Part 7

FYI , fyi
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR for your information: used when you send someone an
announcement or tell them something that you think they should know
G noun LETTER
1. ( ALSO g ) [ C ] the 7th letter of the English alphabet
G noun MUSIC
2. [ C or U ] a note in Western music
G noun FILM
3. in the US, a symbol that marks a film that is considered suitable for children of
any age
G noun MONEY
4. US INFORMAL 1000 dollars
You've got 6 G's worth of machinery here - you should get it insured.
g noun FORCE
1. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a unit of measurement of the acceleration (= rate of change of
speed) of an object caused by gravity
g noun MASS
2. ( ALSO gm ) WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR gram
gab verb [ I ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to talk continuously and eagerly, especially about things which are not important
I got so bored listening to him gabbing on about nothing.
gabardine , gaberdine noun [ C or U ]
a thick cloth which is especially used for making coats, or a long coat made from
this cloth
gabble verb [ I or T ]
to speak quickly and not clearly so that it is difficult to understand
She started gabbling away at me in Spanish and I didn't understand a word.
Gina, as usual, was gabbling away on the telephone!
gabble noun [ U ]
fast conversation or speech which is difficult to understand, often because many
people are talking at the same time
gable noun [ C ]
the triangular top end of the wall of a building where it meets the sloping parts of
a roof
See picture house
gable noun [ C ]
the triangular top end of the wall of a building where it meets the sloping parts of
a roof
See picture house
gabled adjective
with gables
With its narrow cobbled streets and gabled houses, Brugge must be one of the
most beautiful cities in Europe.
Gabon noun [ U ]
See table of Geographical names .
Gabonese noun [ C ]
gad verb
gad about/around (somewhere) phrasal verb OLD-FASHIONED
to visit or travel to a lot of different places, enjoying yourself and not worrying
about other things you should be doing
We spent the weekend gadding about London and generally enjoying ourselves.
gadabout noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED HUMOROUS
Where have you been, you young gadabout!
gadget noun [ C ]
a small device or machine with a particular purpose
kitchen gadgets
Have you seen this handy little gadget - it's for separating egg yolks from whites.
gadgetry noun [ U ]
We've got a juicer, a blender, a coffee grinder - in fact all manner of kitchen
gadgetry.
Gaelic , noun [ U ]
a language spoken in parts of Ireland, Scotland and, in the past, the Isle of Man
Gaelic adjective
gaffe noun [ C ]
a remark or action that is a social mistake and not considered polite; faux pas
I made a real gaffe - I called his new wife 'Judy' which is the name of his ex-wife.
Was that a bit of a gaffe then, starting to eat before everyone else had been
served?
gaffe noun [ C ]
a remark or action that is a social mistake and not considered polite; faux pas
I made a real gaffe - I called his new wife 'Judy' which is the name of his ex-wife.
Was that a bit of a gaffe then, starting to eat before everyone else had been
served?
gaffer noun [ C ] MAN IN CHARGE
1. UK INFORMAL a man who is in charge of other workers
gaffer noun [ C ] FILM
2. SPECIALIZED the person responsible for the lights and other electrical equipment
used when making a film or television programme
gaffer noun [ C ] OLD MAN
3. INFORMAL an old man
gag noun [ C ] PIECE OF CLOTH
1. a piece of cloth which is tied around a person's mouth or put inside it in order
to stop them from speaking, shouting or calling for help
Her hands and feet were tied and a gag placed over her mouth.
gag noun [ C ] JOKE
2. INFORMAL a joke or funny story, especially one told by a comedian (= person
whose job is to make people laugh)
I did a few opening gags about the band that had been on before me.
3. US a trick played on someone or an action performed to entertain other people
gag verb ALMOST VOMIT
1. [ I ] to experience the sudden uncomfortable feeling of tightness in the throat
and stomach that makes you feel you are going to vomit
Just the smell of liver cooking makes me gag.
I tried my best to eat it but the meat was so fatty I gagged on it.
gag verb STOP TALKING
2. [ T ] to put a gag on someone's mouth
He was bound and gagged and left in a cell for three days.
3. [ T often passive ] to prevent a person or organization from talking or writing
about a particular subject
The media have obviously been gagged because nothing has been reported.
gag verb EAGER
4. be gagging for/to do sth
UK SLANG to be very eager to do something
I was gagging for a pint of cold lager.
5. be gagging for it
SLANG to be very eager to have sex; used especially by a man to say he thinks a
woman wants very much to have sex with him
gaga adjective INFORMAL MENTALLY UNCLEAR
1. unable to think clearly and make decisions because of old age; senile
My granny's 94 and she's a bit gaga.
I know I'm seventy-three but I haven't gone gaga yet!
gaga adjective INFORMAL IN LOVE
2. [ after verb ] having a strong but usually temporary love for someone
She's totally gaga about/over him!
Just standing near her makes him go gaga!
gaga adjective INFORMAL MENTALLY UNCLEAR
1. unable to think clearly and make decisions because of old age; senile
My granny's 94 and she's a bit gaga.
I know I'm seventy-three but I haven't gone gaga yet!
gaga adjective INFORMAL IN LOVE
2. [ after verb ] having a strong but usually temporary love for someone
She's totally gaga about/over him!
Just standing near her makes him go gaga!
ˈ gagging ˌ order noun [ C ] UK ( US gag order )
an official order not to discuss something, especially a legal case
The judge issued a gagging order to prevent the witnesses from speaking to the
press.
gaggle noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
1. a group of geese
2. DISAPPROVING a group of noisy or silly people
There was the usual gaggle of journalists waiting for the princess.
gaiety noun [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED
happiness and excitement
I felt there was an air of forced gaiety about her manner.
gaily adverb OLD-FASHIONED
happily or brightly
I could hear her gaily singing in her bedroom.
The tree lights twinkled gaily across the lake.
gain verb [ I or T ] GET
1. to get something that is useful, that gives you an advantage, or that is in some
way positive, especially over a period of time
The Nationalist Party have gained a lot of support in the south of the country.
What do you hope to gain from the course?
Alternative medicine has only just started to gain respectability in our society.
[ + two objects ] It was her performances in Aida which gained her an
international reputation as a soprano.
After you've gained some experience teaching abroad you can come home and
get a job.
From the late nineteenth century Britain and other European powers began to
gain control of parts of the Ottoman Empire.
She's certainly gained (in) confidence over the last couple of years.
The data exists all right - the difficulty is in gaining access to it.
The thieves gained entrance through an upstairs window that was left open.
2. gain ground
If a political party or an idea or belief gains ground, it becomes more popular or
accepted
The Republicans are gaining ground in the southern states.
gain verb [ I or T ] INCREASE
3. to increase in weight, speed, height or amount
I gained a lot of weight while I was on holiday.
The car gained speed going down the hill.
Good economic indicators caused the share index to gain (by) ten points.
The campaign has been gaining momentum ever since the television appeal.
gain verb [ I or T ] CLOCK/WATCH
4. If a clock or watch gains, it works too quickly and shows a time which is later
than the real time
My watch has gained (by) ten minutes over the last twenty-four hours.
gain on sb/sth phrasal verb
to get nearer to someone or something that you are chasing
Garcia was gaining on her opponent throughout the race, but only overtook her at
the very end.
gain noun [ C or U ] SOMETHING OBTAINED
1. when you get something useful or positive
Whatever the objections to this sort of treatment, the gains in terms of the
number of lives saved are substantial.
The minister was sacked for abusing power for his personal gain.
gain noun [ C or U ] INCREASE
2. an increase in something such as size, weight or amount
Side effects of the drugs may include tiredness, headaches or weight gain.
Having deducted costs we still made a net gain of five thousand pounds.
Oil prices rose again today after yesterday's gains.
gainful adjective FORMAL
providing money or something else that is useful
Many graduates tell of months spent in search of gainful employment .
gainfully adverb
His estate continues to keep lawyers gainfully employed even seven years after
his death.
gainful adjective FORMAL
providing money or something else that is useful
Many graduates tell of months spent in search of gainful employment .
gainfully adverb
His estate continues to keep lawyers gainfully employed even seven years after
his death.
gainsay verb [ T often in negatives ] FORMAL
to refuse to accept something as the truth
Certainly there's no gainsaying (= It is not possible to doubt) the technical
brilliance of his performance.
gait noun [ C ]
1. FORMAL a particular way of walking
He walked with a slow stiff gait.
2. the particular way a horse walks or runs
The pony's gait slowed from a canter to a trot.
gaiters plural noun
gaiters
a pair of coverings for the lower half of the legs, often worn in the past but worn
now mainly by climbers and walkers in order to stop earth and water from entering their
boots
gal noun GIRL
1. [ C ] INFORMAL OR HUMOROUS a woman or girl
You're just an old-fashioned gal, aren't you, honey!
gal noun UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
2. ( UK ALSO gall ) WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR gallon
gala noun [ C ] CELEBRATION
1. a special public occasion at which there is a lot of entertainment, usually in the
form of different types of performances
There will be many stars performing in the Royal Ballet's Gala Night, held in aid of
children's charities.
gala noun [ C ] SPORTS EVENT
2. UK a sports competition, especially in swimming
a swimming gala
galactic adjective
relating to the Galaxy or other galaxies
inter-galactic travel
galactic adjective
galah noun [ C ] BIRD
1. a medium-sized cockatoo (= type of bird) common in most parts of Australia,
that has a grey upper part of its body and a pink lower part
galah noun [ C ] PERSON
2. AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL a stupid person
galaxy noun
1. [ C ] one of the independent groups of stars in the universe
2. [ C ] a meeting of rich and famous people
Present tonight at the long-awaited opening of this film are a whole galaxy of
stars from the acting and musical professions.
3. the Galaxy ( ALSO the Milky Way )
the very large group of stars that contains the solar system (= the sun and all the
planets, including Earth, that go round it)
gale noun [ C ]
a very strong wind
Hundreds of old trees were blown down in the gales.
gales of laughter
a lot of loud laughter
I could hear gales of laughter coming from downstairs.
galette noun [ C ]
a savoury pancake
gall noun [ U ]
rudeness and the quality of being unable to understand that your behaviour or
what you say is not acceptable to other people
[ + to infinitive ] Considering that he never even bothers to visit my parents I'm
amazed that Tim has the gall to ask them for money!
gall verb [ T ]
to make someone feel annoyed
I think it galls him to take orders from a younger and less experienced colleague.
gallant adjective BRAVE
1. FORMAL APPROVING showing no fear of dangerous or difficult things
Despite fierce competition she made a gallant effort to win the first medal of the
championships.
gallant adjective POLITE
2. FORMAL (of a man) polite and kind towards women, especially when in public
That wasn't very gallant of you, Paul, pushing a young lady out of the way like
that!
gallantly adverb
gallantry noun [ U ]
The speech praised those who had displayed gallantry in the liberation of their
country.
galactic adjective
galah noun [ C ] BIRD
1. a medium-sized cockatoo (= type of bird) common in most parts of Australia,
that has a grey upper part of its body and a pink lower part
galah noun [ C ] PERSON
2. AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL a stupid person
galaxy noun
1. [ C ] one of the independent groups of stars in the universe
2. [ C ] a meeting of rich and famous people
Present tonight at the long-awaited opening of this film are a whole galaxy of
stars from the acting and musical professions.
3. the Galaxy ( ALSO the Milky Way )
the very large group of stars that contains the solar system (= the sun and all the
planets, including Earth, that go round it)
gale noun [ C ]
a very strong wind
Hundreds of old trees were blown down in the gales.
gales of laughter
a lot of loud laughter
I could hear gales of laughter coming from downstairs.
galette noun [ C ]
a savoury pancake
gall noun [ U ]
rudeness and the quality of being unable to understand that your behaviour or
what you say is not acceptable to other people
[ + to infinitive ] Considering that he never even bothers to visit my parents I'm
amazed that Tim has the gall to ask them for money!
gall verb [ T ]
to make someone feel annoyed
I think it galls him to take orders from a younger and less experienced colleague.
gallant adjective BRAVE
1. FORMAL APPROVING showing no fear of dangerous or difficult things
Despite fierce competition she made a gallant effort to win the first medal of the
championships.
gallant adjective POLITE
2. FORMAL (of a man) polite and kind towards women, especially when in public
That wasn't very gallant of you, Paul, pushing a young lady out of the way like
that!
gallantly adverb
gallantry noun [ U ]
The speech praised those who had displayed gallantry in the liberation of their
country.
ˈ gall ˌ bladder noun [ C ]
a small organ in the body like a bag connected to the liver which stores bile (= a
bitter liquid that helps to digest food)
She had an operation to remove a stone from her gall bladder.
galleon noun [ C ]
a large sailing ship with three or four masts , used both in trade and war from the
15th to the 18th centuries
gallery noun [ C ] BUILDING
1. a room or building which is used for showing works of art, sometimes so that
they can be sold
the National Portrait Gallery
a contemporary art gallery
gallery noun [ C ] RAISED AREA
2. a raised area around the sides or at the back of a large room which provides
extra space for people to sit or stand, or the highest floor in a theatre that contains the
cheapest seats
Compare the circle ; the stalls
gallery noun [ C ] BUILDING
1. a room or building which is used for showing works of art, sometimes so that
they can be sold
the National Portrait Gallery
a contemporary art gallery
gallery noun [ C ] RAISED AREA
2. a raised area around the sides or at the back of a large room which provides
extra space for people to sit or stand, or the highest floor in a theatre that contains the
cheapest seats
Compare the circle ; the stalls
galley noun [ C ] KITCHEN
1. a kitchen in a ship or aircraft
galley noun [ C ] BOAT
2. (in the past) a long low ship which had sails and was usually rowed by
prisoners and slaves
a galley slave
Gallic adjective
French or typically French
Catherine Deneuve seemed to typify cool Gallic elegance.
galling adjective
annoying
[ + to infinitive ] It was very galling to have a younger brother who did
everything better than me.
gallivant verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] HUMOROUS
to visit or go to a lot of different places, enjoying yourself and not worrying about
other things you should be doing
Well you won't be able to go off gallivanting around like this when there's a baby
to be taken care of.
gallon noun
1. [ C ] a unit for measuring volume
An imperial gallon, used in Britain, is equal to 4546 cubic centimetres.
A US gallon is equal to 3785 cubic centimetres.
2. [ C usually plural ] INFORMAL a large amount of liquid
I love milk - I drink gallons of the stuff.
gallop verb
1. [ I or T ] (of a horse) to run fast so that all four feet come off the ground
together in each act of forward movement, or (of a person) to ride a horse that is
running in this way
We galloped through the woods.
Compare canter ; trot
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to move or act quickly
It is the height of folly and a tragic waste to gallop into war.
gallop through sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to perform, read or do something very quickly and without enough care
They often gallop through 10 news items in 20 minutes.
gallop noun [ S ] RUN
1. the fast run or speed of a horse when it is galloping, or an act of galloping
At the sound of gunfire the horse suddenly broke into a gallop.
gallop noun [ S ] SPEED
2. a fast speed
We had to complete the work at a gallop (= very quickly) .
galloping adjective [ before noun ]
increasing or developing at a very fast and often uncontrollable rate
galloping inflation
galloping adjective [ before noun ]
increasing or developing at a very fast and often uncontrollable rate
galloping inflation
gallows noun [ C ]
gallows
a wooden structure used, especially in the past, to hang criminals from as a form
of execution (= killing as a punishment)
New witnesses have cast doubt on some of the evidence that sent the 19-year-
old to the gallows.
