb's track/trail
to be very close to catching or finding someone
be hot stuff INFORMAL
1. to be very skilful
She's really hot stuff at baseball.
2. to be very sexually attractive
Man, she's hot stuff!
be in hot water ( ALSO get into hot water )
to be in or get into a difficult situation in which you are in danger of being
criticized or punished
He found himself in hot water over his comments about immigration.
be too hot to handle INFORMAL
to be too difficult to deal with or talk about
For many politicians, abortion is an issue that's too hot to handle.
go/sell like hot cakes INFORMAL
to be bought quickly and in large numbers
His new video game is apparently selling like hot cakes.
hot air INFORMAL
If something that someone says is hot air, it is not sincere and will have no
practical results
His promises turned out to be so much hot air.
(all) hot and bothered INFORMAL
worried or angry, and sometimes physically hot
hot and heavy US INFORMAL
If something or someone is hot and heavy, they are full of strong emotions or
sexual feelings
Guess who I saw getting hot and heavy on the dance floor?
Hot dog! US INFORMAL
something that you say when you are very pleased about something
You won your race? Hot dog!
hot off the press
News that is hot off the press has just been printed and often contains the most
recent information about something.
hot to trot US INFORMAL
sexually excited and wanting to find someone to have sex with
hot under the collar INFORMAL
embarrassed or angry about something
When I suggested he was mistaken he got rather hot under the collar.
in hot pursuit
following someone closely, trying hard to catch them
The gang drove off, with the police in hot pursuit.
in the hot seat
in a position where you are responsible for important or difficult things
hot verb
hot up phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
If an event or situation hots up, it becomes more exciting and more things start to
happen
A few days before the elections, the pace began to hot up.
The competition is really hotting up now.
hot- ˈ air bal ˌ loon noun [ C ]
an aircraft consisting of a very large bag filled with heated air or other gas, with a
basket (= container) hanging under it in which people can ride
something
2. hostilities
hot adjective VERY WARM
1. having a high temperature
a hot sunny day
hot weather
a hot drink/meal
It's too hot in here, can we turn down the heating?
Bake the cake in a hot oven, about 220°C, for 30 minutes.
The food was piping hot (= very hot) .
hot adjective SPICY
2. describes food which causes a burning feeling in the mouth
a hot curry
hot spicy food
Opposite mild
hot adjective CAUSING DISAGREEMENT
3. describes a subject which causes a lot of disagreement or discussion
Global warming has become a very hot issue.
hot adjective NEW/EXCITING
4. new and exciting
Hollywood's hottest new actress
hot gossip
This 21-year old actor has become Hollywood's hottest property .
hot adjective SKILFUL
5. [ after verb ] INFORMAL knowing a lot or skilful
I'm not too hot on Russian history.
hot adjective MOST LIKELY
6. hot tip
INFORMAL an accurate piece of advice about who will win a race
Have you got any hot tips for this afternoon's race?
7. hot favourite
the person or animal that is most likely to win a race, competetion, election, etc
He's the hot favourite to win the election.
hot adjective DEMANDING
8. be hot on sth INFORMAL
to think that a particular thing is very important and to demand that it is done
well or correctly
They're very hot on dress at work so she always looks very smart for the office.
hot adjective STOLEN
9. SLANG describes goods that have been recently stolen and are therefore difficult
to sell or dangerous to deal with because the police are still looking for them
hot adjective SEXY
10. INFORMAL sexually attractive, or feeling sexually excited
She's hot alright.
I'm hot for you, baby.
I've got a hot date tonight.
hot adjective ANGRY
11. hot temper
If someone has a hot temper, they are easily made angry.
be hot on sb's track/trail
to be very close to catching or finding someone
be hot stuff INFORMAL
1. to be very skilful
She's really hot stuff at baseball.
2. to be very sexually attractive
Man, she's hot stuff!
be in hot water ( ALSO get into hot water )
to be in or get into a difficult situation in which you are in danger of being
criticized or punished
He found himself in hot water over his comments about immigration.
be too hot to handle INFORMAL
to be too difficult to deal with or talk about
For many politicians, abortion is an issue that's too hot to handle.
go/sell like hot cakes INFORMAL
to be bought quickly and in large numbers
His new video game is apparently selling like hot cakes.
hot air INFORMAL
If something that someone says is hot air, it is not sincere and will have no
practical results
His promises turned out to be so much hot air.
(all) hot and bothered INFORMAL
worried or angry, and sometimes physically hot
hot and heavy US INFORMAL
If something or someone is hot and heavy, they are full of strong emotions or
sexual feelings
Guess who I saw getting hot and heavy on the dance floor?
Hot dog! US INFORMAL
something that you say when you are very pleased about something
You won your race? Hot dog!
hot off the press
News that is hot off the press has just been printed and often contains the most
recent information about something.
hot to trot US INFORMAL
sexually excited and wanting to find someone to have sex with
hot under the collar INFORMAL
embarrassed or angry about something
When I suggested he was mistaken he got rather hot under the collar.
in hot pursuit
following someone closely, trying hard to catch them
The gang drove off, with the police in hot pursuit.
in the hot seat
in a position where you are responsible for important or difficult things
hot verb
hot up phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
If an event or situation hots up, it becomes more exciting and more things start to
happen
A few days before the elections, the pace began to hot up.
The competition is really hotting up now.
hot- ˈ air bal ˌ loon noun [ C ]
an aircraft consisting of a very large bag filled with heated air or other gas, with a
basket (= container) hanging under it in which people can ride
hot- ˈ air ˌ gun noun [ C ]
an electrical tool which blows out hot air and is used to soften paint on surfaces so
that it can be removed more easily
hotbed noun
a hotbed of sth
a place or situation where a lot of a particular activity, especially an unwanted or
unpleasant activity, is happening or might happen
The police department was a hotbed of corruption.
In the 60's the city was a hotbed of crime.
hot-blooded adjective SHOWING FEELINGS
1. showing strong feelings very easily and quickly, especially anger or love
hot-blooded adjective SEXUAL
2. describes a person with strong sexual feelings and energy
He's just your average 25-year-old hot-blooded male .
ˈ hot ˌ button noun [ C ] US SLANG
a subject that is important to people and which they feel strongly about
Gender issues have become something of a hot button.
Abortion has become a hot button issue .
ˌ hot ˈ chocolate noun [ C or U ]
a hot drink made from milk and/or water, powdered chocolate and sugar
hotchpotch noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY hodgepodge )
a confused mixture of different things
New Age thinking seems to be a hotchpotch of old and new ideas.
ˌ hot cross ˈ bun noun [ C ]
hot cross bun
a round sweet cake like bread with a cross painted on the top, which is eaten in
some Christian countries at Easter
hotdesk verb [ I ]
to work at whatever desk and computer is available in an office
hotdesk noun [ C ]
a desk and computer in an office which is available to be used by any worker who
needs it
hotdesking noun [ U ] ( US ALSO hoteling )
a way of saving office space in which workers do not have their own desk and are
only given a desk when they need it
Hotdesking allows a company to have significantly smaller premises.
ˈ hot ˌ dog noun [ C ] FOOD
1. a cooked sausage eaten in a long soft roll, often with fried onions
a hot dog stand
ˈ hot ˌ dog noun [ C ] SPORT
2. ( ALSO hot-dog ) MAINLY US INFORMAL a person who makes fast skilful movements
in particular sports, especially skiing, in order to make people notice them
hotdog verb [ I ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to make fast skilful movements in particular sports, especially skiing, in order to
make people notice you
hotel noun [ C ]
a building where you pay to have a room to sleep in, and where you can eat
meals
a 4-star hotel
the Clarendon Hotel
We stayed in/at a hotel on the seafront.
hotel guests
Compare hostel
hotelier noun [ C ]
a person who manages or owns a hotel
hoteling noun [ U ]
US FOR hotdesking
ˌ hot ˈ flush noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY hot flash )
a sudden hot uncomfortable feeling experienced by some women during the
menopause
hotfoot adverb INFORMAL
very quickly and without delay
She'd come hotfoot from the palace with the latest news.
hotfoot verb
hotfoot it INFORMAL
to run or walk somewhere as quickly as possible
He walked in and I hotfooted it out the back door.
hot-gospeller noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a religious speaker who tries to make people who are listening to him or her very
excited, by using an emotional way of speaking
hothead noun [ C ]
someone who does things or reacts to things quickly and without thinking
carefully first
hotheaded adjective
She's a bit hotheaded and rash.
hotheadedly adverb
hotheadedness noun [ U ]
hothouse noun FOR PLANTS
1. [ C ] a heated glass building in which plants are grown
hothouse tomatoes
hothouse noun EDUCATION
2. [ C usually singular ] OFTEN DISAPPROVING a place or environment in which
people, especially children, are taught to develop skills and knowledge more quickly
than usual
He was attracted by the hothouse atmosphere of Britain's top schools.
hothouse noun BUSY PLACE
3. [ C ] a place where there is a lot of a particular activity
a literary/political hothouse
hothousing noun [ U ] OFTEN DISAPPROVING
when you give your child a lot of help and extra lessons in an activity or subject
because you want them to be very good at it
hothouse verb [ T ]
ˈ hot ˌ key noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
in computing, a key that starts a particular computer program or causes a series
of actions to be performed automatically, sometimes when used in combination with
another key; a shortcut (key)
hotline noun [ C ]
a special direct telephone connection for emergencies
A national telephone hotline has been set up for students suffering from stress.
hotly adverb
1. in an angry or excited way
She hotly denied having taken the money.
2. closely and with determination
He ran down the street, hotly pursued by two police officers.
a hotly contested election
hotplate noun [ C ]
1. a small cooker that can be moved, on which pans of food are heated
2. UK a round flat metal surface on an electric cooker, on which pans of food are
heated
hotpot noun [ C or U ]
a mixture of meat and vegetables, usually including sliced potatoes, cooked slowly
in a covered dish inside a cooker
Lancashire hotpot
ˌ hot po ˈ tato noun [ C ]
a problem, situation, etc. that is difficult to deal with and causes a lot of
disagreement
The abortion issue is a political hot potato in the United States.
hotrod noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
hotrod
a car which is specially built or changed so that it will go very fast
hots plural noun
have (got) the hots for sb INFORMAL
to be very sexually attracted to someone
She's got the hots for this guy in her office.