ˌ gallows ˈ humour noun [ U ]
jokes or humorous remarks that are made about unpleasant or worrying subjects
such as death and illness
gallstone noun [ C ]
a small piece of hard material which sometimes forms in the gall bladder (= an
organ in the body) and can cause great pain
Gallup poll noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a series of questions asked of a group of people in order to find out what they
think about a particular subject or how they will vote in an election
galore adjective [ after noun ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
in great amounts or numbers
And for the sweet-toothed, this café has desserts galore.
galoshes plural noun
US FOR overshoes
galumphing adjective UK INFORMAL
moving about or behaving in an awkward manner
In his galumphing way he managed to wake the whole house on his return.
Her galumphing entry into the music business has annoyed many of the
established stars.
galvanize , UK USUALLY galvanise verb [ T ]
to cause someone to suddenly take action, especially by shocking or exciting them
in some way
Western charities were galvanized by TV pictures of starving people.
The prospect of his mother coming to stay galvanized him into action and he set
about cleaning the house.
galvanize , UK USUALLY galvanise verb [ T ]
to cause someone to suddenly take action, especially by shocking or exciting them
in some way
Western charities were galvanized by TV pictures of starving people.
The prospect of his mother coming to stay galvanized him into action and he set
about cleaning the house.
galvanized , UK USUALLY galvanised adjective
describes metal, or something made of metal, that is covered with a thin
protective layer of zinc
galvanized iron/steel
galvanized nails/rivets
Gambia noun [ U ]
Gambian noun [ C ] , adjective
gambit noun [ C ] CLEVER ACTION
1. a clever action in a game or other situation which is intended to achieve an
advantage and usually involves taking a risk
Her clever opening gambit gave her an early advantage.
Their promise to lower taxes is clearly an election-year gambit.
2. SPECIALIZED a way of beginning a game of chess , in which you intentionally lose
a pawn (= game piece) in order to win some other form of advantage later
gambit noun [ C ] REMARK
3. a remark that you make to someone in order to start a conversation
"I hear you're a friend of Jamie's," was her opening gambit.
gamble verb
1. [ I ] to do something risky that might result in loss of money or failure, hoping
to get money or achieve success
Anyone who gambles on the stock exchange has to be prepared to lose money.
2. [ I or T ] to risk money, for example in a game or on a horse race
I like to gamble when I play cards - it makes it more interesting.
He gambles on the horses (= horse races) .
He gambled away all of our savings.
gamble on sth phrasal verb
to take a risk that something will happen
You're rather gambling on it being a nice day by holding the party in the garden,
aren't you?
gamble noun [ C usually singular ]
a risk that might result in loss of money or failure
Her publishers knew they were taking a gamble when they agreed to publish
such an unusual novel.
It was a gamble using such an inexperienced director, but it paid off (= was
successful) .
gambler noun [ C ]
someone who often bets (= risks money on the result) money, for example in a
game or on a horse race
a self-help group for compulsive gamblers
gambler noun [ C ]
someone who often bets (= risks money on the result) money, for example in a
game or on a horse race
a self-help group for compulsive gamblers
gambling noun [ U ]
the activity of betting money, for example in a game or on a horse race
Gambling can be an addictive habit.
He had to borrow money to pay off his gambling debts.
gambol verb [ I ] LITERARY
to run and jump in a happy and playful way
Lambs were gambolling (about/around) in the spring sunshine.
game noun FUN ACTIVITY/SPORT
1. [ C ] an entertaining activity or sport, especially one played by children, or the
equipment needed for such an activity
a board game
indoor/computer games
The children played a game of cops and robbers.
I told the children to put their toys and games away.
2. [ C ] a particular competition, match or occasion when people play a game
a game of chess/tennis/baseball
3. [ C ] one part of a competition in activities such as tennis
I won the first game, and then lost the next two.
4. games
a. UK organized sports activities that children do at school
the games teacher
It's games this afternoon.
b. an organized competition consisting of several different sports events
the Olympic/Commonwealth Games
5. [ U ] the way in which a person plays a particular sport
Susan is playing golf every day to try to improve her game.
6. [ S ] something that is not treated seriously
Love is just a game to him.
game noun ACTIVITY
7. [ S ] INFORMAL an illegal or secret activity
8. [ S ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a type of business activity
I'm in the stocks and shares game.
9. on the game
a. UK INFORMAL working as a prostitute
She went on the game to pay for her drug habit.
b. US INFORMAL involved in illegal activities
game noun ANIMALS
10. [ U ] wild animals and birds that are hunted for food or sport
game birds
be ahead of the game
to know more about the most recent developments in a particular subject or
activity than the people or companies you are competing against
A very extensive research and development programme ensures that we're ahead
of the game.
be new to this game
to be involved in an activity or situation that you have not experienced before
the game is up
used to tell someone that you know what their secret activities or plans are and
they cannot continue
Okay, you two, the game's up! Give me the cigarettes - this time I'm telling your
parents.
the games (that) people play
the ways in which people behave in order to get an advantage
Not telling the whole truth is one of the games that people play.
give the game away INFORMAL
to spoil a surprise or a joke by telling someone something that should have been
kept secret
It's a secret, so don't give the game away, will you?
Is the game worth the candle? UK
said when you are not certain whether it is really worth making a great effort to
get something
What's your game? UK INFORMAL
something you ask when you want to know what someone is doing or secretly
planning to do
The porter saw me climbing over the wall and shouted "Hey you, what's your
game?"
game adjective
willing to do things that are new, risky or difficult
It was a difficult challenge, but Roberta was game.
She's game for anything.
gamely adverb
"I'll look after the baby, " he said gamely (= bravely) .
Gameboy noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a small machine that you play computer games on and that you can carry with
you
Gameboy noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a small machine that you play computer games on and that you can carry with
you
gamekeeper noun [ C ]
a person whose job is to take care of wild animals and birds that are kept
especially for hunting
gamelan noun [ C ]
an Indonesian orchestra consisting of percussion instruments, such as gongs or
chimes , and often flutes and stringed instruments
gamelan music
gamepad noun [ C ]
something that you hold in your hand and use for controlling a computer game or
video game (= a game in which you make pictures move on a screen)
ˈ game ˌ plan noun [ C ]
a plan for achieving success
gamer noun [ C ]
1. someone who likes playing computer games
2. a sports player who enjoys their sport very much and works very hard
ˈ game ˌ show noun [ C ]
a television programme where people score points by answering questions or
doing things
a game show host (= a person who introduces the programme and asks the
questions)
gamesmanship noun [ U ] INFORMAL
the activity of trying to win a game by doing things that are not really breaking
the rules but are intended to destroy the confidence of the other player
gamete noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a cell connected with sexual reproduction, which is either a male sperm or a
female egg
gamey adjective
having the strong smell or taste of game (= wild animals or birds that are killed to
eat)
gamey adjective
having the strong smell or taste of game (= wild animals or birds that are killed to
eat)
gamine adjective APPROVING
describes a girl or young woman who is thin, short-haired and attractively like a
young boy in appearance
Her newly cropped hair gives her a fashionably gamine look.
gamine noun [ C ]
gaming noun [ U ] BETTING
1. the risking of money in games of chance, especially at a casino
gaming machines/tables
gaming noun [ U ] COMPUTER GAMES
2. the activity of playing video games
ˈ gaming ˌ table noun [ C ]
a place where you can go to gamble , or a table on which you play cards or
roulette
gamma , γ noun [ C ]
the third letter of the Greek alphabet
Compare alpha ; beta
gamma globulin noun [ U ]
a natural substance in the blood that gives protection against disease
ˌ gamma radi ˈ ation noun [ U ]
a type of radiation of very short wave length, often produced in radioactive decay,
which goes through most solid objects
ˈ gamma ˌ ray noun [ C usually plural ]
a beam of gamma radiation
gammon noun [ U ] MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY ham )
meat taken from the back leg or side of a pig and preserved with smoke or salt
gammy adjective UK INFORMAL
A gammy leg or other body part is damaged or does not work correctly
I've got a gammy knee.
gammy adjective UK INFORMAL
A gammy leg or other body part is damaged or does not work correctly
I've got a gammy knee.
the gamut noun [ S ]
1. the whole range of things that can be included in something
In her stories she expresses the whole gamut of emotions, from happiness to
sorrow.
2. run the gamut of sth
to experience or show the whole range of something
Jonson has run the gamut of hotel work, from porter to owner of a large chain of
hotels.
gander noun BIRD
1. [ C ] a male goose
gander noun LOOK
2. have/take a gander INFORMAL
to have a quick look
Let's take a gander at your new car, then.
gang noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
1. a group of young people, especially young men, who spend time together,
often fighting with other groups and behaving badly
Fights among rival gangs account for most murders in the city.
2. a group of criminals who work together
a gang of armed robbers
3. INFORMAL a group of friends
She was in our gang at school.
I went out with the usual gang from college on Friday night.
4. a group of workers or prisoners who work together
a gang of labourers
gang verb
gang up phrasal verb DISAPPROVING
to unite as a group against someone
They all ganged up to try and get him to change his decision.
The whole class ganged up against/on her because she was the teacher's pet.
gang-bang noun [ C ] , verb [ T ] SLANG
gang rape
gang-bang noun [ C ] , verb [ T ] SLANG
gang rape
gangbanger noun [ C ] US SLANG
a member of a violent group of young men, especially ones who use guns and
commit crimes
gangland noun [ U ]
the people and places involved in violent crime
a gangland feud/murder
ganglion noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
1. a swelling, often on the back of the hand
2. a mass of nerve cells, especially appearing outside the brain or spine
gangly adjective ( ALSO gangling )
describes someone, usually a boy or young man, who is very tall and thin and
moves awkwardly
a gangly youth
gangmaster noun [ C ] UK
someone who employs a large number of workers, often illegally and for very little
money
The Home Secretary has promised that the gangmasters responsible for
immigration crime would be ruthlessly targeted.
gangplank noun [ C ]
a board or similar object put between a boat or ship and the land, so that people
can get on and off
ˈ gang ˌ rape noun [ C ] ( SLANG gang-bang )
when a group of men use violence or threatening behaviour to force a woman to
have sex with all of them
gang rape verb [ T ]
gangrene noun [ U ]
the decay of a part of a person's body because the blood has stopped flowing
there
They had to amputate his leg because gangrene had set in .
gangrenous adjective
gangsta rap noun [ U ]
a type of rap music which is about life in the poor parts of cities, especially
violence and drugs
gangsta rap noun [ U ]
a type of rap music which is about life in the poor parts of cities, especially
violence and drugs
gangster noun [ C ]
a member of an organized group of violent criminals
gangway noun [ C ]
1. a passage between two rows of seats, for example in a cinema or bus
His suitcase was blocking the gangway.
2. a wide or big gangplank
Gangway! exclamation
something you shout when you want people to move so that you can get someone
or something through a crowd quickly
ganja noun [ U ] SLANG
marijuana
gannet noun [ C ]
a large bird with mainly white feathers and a yellow beak that lives by the sea
gantry noun [ C ]
gantry
a tall metal frame that supports heavy machines such as cranes , railway signals
or other equipment
gaol noun , verb
UK OLD-FASHIONED FOR jail
gaolbird noun [ C ]
UK OLD-FASHIONED FOR jailbird
gaolbreak noun [ C ]
UK OLD-FASHIONED FOR jailbreak
gaolbreak noun [ C ]
UK OLD-FASHIONED FOR jailbreak
gaoler noun [ C ]
UK OLD-FASHIONED FOR jailer
gap noun HOLE
1. [ C ] an empty space or opening in the middle of something or between two
things
The children squeezed through a gap in the wall.
She has a small gap between her front teeth.
2. gap in the market
[ C ] an opportunity for a product or service that does not already exist
There is a gap in the magazine market that needs to be filled.
gap noun DIFFERENCE
3. [ C usually singular ] a difference between two things
The gap between rich and poor is still widening (= becoming greater) .
4. [ C usually singular ] a period of time spent doing something different
After a gap of five years, Jennifer decided to go back to work full-time.
bridge a/the gap
to connect two things or to make the difference between them smaller
Mr Clinton singled out education as a vital tool in bridging the gap between rich
and poor.
This collection of stories bridges the gap between history and fiction.
gape verb [ I ] LOOK
1. to look in great surprise at someone or something, especially with an open
mouth
They stood gaping at the pig in the kitchen.
gape verb [ I ] OPEN
2. to be or become wide open
Peter's jacket gaped at the seams.
gaping adjective
describes a hole or other opening that is very large
The bomb had left gaping holes in the wall.
gaping adjective
describes a hole or other opening that is very large
The bomb had left gaping holes in the wall.
gap-toothed adjective
having spaces between the front teeth
ˈ gap ˌ year noun [ C ] UK
a year between leaving school and starting university which is usually spent
travelling or working
I didn't take a gap year. Did you?
garage , noun CARS
1. [ C ] a building where a car is kept, which is built next to or as part of a house
Did you put the car in the garage?
See picture houses and homes
2. [ C ] a place where cars are repaired
The car's still at the garage getting fixed.
3. [ C ] UK ( US gas station ) a place where fuel is sold for cars and other vehicles
4. [ C ] UK a place where cars are sold
garage , noun MUSIC
5. [ U ] fast, electronic dance music with a strong beat, keyboards and singing
garage , verb [ T ]
to put or keep a vehicle in a garage
If your car is garaged, you get much cheaper insurance.
ˈ garage ˌ sale noun [ C ]
an occasion when people sell things, often in their garage or outside their house,
that they no longer want
garam masala noun [ U ]
a mixture of ground spices, such as cumin , coriander and cardamom , used in
Indian cooking
garb noun [ U ] LITERARY
clothes that are in a particular style or are a uniform
prison/clerical/military garb
garbage noun [ U ]
1. US ( UK rubbish ) waste material or unwanted things that you throw away
2. nonsense or stupid ideas
He talks a lot of garbage about education.
Garbage in, garbage out MAINLY US
something you say which means that something produced from materials of low
quality will also be of low quality
The meals are pretty poor but then they never use fresh ingredients - garbage in,
garbage out.
garbage noun [ U ]
1. US ( UK rubbish ) waste material or unwanted things that you throw away
2. nonsense or stupid ideas
He talks a lot of garbage about education.
Garbage in, garbage out MAINLY US
something you say which means that something produced from materials of low
quality will also be of low quality
The meals are pretty poor but then they never use fresh ingredients - garbage in,
garbage out.
ˈ garbage ˌ bag noun [ C ]
US FOR dustbin bag/liner
ˈ garbage ˌ can noun [ C ]
US FOR dustbin
ˈ garbage col ˌ lector noun [ C ]
US FOR dustman
ˈ garbage dis ˌ posal noun [ C ]
US FOR waste disposal
ˈ garbage ˌ man noun [ C ]
US FOR dustman
ˈ garbage ˌ truck noun [ C ]
garbage truck
US FOR dustcart
gar ˈ banzo ˌ bean noun [ C ]
US FOR chickpea
garbled adjective
If words or messages are garbled, they are not clear and are very difficult to
understand, often giving a false idea of the facts
He left a rather garbled message on my answerphone.
garçon , noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a waiter in a French restaurant
garden noun
1. [ C ] ( US USUALLY yard ) a piece of land next to and belonging to a house,
where flowers and other plants are grown, and often containing an area of grass
garden tools/furniture
a garden shed
MAINLY UK The house has a large back garden, and a small front garden.
2. [ C usually plural ] a public park with flowers, plants and places to sit
the Botanical Gardens
garden noun
1. [ C ] ( US USUALLY yard ) a piece of land next to and belonging to a house,
where flowers and other plants are grown, and often containing an area of grass
garden tools/furniture
a garden shed
MAINLY UK The house has a large back garden, and a small front garden.
2. [ C usually plural ] a public park with flowers, plants and places to sit
the Botanical Gardens
ˈ garden a ˌ partment noun [ C ] US
(an apartment in) a building containing several apartments which is not very tall
and is surrounded by open land with trees and flowers
ˈ garden ˌ centre noun [ C ]
a place where you can buy things such as plants and equipment for your garden
ˌ garden ˈ city noun [ C ] UK
a town that has been planned to include a lot of trees, plants and open spaces
gardener noun [ C ]
someone who works in a garden, growing and taking care of plants
I'm not much of a gardener (= not very good at taking care of my garden) .
ˈ garden ˌ flat noun [ C ] UK
an apartment which is on the ground level of a building and has its own garden
gardenia noun [ C ]
a large white or yellow flower with a pleasant smell, or the bush that produces
this
gardening noun [ U ]
the job or activity of working in a garden, growing and taking care of the plants,
and keeping it attractive
Many people in Britain are fond of gardening.
gardening gloves
the ˌ garden of ˈ Eden noun [ S ] LITERARY
the beautiful garden, described in the Bible, made by God for Adam and Eve
ˈ garden ˌ party noun [ C ] ( US ALSO lawn party )
a formal party that happens outside in the afternoon, often in a large private
garden
ˈ garden ˌ party noun [ C ] ( US ALSO lawn party )
a formal party that happens outside in the afternoon, often in a large private
garden
gargantuan adjective
very large
a problem of gargantuan proportions
a gargantuan appetite
gargle verb [ I ]
to move a liquid around in your throat without swallowing, especially to clean it or
stop it feeling painful
gargle noun [ S ]
Have a gargle with this mouthwash.
gargoyle noun [ C ]
an ugly creature or head cut from stone and fixed to the roof of an old church,
etc., often with an open mouth through which rain water flows away
garish adjective DISAPPROVING
unpleasantly bright
a pair of garish Bermuda shorts
garland noun [ C ]
a circle made of flowers and leaves worn around the neck or head as a decoration
a garland of white roses
See picture garland
garland verb [ T ]
to put garlands on someone or something
They garlanded the visitors with scented flowers.
garlic noun [ U ]
garlic
a plant of the onion family that has a strong taste and smell and is used in
cooking to add flavour
For this recipe you need four cloves (= single pieces) of garlic, crushed.
a garlic bulb
ˌ garlic ˈ bread noun [ U ]
bread that has been spread with a mixture of butter, garlic and herbs before being
baked
ˌ garlic ˈ bread noun [ U ]
bread that has been spread with a mixture of butter, garlic and herbs before being
baked
garlicky adjective
containing, tasting or smelling of garlic
garlicky food/breath
ˈ garlic ˌ press noun [ C ]
a small device in which garlic is crushed
garment noun [ C ] FORMAL
a piece of clothing
ˈ garment ˌ bag noun [ C ]
US FOR suit bag
garner verb [ T ] LITERARY
to collect something, usually after much work or with difficulty
Coppola garnered several Oscar awards for 'The Godfather'.
garnet noun [ C ]
a hard dark-red stone used in jewellery
garnish verb [ T ]
to decorate food with a small amount of different food
Garnish the dish with parsley before serving.
garnish noun [ C or U ]
a small amount of different food used to decorate a dish or serving of food
a lemon and herb garnish
garret noun [ C ] LITERARY
a very small uncomfortable room at the top of a house
garrison noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
a group of soldiers living in or defending a town or building, or the buildings that
the soldiers live in
The 100-strong garrison has/have received no supplies for a week.
a garrison town
garrison verb [ T usually passive + adv/prep ]
to put a group of soldiers in a place in order to live there and defend it
British troops are garrisoned in the area.
garrotte , garotte , US ALSO garrote verb [ T ]
to kill someone by putting a metal wire or collar around their neck to break their
neck or stop them breathing
garrotte , garotte , US ALSO garrote noun [ C ]
a metal wire or collar used to kill someone
garrotte , garotte , US ALSO garrote verb [ T ]
to kill someone by putting a metal wire or collar around their neck to break their
neck or stop them breathing
garrotte , garotte , US ALSO garrote noun [ C ]
a metal wire or collar used to kill someone
garrulous adjective
having the habit of talking a lot, especially about things which are not important
garrulously adverb
garrulousness noun [ U ]
garter noun
1. [ C ] a piece of elastic (= material that stretches) used, especially in the past,
for holding up a stocking or sock
2. garters
US FOR suspenders
gas noun AIR SUBSTANCE
1. [ C or U ] a substance in a form like air that is neither solid nor liquid
Oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen are all gases.
2. [ C or U ] a substance in a form like air that is used as a fuel for heating and
cooking
Do you prefer cooking with electricity or gas?
UK A leak in the gas mains (= pipes) caused a major explosion.
poisonous/inflammable/toxic gas
a gas -fired power station
3. [ U ] INFORMAL a substance in a form like air used for medical purposes to
prevent people feeling pain or being conscious during an operation
I had/was given gas when I got my wisdom teeth out.
4. [ U ] MAINLY US FOR wind (BOWELS)
Beer gives me gas.
gas noun LIQUID FUEL
5. [ U ] US FOR petrol
I'll stop and get some gas - we're running low.
a gas tank/pump
6. the gas
[ S ] US the part of a car which you push with your foot to make it go faster
Step on the gas (= drive faster) !
gas noun ENJOYABLE SITUATION
7. [ S ] MAINLY US INFORMAL a funny or enjoyable situation
Some kids put on a show for the moms and dads, - it was a gas.
gas verb POISON
1. [ T ] to kill or injure a person by making them breathe poisonous gas
Hundreds of thousands of soldiers were gassed in the First World War.
gas verb TALK
2. [ I ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL to talk for a long time about things which are not
important
Susan came round and we sat gassing for hours.
gas (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] US
to fill a vehicle's fuel container with fuel
I want to gas up when we get to the next town.
You should gas the car up before you head home.
gasbag noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who always talks too much
ˈ gas ˌ cap US ( UK petrol cap )
on a car, a small cover that goes over the hole which you put fuel into
ˈ gas ˌ chamber noun [ C ]
a room which can be filled with poisonous gas in order to kill the people or
animals inside it
gaseous adjective SPECIALIZED
consisting of gas or gases, or like gas
a gaseous mixture
Steam is water in its gaseous form.
ˈ gas ˌ fire noun [ C ] UK ( US gas heater )
a fire that uses gas as a fuel to heat a room
ˈ gas ˌ guzzler noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a car that uses a lot of fuel
gas-guzzling adjective [ before noun ]
gash noun [ C ]
a long deep cut, especially in the skin
gash verb [ T ]
to make a long deep cut in something, especially the skin on a part of the body
She slipped on a rock and gashed her knee.
gasket noun [ C ]
a flat piece of soft material or rubber that is put between two joined metal
surfaces to prevent gas, oil or steam from escaping
The gasket has blown (= allowed gas, oil or steam to escape) .
See also blow a fuse/gasket
gaslight noun [ C or U ] MAINLY OLD USE
a light that uses gas as fuel, or the light that is produced by this
ˈ gas ˌ cap US ( UK petrol cap )
on a car, a small cover that goes over the hole which you put fuel into
ˈ gas ˌ chamber noun [ C ]
a room which can be filled with poisonous gas in order to kill the people or
animals inside it
gaseous adjective SPECIALIZED
consisting of gas or gases, or like gas
a gaseous mixture
Steam is water in its gaseous form.
ˈ gas ˌ fire noun [ C ] UK ( US gas heater )
a fire that uses gas as a fuel to heat a room
ˈ gas ˌ guzzler noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a car that uses a lot of fuel
gas-guzzling adjective [ before noun ]
gash noun [ C ]
a long deep cut, especially in the skin
gash verb [ T ]
to make a long deep cut in something, especially the skin on a part of the body
She slipped on a rock and gashed her knee.
gasket noun [ C ]
a flat piece of soft material or rubber that is put between two joined metal
surfaces to prevent gas, oil or steam from escaping
The gasket has blown (= allowed gas, oil or steam to escape) .
See also blow a fuse/gasket
gaslight noun [ C or U ] MAINLY OLD USE
a light that uses gas as fuel, or the light that is produced by this
gasman noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a man whose job is reading gas meters and repairing gas systems
ˈ gas ˌ mark noun [ U ] UK
one of a set of numbers on a gas cooker that is used instead of the temperature
to show how hot it is
Preheat the oven to gas mark 4.
ˈ gas ˌ mask noun [ C ]
a device worn over the face to prevent you from breathing in poisonous gases
gasoline noun [ U ]
US FORMAL FOR gas (LIQUID FUEL)
gasometer noun [ C ] ( ALSO gasholder )
a large metal container where gas is stored before it is supplied to customers
gasp verb [ I ]
to take a short quick breath through the mouth, especially because of surprise,
pain or shock
When she saw the money hidden in the box she gasped in surprise.
[ + speech ] "Help me!" he gasped.
be gasping
UK INFORMAL to be very thirsty
be gasping for sth UK INFORMAL
to want or need something very much
I'm absolutely gasping for a cigarette.
gasp noun [ C ]
when you gasp
He gave a gasp of amazement.
gasp verb [ I ]
to take a short quick breath through the mouth, especially because of surprise,
pain or shock
When she saw the money hidden in the box she gasped in surprise.
[ + speech ] "Help me!" he gasped.
be gasping
UK INFORMAL to be very thirsty
be gasping for sth UK INFORMAL
to want or need something very much
I'm absolutely gasping for a cigarette.
gasp noun [ C ]
when you gasp
He gave a gasp of amazement.
ˈ gas ˌ pedal noun [ C usually singular ] US
accelerator
gasses
PLURAL OFgas (MATTER)
ˈ gas ˌ station noun [ C ]
US FOR petrol station
gassy adjective
fizzy; containing a lot of gas (= substance like air)
gastric adjective SPECIALIZED
relating to the stomach
gastric juices
a gastric ulcer
gastritis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
an illness in which the stomach walls become swollen and painful
gastroenteritis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
an illness which causes the stomach and bowels to become swollen and painful
gastrointestinal adjective
in or relating to both the stomach and the intestine (= long tube food passes
through after the stomach)
the gastrointestinal tract
gastrointestinal bleeding
gastronome noun [ C ]
someone who enjoys and knows about high quality food and drink
gastronomic adjective ( ALSO gastronomical )
relating to the preparation and consumption (= eating) of good food
This dish is a gastronomic delight.
gastronomic adjective ( ALSO gastronomical )
relating to the preparation and consumption (= eating) of good food
This dish is a gastronomic delight.
gastronomy noun [ U ] FORMAL
the art and knowledge involved in preparing and eating good food
gastropod noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a type of animal with no spine , a soft body with a flat base used for moving, and
often a shell, for example a snail or a slug
gastropub noun [ C ]
a bar where high quality food is served
an organic gastropub
gasworks noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
a factory where coal is made into gas for use as fuel for heating and cooking
gate noun [ C ] STRUCTURE
1. a part of a fence or outside wall that is fixed at one side and opens and closes
like a door, usually made of metal or wooden strips
2. a similar device that slides across an opening, often folding into a smaller space
as it is opened
The lift won't move if the safety gate isn't shut properly.
3. a part of an airport where travellers are allowed to get on or off a particular
aircraft
All passengers for flight LH103 please proceed to gate 16.
gate noun [ C ] PEOPLE
4. UK INFORMAL the number of people that go to see a sports event or other large
event, or the amount of money people pay to see it
Gates at football matches were lower than average last season.
gateau noun [ C or U ]
a large sweet cake, usually with cream or fruit in it
a chocolate/raspberry gateau
gatecrash verb [ I or T ] INFORMAL
to go to a party or other event when you have not been invited
He decided to gatecrash the wedding.
gatecrasher noun [ C ]
The party was ruined by a couple of rowdy gatecrashers.
gatecrash verb [ I or T ] INFORMAL
to go to a party or other event when you have not been invited
He decided to gatecrash the wedding.
gatecrasher noun [ C ]
The party was ruined by a couple of rowdy gatecrashers.
gatehouse noun [ C ]
a small house at the gate into a castle, park or other large building or area of
land, often lived in by someone employed to take care of it
gatekeeper noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a person whose job is to open and close a gate and to prevent people entering
without permission
ˈ gate ˌ money noun [ U ] UK
the total amount of money paid by people to see a sports event
gatepost noun [ C ]
a post to which a gate is fixed, or to which it fastens when closed
between you, me and the gatepost ( ALSO between you and me ) INFORMAL
an expression used to tell someone that what you are about to say should be kept
secret
gateway noun [ C ]
1. an entrance through a wall, fence, etc. where there is a gate
2. gateway to somewhere
a place through which you have to go to get to a particular area
Manchester is known as the gateway to the north.
gather verb COLLECT
1. [ T ] to collect several things, often from different places or people
I went to several libraries to gather information about the scheme.
We gathered blackberries from the hedgerow.
She gathered up the newspapers that were scattered around the floor.
We gathered our things together and left quickly.
2. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to put your arms around someone and hold or
carry them in a protective or loving way
He gathered her in his arms and kissed her.
She gathered the children up and hurried into the house.
3. gather speed/strength/momentum, etc.
to become faster or stronger, etc
The bicycle gathered speed as it went down the hill.
Economic recovery is gathering pace.
4. gather (up) strength/courage
to prepare to make a great effort to be strong or brave
I spent a week gathering the courage to say no.
gather verb COME TOGETHER
5. [ I ] When people or animals gather, they come together in a group
A crowd had gathered to hear her speak.
Gather (a)round , children, and I'll tell you a story.
6. [ I ] LITERARY to get thicker and closer
Storm clouds were gathering.
gather verb UNDERSTAND
7. [ T ] to understand or believe something as a result of something that has been
said or done
Harry loves his new job, I gather.
[ + ( that ) ] From the look on their faces, she gathered (that) they were
annoyed with her.
[ + question word ] I never really gathered wh y he left his job.
I didn't gather much from his lecture.
gather verb CLOTH
8. [ T ] to pull cloth into small folds by sewing a thread through it and then pulling
the thread tight
a gathered skirt
9. [ T ] If you gather a piece of clothing or loose cloth about/around yourself, you
pull it close to your body
She shivered, and gathered the blanket around her.
gather dust
to not be used for a long time
My guitar has just been gathering dust since I injured my hand.
gather noun [ C usually plural ]
a small fold that has been sewn into cloth
a skirt with gathers at the back
gathering noun [ C ]
a party or a meeting when many people come together as a group
There will be a gathering of world leaders in Vienna next month.
a social gathering (= when people meet for pleasure not work)
gathering noun [ C ]
a party or a meeting when many people come together as a group
There will be a gathering of world leaders in Vienna next month.
a social gathering (= when people meet for pleasure not work)
gator noun [ C ]
US INFORMAL FOR alligator
GATT noun [ U + sing/pl verb ]
ABBREVIATION FOR General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade: an international
agreement among more than 100 countries to end rules that limit trade between them
gauche adjective
awkward and uncomfortable with other people, especially because young and
without experience
She had grown from a gauche teenager to a self-assured young woman.
gaucho noun [ C ]
a South American cowboy (= person who takes care of male and female cows)
gaudy adjective
unpleasantly bright in colour or decoration
gaudy plastic flowers
gaudily adverb
gaudiness noun [ U ]
gauge , US ALSO gage verb [ T ] MEASURE
1. to calculate an amount, especially by using a measuring device
Use a thermometer to gauge the temperature.
I tried to gauge (= guess) the weight of the box.
gauge , US ALSO gage verb [ T ] JUDGE
2. to make a judgment about something, usually people's feelings
A poll was conducted to gauge consumers' attitudes.