ˌ hot ˈ shit noun [ U ] US OFFENSIVE
someone or something that is very good
hotshot noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
someone who is skilful and successful at something
Now he's a lecturer, he thinks he's a real hotshot!
She's quite a hotshot at chess.
ˈ hot ˌ spot noun [ C ] FIGHTING
1. a place where war or other fighting is likely to happen
The border has become a major hot spot.
ˈ hot ˌ spot noun [ C ] POPULAR PLACE
2. INFORMAL a popular and exciting place
The Manhattan is one of the best hot spots in town.
hottie noun [ C ] PERSON
1. INFORMAL someone who is very sexually attractive
hottie noun [ C ] THING
2. UK INFORMAL a hot-water bottle
ˌ hot ˈ tub noun [ C ]
a large, usually wooden, container full of hot water in which more than one person
can sit
hot-water bottle noun [ C ]
a rubber container which you fill with very hot water and use to warm a bed or a
part of your body
hot ˈ water ˌ cylinder noun [ C ] UK ( US AND UK ALSO hot water tank )
a metal container usually found in or near the bathroom, which holds and heats
the water for a house
hot-wire verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to start a car engine without using the key, especially in order to steal the car
houmous , hummus noun [ U ]
a soft smooth savoury food made from crushed chickpeas , oil and lemon juice
hound noun [ C ]
a dog used for hunting, especially a foxhound
hound verb [ T ]
to chase someone or refuse to leave them alone, especially because you want to
get something from them; harass
The reporters wouldn't stop hounding her.
hound sb out phrasal verb
to force someone to leave a job or a place
He claims he was hounded out of his job by a group of students who disapproved
of his views.
hour noun
1. [ C ] a period of 60 minutes
The exam lasted an hour and a half.
There are 24 hours in a day.
How many hours' sleep do you need?
I'll be back in an hour's/two hours' time (= after one/two hours) .
The village is an hour from Doncaster/an hour away (= It takes an hour to travel
there) .
He gets paid by the hour (= gets a particular amount of money for each hour he
works) .
Trains leave every hour on the hour (= at exactly one o'clock, two o'clock, etc.) .
Buses leave at ten minutes past/to the hour (= at ten past/to one o'clock, two
o'clock, etc.) .
War was declared at eighteen hundred/18.00 hours (= at six o'clock in the
evening) .
2. [ C usually plural ] the period of time when a particular activity happens or
when a shop or public building is open
I did it in my lunch hour.
office/working hours
Our opening hours are from 8 to 6.
3. [ C ] a particular time during the day or night
Who could be phoning us at this unearthly/ungodly hour (= so late at night) ?
He returned in the early/small hours (= at night, after midnight) .
4. work long/regular/unsocial, etc. hours
used to describe how many hours in the day you work or what part of the day you
work
She's a nurse so she often works unsocial hours.
He's paid well but he works long hours.
5. for hours (and hours) INFORMAL
for a very long time
I waited for him for hours.
6. at all hours (of the day and night) DISAPPROVING
repeatedly during the day and the night
They keep ringing me up at all hours (of the day and night).
after hours
after the usual hours of work
I often do some of my own work after hours.
hour after hour
for many hours without stopping
I sat by her bedside for hour after hour.
your hour has come LITERARY
If you think your hour has come, you think you are going to die
I thought my hour had come when he pointed his gun at me.
(from) hour to hour
If something changes from hour to hour, it is different every hour.
in sb's hour of need LITERARY
when someone urgently needs help
She helped me in my hour of need.
out of hours MAINLY UK ( US after hours )
If you drink in a bar out of hours, you drink alcohol at a time when it is not
allowed by law
The police are trying to stop out-of-hours drinking.
till all hours DISAPPROVING
very late
He stays up drinking till all hours.
hourglass noun [ C ]
hourglass
a glass container filled with sand that takes one hour to move from an upper to a
lower part through a narrow opening in the middle, used especially in the past to
measure time
ˈ hourglass ˌ figure noun [ C usually singular ]
If a woman has an hourglass figure, she has a very small waist.
ˈ hour ˌ hand noun [ C usually singular ]
the part on a clock or watch which points to the hours. It is shorter than the
minute hand .
hourly adjective
1. done or happening every hour
There's an hourly bus service into town.
Take two tablets at hourly intervals.
2. hourly fee/rate, etc.
the amount that is charged or earned every hour
hourly adverb
once every hour
Trains call here hourly.
house noun HOME
1. [ C ] a building which people, usually one family, live in
a detached/semi-detached house
to buy/rent a house
house prices
She lives in a little house UK in / US on Cross Street.
See also farmhouse ; roadhouse
2. [ C usually singular ] all the people living in a house
Try not to wake the whole house when you come in!
3. [ C ] a building where animals are kept
the monkey/lion house at the zoo
a hen house
4. [ C ] a building or part of a building which is used for a special purpose
the Sydney Opera House
Broadcasting House
house noun BUSINESS
5. a business or organization of the stated type, especially one that produces
books or designs clothes
a publishing house
a fashion house
UK a curry house (= South Asian restaurant)
house noun MUSIC
6. [ U ] ( ALSO house music ) popular dance music with a fast regular beat, usually
produced on electronic equipment
House music first appeared in the late 1980s.
house noun SCHOOL GROUP
7. [ C ] UK any of a small number of groups which the children in a school are put
in for sports and other competitions
an inter-house football match
house noun FAMILY
8. [ C ] an important family, especially a royal one
The British Royal Family belong to the House of Windsor.
house noun POLITICS
9. [ C ] an organization which makes laws, or its meeting place
10. the House
the members of the organization which makes laws
The House began sitting at 3 p.m./rose at 2 a.m.
11. [ S ] the group of people who suggest a subject for a debate
The motion for tonight's debate is, "This house believes that capital punishment
should be abolished."
house noun THEATRE
12. [ C ] the people watching a performance, especially in a theatre
The opera played to a full/packed house.
get on like a house on fire INFORMAL
If two people get on like a house on fire, they like each other very much and
become friends very quickly
I was worried that they wouldn't like each other but in fact they're getting on like
a house on fire.
get/put your own house in order
to solve your own problems
You should put your own house in order before you start telling me what to do!
go (all) round the houses UK
to waste time doing or asking something in a very complicated way
house of cards
a complicated organization or plan that is very weak and can easily be destroyed
or easily go wrong
on the house
If you have something on the house, it is given to you free by a business
All the drinks were on the house.
house verb [ T ]
to give a person or animal a place to live, or to provide space for something
It will be difficult to house all the refugees.
The museum houses the biggest collection of antique toys in Europe.
ˈ house ar ˌ rest noun
under house arrest
legally forced to stay in your house as if it were a prison
The opposition leader has just been put/placed under house arrest.
houseboat noun [ C ]
a boat which people use as their home, often kept in one place on a river or canal
housebound adjective
unable to leave your home, especially because you are ill
She's been housebound since the accident.
housebreaker noun [ C ]
a person who illegally enters a house in order to steal something
housebreaking noun [ U ]
housebroken adjective
US FOR house-trained
housebuyer noun [ C usually plural ]
a person who wishes to buy, or is buying a house or other form of place to live in
ˈ house ˌ call noun [ C ]
when a doctor or other health worker comes to your home, usually to give
treatment
ˈ House Com ˌ mittee noun [ C ]
in the US, a group of people chosen by the House of Representatives to consider a
particular matter
He appeared before the House Committee on Space, Science and Technology.
housefly noun [ C ]
a small common fly often found in houses
houseful noun
a lot of people or things in your house
We've got a houseful of visitors at the moment.
houseguest noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a person who stays at someone else's house for one or more nights
household noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
a group of people, often a family, who live together
By the 1960s, most households had a TV.
household chores
household expenses
householder noun [ C ]
the person who owns or is in charge of a house
ˌ household ˈ name noun [ C ]
a famous person that most people know of
He was a household name in the 1950s.
ˌ household ˈ word noun [ C usually singular ]
a word or name that everyone knows
McDonalds quickly became a household word.
house-hunting noun [ U ]
the activity of looking for a house to live in
We've been house-hunting for months.
I'm going house-hunting later today.
ˈ house ˌ husband noun [ C ]
a man who stays at home and cleans the house, takes care of the children, etc.
while his wife goes out to work
ˈ house ˌ journal noun [ C ] UK ( US house organ )
a newspaper produced by a company to tell workers what is happening in the
company
housekeeper noun [ C ]
a person, especially a woman, whose job is to organize another person's house
and deal with cooking, cleaning, etc.
housekeeping (money) noun [ U ]
the money used for buying food and other things necessary for living in a house
ˈ house ˌ lights plural noun
the lights in the place where the public sit in a theatre, cinema, etc.
housemaid noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a woman servant whose job is to clean a particular usually large house and who
often lives there
housemaid's knee noun [ U ]
a painful knee usually caused by being on the knees too much
houseman , noun [ C ] UK ( US intern , AUSTRALIAN resident )
a male or female doctor who is still training, and who works in a hospital
ˈ house ˌ martin noun [ C ]
a small bird that makes its nest under the edge of the roof of a house
housemaster noun [ C ]
a male teacher who is in charge of the children who live in one of several separate
buildings in a school
housemate noun [ C ]
someone you live with in a house but are not related to and do not have a
romantic or sexual relationship with
housemistress noun [ C ]
a female housemaster
the ˌ House of ˈ Commons noun [ S ] ( ALSO the Commons )
one of the two parts of parliament in Britain and Canada, whose members are
each elected to represent a particular official area of the country, or its members or the
place where it meets
The mood was sombre as the Commons sat down on Wednesday to debate the
crisis.
ˌ house of cor ˈ rection noun [ C ] US
a building where people who have committed crimes that are not serious are sent
to improve their behaviour
ˌ house of ˈ God noun [ S ] LITERARY
a church
the ˌ House of ˈ Lords noun [ S ] ( ALSO the Lords )
one of the two parts of the British parliament, whose members are not elected but
have a high social position, or its members or the place where it meets
the ˌ House of Repre ˈ sentatives noun [ S ]
the lower house of the parliaments of the United States, Australia and New
Zealand
houseplant noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO pot plant )