[ + question word ] It's difficult to gauge how they'll react.
gauge , US ALSO gage noun MEASURE
1. [ C ] a device for measuring the amount or size of something
a fuel/rain/temperature gauge
2. [ C ] a device used to measure the pressure of the air in a tyre
a tyre gauge
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the distance between the rails (= the two long metal bars fixed
to the ground) on a railway line
a narrow/standard gauge railway
4. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the thickness of something, especially metal or wire
gauge , US ALSO gage noun JUDGING
5. [ S ] a way of judging or showing something, especially the success or
popularity of something
The fact that the play has transferred to New York is a gauge of its success.
gaunt adjective
1. very thin, especially because of illness or hunger
Her face was gaunt and grey.
2. LITERARY empty and not attractive
The house looked gaunt and unwelcoming.
gauntness noun [ U ]
gaunt adjective
1. very thin, especially because of illness or hunger
Her face was gaunt and grey.
2. LITERARY empty and not attractive
The house looked gaunt and unwelcoming.
gauntness noun [ U ]
gauntlet noun [ C ]
a long thick glove (= hand covering) , worn for protection
run the gauntlet
to have to deal with a lot of people who are criticizing or attacking you
Every day they had to run the gauntlet of hostile journalists on their way to
school.
take/pick up the gauntlet
to agree to fight or compete with someone
throw down the gauntlet
to invite someone to fight or compete with you
A price war looks likely now that a leading supermarket has thrown down the
gauntlet to its competitors.
gauze noun
1. [ U ] a very thin light cloth, used to make clothing, to cover cuts and to
separate solids from liquids, etc
a gauze skirt
a piece of sterile gauze
2. [ C or U ] a material like a net formed by wires crossing over each other
wire gauze
gauzy adjective
gave
PAST SIMPLE OF give
gavel noun [ C ]
gavel
a small hammer which an official in charge of a meeting hits against a wooden
block or table to get people to be quiet and listen
gavotte noun [ C ]
a fast dance from France, popular in the past, or a piece of music for this
gavotte noun [ C ]
a fast dance from France, popular in the past, or a piece of music for this
Gawd , gawd MAINLY HUMOROUS
god, when used in expressions of fear, surprise, etc
"Gawd help us, " she cried out.
Oh gawd! You don't believe that do you?
gawk verb [ I ] ( UK ALSO gawp ) INFORMAL
to look at something or someone in a stupid or rude way
Don't sit there gawking like that - give me a hand!
UK They just stood there gawping at me.
gawky adjective INFORMAL
tall and awkward
a gawky teenager
gawp verb [ I ]
UK FOR gawk
gay adjective HOMOSEXUAL
1. homosexual
gay rights
Mark knew he was gay by the time he was fourteen.
the lesbian and gay community
gay adjective HAPPY
2. OLD-FASHIONED happy
We had a gay old time down at the dance hall.
3. OLD-FASHIONED If a place is gay, it is bright and attractive
The streets were gay and full of people.
gay adjective BAD QUALITY
4. SLANG Something that is gay is not very good quality or is not clever, sensible or
suitable
These seats are so gay. I can't even see what's happening on stage.
just gay enough
INFORMAL A heterosexual man who is just gay enough has some of the qualities
typical of gay men that many women like, such as an interest in clothes or being able to
talk about emotions.
gay noun [ C ]
a homosexual person, especially a man
gayness noun [ U ]
ˌ gay ˈ activist noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who uses public protests and other methods to try and improve the way
homosexuals are treated by society
Gay activists were demonstrating outside the cinema.
ˌ gay ˈ activist noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who uses public protests and other methods to try and improve the way
homosexuals are treated by society
Gay activists were demonstrating outside the cinema.
gay-basher noun [ C ] ( ALSO queer-basher ) SLANG DISAPPROVING
someone who hates homosexuals and attacks them violently
gay-bashing ( ALSO queer-bashing )
violence directed at homosexuals
gaydar noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
an ability to notice that someone is homosexual
ˌ gay liber ˈ ation noun [ U ]
the principle that homosexuals should be treated equally in society
the gay liberation movement
ˌ gay ˈ pride noun [ U ]
the idea that homosexual people should not keep the fact of their sexuality secret
and that they should be proud of it instead, or the social and political movement that is
based on this idea
a gay pride rally
gaze verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to look at something or someone for a long time, especially in surprise,
admiration or because you are thinking about something else
Annette gazed admiringly at Warren as he spoke.
He spends hours gazing out of the window when he should be working.
gaze noun [ S ]
a long look, usually of a particular kind
a steady gaze
an innocent/ admiring gaze
LITERARY As I looked out, my gaze fell on a small child by the road.
gazebo noun [ C ]
a small decorated building, usually in a garden, giving a good view of the
surrounding countryside
gazelle noun [ C ]
an African or Asian animal like a deer that moves quickly and lightly and has large
eyes
gazelle noun [ C ]
an African or Asian animal like a deer that moves quickly and lightly and has large
eyes
gazette noun [ C ]
1. OLD-FASHIONED a newspaper
2. used in the titles of some newspapers and magazines
the Montreal Gazette
gazetteer noun [ C ]
a book or part of a book that contains a list of names of places, usually with some
extra information
the Cambridge Gazetteer of the United States and Canada
gazpacho noun [ U ]
a spicy soup made from tomatoes and other raw vegetables, and eaten cold
gazump verb [ T often passive ] UK INFORMAL
to refuse to sell a house that you own to someone you have agreed to sell it to,
and to sell it instead to someone who offers to pay more for it
Sally's offer for the house has been accepted, but she's worried she might be
gazumped.
gazumping noun [ U ]
During the 1980s, practices like gazumping gave the property business in England
a bad name.
gazunder verb [ T often passive ] UK INFORMAL
to unfairly demand a reduction in the price you have agreed to pay for a house
just before you buy it
gazundering noun [ U ]
GB noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Great Britain
GBH noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR grievous bodily harm
GCE noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR General Certificate of Education: before 1988, an English and
Welsh public examination taken in various subjects, especially one taken at the age of
about 16
GCE noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR General Certificate of Education: before 1988, an English and
Welsh public examination taken in various subjects, especially one taken at the age of
about 16
GCSE noun [ C or U ]
General Certificate of Secondary Education: the British system of public
examinations taken in various subjects from the age of about 16, or one of these
examinations, or a qualification from this system
I'm taking six subjects for GCSE.
Owen is retaking two of his GCSEs.
She's got nine GCSEs, all at grade A.
GDA noun [ U ] ABBREVIATION FOR
Guideline Daily Amount: used on food packaging to tell you how much of
something you should eat each day in order to stay healthy
g'day exclamation AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
used when meeting or greeting someone
GDP noun [ U ]
SPECIALIZED ABBREVIATION FOR Gross Domestic Product: the total value of goods and
services produced by a country in a year
If the GDP continues to shrink, the country will be in a recession.
Compare GNP
gear noun ENGINE PART
1. [ C or U ] a device, often consisting of connecting sets of wheels with teeth (=
points) around the edge, that controls how much power from an engine goes to the
moving parts of a machine
Does your car have four or five gears?
I couldn't find reverse gear.
The car should be in gear (= with its gears in position, allowing the vehicle to
move) .
When you start a car you need to be in first/ US ALSO low gear.
FIGURATIVE After a slow start, the leadership campaign suddenly shifted into top
gear (= started to advance very quickly) .
2. change gear UK ( US ALSO shift gear )
to change the position of the gears to make a vehicle go faster or more slowly
gear noun EQUIPMENT
3. [ U ] the equipment, clothes etc. that you use to do a particular activity
fishing/camping gear
Police in riot gear (= protective clothing) arrived to control the protesters.
See also headgear
4. [ U ] INFORMAL clothes
She wears all the latest gear.
step/move up a gear INFORMAL
to start to do something better, especially in sport, in a way that is easy to see
After a disappointing first half, United moved up a gear and took control of the
game.
gear verb
gear sth to/towards sb/sth phrasal verb
to design or organize something so that it is suitable for a particular purpose,
situation or group of people
Most public places are simply not geared to the needs of people with disabilities.
The workshops are geared towards helping people to become more employable.
These advertisements are geared towards a younger audience.
gear (sb/sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to prepare for something that you have to do, or to prepare someone else for
something
Politicians are already gearing up for the election.
[ R + to infinitive ] I'm gearing my self up to ask him to give me my money back.
[ R ] I'm trying to gear my self up for tomorrow's exam.
gearbox noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a metal box containing the gears in a vehicle
gearbox noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a metal box containing the gears in a vehicle
ˈ gear ˌ lever noun [ C ] ( ALSO gear stick ) UK
a metal rod that you use to change gear in a car or other vehicle
See pictures stick , car interior
gearshift noun [ C ]
US FOR gear lever
gecko noun [ C ]
a small lizard with wide feet, found especially in warm countries
GED noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR General Equivalency Diploma: an official document in the US that
is given to someone who did not complete high school (= school for students aged 15 -
18) but who has passed a government examination instead
geddit? exclamation UK INFORMAL
used at the end of saying something to attract attention to a joke that has been
made with two meanings of a word
'The new series of plays on Channel Four is called 4-Play. Geddit?'
gee exclamation MAINLY US INFORMAL
an expression of surprise or enthusiasm
"Gee, honey, is that all your own hair?"
gee noun [ C ] ( ALSO G )
US INFORMAL FOR grand (MONEY) (= $1000 or £1000)
gee verb
gee sb up phrasal verb [ M ] UK INFORMAL
to encourage someone to show more effort or enthusiasm
Gee up! UK INFORMAL
something that you say to a horse to make it move faster
Gee up, Neddy!
gee-gee noun
1. [ C ] UK CHILD'S WORD a horse
2. the gee-gees INFORMAL
horse races where you try to win money by correctly guessing which horse will
win
He won some money on the gee-gees.
gee-gee noun
1. [ C ] UK CHILD'S WORD a horse
2. the gee-gees INFORMAL
horse races where you try to win money by correctly guessing which horse will
win
He won some money on the gee-gees.
geek noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person, especially a man, who is boring and not fashionable
He's such a geek.
geeky adjective INFORMAL
boring and not fashionable
a geeky-looking guy in glasses
geese
PLURAL OF goose (BIRD)
gee-whiz exclamation OLD-FASHIONED
an expression of surprise and enthusiasm used by children
geezer noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a man, often old or unusual in some way
a funny old geezer
She got talking to some geezer in the pub.
Geiger counter noun [ C ]
an electronic device for measuring the level of radioactivity
geisha (girl) noun [ C ]
a Japanese woman trained in music and dancing whose job is entertaining men
gel noun [ U ]
a thick, clear, liquid substance, especially one used on the hair or body
shower gel
hair gel
gel verb BECOME FIRM
1. ( US ALSO jell ) [ I ] to change from a liquid into a thick soft solid
2. ( US ALSO jell ) [ I ] If an idea or situation gels, it starts to become more clear
and fixed
The race issue gelled in the 1960s.
3. ( US ALSO jell ) [ I ] If two or more people gel, they form a good relationship or
become friends
The team really gelled during the first few games of the season.
gel verb ON HAIR
4. [ T ] to put gel on someone's hair
He had spiky light brown hair, shaved at the sides and gelled on top.
gelatine , US USUALLY gelatin noun [ U ]
a clear substance, often sold in the form of a powder, made from animal bones
and used especially to make jelly
gelatine , US USUALLY gelatin noun [ U ]
a clear substance, often sold in the form of a powder, made from animal bones
and used especially to make jelly
gelatinous adjective
thick and like jelly
The liquid solidifies into a gelatinous mass.
geld verb [ T ]
to remove the testicles of a male horse or similar animal
gelding noun [ C ]
a male horse that has been gelded
gelignite noun [ U ]
a very powerful explosive substance, similar to dynamite
gem noun [ C ] JEWEL
1. ( ALSO gemstone ) a jewel (= precious stone) , especially when cut into a
particular regular shape
gem noun [ C ] VERY GOOD
2. someone or something that is very good, pleasing or useful
You've been an absolute gem - I couldn't have managed without your help.
He came out with a gem (= clever or pleasing remark) about the absurdity of the
situation.
Gemini noun [ C or U ]
the third sign of the zodiac, relating to the period 23 May to 21 June, represented
by twins (= two people born together) , or a person born during this period
gen noun [ U ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
information about a particular subject
So who's going to give me the gen on what's been happening while I've been
away?
gen verb
gen up phrasal verb UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to find out as much information as possible
Derek genned up on the country's history before going there.
genned up adjective [ after verb ]
gender noun SEX
1. [ U ] FORMAL the physical and/or social condition of being male or female
Does this test show the gender of the baby?
Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age or disability is not allowed.
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] FORMAL all males, or all females, considered as
one group
I think both genders are capable of looking after children.
gender noun GRAMMAR
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the grammatical arrangement of nouns, pronouns and
adjectives into masculine , feminine and neuter types in some languages
gender noun SEX
1. [ U ] FORMAL the physical and/or social condition of being male or female
Does this test show the gender of the baby?
Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age or disability is not allowed.
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] FORMAL all males, or all females, considered as
one group
I think both genders are capable of looking after children.
gender noun GRAMMAR
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the grammatical arrangement of nouns, pronouns and
adjectives into masculine , feminine and neuter types in some languages
gender-bender noun [ C ] SLANG
a person who wears the clothes and copies the behaviour of the opposite sex
gender-neutral adjective
relating to people and not especially to men or to women
gender-neutral words such as 'person'
gene noun [ C ]
a part of the DNA in a cell which contains information in a special pattern received
by each animal or plant from its parents, and which controls its physical development,
behaviour, etc
The illness is believed to be caused by a defective gene.
genealogy noun
1. [ U ] (the study of) the history of the past and present members of a family
I became interested in the genealogy of my family.
2. [ C ] a drawing showing the history of a family with all past and present
members joined together by lines
genealogical adjective
genealogically adverb
genealogist noun [ C ]
someone who studies genealogy
ˈ gene amplifi ˌ cation noun [ U ]
a scientific method which uses a very small amount of genetic material to produce
enough of it to study
ˈ gene ˌ pool noun [ C ]
all the genes of a particular group of people or animals
genera
PLURAL OF genus
genera
PLURAL OF genus
general adjective COMMON
1. involving or relating to most or all people, things or places, especially when
these are considered as a unit
The general feeling at the meeting was that a vote should be taken.
There is general concern about rising crime rates.
My general impression of the place was good.
The talk is intended to be of general interest (= of interest to most people) .
UK FORMAL Rain will become more general in the south-east during the afternoon.
2. in general
a. ( ALSO as a general rule ) usually, or in most situations
In general, men are taller than women.
As a general rule, we don't allow children in the bar.
b. considering the whole of someone or something, and not just a particular part
of them
So, apart from the bad ankle, how are you in general?
3. be in the general interest FORMAL
to be a good thing for the public
The government will only say it is not in the general interest to reveal any more
information.
general adjective NOT DETAILED
4. not detailed, but including the most basic or necessary information
What he said was very general.
The school aims to give children a general background in a variety of subjects.
I'm not an expert, so I can only speak in general terms on this matter.
5. the general
things considered as a unit and without giving attention to details
His book moves from the general to the particular.
general adjective NOT LIMITED
6. including a lot of things or subjects and not limited to only one or a few
general knowledge
7. used as part of the title of a job of someone who is in charge of a whole
organization or company
the general manager
the General Secretary of the UN
general noun [ C ]
a very high-ranking officer, especially in the army
ˌ general anaes ˈ thetic noun [ C or U ]
a drug which is used to make you unconscious when you have an operation, so
that you do not feel any pain
ˌ general anaes ˈ thetic noun [ C or U ]
a drug which is used to make you unconscious when you have an operation, so
that you do not feel any pain
ˌ general de ˈ livery noun [ U ]
US FOR poste restante
ˌ general e ˈ lection noun [ C ]
an election in which all the voters in a country elect the government
ˌ general ˈ hospital noun [ C ]
a large hospital which deals with all types of ill people
generalissimo noun [ C ]
a leader of the armed forces, especially one who is also the ruler of the country
generalist adjective , noun [ C ] FORMAL
(someone who is) not specialized
Children of this age need specialist rather than generalist teachers.
generality noun [ C usually plural U ] NO DETAILS
1. when what someone says contains no details, and often very little meaning, or
a comment of this type
We need to get away from generalities and focus on the issues.
generality noun [ C usually plural U ] MOST
2. the generality
[ S ] FORMAL most
For the generality of young people, university is not an option.
generalization , UK USUALLY generalisation noun [ C or U ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
a written or spoken comment in which you say or write something very basic,
based on limited facts, that is partly or sometimes true, but not always, or when
someone generalizes by using such statements
The report is full of errors and sweeping (= extreme) generalizations.
Generalization can be dangerous.
generalize , UK USUALLY generalise verb [ I ]
to say or write something very basic, based on limited facts, that is partly or
sometimes true, but not always
You can't generalize about a continent as varied as Europe.
generalized , UK USUALLY generalised adjective
involving a lot of people, places or things
He spoke of generalized corruption in the government.
Isolated showers will give way to more generalized rain later in the day.
Opposite localized
ˌ general ˈ knowledge noun [ U ]
information on many different subjects that you collect gradually, from reading,
television, etc., rather than detailed information on subjects that you have studied
formally
generally adverb
1. considering the whole of someone or something, and not just a particular part
of them
Your health is generally good, but you do have a few minor problems.
He wants more money to be given to the arts generally.
I shall now develop my previous point more generally (= to say more about what
it includes) .
2. usually, or in most situations
The baby generally wakes up three times during the night.
Well, generally speaking (= in most situations) , it's quicker on public transport.
3. by most people, or to most people
It was generally believed at the time that both men were guilty.
The proposal has received a generally favourable reaction.
ˌ general ˈ practice noun [ C or U ] UK
the work of a GP (= doctor) who treats the people who live in the local area and
treats injuries and diseases that do not need a hospital visit
general practitioner noun [ C ]
the ˌ general ˈ public noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
ordinary people, especially all the people who are not members of a particular
organization or who do not have any special type of knowledge
This is a matter of great concern to the general public.
ˌ general ˈ staff noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
the group of army officers who work for and give advice to a commanding officer
generalized , UK USUALLY generalised adjective
involving a lot of people, places or things
He spoke of generalized corruption in the government.
Isolated showers will give way to more generalized rain later in the day.
Opposite localized
ˌ general ˈ knowledge noun [ U ]
information on many different subjects that you collect gradually, from reading,
television, etc., rather than detailed information on subjects that you have studied
formally
generally adverb
1. considering the whole of someone or something, and not just a particular part
of them
Your health is generally good, but you do have a few minor problems.
He wants more money to be given to the arts generally.
I shall now develop my previous point more generally (= to say more about what
it includes) .
2. usually, or in most situations
The baby generally wakes up three times during the night.
Well, generally speaking (= in most situations) , it's quicker on public transport.
3. by most people, or to most people
It was generally believed at the time that both men were guilty.
The proposal has received a generally favourable reaction.
ˌ general ˈ practice noun [ C or U ] UK
the work of a GP (= doctor) who treats the people who live in the local area and
treats injuries and diseases that do not need a hospital visit
general practitioner noun [ C ]
the ˌ general ˈ public noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
ordinary people, especially all the people who are not members of a particular
organization or who do not have any special type of knowledge
This is a matter of great concern to the general public.
ˌ general ˈ staff noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
the group of army officers who work for and give advice to a commanding officer
ˌ general ˈ store noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO general stores )
a shop which sells food and a wide range of products, often the only shop in a
village
ˌ general ˈ strike noun [ C ]
a strike in which most people in a country refuse to work until they are given
higher pay or something else that they want
generate verb [ T ] CREATE
1. to cause something to exist
Her latest film has generated a lot of interest/excitement .
The new development will generate 1500 new jobs.
These measures will increase the club's ability to generate revenue/income .
generate verb [ T ] MAKE ENERGY
2. to produce energy in a particular form
The wind farm may be able to generate enough electricity/power for 2000
homes.
generation noun AGE GROUP
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] all the people of about the same age within a
society or within a particular family
The younger generation smoke/smokes less than their parents did.
There were at least three generations - grandparents, parents and children - at
the wedding.
It's our duty to preserve the planet for future generations.
This painting has been in the family for generations.
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a period of about 23 to 30 years, in which most
human babies become adults and have their own children
A generation ago, home computers were virtually unknown.
3. first/second/third, etc. generation
describes the nationality of someone belonging to the first/second/third, etc.
group of people of the same age in the family to have been born in that country
She's a second generation American (= her parents were American, although their
parents were not) .
generation noun ENERGY
4. [ U ] the production of energy in a particular form
electricity generation from wind and wave power
generation noun PRODUCT
5. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of products or machines which are all at
the same stage of development
a new generation of low-fat margarines
Scientists are working on developing the next generation of supercomputers.
generation noun AGE GROUP
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] all the people of about the same age within a
society or within a particular family
The younger generation smoke/smokes less than their parents did.
There were at least three generations - grandparents, parents and children - at
the wedding.
It's our duty to preserve the planet for future generations.
This painting has been in the family for generations.
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a period of about 23 to 30 years, in which most
human babies become adults and have their own children
A generation ago, home computers were virtually unknown.
3. first/second/third, etc. generation
describes the nationality of someone belonging to the first/second/third, etc.
group of people of the same age in the family to have been born in that country
She's a second generation American (= her parents were American, although their
parents were not) .
generation noun ENERGY
4. [ U ] the production of energy in a particular form
electricity generation from wind and wave power
generation noun PRODUCT
5. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of products or machines which are all at
the same stage of development
a new generation of low-fat margarines
Scientists are working on developing the next generation of supercomputers.
the gene ˈ ration ˌ gap noun [ S ]
when older and younger people do not understand each other because of their
different experiences, opinions, habits and behaviour
She's a young politician who manages to bridge/cross (= understand both
groups in) the generation gap.
generative adjective SPECIALIZED
able to produce or create something
the generative power of the mind
generator noun [ C ]
a machine which produces something, especially electricity
generic adjective
1. FORMAL shared by, typical of or relating to a whole group of similar things,
rather than to any particular thing
The new range of engines all had a generic problem with their fan blades.
2. MAINLY US describes a product that is not printed with the name of the company
that produced it
a generic drug
ge ˌ neric ˈ brand noun [ C ]
MAINLY AUSTRALIAN own brand
generosity noun [ U ]
the quality or condition of being generous
Her friends take advantage of (= benefit unfairly from) her generosity.
generous adjective CHARACTER
1. willing to give money, help, kindness, etc., especially more than is usual or
expected
a very generous man
[ + to infinitive ] It was most generous of you to lend me the money.
She's been very generous with her time.
There's a generous (= kinder than deserved) review of the book in today's
newspaper.
generous adjective SIZE
2. larger than usual or expected
a generous slice of cake
a generous pay increase
generously adverb
Please give generously to Children in Need.
The jacket is very generously cut.
genesis noun [ S ] FORMAL
the origin of something, when it is begun or starts to exist
In her autobiography, she describes the song's genesis late one night in a Dublin
bar.
research into the genesis of cancer
Genesis noun [ S ]
the first book of the Bible, which describes how God made the world
ˈ gene ˌ therapy noun [ U ]
the science of changing genes in order to stop or prevent a disease
genetic adjective
belonging or relating to genes (= parts of the DNA in cells) received by each
animal or plant from its parents
a genetic defect/disease
genetically adverb
ge ˌ netically ˈ modified adjective ( ALSO genetically engineered )
describes a plant or animal that has had some of its genes changed scientifically
genetically modified food/crops
ge ˌ netic ˈ code noun [ C ]
the arrangement of genes which controls the development of characteristics and
qualities in a living thing
ge ˌ netic engin ˈ eering noun [ U ]
(the science of) changing the structure of the genes of a living thing in order to
make it healthier or stronger or more useful to humans
ge ˌ netic ˈ fingerprinting noun [ U ]
the process of recording and/or examining a person's pattern of genes , which is
different from that of anyone else, often to prove that they did or did not commit a
crime
geneticist noun [ C ]
a person whose job is studying genetics
ge ˌ netic modifi ˈ cation noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
(the science of) changing the structure of the genes of a living thing in order to
make it healthier or stronger or more useful to humans; genetic engineering
genetics noun [ U ]
the study of how, in all living things, the characteristics and qualities of parents
are given to their children by their genes
genetics noun [ U ]
the study of how, in all living things, the characteristics and qualities of parents
are given to their children by their genes
the Geneva Convention noun [ S ]
an agreement accepted by most countries of the world which establishes
standards for the reasonable treatment of soldiers, and other people involved, in
periods of war
genial adjective
friendly and pleasant
The headteacher is very genial/has a genial manner.
geniality noun [ U ]
His geniality, reliability and ability made him a popular figure.
genially adverb
genie noun [ C ]
a magical spirit, originally in Arab traditional stories, who does or provides
whatever the person who controls it asks
let the genie out of the bottle
to allow something bad or unwanted to happen which cannot then be stopped
The party leadership contest has let the genie of change out of the bottle.
genitals plural noun ( ALSO genitalia ) SPECIALIZED
the outer sexual organs, especially the penis or vulva
genital adjective
the genital area/organs
genitive noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the form of a noun, pronoun, etc. in the grammar of some languages, which
shows that the noun, pronoun, etc. has or owns something
genitive adjective
the genitive form of a noun
genito-urinary adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
to do with (diseases of) the sexual organs and those parts of the body which pass
urine out of the body
Research in the field of genito-urinary medicine has led to significant health
advances in the last decade.
genito-urinary adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
to do with (diseases of) the sexual organs and those parts of the body which pass
urine out of the body
Research in the field of genito-urinary medicine has led to significant health
advances in the last decade.
genius noun [ C or U ]
1. very great and rare natural ability or skill, especially in a particular area such
as science or art, or a person who has this
(an) artistic/creative/musical genius
Einstein was a (mathematical) genius.
From the age of three, she showed signs of genius.
It was such a brilliant idea - a real stroke of genius.
2. evil genius
LITERARY a person who has a strong bad influence over other people
The film was about an evil genius who wanted to control the world.
3. have a genius for sth
to be especially skilled at a particular activity
She has a genius for raising money.
genocide noun [ U ]
the murder of a whole group of people, especially a whole nation, race or religious
group
victims of genocide
genocidal , adjective
a genocidal war/regime
genome noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the complete set of genetic material of a human, animal, plant or other living
thing
genotype noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the particular type and arrangement of genes that each organism has
Compare phenotype
genre , noun [ C ] FORMAL
a style, especially in the arts, that involves a particular set of characteristics
What genre does the book fall into - comedy or tragedy?
a literary/musical/film genre
genre , adjective
produced according to a particular model or style
a genre movie
genre fiction
gent noun
1. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED a gentleman (= polite man who behaves well towards other
people, especially women)
2. the gents UK
[ S + singular or plural verb ] a public toilet for men
gent noun
1. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED a gentleman (= polite man who behaves well towards other
people, especially women)
2. the gents UK
[ S + singular or plural verb ] a public toilet for men
genteel adjective
1. having or typical of a high social class
a genteel old lady
The mansion had an atmosphere of genteel elegance and decay.
2. being very polite, or trying too hard to seem of a higher social class than you
really are
He took elocution lessons to try to make his accent sound more genteel.
3. calm and gentle
The game seemed to be a more genteel version of American football.
genteelly adverb
She tittered genteelly.
gentile , Gentile noun [ C ]
a person who is not Jewish
The war memorial was dedicated to both Jews and Gentiles.
gentile adjective
gentility noun [ U ]
when someone or something is genteel
an air (= manner) of gentility
gentle adjective
1. calm, kind or soft
a gentle smile
He's very gentle with his kids.
2. not violent, severe or strong
gentle exercise
a gentle breeze
You can actually accomplish a lot more by gentle persuasion .
3. not steep or sudden
The path has a gentle slope/gradient .
gentleness noun [ U ]
the quality of being gentle
gentleman noun [ C ]
1. a polite way of talking to or referring to a man
Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin.
Excuse me, this gentleman has a question for you.
2. APPROVING a man who is polite and behaves well towards other people,
especially women
He was a perfect gentleman.
Not holding a door for a lady? You're no gentleman, are you?
3. APPROVING a man of a high social class
a gentlemen's club
gentleman noun [ C ]
1. a polite way of talking to or referring to a man
Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin.
Excuse me, this gentleman has a question for you.
2. APPROVING a man who is polite and behaves well towards other people,
especially women
He was a perfect gentleman.
Not holding a door for a lady? You're no gentleman, are you?
3. APPROVING a man of a high social class
a gentlemen's club
gentlemanly adjective
typical of a polite gentleman
a gentlemanly manner
gentleman's agreement noun [ C ]
an agreement which is based on trust and is not written down
gentlewoman noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a woman who belongs to a high social class, or who is kind, polite and honest
gently adverb
1. calmly, kindly or softly
He lifted the baby gently out of its cot.
to smile/laugh/blow gently
2. without force or strength
The door closed gently.
3. slightly or gradually
gently rolling hills
Gently does it! UK ( US Easy does it! )
said when telling someone to be slow and careful
gentrify verb [ T often passive ] DISAPPROVING
to change a place from being a poor area to a richer one, by people of a higher
social class moving to live there
The area where I grew up has been all modernized and gentrified, and has lost all
its old character.
gentrification noun [ U ]
when an area is gentrified
the gentry plural noun
people of high social class, especially in the past
a member of the landed gentry (= those who own a lot of land)
genuflect verb [ I ]
to bend one or both knees as a sign of respect to God, especially when entering or
leaving a Catholic church
People were genuflecting in front of the altar.
genuflection noun [ C or U ]
1. when you genuflect
2. when you make respectful signs or remarks
Contemporary Hollywood movies often make subtle genuflections to the great
film-makers of the past.
genuflection noun [ C or U ]
1. when you genuflect
2. when you make respectful signs or remarks
Contemporary Hollywood movies often make subtle genuflections to the great
film-makers of the past.
genuine adjective
1. If something is genuine, it is real and exactly what it appears to be
genuine leather
If it is a genuine Michelangelo drawing, it will sell for millions.
2. If people or emotions are genuine, they are honest and sincere
He's a very genuine person.