a plant which is grown in a container inside a house or other building
houseproud adjective MAINLY UK
very worried about your house being completely clean and tidy, and spending a
lot of time making it so
house-room noun
wouldn't give sth house-room
something that you say about something that you would not like to have in your
house
Most of the furniture is so ugly, you wouldn't give it house-room.
house-sit verb [ I ]
to stay in someone's house while they are away in order to keep it safe
housesitter noun [ C ]
house-sitting noun [ U ]
the ˌ Houses of ˈ Parliament plural noun UK
the House of Commons and the House of Lords
ˈ house ˌ sparrow noun [ C ]
a common small grey and brown bird
house-to-house adjective [ before noun ] , adverb
going to every house, or from one house to the next, in a particular area or road
Police are making house-to-house enquiries.
house-trained adjective MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY housebroken )
describes a pet that has learned not to urinate or empty its bowels in your home
housewares plural noun US ( UK household goods )
equipment, utensils, tools and machines used in a house, especially in the kitchen
the housewares department of a supermarket
housewarming (party) noun [ C ]
a party which you give when you move into a new house
We're having a housewarming on Friday if you'd like to come.
housewife noun [ C ]
a woman whose work is inside the home, doing the cleaning, cooking, etc., and
who usually does not have any other job
housewifely adjective
housework noun [ U ]
the work of keeping a house clean and tidy
I hate doing housework.
housework noun [ U ]
the work of keeping a house clean and tidy
I hate doing housework.
housing noun [ U ]
buildings for people to live in
There's a shortage of cheap housing in the region.
ˈ housing as ˌ sociation noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] UK
a group of people who join together so that they can build or buy houses or
apartments at low cost
ˈ housing ˌ benefit noun [ U ]
in the UK, money paid by the government to help people who are poor pay for a
place to live in
ˈ housing es ˌ tate noun [ C ] UK ( US housing development , ALSO subdivision )
an area containing a large number of houses or apartments built close together at
the same time
They live on/in a housing estate.
ˈ housing ˌ project noun [ C ] US ( ALSO project , UK council estate )
a group of houses or apartments, usually provided by the government for families
who have low incomes
hove verb LITERARY
hove in(to) sight/view
appeared
After 30 minutes, a large ship hove into sight on the horizon.
hovel noun [ C ]
a small home which is dirty and in bad condition
hover verb
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to stay in one place in the air, usually by
moving the wings quickly
A hawk hovered in the sky, waiting to swoop down on its prey.
I heard the noise of a helicopter hovering overhead.
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to stand somewhere, especially near
another person, eagerly or nervously waiting for their attention
A waiter hovered at the table, ready to take our order.
I could sense him behind me, hovering and building up the courage to ask me a
question.
3. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to stay at or near a particular level
Inflation is hovering at 3%.
hovercraft noun [ C ]
hovercraft
a vehicle which flies over land or water by keeping close to the surface and
producing a current of air under it to support it
hovercraft noun [ C ]
hovercraft
a vehicle which flies over land or water by keeping close to the surface and
producing a current of air under it to support it
ˈ hover ( ˌ mower) noun [ C ] UK
a lawnmower which cuts grass with blades that spin round in a circle and which is
held slightly above the ground by a current of air below it
hoverport noun [ C ]
a place where people get on or off hovercraft
how adverb
1. in what way; by what methods
How do we get to the town from here?
How did you hear about the concert?
How does this machine work?
How do you plan to spend your holiday?
Roz doesn't know how to ride a bicycle.
It all depends on how you look at it.
I don't care about fashion, I dress how I please.
I was horrified to hear about how (= the way) she had been treated.
How can/could he be so stupid?
I don't know how anyone could think that way.
2. used to mean in what condition, especially of physical or emotional health
How is your mother?
How are you feeling this morning?
3. used in questions which ask what an experience or event was like
How was your flight?
How did you find the lecture? (= did you think it was good) ?
How did you like the concert (= did you enjoy it) ?
She didn't say how far it is (= what the distance is) to her house.
How long are you going to be (= what amount of time are you going to spend) in
the bathroom?
Do you know how many (= what number of) people are coming?
How much does this cost (= what is its price) ?
How old is his daughter (= what age is she) ?
"Can you lift this case?" "It depends on how heavy it is."
Do you remember how (= the fact that) we used to see every new film as soon as
it came out?
4. used for emphasis
I can't tell you how pleased I am (= I am very pleased) that you came.
SLIGHTLY FORMAL How (= it is very) nice to see you!
"She paid for everything." "How (= That was very) generous."
5. How strange/stupid/weird, etc. is that? INFORMAL
used to emphasize that something is strange/stupid, etc.
6. How are you?
used to ask someone if they are well and happy
"Hi, Lucy, how are you?" "Fine, thanks, how are you?"
7. How are things? ( ALSO How's everything? , ALSO How's it going? ) INFORMAL
used as greetings
8. How do you mean?
used when you want someone to explain what they have just said
"I think we need to reconsider our position." "How do you mean?"
9. How's that?
used when asking if something you have done for someone is satisfactory
Let me put a cushion behind your back. How's that?
10. And how! INFORMAL
used to show that you feel the same way as someone
"I'll be so glad when this project is finished." "And how!"
How about...?
1. INFORMAL used to make a suggestion
How about the cinema tonight?
How about go ing to the cinema?
2. used when asking someone about a different thing
You don't eat meat, do you? How about fish?
How about that? INFORMAL
used to emphasize that something is surprising
Sales are up by thirty-six percent. How about that?
How come? INFORMAL
used to ask about the reason for something
So how come you got an invitation and not me?
"I don't think I'll be able to go swimming tomorrow." "How come?"
How do you do? FORMAL
a formal greeting for someone that you have not met before
"I'm Jack Stewart." "How do you do? I'm Angela Black."
how do you do OLD-FASHIONED
a difficult, worrying and unpleasant situation
"I had a row with my sister and now she's refusing to talk to me." "Well, that's a
fine how do you do!"
howdy exclamation US INFORMAL
hello
howdy exclamation US INFORMAL
hello
however adverb DEGREE
1. despite whatever amount or degree
However hungry I am, I never seem to be able to finish off a whole pizza.
If Emma likes something she'll buy it however much it costs.
I'll see you after the show and give you £20 for the tickets, or however much (=
whatever) they cost.
however adverb WAY
2. used to express surprise
However did you manage to get him to agree to that?
3. in whatever way
However you look at it, it's still a mess.
You can do it however you like, it really doesn't matter.
however adverb DESPITE THIS
4. despite this
This is one possible solution to the problem. However, there are others.
There may, however, be other reasons that we don't know about.
howitzer noun [ C ]
a large gun which fires shells (= very large bullets) high into the air so that they
drop onto the place at which they are aimed
howl verb PERSON/ANIMAL
1. [ I ] If a dog or wolf howls, it makes a long, sad sound
In the silence of the night, a lone wolf howled.
2. [ I or T ] to make a loud sound, usually to express pain, sadness or another
strong emotion
An injured dog lay in the middle of the road, howling with/in pain.
We were howling with laughter .
FIGURATIVE The opposition howled down the government's proposal (= shouted
loudly to express disapproval) .
howl verb WIND
3. [ I ] If the wind howls, it blows hard and makes a lot of noise
Is there someone outside, or is it just the wind howling in the trees?
howl noun
1. [ C ] a long, loud, sad sound
the howl of the wind in the trees
He leaves his dog shut up in the house all day, and we can hear its howls.
She let out a howl of pain.
2. [ C usually plural ] a strong expression of emotion, such as anger or
disagreement
Plans to build a new supermarket have been greeted with howls of protest from
local residents.
howler noun [ C ]
a stupid and obvious mistake, especially in something that someone says or
writes
I called her by the name of his first wife, which was a bit of a howler.
howler noun [ C ]
a stupid and obvious mistake, especially in something that someone says or
writes
I called her by the name of his first wife, which was a bit of a howler.
howling adjective
be a howling success
to be very successful
Neither film was a howling success.
howsoever adverb
LITERARY FOR however (DEGREE) or however (WAY)
how-to adjective [ before noun ]
describes a book, video or other product that provides advice on a particular
activity
How-to books on dieting are often at the top of the bestseller lists.
hp
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR horsepower
HP noun [ U ]
UK ABBREVIATION FOR hire purchase
We bought our television on HP.
HQ noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
ABBREVIATION FOR headquarters
We've just received instructions from HQ.
hr noun [ C ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR hour
He ran the marathon in 2 hrs 48 mins.
The plane departs at 15.00 hrs.
HRH
ABBREVIATION FOR His or Her Royal Highness: a title of some members of a royal
family
HRH the Prince of Wales
HRT noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR hormone replacement therapy
HSC noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Higher School Certificate: an Australian examination taken in the
last two years of school education
HSC noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Higher School Certificate: an Australian examination taken in the
last two years of school education
ht noun [ U ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR height
Ht of bridge 1.8 m.
HTH , hth
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR hope this helps: used when you send somebody
information that you think is useful, often when answering a question
HTML noun [ U ]
TRADEMARK ABBREVIATION FOR hypertext markup language: a way of marking text so
that it can be seen on the Internet
http noun [ U ]
TRADEMARK ABBREVIATION FOR hypertext transfer protocol: a set of instructions made
by a computer program that allows your computer to connect to an internet document
http://www.cambridge.org
hub noun [ C ] CENTRAL PART
1. the central or main part of something where there is most activity
The City of London is the hub of Britain's financial world.
The computer department is at the hub of the company's operations.
hub noun [ C ] WHEEL
2. the central part of a wheel into which the spokes (= bars connecting the central
part to the outer edge of the wheel) are fixed
hubbub noun [ U ]
1. a loud noise, especially caused by a lot of people all talking at the same time
I could hardly hear myself speak above all the hubbub in the theatre bar.
2. general excitement and activity
Once the hubbub of the election had died down, it was back to normal for the