Machiko looked at me in genuine surprise - "Are you really going?" she said.
genuinely adverb
really
I'm genuinely sorry for what I said, I really am.
genuineness noun [ U ]
the genuine article INFORMAL
a good and real example of a particular thing
Those cowboy boots sure look like the genuine article.
genus noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a group of animals or plants, more closely related than a family, but less similar
than a species
geo- prefix
of or relating to the Earth
geophysics
geology
geocentric adjective SPECIALIZED
having the Earth as its centre
geographer noun [ C ]
a person who studies geography
geographical adjective ( MAINLY US geographic )
relating to geography, or to the geography of a particular area or place
a geographical region
geographical features
geographically adverb
geographical adjective ( MAINLY US geographic )
relating to geography, or to the geography of a particular area or place
a geographical region
geographical features
geographically adverb
geography noun [ U ]
1. the study of the systems and processes involved in the world's weather,
mountains, seas, lakes, etc. and of the ways in which countries and people organize life
within an area
See also physical geography
2. the geography of somewhere
the way all the parts of an area are arranged within it
the geography of Australia
It's impossible to work out the geography of this hospital.
geolocation noun [ U ]
technology that shows the place where someone is when they are using the
Internet
geological adjective
relating to geology, or to the geology of a particular area or place
a geological survey/map
the complex geological structure of the region
geologically adverb
geologist noun [ C ]
a person who studies geology
geology noun [ U ]
1. the study of the rocks and similar substances that make up the Earth's surface
a geology course/teacher
2. the geology of somewhere
the particular rocks and similar substances that form an area of the Earth, and
their arrangement
geometric adjective ( ALSO geometrical )
describes a pattern or arrangement that is made up of shapes such as squares,
triangles or rectangles
a geometric design of overlapping circles
geometrically adverb
geometrically patterned
geo ˌ metric(al) pro ˈ gression noun [ C ]
an ordered set of numbers, where each number in turn is multiplied by a fixed
amount to produce the next
geo ˌ metric(al) pro ˈ gression noun [ C ]
an ordered set of numbers, where each number in turn is multiplied by a fixed
amount to produce the next
geometry noun [ U ]
1. the area of mathematics relating to the study of space and the relationships
between points, lines, curves and surfaces
the laws of geometry
a geometry lesson
2. the geometry of sth
the way the parts of a particular object fit together
the geometry of a DNA molecule
geophysicist noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a person who studies geophysics
geophysics noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the study of the rocks and other substances that make up the Earth and the
physical processes happening on, in and above the Earth
geophysical adjective
geophysical and geological phenomena
geopolitics noun [ U ]
1. the study of the way a country's size, position, etc. influence its power and its
relationships with other countries
2. political activity as influenced by the physical features of a country or area of
the world
These developments are having a major impact on the geopolitics of the region.
geopolitical adjective
Geordie noun
1. [ C ] someone who comes from Tyneside in Northeast England
2. [ U ] the type of English spoken by someone from Tyneside
a Geordie accent
georgette noun [ U ]
a very thin silk or polyester cloth, used for making clothes
Georgia noun [ U ]
Georgia noun [ U ]
Georgian adjective
belonging to the period when Kings George I, II and III ruled Britain, especially
from 1714 to 1811
Georgian furniture/architecture
Georgian adjective , noun [ C ]
geostationary orbit noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an orbit (= path travelled around an object in space) in which a satellite always
remains over the same place on the Earth's surface because it moves at the same speed
as the Earth turns
geothermal adjective SPECIALIZED
of or connected with the heat inside the Earth
a geothermal power station
geranium noun [ C ]
geranium
a plant with red, pink or white flowers, often grown in containers and gardens
gerbil noun [ C ]
gerbil
a small animal similar to a mouse with long back legs that is often kept as a pet
geriatric adjective
1. for or relating to old people, especially those who are ill
a geriatric hospital/ward/nurse
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING old and weak
Who's going to elect a geriatric President?
geriatric noun [ C ]
1. an old person who needs medical care
a clinic for the care of geriatrics
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING someone who is old and weak
They were a bunch of hopeless geriatrics.
geriatric adjective
1. for or relating to old people, especially those who are ill
a geriatric hospital/ward/nurse
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING old and weak
Who's going to elect a geriatric President?
geriatric noun [ C ]
1. an old person who needs medical care
a clinic for the care of geriatrics
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING someone who is old and weak
They were a bunch of hopeless geriatrics.
geriatrician noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of old people who are ill
geriatrics noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the care and treatment of old people who are ill
germ noun ORGANISM
1. [ C usually plural ] a very small organism that causes disease
Wash your hands so you don't get germs on the food.
Rats and flies spread germs.
germ noun AMOUNT
2. germ of sth
[ S ] a small amount, usually one which develops into something large or
important
He found the germ of an idea in an old newspaper.
German noun
1. [ U ] the language of Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland
See table of Geographical names.
2. [ C ] a person from Germany
We have a group of Germans staying at the hotel.
German adjective
of or relating to Germany
germane adjective FORMAL
describes ideas or information connected with and important to a particular
subject or situation
Her remarks could not have been more germane to the discussion.
Germanic adjective
1. typical of German people or things
Germanic efficiency
2. SPECIALIZED belonging or relating to the group of languages that includes
German, English and Dutch
a Germanic language
germanium noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
an element which has unusual electrical characteristics that allow it to be used in
semiconductors
germanium noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
an element which has unusual electrical characteristics that allow it to be used in
semiconductors
ˌ German ˈ measles noun [ U ] ( SPECIALIZED rubella )
an infectious disease which causes red spots on your skin, a cough and a sore
throat
ˌ German ˈ shepherd noun [ C ]
MAINLY US FOR Alsatian
Germany noun [ U ]
ˈ germ ˌ cell noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a gamete
germicide noun [ C or U ]
a substance that kills germs
germicidal adjective
germinate verb SEED
1. [ I or T ] SPECIALIZED to (cause a seed to) start growing
The beans will only germinate if the temperature is warm enough.
germinate verb IDEA
2. [ I ] to start developing
I felt an idea germinating in my head/mind.
germination noun [ U ]
ˌ germ ˈ warfare noun [ U ] ( ALSO biological warfare )
the use of germs (= extremely small organisms) during periods of war to cause
disease among enemy soldiers or among crops in enemy countries
gerontologist noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a person who studies old age
gerontology noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the study of old age and of the problems and diseases of old people
gerontological adjective
a centre for gerontological research
gerrymandering noun [ U ]
when someone in authority changes the borders of an area in order to increase
the number of people within that area who will vote for a particular party or person
The boundary changes were denounced as blatant gerrymandering.
gerrymander verb [ I or T ]
gerund noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a word that ends in '-ing' which is made from a verb, and which is used like a
noun
In the sentence 'Everyone enjoyed Tyler's singing', the word 'singing' is a gerund.
gestalt noun [ C usually singular ] SPECIALIZED
something such as a structure or experience which, when considered as a whole,
has qualities that are more than the total of all its parts
This new biography is the first to consider fully the writer's gestalt.
gestalt adjective [ before noun ]
considering or treating what a person experiences and believes as a whole and
separate thing
In gestalt psychology and gestalt psychotherapy , people's thoughts and
emotions are seen as complex wholes.
the Gestapo noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
the secret police of the Nazi period in Germany 1933-45, who used cruel and evil
methods and were involved in the killing of a very large number of people
gestation noun [ U ] BABY
1. SPECIALIZED (the period of) the development of a child or young animal while it
is still inside its mother's body
The baby was born prematurely at 28 weeks gestation.
The period of gestation of rats is 21 days.
gestation noun [ U ] IDEA
2. (the period of) the development of ideas, thoughts or plans
The scheme had a very long gestation period .
gestate verb [ I ]
gerontology noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the study of old age and of the problems and diseases of old people
gerontological adjective
a centre for gerontological research
gerrymandering noun [ U ]
when someone in authority changes the borders of an area in order to increase
the number of people within that area who will vote for a particular party or person
The boundary changes were denounced as blatant gerrymandering.
gerrymander verb [ I or T ]
gerund noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a word that ends in '-ing' which is made from a verb, and which is used like a
noun
In the sentence 'Everyone enjoyed Tyler's singing', the word 'singing' is a gerund.
gestalt noun [ C usually singular ] SPECIALIZED
something such as a structure or experience which, when considered as a whole,
has qualities that are more than the total of all its parts
This new biography is the first to consider fully the writer's gestalt.
gestalt adjective [ before noun ]
considering or treating what a person experiences and believes as a whole and
separate thing
In gestalt psychology and gestalt psychotherapy , people's thoughts and
emotions are seen as complex wholes.
the Gestapo noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
the secret police of the Nazi period in Germany 1933-45, who used cruel and evil
methods and were involved in the killing of a very large number of people
gestation noun [ U ] BABY
1. SPECIALIZED (the period of) the development of a child or young animal while it
is still inside its mother's body
The baby was born prematurely at 28 weeks gestation.
The period of gestation of rats is 21 days.
gestation noun [ U ] IDEA
2. (the period of) the development of ideas, thoughts or plans
The scheme had a very long gestation period .
gestate verb [ I ]
gesticulate verb [ I ] FORMAL
to make movements with your hands or arms, to express something or to
emphasize what you are saying
There was a man outside the window gesticulating wildly .
gesticulation noun [ C or U ]
gesture noun [ C ] MOVEMENT
1. a movement of the hands, arms or head, etc. to express an idea or feeling
The prisoner raised his fist in a gesture of defiance as he was led out of the
courtroom.
She made a rude gesture at the other driver.
gesture noun [ C ] SYMBOLIC ACT
2. an action that you take which expresses your feelings or intentions, although it
might have little practical effect
The Government donated £500 000 as a gesture of goodwill.
Not having butter on his potatoes was his only gesture towards healthy eating.
gesture verb [ I ]
to use a gesture to express or emphasize something
When he asked where the children were, she gestured vaguely in the direction of
the beach.
He made no answer but walked on, gesturing for me to follow.
ˈ gesture ˌ politics noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
any action by a person or organization done for political reasons and intended to
attract public attention but having little real effect
The call for a one-day national strike was dismissed as gesture politics.
ˈ gesture ˌ politics noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
any action by a person or organization done for political reasons and intended to
attract public attention but having little real effect
The call for a one-day national strike was dismissed as gesture politics.
gesundheit exclamation MAINLY US
said to someone after they have sneezed
See also bless you!
get verb OBTAIN
1. [ T ] to obtain, buy or earn something
He's gone down to the corner shop to get some milk.
I think she gets about forty thousand pounds a year.
We stopped off on the motorway to get some breakfast.
I managed to get all three suitcases for under $200.
How much did he get for his car (= How much money did he sell it for) ?
Where did you get your radio from ?
2. [ T ] to receive or be given something
I got quite a surprise when I saw her with short hair.
When did you get the news about Sam?
I got a (telephone) call from Phil last night.
What mark did he get in his exam?
I got the impression that they'd rather be alone.
What did you get for your birthday?
We don't get much snow (= It does not often snow) here.
I managed to get a glimpse of him (= see him for a moment) through the crowds.
If you get a moment (= have time available) , could you help me fill in that form?
She gets such pleasure from her garden.
If you can get some time off work, we could finish the decorating.
I can never get her to my self (= be alone with her) because she's always
surrounded by people.
3. [ T ] to go somewhere and bring back someone or something
I must just get the washing in .
[ + two objects ] Can I get you a drink?
4. [ T ] to take someone or something into your possession by force
Have the police got the man who did it yet?
Your cat got a bird this morning!
get verb REACH
5. [ I usually + adverb or preposition T ] to reach or arrive at a particular place
We hadn't even got as far as London when the car broke down.
What time does he normally get home (from work)?
If you get to the restaurant before us, just wait at the bar.
6. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to reach a particular stage, condition or
time
You earn loads if you get to the top in that profession.
It got to Thursday and she still hadn't heard any news.
INFORMAL I'm getting to the stage now where I just want to give up.
7. get far/somewhere/anywhere
to make progress or to improve
She's taking flute lessons, but she really doesn't seem to be getting anywhere
with it.
It's been hard settling in, but I feel I'm getting somewhere at last.
get verb BECOME ILL WITH
8. [ T ] to become ill with a disease, virus, etc
I got food poisoning at that cheap little seafood restaurant.
Kids get all kinds of bugs at school.
get verb START TO BE
9. [ L ] to become or start to be
He gets really upset if you mention his baldness.
Is your cold getting any better?
Your coffee's getting cold.
After a while you get used to all the noise.
You're getting quite a big boy now, aren't you!
[ + to infinitive ] How did you get to be a belly dancer?
10. get going/moving INFORMAL
to start to go or move
We'd better get moving or we'll be late.
get verb CAUSE
11. [ T ] to cause something to happen, or cause someone or something to do
something
[ + adjective ] She had to get the kids ready for school.
[ + past participle ] I'm trying to get this article finish ed for Thursday.
We get our milk deliver ed .
[ + -ing verb ] Haven't you got the photocopier work ing yet?
[ + to infinitive ] I can't get my computer to work!
12. [ T + object + to infinitive ] to persuade someone to do something
Why don't you get Nicole to come to the party?
13. [ T + past participle ] to do something to something or someone without
intending to or by accident
He got his bag caught in the train doors as they were closing.
I always get the two youngest sisters' names confus ed .
get verb BE
14. [ L + past participle ] sometimes used instead of 'be' to form the passive
I got shout ed at by some idiot for walking past his house.
They're getting marri ed later this year.
This window seems to have got broken.
get verb MOVE
15. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move to a different place or into a
different position
I hit my head as I was getting into the car.
Get out of here now or I'll call the police.
The bed is too wide - we'll never get it through the door.
Getting up the ladder was easy enough - it was coming down that was the
problem.
He got down on his knees and asked me to marry him!
get verb TRAVEL
16. [ T ] to travel somewhere in a train, bus or other vehicle
Shall we get a taxi to the station?
get verb DEAL WITH
17. [ T ] to deal with or answer a ringing telephone, knock on the door, etc
Hey, Ty, someone's at the door - would you get it, please?
get verb HAVE CHANCE
18. [ I + to infinitive ] to have the chance to do something
I never get to see her now that she's left the company.
get verb UNDERSTAND/HEAR
19. [ T ] to understand or hear something
I didn't get what he said because the music was so loud.
I told that joke to Sophia, but she didn't get it.
get verb PREPARE
20. [ T ] to prepare a meal
I'll put the kids to bed while you're getting the dinner.
get verb PAY
21. [ I or T ] to pay for something
Put your money away - I'll get these drinks.
get verb CONFUSE
22. [ T ] INFORMAL to confuse someone and make them completely unable to
understand or explain
Give him a technical question - that'll really get him!
23. You've got me there! INFORMAL
something that you say when you do not know the answer to a question
'How many miles is five kilometres?' 'You've got me there.'
get verb ANNOY
24. [ T ] INFORMAL to annoy someone
It really gets me the way we're expected to actually laugh at his pathetic jokes!
get verb EMOTION
25. [ T ] INFORMAL to make someone feel strongly emotional and often to cry
That bit in the film when he finds out that his daughter is alive - that always gets
me!
get verb HIT
26. [ T ] to hit someone, especially with a bullet or something thrown
The bullet got her in the leg.
Get him/her/you etc. !
INFORMAL said to make the person you are with look at or notice someone, and
usually laugh at them
Get him in his new clothes!
get it on SLANG
to have sex
Did you get it on with him?
get it together INFORMAL
to make a decision or take positive action in your life
Brian has really got it together since I last saw him - he has started a teaching
course and lost a lot of weight.
get about phrasal verb UK ( US get around ) TRAVEL
1. to travel to a lot of places
Spain last week and Germany this week - he gets about, doesn't he!
get about phrasal verb UK ( US get around ) MOVE
2. to be able to go to different places without difficulty, especially if you are old or
ill
My gran is finding it harder to get about these days.
get sth across phrasal verb [ M ]
to manage to make someone understand or believe something
We tried to get our point across, but he just wouldn't listen.
This is the message that we want to get across to the public.
get ahead phrasal verb
to be successful in the work that you do
It's tough for a woman to get ahead in politics.
get along phrasal verb MAINLY US ( MAINLY UK get on ) BE FRIENDLY
1. If two or more people get along, they like each other and are friendly to each
other
I don't really get along with my sister's husband.
get along phrasal verb MAINLY US ( MAINLY UK get on ) DEAL WITH
2. to deal with a situation, usually successfully
I wonder how Michael is getting along in his new job?
get around phrasal verb
MAINLY US FOR get round
News of Helen's pregnancy soon got around the office.
get at sb phrasal verb INFORMAL CRITICIZE
1. UK ( US USUALLY get on sb ) to criticize a person repeatedly in a way that makes
them unhappy
He keeps getting at me and I really don't know what I've done wrong.
get at sb phrasal verb INFORMAL INFLUENCE
2. to influence a person illegally, usually by offering them money or threatening
them
The accused claimed that the witness had been got at.
get at sth phrasal verb REACH
1. to reach or obtain something, especially something that is difficult to get
I've put the cake on a high shelf where he can't get at it.
get at sth phrasal verb SUGGEST
2. INFORMAL When someone is getting at something, they mean it or are trying to
express it
I'm not sure what you're getting at - don't you think I should come tonight?
What do you think the poet is getting at in these lines?
get away phrasal verb
1. to leave or escape from a person or place, often when it is difficult to do this
We walked to the next beach to get away from the crowds.
I'll get away from work as soon as I can.
2. to go somewhere to have a holiday, often because you need to rest
I just need to get away for a few days.
We've decided to go to Scotland to get away from it all .
Get away (with you)! OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
said when you do not believe or agree with what someone is saying
"Ralph painted that, you know." "Get away!"
get away with sth phrasal verb AVOID PUNISHMENT
1. to succeed in avoiding punishment for something
If I thought I could get away with it, I wouldn't pay any tax at all.
get away with sth phrasal verb SUCCEED
2. to do something successfully although it is not the best way of doing it
Do you think we could get away with just one coat of paint on that wall?
get away with murder INFORMAL
to be allowed to do things that other people would be punished or criticised for
He's so charming that he really does get away with murder.
get back phrasal verb
to return to a place after you have been somewhere else
If you get back in time, you can come with us.
When we got back to the hotel, Ann had already left.
get sb back phrasal verb ( ALSO get back at sb ) INFORMAL
to do something unpleasant to someone because they have done something
unpleasant to you
I'll get you back for this, just you wait!
I think he's trying to get back at her for those remarks she made in the meeting.
get sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to be given something again that you had before
He went next door to get his ball back.
Don't lend him money, you'll never get it back.
get back to sb phrasal verb
to talk to someone again, usually on the telephone, in order to give them some
information or because you were not able to speak to them before
I'll get back to you later with those figures.
get back to sth phrasal verb
to start doing or talking about something again
Anyway, I'd better get back to work.
get behind phrasal verb
to fail to do as much work or pay as much money as you should by a particular
time
She got behind with her mortgage and the house was repossessed.
get by phrasal verb
to be able to live or deal with a situation with difficulty, usually by having just
enough of something you need, such as money
How can he get by on so little money?
We can get by with four computers at the moment, but we'll need a couple more
when the new staff arrive.
get sb down phrasal verb
If something gets you down, it makes you feel unhappy or depressed
The chaos in his house was starting to get him down.
I know it's frustrating, but don't let it get you down.
get sth down phrasal verb [ M ]
to write something, especially something that someone has said
I didn't manage to get down that last bit she said, about the meeting.
get sth down (sb) phrasal verb [ M ]
to succeed in swallowing something although it is difficult
Her throat was so swollen that she couldn't get the tablets down.
INFORMAL HUMOROUS Your dinner is on the table and you've got ten minutes to get it
down (you).
get down to sth phrasal verb
to start to direct your efforts and attention towards something
I've got a lot of work to do, but I can't seem to get down to it .
[ + -ing verb ] I must get down to book ing our holiday.
get in phrasal verb ENTER
1. to succeed in entering a place, especially by using force or a trick
They must have got in through the bathroom window.
get in phrasal verb ARRIVE
2. to arrive at your home or the place where you work
What time did you get in last night?
3. If a train or other vehicle gets in at a particular time, that is when it arrives
What time is the plane expected to get in?
Get in there! INFORMAL
something you say when something good happens to someone
get in/get into sth phrasal verb
to succeed in being chosen or elected
He wanted to go to Oxford, but he didn't get in.
The Republicans are bound to get in at the next elections.
get sth in phrasal verb [ M ] SEND
1. to send something so that it arrives by a particular time
I have to get my application in by Thursday.
get sth in phrasal verb [ M ] SAY
2. to succeed in saying something, although it is difficult to do this because other
people are talking too
He couldn't get a word in because she was talking so much.
I'll try to get my suggestion in at the start of the meeting.
get sth in phrasal verb [ M ] FIND TIME
3. INFORMAL to manage to find time to do something or deal with someone
I get in a bit of gardening most evenings.
get sth in phrasal verb [ M ] BUY
4. UK INFORMAL to buy a supply of something, usually food or drink, so that you will
have enough of what you need
We'll have to get some food in for the weekend if we're having visitors.
get sb in phrasal verb
to ask a trained person to come to your home to do some paid work
We'll have to get a plumber in to look at that water tank.
get in on sth phrasal verb
to start to take part in an activity that is already happening because you will win
an advantage from it
A Japanese company tried to get in on the deal.
get into sb phrasal verb
If you do not know what has got into someone, you do not understand why they
are behaving strangely
I can't think what's got into him. He doesn't usually make such a fuss.
get into sth phrasal verb
to become interested in an activity or subject, or start being involved in an
activity
She's been getting into yoga recently - she does three classes a week.
get (sb) into sth phrasal verb
to (cause someone to) become involved in a difficult situation, often without
intending to
After he lost his job, he got into debt.
Are you trying to get me into trouble?
get off phrasal verb
1. to leave a place, usually in order to start a journey
If we can get off by seven o'clock, the roads will be clearer.
2. INFORMAL to leave work with permission, usually at the end of the day
How early can you get off this afternoon?
get off (sth) phrasal verb
get off (sth)
to leave a train, bus or aircraft
Get off at Camden Town.
I tripped as I got off the bus.
get sth off phrasal verb
to send a letter or parcel to someone
I got that letter off this morning.
get (sb) off phrasal verb SLEEP
1. to start sleeping, or to help a baby to start sleeping
It was so hot that I didn't get off (to sleep) till three o'clock.
I've been trying to get the baby off (to sleep) for an hour!
get (sb) off phrasal verb PLEASURE
2. MAINLY US SLANG to have or give someone an orgasm
They got off at the same time.
get (sb) off (sth) phrasal verb
1. to avoid punishment, or to help another person to avoid punishment for
something
She was charged with fraud, but her lawyer managed to get her off.
"Was he found guilty?" "No, he got off."
She got off with (= her only punishment was) a small fine.
2. get off lightly
to experience less serious punishment, injury or harm than you might have
expected
I think I got off quite lightly with one or two cuts, bearing in mind how damaged
the car was.
get sth off (sth) phrasal verb INFORMAL
to remove a part of your body from a particular place
Get your dirty feet off the settee!
Get your hands off me!
get off on sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to find something exciting, especially in a sexual way
Dave likes power - he gets off on it.
get off with sb phrasal verb UK SLANG
to begin a sexual relationship with someone
She'd got off with some bloke at the party.
get on phrasal verb RELATIONSHIP
1. MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US get along ) to have a good relationship
We're getting on much better now that we don't live together.
He doesn't get on with his daughter.
get on phrasal verb MANAGE
2. MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US get along ) to manage or deal with a situation, especially
successfully
How are you getting on in your new flat?
We're getting on quite well with the decorating.
get on phrasal verb CONTINUE
3. to continue doing something, especially work
I suppose I could get on with the ironing while I'm waiting.
I'll leave you to get on then, shall I?
get on phrasal verb OLD
4. be getting on INFORMAL
to be getting old
He's getting on ( a bit ) - he'll be seventy-six next birthday.
get on phrasal verb LATE
5. be getting on
INFORMAL If you say it's getting on, or time is getting on, you mean it is becoming
late
It's getting on - we'd better be going.
get on phrasal verb
6. getting on for UK ( US going on )
almost
He must be getting on for 80 now.
It was getting on for midnight.
get on (sth) phrasal verb
get on (sth)
to go onto a bus, train, aircraft or boat
I think we got on the wrong bus.
get on to/onto sth phrasal verb SUBJECT
1. to start talking about a different subject
How did we get on to (the subject of) your grandmother's cat?
get on to/onto sth phrasal verb PERSON
2. UK to speak or write to a person or organization because you want them to
help you in some way
Did you remember to get on to the plumber about the shower?
get out phrasal verb LEAVE
1. to leave a closed vehicle, building, etc
I'll get out when you stop at the traffic lights.
get out phrasal verb VISIT PLACES
2. to go out to different places and socialize
We don't get out much since we had the children.
get out phrasal verb BECOME KNOWN
3. If news or information gets out, people hear about it although someone is
trying to keep it secret
I don't want it to get out that I'm leaving before I've had a chance to tell Anthony.
You should get out more. HUMOROUS
used to tell someone that they are spending too much time doing things which are
boring or not important
"I've ordered all my CD's alphabetically." "Mmm, I think you should get out more,
Mike."
get (sb/sth) out phrasal verb
to (help someone or something to) escape from or leave a place
I left the door open and the cat got out.
A team of commandoes got the hostages out from the rebel base.
get out of sth phrasal verb AVOID
1. to avoid doing something that you do not want to do, especially by giving an
excuse
I reckon her backache was just a way of getting out of the housework.
[ + -ing verb ] If I can get out of go ing to the meeting tonight I will.
get out of sth phrasal verb STOP
2. to give up or stop a habit or a regular activity
I must get out of the habit of finishing off people's sentences for them.
If you get out of a routine, it's very hard to get back into it.
get sth out of sth phrasal verb
to enjoy something or think something is useful
It was a really boring course and I don't think I got much out of it.
get sth out of sb phrasal verb
to persuade or force someone to tell or give you something
He was determined to get the truth out of her.
get over sth/sb phrasal verb
to get better after an illness, or feel better after something or someone has made
you unhappy
She was only just getting over the flu when she got a stomach bug.
It took him years to get over the shock of his wife dying.
It took her months to get over Rupert when he finished the relationship.
Get over yourself! INFORMAL
something you say to tell someone to stop thinking that they are more important
than other people, especially when they are complaining about something
not get over sth
When you say that you can't get over something, you mean that you are very
surprised by it
I can't get over the way he behaved at your party - it was appalling!
get sth over with phrasal verb
to do or finish an unpleasant but necessary piece of work or duty so that you do
not have to worry about it in the future
I'll be glad to get these exams over with.
get round (somewhere) phrasal verb UK ( US get around (somewhere) )
If news or information gets round, a lot of people hear about it
News of her pregnancy soon got round (the office).
get round sb phrasal verb UK
to persuade someone to allow you something by using your charm
[ + to infinitive ] See if you can get round your father to give you a lift to the
cinema.
get round sth phrasal verb UK ( US get around sth )
to succeed in avoiding or solving a problem
We can get round the problem of space by building an extension.
get round to sth phrasal verb UK
to do something that you have intended to do for a long time
I still haven't got round to fixing that tap.
get through phrasal verb
to succeed in talking to someone on the telephone
I tried to phone her but couldn't get through.
I got through to the wrong department.
get through sth phrasal verb EXAMINATION
1. to succeed in an examination or competition
She got through her exams without too much trouble.
get through sth phrasal verb FINISH
2. to use up or finish something
We're getting through a lot of coffee/toilet paper.
I can get through a lot more work when I'm on my own.
get (sb) through sth phrasal verb
to deal with a difficult or unpleasant experience, or to help someone do this
I don't know how I got through the first couple of months after Andy's death.
We need to conserve our supplies so we can get through the winter.
get ( sth ) through (to sb ) phrasal verb
to succeed in making someone understand or believe something
[ + question word ] We can't get through to the government just how serious the
problem is!
I don't seem to be able to get through to (= communicate with) him these days.
get to phrasal verb
You ask where people or things have got to when they do not arrive or are not
where you expect them to be and you want to know where they are
I wonder where my glasses have got to.
Where's Annabel got to? She should be here by now.
get to sb phrasal verb INFORMAL SUFFER
1. If something gets to you, it makes you suffer
The heat was beginning to get to me, so I went indoors.
get to sb phrasal verb INFORMAL UPSET
2. If someone gets to you, they make you feel upset or angry
I know he's annoying, but you shouldn't let him get to you.
get together phrasal verb MEET
1. If two or more people get together, they meet each other, having arranged it
before
Shall we get together on Friday and go for a drink or something?
See also get-together
get together phrasal verb START
2. INFORMAL to start a romantic relationship
She got together with Paul two years ago.
They finally get it together right at the end of the film.
get up phrasal verb STAND
1. to stand up
The whole audience got up and started clapping.
get up phrasal verb GROW STRONG
2. UK If the wind gets up, it starts to grow stronger
The wind is getting up.
get (sb) up phrasal verb
get (sb) up
to wake up and get out of bed, or to tell or help someone to do this
I got up at five o'clock this morning!
It's dreadful trying to get the kids up on school days.
get sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to organize a group of people to do something
He's getting up a small group to go carol-singing for charity.
get your courage up
to force yourself to be brave
He couldn't get up the courage to ask her for a date.
get yourself/sb up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to dress yourself or someone else in particular clothing, especially clothing which
is strange and unusual and intended to achieve a particular effect
[ R ] He'd got him self up as a Roman emperor for the fancy-dress party.
get-up noun [ C ] INFORMAL
He was in a sort of Mafia get-up (= set of clothes) , with a pin-striped suit and
wide tie.
get up to sth phrasal verb UK
to do something, often something that other people would disapprove of
She's been getting up to all sorts of mischief lately.
I wonder what those two got up to yesterday?
getaway , noun [ C ] INFORMAL
when someone leaves a place quickly, usually after committing a crime
The two masked men made their getaway in a stolen van.
a getaway car
See also get away
getaway , noun [ C ] INFORMAL
when someone leaves a place quickly, usually after committing a crime
The two masked men made their getaway in a stolen van.
a getaway car
See also get away
get-together noun [ C ]
an informal meeting or social occasion, often arranged for a particular purpose
a family get-together
See also get together
get-up-and-go noun [ U ] INFORMAL
the quality of being positive and having a lot of new ideas, determination and
energy
This job needs someone with a bit of get-up-and-go.
geyser noun [ C ]
geyser
1. a hole in the ground from which hot water and steam are sent out
2. UK especially in the past, a device which uses gas to provide a house with hot
water
Ghana noun [ U ]
Ghanaian noun [ C ] , adjective
ghastly adjective
1. INFORMAL unpleasant and shocking
Today's newspaper gives all the ghastly details of the murder.
2. INFORMAL extremely bad
What ghastly weather !
It was all a ghastly mistake .
I thought her outfit was ghastly.
3. LITERARY describes someone who looks very ill or very shocked, especially with a
very pale face
You look ghastly - are you okay?
ghastliness noun [ U ]
ghee noun [ U ]
a type of clear butter used in South Asian cooking
ghee noun [ U ]
gherkin noun [ C ]
a small type of cucumber (= long thin green vegetable) which is often pickled (=
kept in vinegar)
a pickled gherkin
ghetto noun [ C ]
1. an area of a city, especially a very poor area, where people of a particular race
or religion live closely together and apart from other people
As a child she lived in one of New York's poorest ghettos.
to live in ghetto conditions
2. OLD USE in the past, an area of a city where Jews were made to live
3. a part of society or group that is in some way divided from the main part
Brought up in what he describes as 'a middle class ghetto', he imagined that all
people were as privileged as he was.
ghetto blaster noun [ C ] ( US ALSO boom box ) INFORMAL
a large long tape recorder that can be carried around by hand
ghettoize , UK USUALLY ghettoise verb [ T often passive ]
to treat a particular group in society are as if they are different from the other
parts of society and as if their activities and interests are not important to other people
Feminist writers, she claimed, had been ghettoized, their books placed on
separate shelves in the shops.
The TV company is aware of the danger of ghettoizing disability issues by offering
'specialist' programmes.
ghost noun SPIRIT
1. [ C ] the spirit of a dead person, sometimes represented as a pale, almost
transparent image of that person, which some people believe appears to people who are
alive
Do you believe in ghosts?