President.
hubby noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR husband
She speaks fondly of Richard Moreland, hubby No.1, whom she still sees
regularly.
hubby noun [ C ]
regularly.
hubcap noun [ C ]
the circular metal covering over the hub (= central part) of the wheel of a car or
other motor vehicle
hubris noun [ U ] LITERARY
being very proud and believing in your own importance
He was punished for his hubris.
huckleberry noun [ C ]
a small round dark blue fruit, or the low North American bush on which it grows
huckster noun [ C ] US OFTEN DISAPPROVING
a person who writes advertisements, especially for radio and television, or who
sells things or brings ideas or people to the public's attention in a noisy annoying way
huddle verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to come close together in a group, or to hold your arms and legs close to your
body, especially because of cold or fear
Everyone huddled round the fire to keep warm.
It was so cold that we huddled together for warmth.
Sophie was so frightened by the noise of the fireworks that she huddled (up) in a
corner of the room.
huddle noun [ C ] SMALL GROUP
1. a small group of people or things that are close together
A small group of people stood in a huddle at the bus stop.
2. go into a huddle
get into a group in order to talk secretly
The judges went into a huddle to decide the winner.
huddle noun [ C ] AMERICAN FOOTBALL
3. US a group formed by the members of a team in American football before they
separate and continue to play
huddled adjective
standing or sitting close together
We stood huddled together for warmth.
hue noun [ C ] COLOUR
1. (a degree of lightness, darkness, strength, etc. of) a colour
In the Caribbean waters there are fish of every hue.
hue noun [ C ] TYPE
2. LITERARY a different type or group
Politicians of all hues wish to get sleaze off the agenda so that they can discuss
the real issues.
hue and cry
a noisy expression of public anger or disapproval
There has been a great hue and cry about the council's plans to close the school.
hubby noun [ C ]
regularly.
hubcap noun [ C ]
the circular metal covering over the hub (= central part) of the wheel of a car or
other motor vehicle
hubris noun [ U ] LITERARY
being very proud and believing in your own importance
He was punished for his hubris.
huckleberry noun [ C ]
a small round dark blue fruit, or the low North American bush on which it grows
huckster noun [ C ] US OFTEN DISAPPROVING
a person who writes advertisements, especially for radio and television, or who
sells things or brings ideas or people to the public's attention in a noisy annoying way
huddle verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to come close together in a group, or to hold your arms and legs close to your
body, especially because of cold or fear
Everyone huddled round the fire to keep warm.
It was so cold that we huddled together for warmth.
Sophie was so frightened by the noise of the fireworks that she huddled (up) in a
corner of the room.
huddle noun [ C ] SMALL GROUP
1. a small group of people or things that are close together
A small group of people stood in a huddle at the bus stop.
2. go into a huddle
get into a group in order to talk secretly
The judges went into a huddle to decide the winner.
huddle noun [ C ] AMERICAN FOOTBALL
3. US a group formed by the members of a team in American football before they
separate and continue to play
huddled adjective
standing or sitting close together
We stood huddled together for warmth.
hue noun [ C ] COLOUR
1. (a degree of lightness, darkness, strength, etc. of) a colour
In the Caribbean waters there are fish of every hue.
hue noun [ C ] TYPE
2. LITERARY a different type or group
Politicians of all hues wish to get sleaze off the agenda so that they can discuss
the real issues.
hue and cry
a noisy expression of public anger or disapproval
There has been a great hue and cry about the council's plans to close the school.
huff noun [ C ] INFORMAL
1. an angry and offended mood
Ted's gone into one of his huffs again.
2. in a huff
angry and offended
She's in a real huff because I forgot her birthday.
Julia criticized some aspect of his work and he left/went off in a huff.
huff verb [ I ]
to say something in an annoyed or offended way
"Well if that's how you feel, I'll go, " she huffed.
huff and puff
1. to breathe loudly, usually after physical exercise
We were huffing and puffing by the time we'd climbed to the top of the hill.
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING to complain loudly and express disapproval
They huffed and puffed about the price but eventually they paid up.
huffy adjective
angry and offended
I told her she'd made a mistake and she got huffy with me.
huffily adverb
hug verb [ T ]
hug
1. to hold someone or something close to your body with your arms, usually to
show that you like, love or value them
Have you hugged your child today?
They hugged each other when they met at the station.
Emily hugged her teddy bear tightly to her chest.
She sat on the floor hugging her knees (= with her knees bent up against her
chest and her arms around them) .
Whenever I travel in the city I make sure I hug my handbag tightly to me.
2. to stay very close to something or someone
The road hugs the coast for several miles, then turns inland.
This type of car will hug (= not slide on) the road, even in the wettest conditions.
a figure-hugging dress
3. LITERARY to keep something that makes you feel better or pleases you private or
secret
I hugged the idea to my self all through dinner.
hug noun [ C ]
when you hold someone or something close to your body with your arms
Come here and give me a big hug.
We always exchange hugs and kisses when we meet.
huge adjective
extremely large in size or amount
They live in a huge house.
The costs involved in building a spacecraft are huge.
A huge number of people attended.
His last three films have all been huge successes.
hugely adverb
to a great degree; extremely
He gave her a hugely expensive diamond ring.
Their business has been hugely successful.
huggable adjective INFORMAL
describes someone or something that makes you want to hug them
He's so huggable!
huh exclamation
1. INFORMAL used to show that you have not heard or understood something
"So what do you want to do tonight?" "Huh? What did you say?"
Huh? These instructions don't make sense!
2. HUMOROUS used to express disapproval
Huh, I don't think much of that idea!
3. MAINLY US used at the end of a question or statement, especially when you want
someone to agree with what you have said
I'll bet you wish you hadn't done that, huh?
Pretty cool, huh?
hula hoop noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a large ring, usually made of plastic, which children play with by putting it around
their waist and moving their body so that it spins
hulk noun [ C ] SHIP
1. the body of an old ship, car or very large piece of equipment, which is broken
and no longer used
Here and there the rusted hulk of an abandoned car dots the landscape.
hulk noun [ C ] AWKWARD
2. a large, heavy, awkward person or thing
Henry's a real hulk of a man.
The Incredible Hulk is a character in a comic who turns from a scientist into a
two-metre tall monster.
hulking adjective
large and heavy
We were stopped by two hulking security guards.
How do you expect me to lift that hulking great box?
hull noun [ C ]
the body or frame of a ship, most of which goes under the water
hull verb [ T ] ( US ALSO shuck )
to remove the covering or the stem and leaves from some fruits, vegetables and
seeds
We sat in the garden hulling strawberries.
hull noun [ C ]
the body or frame of a ship, most of which goes under the water
hull verb [ T ] ( US ALSO shuck )
to remove the covering or the stem and leaves from some fruits, vegetables and
seeds
We sat in the garden hulling strawberries.
hullabaloo noun [ S ] OLD-FASHIONED
a loud noise made by people who are angry or annoyed
There's a crowd of angry demonstrators making a real hullabaloo outside the
Houses of Parliament.
The minister resigned after all the hullabaloo (= public disapproval) over his affair
with an actress.
hullo exclamation , noun [ C ] UK
hello
hum verb
1. [ I ] to make a continuous low sound
The computers were humming in the background.
What's that strange humming sound?
2. [ I or T ] to sing without opening your mouth
She hummed to herself as she walked to school.
I've forgotten how that tune goes - could you hum it for me?
3. [ I ] INFORMAL to be busy and full of activity, excitement, sounds or voices
The pub was really humming last night.
hum and haw UK ( US hem and haw )
to be uncertain and take a long time
We hummed and hawed for months before actually deciding to buy the house.
hum noun [ C usually singular ]
a continuous low noise
Our house is on a main road, so we can hear the constant hum of traffic.
There's an annoying hum on this computer.
human adjective
of or typical of people
The human body is composed of about 60% water.
Early human remains were found in the Dordogne region of France.
Victory in the war was achieved at the cost of great human suffering .
The inspector declared the meat fit for human consumption (= in good enough
condition for people to eat) .
Of course I make mistakes, I'm only human (= I am not perfect) .
The fault was due to human error (= a person making a mistake) .
human noun [ C ] ( ALSO human being )
a man, woman or child
The greatest damage being done to our planet today is that being done by
humans.
humane adjective
showing kindness, care and sympathy towards others, especially those who are
suffering
The humane way of dealing with a suffering animal (= the way that causes the
least pain) is to kill it quickly.
Opposite inhumane
humanely adverb
I don't support the death penalty, but if people are to be executed, it should be
done humanely.
humane adjective
showing kindness, care and sympathy towards others, especially those who are
suffering
The humane way of dealing with a suffering animal (= the way that causes the
least pain) is to kill it quickly.
Opposite inhumane
humanely adverb
I don't support the death penalty, but if people are to be executed, it should be
done humanely.
ˌ Human ˈ Genome ˌ Project noun [ S ]
an attempt to discover all the genetic information in the human body
ˌ human ˈ geography noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the study of the different ways in which human societies develop and operate in
relation to their physical environment
See also physical geography , political geography
ˌ human immunode ˈ ficiency ˌ virus noun [ S ] ( ABBREVIATION HIV ) SPECIALIZED
the virus that causes AIDS (= a serious disease that destroys the body's ability to
fight infection)
ˌ human ˈ interest noun [ U ]
details about people's experiences and feelings
I like newspapers with lots of human interest stories in them.
humanism noun [ U ]
a belief system based on the principle that people's spiritual and emotional needs
can be satisfied without following a god or religion
humanist noun [ C ]
a person who believes in humanism
humanist adjective
humanist beliefs/writers/ideas
humanistic adjective
humanistic principles
humanitarian adjective , noun [ C ]
(a person who is) involved in or connected with improving people's lives and
reducing suffering
The prisoner has been released for humanitarian reasons.
The United Nations is sending humanitarian aid (= food and supplies to help
people) to the areas worst affected by the conflict.
The well-known humanitarian, Joseph Rowntree, was concerned with the welfare
of his employees.
humanitarianism noun [ U ]
humanity noun PEOPLE
1. [ U ] people in general
The massacre was a crime against humanity.
humanity noun KINDNESS
2. [ U ] understanding and kindness towards other people
If only he would show/display a little humanity for once.
humanity noun SUBJECTS
3. (the) humanities
[ plural ] the study of subjects such as literature, language, history and
philosophy
I've always been more interested in the humanities than the sciences.
humanity noun PEOPLE
1. [ U ] people in general
The massacre was a crime against humanity.
humanity noun KINDNESS
2. [ U ] understanding and kindness towards other people
If only he would show/display a little humanity for once.
humanity noun SUBJECTS
3. (the) humanities
[ plural ] the study of subjects such as literature, language, history and
philosophy
I've always been more interested in the humanities than the sciences.
humanize , UK USUALLY humanise verb [ T ]
to make something less unpleasant and more suitable for people
Steps are being taken to humanize the prison.
humanization , UK USUALLY humanisation noun [ U ]
humankind noun [ U ]
the whole of the human race, including both men and women
humanly adverb
humanly possible
able to be done by people
Rescuers are doing everything that is humanly possible to free the trapped
people.
ˌ human ˈ nature noun [ U ]
the natural ways of behaving that most people share
You can't change human nature.
It's only human nature (= It is natural) to want the best for your children.
humanoid noun [ C ]
a machine or creature with the appearance and qualities of a human
humanoid adjective
the ˌ human ˈ race noun [ S ]
all people, considered as a species
ˌ human re ˈ lations plural noun
relationships between groups of people, especially between workers in a place of
work, or the study of these relationships
ˌ human re ˈ sources plural noun
the department of an organization that deals with finding new employees, keeping
records about all the organization's employees, and helping them with any problems
ˌ human re ˈ sources plural noun
the department of an organization that deals with finding new employees, keeping
records about all the organization's employees, and helping them with any problems
ˌ human ˈ rights plural noun
the basic rights which it is generally considered all people should have, such as
justice and the freedom to say what you think
She's claiming that her detention by the police was a violation of her human
rights.
ˌ human ˈ shield noun [ C ]
a person or group of people kept in a particular place in order to stop an enemy
from attacking that place
Military bases were protected by captured enemy soldiers who were housed there
as a human shield.
the ˌ human ˈ touch noun [ S ]
a friendly and pleasant way of treating other people which makes them feel
relaxed
He is certainly an effective lawyer but colleagues say that he lacks the human
touch.
humble adjective
1. not proud or not believing that you are important
He's very humble about his success.
FORMAL Please accept our humble apologies for the error.
In my humble opinion (= I want to emphasize that I think that) we should never
have bought the car in the first place.
2. poor or of a low social rank
Even when she became rich and famous, she never forgot her humble
background.
3. ordinary; not special or very important
At that time she was just a humble mechanic.
HUMOROUS Welcome to our humble abode (= our home) .
humble verb [ T ]
to make someone understand that they are not as important or special as they
thought they were
He was humbled by the child's generosity.
The world champion was humbled (= unexpectedly defeated) by an unknown
outsider in last night's race.
humbling adjective
It's a humbling experience to see people being so positive about life when they
have so little.
humbly adverb
in a way that shows that you do not think yourself important
He very humbly ascribes his success to his wife.
humbly adverb
in a way that shows that you do not think yourself important
He very humbly ascribes his success to his wife.
humbug noun DISHONESTY
1. [ U ] dishonest talk, writing or behaviour that is intended to deceive people
the usual political humbug
humbug noun SWEET
2. [ C ] UK a hard sweet, usually with a mint taste and strips of two different
colours on the outside
mint humbugs
humdinger noun [ S ] HUMOROUS
something or someone that is noticeable because it is a very good example of its
type
Annabel's party was a real humdinger.
My brother and sister had a humdinger of a row last night.
humdrum adjective
having no excitement, interest or new and different events; ordinary
We lead such a humdrum life/existence .
Most of the work is fairly humdrum.
humerus noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the long bone in the upper half of your arm, between your shoulder and your
elbow (= the middle part of the arm where it bends)
See picture skeleton
humid adjective
(of air and weather conditions) containing extremely small drops of water in the
air
New York is very hot and humid in the summer.
a hot and humid climate
humidifier noun [ C ]
a machine which makes dry air in a room wetter
We bought a humidifier for the office.
humidify verb [ T ]
to make dry air wetter
If the air in a room is too dry, you can put a bowl of water near the radiator to
humidify it.
humidity noun [ U ]
1. the quality of being humid
I don't like the humidity of this climate.
2. a measurement of how much water there is in the air
The temperature is almost eighty degrees, the humidity in the low thirties.
humidity noun [ U ]
1. the quality of being humid
I don't like the humidity of this climate.
2. a measurement of how much water there is in the air
The temperature is almost eighty degrees, the humidity in the low thirties.
humiliate verb [ T ]
to make someone feel ashamed or lose their respect for themselves
How could you humiliate me by questioning my judgment in front of everyone like
that?
England were humiliated (= completely defeated) in last night's match.
humiliation noun [ C or U ]
After the humiliation of last week's defeat, the Mets were back on form.
Imagine the humiliation of having to apologize.
humiliated adjective
describes someone who has been made to feel ashamed or stupid
I've never felt so humiliated in my life.
humiliating adjective
making you feel ashamed or stupid
Losing my job was the most humiliating thing that ever happened to me.
The government suffered a humiliating defeat in yesterday's debate.
He found it humiliating to have to ask for money.
humility noun [ U ]
the quality of not being proud because you are conscious of your bad qualities
He doesn't have the humility to admit when he's wrong.
They might be very rich, but it wouldn't hurt them to show a little humility.
Hummer noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a type of four-wheel drive vehicle that is very wide and strong
hummingbird noun [ C ]
hummingbird
a very small brightly coloured bird with a long thin beak whose wings move very
fast and make a humming noise
hummock noun [ C ] LITERARY
a very small hill or raised part of the ground
a grassy hummock
hummock noun [ C ] LITERARY
a very small hill or raised part of the ground
a grassy hummock
hummus noun [ U ]
houmous
humorist noun [ C ]
a person who writes or tells funny stories
humorous adjective
funny, or making you laugh
Her latest book is a humorous look at teenage life.
humorously adverb
humour UK , US humor noun AMUSEMENT
1. [ U ] the ability to find things funny, the way in which people see that some
things are funny or the quality of being funny
He's got a great sense of humour (= he is very able to see things as funny) .
I must say I find his schoolboy (= childish) humour rather tiresome.
humour UK , US humor noun MOOD
2. [ C or U ] FORMAL the state of your feelings; mood
You seem in a very good humour today.
humour UK , US humor verb [ T ]
to do what someone wants so that they do not become annoyed or upset
I applied for the job just to humour my parents.
-humoured suffix ( US )
used for describing the state of people's feelings
The election campaign has been remarkably peaceful, even good -humoured.
humourless adjective UK ( US humorless )
having no humour
hump noun LUMP
1. [ C ] a large round raised area or part
The car hit a hump in the road and swerved.
UK Local residents are asking for speed humps (= raised areas across the road
which make people drive slowly) to be installed in their street.
2. [ C ] a round raised part on a person's or animal's back
Some types of camel have two humps and others have one.
See also humpbacked
hump noun ANGER
be over the hump INFORMAL
to be past the most difficult or dangerous part of an activity or period of time
It's been hard work but I think we're over the hump now.
get the hump UK INFORMAL
to get upset and annoyed with someone because you think they have done
something bad to you
hump verb CARRY
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to carry or lift something heavy
with difficulty
My back really aches after humping those heavy boxes around all day.
hump verb HAVE SEX
2. [ I or T ] OFFENSIVE to have sex (with someone)
hump noun LUMP
1. [ C ] a large round raised area or part
The car hit a hump in the road and swerved.
UK Local residents are asking for speed humps (= raised areas across the road
which make people drive slowly) to be installed in their street.
2. [ C ] a round raised part on a person's or animal's back
Some types of camel have two humps and others have one.
See also humpbacked
hump noun ANGER
be over the hump INFORMAL
to be past the most difficult or dangerous part of an activity or period of time
It's been hard work but I think we're over the hump now.
get the hump UK INFORMAL
to get upset and annoyed with someone because you think they have done
something bad to you
hump verb CARRY
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to carry or lift something heavy
with difficulty
My back really aches after humping those heavy boxes around all day.
hump verb HAVE SEX
2. [ I or T ] OFFENSIVE to have sex (with someone)
humpback bridge noun [ C ] ( ALSO humpbacked bridge ) UK
a small steep road bridge
humpbacked adjective
(of an animal) having a round raised part on its back
a humpbacked whale
humph exclamation OFTEN HUMOROUS
a short deep sound made with the lips closed, expressing anger or doubt, or
pretended anger
Humph, I see you've got yourself some lunch and you haven't made any for the
rest of us!
humungous , US humongous adjective INFORMAL
extremely large
Zesto's restaurant serves humungous burgers.
This minor glitch has turned into a humungous problem for the airline.
humus noun [ U ]
dark earth made of organic material such as decayed leaves and plants
Hun noun [ C ]
a member of a group of people from Asia who attacked Europe in the 300s and
400s A.D.
hunch noun [ C ]
an idea which is based on feeling and for which there is no proof
[ + that ] I had a hunch that you'd be here.
Sometimes you have to be prepared to act on/follow a hunch.
hunch verb [ I or T ]
hunch
to lean forward with your shoulders raised or to bend your back and shoulders
into a rounded shape
We hunched round the fire to keep warm.
Stand up straight and don't hunch your back.
hunched adjective
Sitting hunched over a computer all day can cause problems.
hunchback noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
(a person who has) a back with a large round lump (= raised area) on it, either
because of illness or age
hunchbacked adjective
hunchback noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
(a person who has) a back with a large round lump (= raised area) on it, either
because of illness or age
hunchbacked adjective
hundred number
1. the number 100
We've driven a/one hundred miles in the last two hours.
"How many children are there in the school?" "About three hundred."
That dress costs hundreds of pounds.
2. a hundred/hundreds of sth INFORMAL
a large number
There were hundreds of people at the pool today.
There are a hundred shirts waiting to be ironed.
3. the hundreds
numbers between 100 and 1000
He expects the total amount to be in the low hundreds.
4. the eighteen/nineteen, etc. hundreds
the years of a particular century
The house was built in the sixteen hundreds.
5. one/two/three, etc. hundred hours
used to say the time using the 24-hour system, especially used in the military
Breakfast is at seven hundred hours.
a/one hundred per cent
completely
I agree with you one hundred per cent.
I'm better than I was last week but I'm still not (feeling) a hundred per cent (=
I'm not completely well) .
hundredth ordinal number
100th written as a word
He is now ranked one ( UK ALSO a ) hundredth in world tennis.
1991 was the two hundredth anniversary of Mozart's death.
hundredth noun [ C ]
one of a hundred equal parts of something
She has knocked one/a hundredth of a second off the world record.
hundredweight noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION cwt )
a measure of weight equal to 50.80 kilograms in Britain or 45.36 kilograms in the
US
We ordered a hundredweight of coal.
hung verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF hang
hung adjective
having an equal or nearly equal number of members with opposing opinions, so
that no decisions can be made
The general election in Britain was expected to result in a hung parliament .
a hung jury
hung verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF hang
hung adjective
having an equal or nearly equal number of members with opposing opinions, so
that no decisions can be made
The general election in Britain was expected to result in a hung parliament .
a hung jury
Hungarian adjective
from, belonging to or relating to Hungary
Hungarian goulash
Hungarian noun
1. [ C ] a person from Hungary
2. [ U ] the language of Hungary
Hungarian noun [ C ] , adjective
Hungary noun [ U ]
hunger noun NEED FOR FOOD
1. [ U ] the feeling you have when you need to eat
I can't believe that that enormous meal wasn't enough to satisfy your hunger.
By about 9 o'clock she started to feel faint from/with hunger.
I often suffer from hunger pangs (= strong feelings of needing something to eat)
in the middle of the afternoon.
2. [ U ] when the body does not have enough food
All over the world, people die of hunger every day.
hunger noun DESIRE
3. [ S or U ] a strong wish or desire
a hunger for adventure/knowledge/success
hunger verb
hunger after/for sth phrasal verb LITERARY
to want something very much
I hunger for your touch.
I've never hungered after power.
ˈ hunger ˌ strike noun [ C or U ]
a refusal to eat in order to make a protest
The prisoners have gone on (a) hunger strike to protest about prison conditions.
hunger striker noun [ C ]
hung-over adjective [ after verb ]
feeling ill with a bad pain in the head and often wanting to vomit after having
That was a great party last night, but I'm (feeling) really hung-over this morning.
See also hangover
hung-over adjective [ after verb ]
feeling ill with a bad pain in the head and often wanting to vomit after having
That was a great party last night, but I'm (feeling) really hung-over this morning.
See also hangover
hungry adjective NEEDING FOOD
1. wanting or needing food
By four o'clock I felt/was really hungry.
Digging the garden is hungry work (= makes you feel hunger) .
The children are always hungry (= want something to eat) when they get home
from school.
There are too many hungry people (= people without enough to eat) in the world.
She often goes hungry herself (= does not eat) so that her children can have
enough to eat.
hungry adjective WANTING
2. having a strong wish or desire for something
She was so hungry for success that she'd do anything to achieve it.
Journalists were hungry for details.
hungrily adverb
They sat down and ate hungrily.
He looked at her hungrily (= showing desire for her) .
-hungry suffix
having a strong wish or desire for the stated thing
power-hungry politicians
hung-up adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
having a hang-up (= feeling of worry about yourself)
Why are so many women so hung-up about food?
be hung-up on sth
to be extremely interested in or worried by a particular subject and spend an
unreasonably large amount of time thinking about it
Why are the British so hung-up on class?
hunk noun [ C ] PIECE
hunk
1. a large thick piece, especially of food
a hunk of bread/cheese/meat
hunk noun [ C ] MAN
2. INFORMAL APPROVING a tall strong attractive man
hunker verb
hunker down phrasal verb US
1. to sit down on your heels
We hunkered down round the campfire, toasting marshmallows.
2. to make yourself comfortable in a place or situation, or to prepare to stay in a
place or position for a long time, usually in order to achieve something or for protection
The press have hunkered down for the night outside the palace, waiting for news
of the royal birth.
hunker verb
hunker down phrasal verb US
1. to sit down on your heels
We hunkered down round the campfire, toasting marshmallows.
2. to make yourself comfortable in a place or situation, or to prepare to stay in a
place or position for a long time, usually in order to achieve something or for protection
The press have hunkered down for the night outside the palace, waiting for news
of the royal birth.
hunky adjective INFORMAL APPROVING
describes a man who is sexually attractive and usually big and strong
I think he's quite hunky.
ˌ hunky ˈ dory adjective [ after verb ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
describes events or situations that are very satisfactory and pleasant
You can't lose your temper with everyone like that one minute, and then expect
everything to be hunky dory again the next.
hunt verb [ I or T ] CHASE
1. to chase and try to catch and kill an animal or bird for food, sport or profit
Some animals hunt at night.
When lion cubs are young, the mother stays with them while the father hunts for
food.
Jack and Charlie like to hunt/go hunting (= chase and kill animals for sport) at
weekends.
Cats like to hunt mice and birds.
Elephants used to be hunted for the ivory from their tusks.
2. in Britain, to chase and kill animals, especially foxes , using dogs and riding on
horses
hunt verb [ I or T ] SEARCH
3. to search for something or someone; to try to find something or someone
I've hunted all over the place, but I can't find that book.
They are still hunting for the missing child.
I've hunted high and low (= looked everywhere) for my gloves.
Police are hunting the terrorists who planted the bomb.
I'll try and hunt out (= find) those old photographs for you.
They have spent months house-/job- hunting (= looking for a house/a job) .
hunt sb/sth down phrasal verb [ M ]
to search everywhere for someone or something until you find them
The terrorists must be hunted down and brought to justice.
hunt noun SEARCH
1. [ C usually singular ] a search for something or someone
After a long hunt we finally found a house we liked.
The hunt for the injured climber continued throughout the night.
Police are on the hunt (= searching) for the kidnappers.
The hunt is on (= the search has started) for a successor to Sir James Gordon.
hunt noun CHASE
2. [ C ] when people chase wild animals in order to kill them
to go on a fox/deer hunt
3. [ C ] in Britain, a group of people who meet regularly in order to chase and kill
animals, especially foxes
They are members of the local hunt.
hunted adjective
1. appearing or looking frightened and worried
Carla always has such a hunted look .
2. [ before noun ] A hunted animal or person is being chased by someone.
hunted adjective
1. appearing or looking frightened and worried
Carla always has such a hunted look .
2. [ before noun ] A hunted animal or person is being chased by someone.
-hunter suffix CHASE
1. someone who hunts the stated animal
a fox-hunter
-hunter suffix SEARCH
2. someone who is trying to find or get the stated thing
a job-hunter
a house-hunter
bargain-hunters
hunter noun [ C ]
1. a person or an animal that hunts animals for food or for sport
Animals in the cat family are hunters.
2. a type of horse, especially one used in hunting animals
hunting noun [ U ]
1. chasing and killing an animal or bird for food, sport or profit
deer hunting
a hunting dog/rifle
2. in Britain, the chasing and killing of animals, especially foxes , for sport, using
dogs and riding horses
ˈ hunting ˌ ground noun [ C ]
a place where you can find a lot of what you are looking for
Flea markets are happy hunting grounds for people looking for antiques.
ˈ hunt sabo ˌ teur noun [ C ]
a person who tries to stop a hunt, especially a fox hunt, because they think it is
cruel to animals
huntsman noun [ C ]
1. someone who hunts animals with a gun or other weapons
2. in Britain, someone who uses dogs and rides a horse to hunt animals,
especially foxes , for sport
hurdle noun FENCE
1. [ C ] a frame or fence for jumping over in a race
He fell at the last hurdle.
She cleared (= jumped over) all the hurdles easily and raced to the finishing line.
2. hurdles
hurdles
a race in which people or horses jump over hurdles
the 400-metres hurdles
hurdle noun PROBLEM
3. a problem that you have to deal with before you can make progress
Getting a work permit was the first hurdle to overcome .
The cost of this exercise is proving a major hurdle.
hurdle verb [ I or T ]
to run in a race in which there are hurdles to be jumped over, or to jump over
something while running
He hurdled the gate and scrambled up the hill.
hurdle noun FENCE
1. [ C ] a frame or fence for jumping over in a race
He fell at the last hurdle.
She cleared (= jumped over) all the hurdles easily and raced to the finishing line.
2. hurdles
hurdles
a race in which people or horses jump over hurdles
the 400-metres hurdles
hurdle noun PROBLEM
3. a problem that you have to deal with before you can make progress
Getting a work permit was the first hurdle to overcome .
The cost of this exercise is proving a major hurdle.
hurdle verb [ I or T ]
to run in a race in which there are hurdles to be jumped over, or to jump over
something while running
He hurdled the gate and scrambled up the hill.
hurdler noun [ C ]
a person or horse that runs in races where there are hurdles
hurdy gurdy noun [ C ]
a musical instrument which is played by turning a handle, causing a small wheel
to be rubbed against a set of strings
hurl verb [ T ]
1. to throw something with a lot of force, usually in an angry or violent way
In a fit of temper he hurled the book across the room.
Youths hurled stones at the soldiers.
2. hurl abuse/insults, etc. at sb
to shout insults or rude language at someone angrily
I wasn't going to stand there while he hurled abuse at me!
hurly-burly noun [ U ]
noisy activity
We got tired of the hurly-burly of city life, so we moved to the country.
hurray , exclamation ( ALSO hooray , ALSO hurrah )
used to express excitement, pleasure or approval
You won? Hurray!
Hurray! It's time to go home.
See also hip
hurricane , noun [ C ]
a violent wind which has a circular movement, especially found in the West
Atlantic Ocean
The state of Florida was hit by a hurricane that did serious damage.
Hurricane force (= very strong) winds are expected tonight.
ˈ hurricane ˌ lamp noun [ C ]
a light produced by burning paraffin which has a strong glass cover to protect the
flame from wind
hurried adjective
done very or too quickly
We left early, after a hurried breakfast.
I'm sorry this is such a hurried note.
hurriedly adverb
The party was a rather hurriedly (= quickly) arranged affair.
hurried adjective
done very or too quickly
We left early, after a hurried breakfast.
I'm sorry this is such a hurried note.
hurriedly adverb
The party was a rather hurriedly (= quickly) arranged affair.
hurry verb [ I or T ]
to move or do things more quickly than normal or to make someone do this
Hurry or you'll be late.
[ + to infinitive ] She hurried to answer the telephone.
I hate to hurry you, but I have to leave in a few minutes.
Don't hurry your food (= Don't eat it too quickly) .
I refuse to be hurried into a decision (= to be forced to make a decision too
quickly) .
After spending her lunch hour shopping, she hurried back (= returned quickly) to
work.
hurry (sb/sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to move or do things more quickly than normal or to make someone do this
Hurry up or we'll miss the train.
Could you hurry the children up, or their dinner will get cold.
hurry noun [ S ]
the need to move or do things more quickly than normal
We left in such a hurry that we forgot our tickets.
"Can you wait a few minutes?" "Yes, I'm not in any hurry/I'm in no hurry (= I
can wait) ."
Are you in a hurry (= wanting) to leave?
What's (all) the hurry (for)/Why (all) the hurry (= Why are you acting or moving
so quickly) - we've got plenty of time.
"I'll let you have this back next week." "That's all right, there's no (great)
hurry/there isn't any (great) hurry (= no need to do it quickly) ."
hurt verb [ I or T ]
1. to feel pain in a part of your body, or to injure someone or cause them pain
Tell me where it hurts.
My head hurts.
She says that her ear hurts her.
Emma hurt her back when she fell off her horse.
Several people were seriously/badly hurt in the explosion.
2. to cause emotional pain to someone
She criticized my writing quite severely and that hurt.
He was badly hurt by the end of his marriage.
3. to cause harm or difficulty
A lot of businesses are being hurt by the current high interest rates.
These allegations have seriously hurt her reputation.
Hard work never hurt anyone (= does no one any harm) .
INFORMAL One more drink won't hurt (= won't cause any harm) .
it never hurts to do sth
it is wise
It never hurts to check the flight departure time before you leave for the airport.
it wouldn't hurt you to do sth INFORMAL
something that you say which means you think someone should do something
because they don't often do it
It wouldn't hurt you to do the ironing for once.
hurt adjective [ after verb ]
1. injured or in pain
Let me help you up. Are you hurt?
Put that knife away before someone gets hurt.
2. upset or unhappy
I feel very hurt by what you said.
"That was very unkind, " he said in a hurt voice.
hurt noun [ S or U ]
emotional pain
The hurt after a relationship breaks up can be awful.
Her brave smile concealed a deep hurt.
hurtful adjective
causing emotional pain
That was a very hurtful remark!
How can you be so hurtful?
hurtfully adverb
hurtfulness noun [ U ]
hurtful adjective
causing emotional pain
That was a very hurtful remark!
How can you be so hurtful?
hurtfully adverb
hurtfulness noun [ U ]
hurtle verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move very fast, especially in what seems a dangerous way
The truck came hurtling towards us.
The explosion sent pieces of metal and glass hurtling through the air.
husband noun [ C ]
the man a woman is married to
I've never met Fiona's husband.
as husband and wife
in the same way as two people who are married
Although never married, they lived together as husband and wife for fifty years.
husband verb [ T ] FORMAL
to use something carefully so that you do not use all of it
husbandry noun [ U ] FARMING
1. SPECIALIZED farming
He gave a lecture on crop and animal husbandry.
husbandry noun [ U ] CAREFUL USE
2. OLD USE the careful use of money, food, supplies, etc.
hush noun [ S or U ]
a sudden calm silence
There was a deathly hush after she made the announcement.
A hush fell over the room.
INFORMAL Let's have some hush, please! (= Be quiet, please!)
hush verb
hush sth up phrasal verb [ M usually passive ] DISAPPROVING
to try to prevent people from discovering particular facts
There was some financial scandal involving one of the ministers but it was all
hushed up.
hush exclamation
used to tell someone to be quiet
Hush! You'll wake the baby!
hushed adjective
quiet
She stood up to address a hushed courtroom.
People still speak in hushed tones (= very quietly) of the murders.
hushed adjective
quiet
She stood up to address a hushed courtroom.
People still speak in hushed tones (= very quietly) of the murders.
hush-hush adjective INFORMAL
kept secret from people
In the end he was forced to resign but it was all very hush-hush.
ˈ hush ˌ money noun [ U ] INFORMAL
money that is given to someone to make them keep something they know secret
She claimed that the minister had offered her hush money to keep their child a
secret.
husk noun [ C ]
the dry outer covering of some seeds
husky adjective VOICE
1. (of a person's voice) low and rough, often in an attractive way, or because of
illness
She's got a nice husky voice - very sexy.
You sound husky - do you have a cold?
husky adjective STRONG
2. US A husky man or boy is big and strong.
husky noun [ C ]
a large dog with long thick fur, which is used for pulling sledges over the snow
hussy noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
a woman or girl who is sexually immoral
"You asked him out? Oh, you brazen/shameless hussy, you!"
the hustings plural noun UK
the political activities and speeches that happen before an election and are
intended to win votes
Three weeks before the election the candidates are all out on/at the hustings.
hustle verb PUSH
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to make someone move quickly by
pushing or pulling them along
After giving his speech, Johnson was hustled out of the hall by bodyguards.
hustle verb PERSUADE
2. [ I or T ] MAINLY US INFORMAL to try to persuade someone, especially to buy
something, often illegally
to hustle for business/customers
They made a living hustling stolen goods on the streets.
hustle noun [ U ]
hustle and bustle
all the noise and activity
I love the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
hustle verb PUSH
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to make someone move quickly by
pushing or pulling them along
After giving his speech, Johnson was hustled out of the hall by bodyguards.
hustle verb PERSUADE
2. [ I or T ] MAINLY US INFORMAL to try to persuade someone, especially to buy
something, often illegally
to hustle for business/customers
They made a living hustling stolen goods on the streets.
hustle noun [ U ]
hustle and bustle
all the noise and activity
I love the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
hustler noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
1. someone who tries to deceive people into giving them money
2. a prostitute (= person who has sex for money)
The street was full of hustlers, drug addicts and pimps.
hut noun [ C ]
a small, simple building, usually consisting of one room
a mountain hut
a row of beach huts
hutch noun [ C ]
a box made of wood with a wire front where small animals such as rabbits are
kept
hyacinth noun [ C ]
hyacinth
a pleasant-smelling plant with a lot of small flowers that grow close together
around one thick stem
hyaena noun [ C ]
a hyena
hybrid noun [ C ]
1. a plant or animal that has been produced from two different types of plant or
animal, especially to get better characteristics, or anything that is a mixture of two very
different things
The garden strawberry is a large-fruited hybrid.
2. ( ALSO hybrid car ) a vehicle with an engine that uses both petrol and another
type of energy, usually electricity
hybrid adjective
FIGURATIVE His choreography is described as 'a hybrid mix of mime and circus
tricks'.
Hyde noun
See Jekyll and Hyde
Hyde noun
See Jekyll and Hyde
hydra noun [ C ]
1. in ancient Greek stories, a creature with many heads that grew again when cut
off
2. a difficult problem that keeps returning
hydrangea noun [ C ]
a bush on which there are round groups of pink, white or blue flowers
hydrant noun [ C ]
a vertical pipe, usually at the side of the road, that is connected to the main water
system of a town and can supply water, especially for dealing with fires
a fire hydrant
hydrate noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical that contains water
hydraulic adjective
operated by or involving the pressure of water or some other liquid
a hydraulic lift/platform/pump
hydraulics plural noun
a system of using water to produce power
The hydraulics failed and the digger stopped.
hydro- prefix WATER
1. connected with or using the power of water
hydroponic (= a method of growing plants in water)
hydro- prefix GAS
2. showing that hydrogen is present
hydrocarbon noun [ C ]
a chemical combination of hydrogen and carbon, such as in oil or petrol
hydrocarbon emissions
hydrochloric acid noun [ U ]
an acid containing hydrogen and chlorine
hydrochloric acid noun [ U ]
an acid containing hydrogen and chlorine
hydroelectric adjective
relating to or producing electricity by the force of fast moving water such as rivers
or waterfalls
a hydroelectric power station
hydroelectricity noun [ U ]
hydrofoil noun [ C ]
a large boat which is able to travel quickly above the surface of the water on
wing-like structures
hydrogen noun [ U ]
the lightest gas, with no colour, taste or smell, that combines with oxygen to form
water
hydrogenated adjective
describes fat in foods which has had hydrogen added to it. Hydrogenated fats are
bad for your health.
hydrogenation noun [ U ]
the process of producing hydrogenated fats
ˈ hydrogen ˌ bomb noun [ C usually singular ] ( ABBREVIATION H-bomb )
a nuclear bomb which explodes when the central parts of its hydrogen atoms join
together
ˌ hydrogen pe ˈ roxide noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a colourless liquid chemical used to kill bacteria, to remove colour from fabrics,
and to make hair very pale; peroxide
hydrolysis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical reaction in which one substance reacts with water to produce another
hydrometer noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a piece of equipment used to measure the density (= how much matter is
contained in a particular quantity) of liquids, especially a long glass tube, closed and
with a weight at one end so that it floats upright
hydrophobia noun [ U ]
1. SPECIALIZED a great fear of drinking and water, often a sign of rabies
2. OLD-FASHIONED the disease of rabies itself
hydrophobia noun [ U ]
1. SPECIALIZED a great fear of drinking and water, often a sign of rabies
2. OLD-FASHIONED the disease of rabies itself
hydroplane verb [ I ]
US FOR aquaplane
hydroponics noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the method of growing plants in water to which special chemicals are added,
rather than growing them in earth
hydropower noun [ U ]
the production of electricity by the force of fast moving water; hydroelectric power
hydrosphere noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
all of the water, ice and water vapour at or near the surface of the Earth, such as
the seas and ice, clouds and the water in and under the ground
hydrotherapy noun [ U ]
a method of treating people with particular diseases or injuries by making them
exercise in water
hydroxide noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical compound that contains the hydroxyl ion , or a compound of an oxide
with water
calcium hydroxide
hydroxyl ion noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an ion with a negative charge , which is made of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen
atom
hyena noun [ C ]
a wild animal from Africa and Asia that looks like a dog, hunts in groups and
makes a sound similar to an unpleasant human laugh
hygiene noun [ U ]
the degree to which people keep themselves or their environment clean,
especially to prevent disease
Poor standards of hygiene mean that the disease spreads fast.
health and hygiene regulations
dental/personal hygiene
hygienic adjective
clean, especially in order to prevent disease
It isn't hygienic to let the cat sit on the dining table.
hygienic adjective
clean, especially in order to prevent disease
It isn't hygienic to let the cat sit on the dining table.
hygienist noun [ C ] ( ALSO dental hygienist )
a person who works with a dentist and cleans people's teeth to keep them healthy
hygrometer noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a piece of equipment used to measure humidity (= how much water there is in
the air)
hying
PRESENT PARTICIPLE OF hie
hymen noun [ C ]
a thin piece of skin that partly covers the opening to a girl's or woman's vagina
and breaks when she has sex for the first time
hymn noun [ C ]
a song of praise that Christians sing to God
a hymn book
hymnal noun [ C ] FORMAL OR OLD-FASHIONED
a book containing hymns
hype noun [ U ] INFORMAL
when something is advertised and discussed in newspapers, on television, etc. all
the time in order to attract everyone's interest
media hype
There's been a lot of hype around/surrounding his latest film.
I've been put off reading the book by all the hype.
hype verb [ T often passive ] ( ALSO hype up )
to repeatedly advertise and discuss something in newspapers, on television, etc.
in order to attract everyone's interest
It's being hyped as the musical event of the year.
hype sb up phrasal verb
to make someone feel very excited
She took pills to keep her awake, to help her sleep, to calm her down and to hype
her up.
ˌ hyped ˈ up adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
too excited or nervous and unable to rest or be calm
He gets really hyped up when he's playing video games.
ˌ hyped ˈ up adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
too excited or nervous and unable to rest or be calm
He gets really hyped up when he's playing video games.
hyper- prefix
having too much of the stated quality
hyperactive
hypercritical
hypersensitive
hyper adjective INFORMAL
too excited and energetic
I don't let him have sweet fizzy drinks because they tend to make him hyper.
See also hyperactive
hyperactive adjective
Someone who is hyperactive has more energy than is normal, gets excited easily
and cannot stay still or think about their work
Hyperactive children often have poor concentration and require very little sleep.
See also hyper
hyperactivity noun [ U ]
hyperbola noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a curve whose ends continue to move apart from each other
hyperbole noun [ U ] FORMAL
a way of speaking or writing that makes someone or something sound bigger,
better, more, etc. than they are
The blurb on the back of the book was full of the usual hyperbole - 'enthralling',
'fascinating' and so on.
hyperbolic adjective
hyperbolic rhetoric
hypercritical adjective
too eager to find mistakes in everything; extremely critical
hyperinflation noun [ U ]
a condition where the price of everything in a national economy goes out of
control and increases very quickly
hyperlink noun [ C ]
a connection that allows you to move easily between two computer documents or
two pages on the Internet
hyperlink noun [ C ]
a connection that allows you to move easily between two computer documents or
two pages on the Internet
hypermarket noun [ C ]
a very large shop, usually outside the centre of town
hypersensitive adjective
1. too easily upset by criticism
He's hypersensitive about his height.
2. very easily influenced, changed or damaged, especially by a physical activity or
effect
hypersensitive skin
hypertension noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a medical condition in which your blood pressure is extremely high
hypertext noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a way of joining a word or image to another page, document, etc. on the Internet
or in another computer program so that you can move from one to the other easily
The Web is based on hypertext links that allow people to easily move from
document to document.
hyperventilation noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
breathing too quickly and so causing too much oxygen to enter the blood
Hyperventilation can be caused by fear or panic.
hyperventilate verb [ I ]
hyphen noun [ C ]
the - punctuation mark that joins two words together, or shows that a word has
been divided into two parts at the end of one line and the beginning of the next
There should be a hyphen in 'short-sighted'.
Compare dash
hyphenate verb [ T ]
to use a hyphen to join two words or two parts of a word
hyphenation noun [ U ]
the rules of hyphenation
hyphenated adjective
written with a hyphen
hyphenated compounds
hyphenated adjective
written with a hyphen
hyphenated compounds
hypnosis noun [ U ]
a mental state like sleep, in which a person's thoughts can be easily influenced by
someone else
Under deep hypnosis she remembered the traumatic events of that night.
hypnotherapy noun [ U ]
the use of hypnosis to treat emotional problems
hypnotic adjective
1. caused by hypnosis
She went into a hypnotic trance .
2. describes sounds or movements that are very regular and make you feel as if
you want to sleep
The beat of the music was strangely hypnotic.
hypnotist noun [ C ]
a person who uses hypnosis as a form of treatment, or sometimes entertainment
I went to a hypnotist to try to give up smoking.
hypnotize , UK USUALLY hypnotise verb
1. to put someone in a state of hypnosis
She agreed to be hypnotized to try to remember what had happened.
2. [ T usually passive ] to keep your attention so strongly that you feel unable to
move or look away
I was hypnotized by his steely grey eyes.
hypnotism noun [ U ]
Some people try hypnotism to cure themselves of addictions.
hypochondria noun [ U ]
a state in which a person continuously worries about their health without having
any reason to do so
I thought the doctor was going to accuse me of hypochondria.
hypochondriac noun [ C ]
She's a terrible hypochondriac - she's always at the doctor's.
hypochondriac adjective
hypocrisy noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
when someone pretends to believe something that they do not really believe or
that is the opposite of what they do or say at another time
There's one rule for her and another rule for everyone else and it's sheer
hypocrisy.
hypocrisy noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
when someone pretends to believe something that they do not really believe or
that is the opposite of what they do or say at another time
There's one rule for her and another rule for everyone else and it's sheer
hypocrisy.
hypocrite noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
someone who says they have particular moral beliefs but behaves in way which
shows these are not sincere
He's a hypocrite - he's always lecturing other people on the environment but he
drives around in a huge great car.
hypocritical adjective DISAPPROVING
saying that you have particular moral beliefs but behaving in a way that shows
these are not sincere
Their accusations of corruption are hypocritical - they have been just as corrupt
themselves.
hypocritically adverb
hypodermic adjective SPECIALIZED
(of medical tools) used to inject (= put into the body through a needle) drugs
under a person's skin
a hypodermic needle
See picture health 2
hypoglycaemia , MAINLY US hypoglycemia noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a medical condition resulting from dangerously low levels of sugar in the blood
hypoglycaemic , MAINLY US hypoglycemic adjective
As a diabetic she was accustomed to the occasional hypoglycaemic attack .
hypotenuse noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the longest side of any triangle which has one angle of 90°
hypothalamus noun [ S ] SPECIALIZED
a small part in the brain that controls things such as body temperature and the
release of hormones , found underneath the thalamus
hypothermia noun [ U ]
a serious medical condition in which a person's body temperature falls below the
usual level as a result of being in severe cold for a long time
In this current cold spell, many old people are dying needlessly of hypothermia.
hypothesis noun [ C ]
an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet
been proved
Several hypotheses for global warming have been suggested.
hypothesis noun [ C ]
an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet
been proved
Several hypotheses for global warming have been suggested.
hypothesize verb [ I or T ] FORMAL
to give a possible but not yet proved explanation for something
There's no point hypothesizing about how the accident happened, since we'll
never really know.
hypothetical adjective
imagined or suggested but not necessarily real or true
a hypothetical example/situation
This is all very hypothetical but supposing Jackie got the job, how would that
affect you?
hysterectomy noun [ C ]
a medical operation to remove part or all of a woman's womb
hysteria noun [ U ]
extreme fear, excitement, anger, etc. which cannot be controlled
One woman, close to hysteria, grabbed my arm.
Tabloid hysteria about the murders has increased public fears.
mass hysteria
hysterical adjective
1. unable to control your feelings or behaviour because you are extremely
frightened, angry, excited, etc
Calm down, you're getting hysterical.
The police were accused of hysterical over-reaction.
hysterical laughter (= uncontrolled laughter)
2. INFORMAL extremely funny
His last film was hysterical.
hysterically adverb
She started laughing/crying hysterically (= without control) .
hysterics plural noun
1. uncontrolled behaviour or crying, usually caused by extreme fear or sadness
Convinced the plane was about to crash, many people were sobbing and in
hysterics.
2. INFORMAL uncontrolled laughter
He was hilarious - he had us all in hysterics.
have hysterics INFORMAL
to get extremely angry or upset
She'll have hysterics when she finds out how much money is missing.
Hz
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR hertz

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gyroscope noun [ C ] ( ALSO gyro )

hanky noun [ C ] ( ALSO hankie ) INFORMAL

happening noun [ C usually plural ]

ˌ happy ˈ camper noun [ C ] HUMOROUS

someone who is happy with the situation they are in

hash noun FAILURE

hasten verb FORMAL

1. [ T ] You hasten something by acting in order to make it happen sooner

ˈ hatchet ˌ man noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL

headlong adverb , adjective

herewith , adverb FORMAL OR LEGAL

hessian noun [ U ] UK ( US burlap )

het up adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL

hick noun [ C ] US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING

ˈ hiding ˌ place noun [ C ]

higgledy-piggledy adjective , adverb INFORMAL

highball noun [ C ] MAINLY US

highball noun [ C ] MAINLY US

ˌ high-level ˈ waste noun [ U ]

highly-strung adjective ( US high-strung )

the ˌ high ˈ seas plural noun

histrionic adjective DISAPPROVING

hoarding noun [ C ] UK ADVERTISEMENT

ˈ holiday ˌ camp noun [ C ] UK

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