The gardens are said to be haunted by the ghost of a child who drowned in the
river.
ghost noun MEMORY
2. [ S ] LITERARY a memory, usually of something or someone bad
The ghost of the old dictator still lingers on.
give up the ghost
1. to die
2. HUMOROUS If a machine gives up the ghost, it stops working
We've had the same TV for over ten years and it's just given up the ghost.
3. to stop trying to do something because you know that you will not succeed
All I'd cherished from early childhood had been denied me, so I simply gave up
the ghost.
look like/as though you've seen a ghost
to look very shocked
Whatever's the matter? You look as though you've just seen a ghost!
not have a/the ghost of a chance INFORMAL
to have no chance at all
They haven't got a ghost of a chance of winn ing .
ghost verb [ T ] ( ALSO ghost-write )
to write a book or article etc. for another person, so that they can pretend it is
their own or use it themselves
His autobiography was ghosted.
ghost-writer noun [ C ]
ghostly adjective
1. pale and transparent
a ghostly figure/apparition
2. not loud or clear
a ghostly voice/echo
ghostliness noun [ U ]
ghee noun [ U ]
gherkin noun [ C ]
a small type of cucumber (= long thin green vegetable) which is often pickled (=
kept in vinegar)
a pickled gherkin
ghetto noun [ C ]
1. an area of a city, especially a very poor area, where people of a particular race
or religion live closely together and apart from other people
As a child she lived in one of New York's poorest ghettos.
to live in ghetto conditions
2. OLD USE in the past, an area of a city where Jews were made to live
3. a part of society or group that is in some way divided from the main part
Brought up in what he describes as 'a middle class ghetto', he imagined that all
people were as privileged as he was.
ghetto blaster noun [ C ] ( US ALSO boom box ) INFORMAL
a large long tape recorder that can be carried around by hand
ghettoize , UK USUALLY ghettoise verb [ T often passive ]
to treat a particular group in society are as if they are different from the other
parts of society and as if their activities and interests are not important to other people
Feminist writers, she claimed, had been ghettoized, their books placed on
separate shelves in the shops.
The TV company is aware of the danger of ghettoizing disability issues by offering
'specialist' programmes.
ghost noun SPIRIT
1. [ C ] the spirit of a dead person, sometimes represented as a pale, almost
transparent image of that person, which some people believe appears to people who are
alive
Do you believe in ghosts?
The gardens are said to be haunted by the ghost of a child who drowned in the
river.
ghost noun MEMORY
2. [ S ] LITERARY a memory, usually of something or someone bad
The ghost of the old dictator still lingers on.
give up the ghost
1. to die
2. HUMOROUS If a machine gives up the ghost, it stops working
We've had the same TV for over ten years and it's just given up the ghost.
3. to stop trying to do something because you know that you will not succeed
All I'd cherished from early childhood had been denied me, so I simply gave up
the ghost.
look like/as though you've seen a ghost
to look very shocked
Whatever's the matter? You look as though you've just seen a ghost!
not have a/the ghost of a chance INFORMAL
to have no chance at all
They haven't got a ghost of a chance of winn ing .
ghost verb [ T ] ( ALSO ghost-write )
to write a book or article etc. for another person, so that they can pretend it is
their own or use it themselves
His autobiography was ghosted.
ghost-writer noun [ C ]
ghostly adjective
1. pale and transparent
a ghostly figure/apparition
2. not loud or clear
a ghostly voice/echo
ghostliness noun [ U ]
ˈ ghost ˌ ship noun [ C ]
an imaginary ship
ˈ ghost ˌ story noun [ C ]
a frightening story about ghosts and their activities
ˈ ghost ˌ town noun [ C ]
a town where few or no people now live
ˈ ghost ˌ train noun [ C ]
an entertainment for adults and children, in which you travel in a vehicle through
a set of exciting and frightening experiences
ghoul noun [ C ]
1. an evil spirit that eats dead bodies
2. INFORMAL someone who is very interested in death and unpleasant things
ghoulish adjective
1. ugly and unpleasant, or frightening
ghoulish faces
2. DISAPPROVING connected with death and unpleasant things
He takes a ghoulish delight in reading about horrific murders.
ghoulishly adverb
ghoulish adjective
1. ugly and unpleasant, or frightening
ghoulish faces
2. DISAPPROVING connected with death and unpleasant things
He takes a ghoulish delight in reading about horrific murders.
ghoulishly adverb
GHQ noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR General Headquarters: the main centre from which a military
operation is controlled
GI noun SOLDIER
1. [ C ] INFORMAL a soldier in the US army, especially in World War Two
GI noun FOOD
2. [ S ] ABBREVIATION FOR glycemic index: a system for listing foods according to
how quickly they increase the level of sugar in your blood
low GI foods such as peanuts, milk and lentils
high GI foods such as sweets and white bread
giant noun [ C ] VERY TALL PERSON
1. an imaginary creature like a man but extremely tall, strong and usually very
cruel, appearing especially in children's stories
See also gigantic
2. someone who is taller or larger than usual
giant noun [ C ] LARGE BUSINESS
3. a very successful and powerful person or organization
He was one of the intellectual/political giants of this century.
The takeover battle is between two of America's industrial/retail giants (= large
companies) .
giant adjective
extremely large
a giant earth-moving machine
to take giant steps
giantess noun [ C ]
a female giant
ˌ giant ˈ panda noun [ C ]
a panda
gibber verb [ I ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
to speak quickly in a way that cannot be understood, usually when you are very
frightened or confused
Stop gibbering, man, and tell us what you saw.
gibbering adjective
I stood there like a gibbering idiot - I didn't know what I was saying.
gibber verb [ I ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
to speak quickly in a way that cannot be understood, usually when you are very
frightened or confused
Stop gibbering, man, and tell us what you saw.
gibbering adjective
I stood there like a gibbering idiot - I didn't know what I was saying.
gibberish noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
spoken or written words which are nonsense and have no meaning
I was so nervous, I just started talking gibberish.
gibbet noun [ C ]
a wooden structure from which criminals were hung, in the past, as a form of
execution (= killing as a punishment)
Compare gallows
gibbon noun [ C ]
a small ape with long arms which lives in trees in the forests of S Asia
gibe noun [ C ] , verb [ I ]
jibe
giblets plural noun
the inside parts and neck of a bird, which are usually removed before it is cooked,
but are often used to flavour sauces, etc.
Gibraltar noun [ U ]
Gibraltarian noun [ C ] , adjective
giddy adjective
dizzy
gift noun PRESENT
1. [ C ] a present or something which is given
a birthday/wedding gift
The guests all arrived bearing (= bringing) gifts.
2. [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL something which is surprisingly easy or cheap
That goal was a gift!
£100 for a good leather coat? It's a gift!
gift noun ABILITY
3. [ C usually singular ] a special ability to do something
He has a gift for languages.
a gift from the gods
an especially good or lucky thing or person that comes to you
the gift of the gab UK ( US the gift of gab ) INFORMAL
the ability to speak easily and confidently in a way that makes people want to
listen to you and believe you
She's got the gift of the gab - she should work in sales and marketing.
ˈ gift ˌ box noun [ C ]
a decorative box for putting a present in
ˈ gift ˌ box noun [ C ]
a decorative box for putting a present in
gifted adjective
1. having special ability in a particular subject or activity
a gifted dancer/musician
2. clever, or having a special ability
Schools often fail to cater for the needs of gifted children .
ˈ gift ˌ shop noun [ C ]
a shop which sells goods which are suitable for giving as presents
ˈ gift ˌ token/ ˌ voucher noun [ C ] UK ( US gift certificate )
a card or piece of paper which can be exchanged in a shop for goods of the value
that is printed on it
gift-wrapped adjective
A present which is gift-wrapped has been put in decorative paper ready for giving.
gig noun [ C ] PERFORMANCE
1. INFORMAL a single performance by a musician or group of musicians, especially
playing modern or pop music
This week the band did the last gig of their world-tour.
gig noun [ C ] CARRIAGE
2. a light two-wheeled carriage pulled by one horse, used especially in the past
gig verb [ I ]
(of a musician or group of musicians) to perform gigs
Gigging around the London clubs helped the band develop their own sound.
giga- prefix
used to form words with the meaning 1 000 000 000
gigavolt
gigahertz
gigawatt
gigabyte noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a unit of computer information, consisting of 1024 megabytes
gigabyte noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a unit of computer information, consisting of 1024 megabytes
gigantic adjective
extremely large
a gigantic statue
The cost has been gigantic.
gigantically adverb
giggle verb [ I ]
to laugh repeatedly in a quiet but uncontrolled way, often at something silly or
rude or when you are nervous
Stop that giggling at the back!
giggle noun LAUGHTER
1. [ C ] a nervous or silly laugh
There were a few nervous giggles from people in the audience.
I caught Roz having a giggle over some of Janet's awful poetry.
2. the giggles
[ plural ] INFORMAL when you can't stop giggling
I often used to get/have the giggles in lectures when I was at college.
giggle noun FUNNY SITUATION
3. [ S ] UK INFORMAL something which is funny, often when it involves laughing at
someone else
Just for a giggle, we hid his trousers while he was in the water.
giggler noun [ C ]
a person who often giggles
giggly , adjective MAINLY DISAPPROVING
giggling a lot
a load of giggly school-kids
gigolo noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a man who is paid by a woman to be her lover and companion
giggle verb [ I ]

2. the giggles

someone else
giggler noun [ C ]
giggling a lot
gild verb [ T ]
1. to cover a surface with a thin layer of gold or a substance that looks like gold
2. LITERARY to cover the surface of something with bright gold light
Sunlight gilded the children's faces.
gild the lily DISAPPROVING
to improve or decorate something which is already perfect and therefore spoil it
Should I add a scarf to this jacket or would it be gilding the lily?
gilded adjective
1. [ before noun ] covered with a thin layer of gold or a substance that looks like
gold; gilt
The gilded dome of the cathedral rises above the city.
2. LITERARY rich or of a higher social class
The story revolves around the gilded youth of the 1920s and their glittering
lifestyles.
gill noun FISH
1. [ C usually plural ] the organ through which fish and other water creatures
breathe
gill noun MEASUREMENT
2. [ C ] a measure of liquid that is equal to 0.142 litres or a quarter of a pint
be green about the gills HUMOROUS
to look ill and pale
Matt was out drinking last night and he's a bit green about the gills this morning!
to the gills INFORMAL
used in expressions to mean completely full
By the time the fourth course was served, I was stuffed to the gills.
The restaurant was packed to the gills.
gilt adjective
covered with a thin layer of gold or a substance which is intended to look like it
a gilt picture frame
It's not solid gold - it's just gilt.
gilt noun SURFACE
1. [ U ] when a very thin layer of gold, silver or a similar substance, is used to

cover the surface of something
a silver gilt crucifix
gilt lettering
gilt noun MONEY
2. gilts
( ALSO gilt-edged securities ) UK SPECIALIZED a type of investment offered by the

government which pays a fixed rate of interest and is considered low-risk
take the gilt off the gingerbread UK LITERARY
to spoil something that is in every other way enjoyable
We had a great trip, but our flight home was badly delayed, which took the gilt off
the gingerbread.
gimcrack adjective DISAPPROVING
attractive on the surface but badly made and of no real or permanent value
gimlet noun [ C ] TOOL
1. a small tool used for making holes in wood
gimlet noun [ C ] DRINK
2. US a drink made with gin or vodka and lime juice
have gimlet eyes ( ALSO be gimlet-eyed ) LITERARY
to look at things very carefully and not miss anything
gimme short form
NOT STANDARD give me
Gimme that pen back!
gimme noun [ C usually singular ] US SLANG
something which is extremely easy to do
That first test question was a gimme, for sure.
gimmick noun [ C ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
something which is not serious or of real value that is used to attract people's
attention or interest temporarily, especially to make them buy something
a publicity gimmick
They give away free gifts with children's meals as a sales/marketing gimmick.
gimmicky adjective DISAPPROVING
gimmicky foods/fashions
gimmickry noun [ U ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
when gimmicks are used, especially in order to make a product or activity more
successful
gin noun [ C or U ]
a colourless strong alcoholic drink flavoured with juniper berries (= small fruits)
a bottle of gin
gin and tonic
ginger adjective , noun [ U ] SPICE

ginger
1. (containing) the spicy root of a tropical plant which is used in cooking or eaten
preserved in sugar
ground (= powdered) ginger
crystallized ginger
ginger biscuits / cake
ginger adjective , noun [ U ] COLOUR
2. (having) a red or orange-brown colour
His nickname was Ginger because of his ginger hair .
a ginger cat
gingery adjective
a gingery taste/colour
ginger noun PERSON
1. [ S ] UK OFFENSIVE a person who has red or orange-brown hair
[ as form of address ] Hey, ginger, what are you doing?
ginger noun DRINK
2. [ C or U ] UK ginger ale
rum and ginger
ginger verb
ginger sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to make something more exciting, interesting or active
They've gingered up the book cover with a new design, but the contents are the
same.
ˌ ginger ˈ ale noun [ C or U ] ( UK ALSO ginger , UK dry ginger )
a fizzy (= with bubbles) drink containing ginger, which is sometimes mixed with
an alcoholic drink
ˌ ginger ˈ beer noun [ C or U ]
a British fizzy (= with bubbles) drink containing ginger and a small amount of
alcohol
verb [ T ]
giggle verb [ I ]
2. the giggles
someone else
giggler noun [ C ]
giggling a lot
gild verb [ T ]
gilded adjective
1. [ before noun ] covered with a thin layer of gold or a substance that looks like
gold; gilt
The gilded dome of the cathedral rises above the city.
2. LITERARY rich or of a higher social class
The story revolves around the gilded youth of the 1920s and their glittering
lifestyles.
gill noun FISH
1. [ C usually plural ] the organ through which fish and other water creatures
breathe
gill noun MEASUREMENT
2. [ C ] a measure of liquid that is equal to 0.142 litres or a quarter of a pint
be green about the gills HUMOROUS
to look ill and pale
Matt was out drinking last night and he's a bit green about the gills this morning!
to the gills INFORMAL
used in expressions to mean completely full
By the time the fourth course was served, I was stuffed to the gills.
The restaurant was packed to the gills.
gilt adjective
covered with a thin layer of gold or a substance which is intended to look like it
a gilt picture frame
It's not solid gold - it's just gilt.
gilt noun SURFACE
1. [ U ] when a very thin layer of gold, silver or a similar substance, is used to
cover the surface of something
a silver gilt crucifix
gilt lettering
gilt noun MONEY
2. gilts
( ALSO gilt-edged securities ) UK SPECIALIZED a type of investment offered by the
government which pays a fixed rate of interest and is considered low-risk
take the gilt off the gingerbread UK LITERARY
to spoil something that is in every other way enjoyable
We had a great trip, but our flight home was badly delayed, which took the gilt off
the gingerbread.
gimcrack adjective DISAPPROVING
attractive on the surface but badly made and of no real or permanent value
gimlet noun [ C ] TOOL
1. a small tool used for making holes in wood
gimlet noun [ C ] DRINK
2. US a drink made with gin or vodka and lime juice
have gimlet eyes ( ALSO be gimlet-eyed ) LITERARY
to look at things very carefully and not miss anything
gimme short form
NOT STANDARD give me
Gimme that pen back!
gimme noun [ C usually singular ] US SLANG
something which is extremely easy to do
That first test question was a gimme, for sure.
gimmick noun [ C ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
something which is not serious or of real value that is used to attract people's
attention or interest temporarily, especially to make them buy something
a publicity gimmick
They give away free gifts with children's meals as a sales/marketing gimmick.
gimmicky adjective DISAPPROVING
gimmicky foods/fashions
gimmickry noun [ U ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
when gimmicks are used, especially in order to make a product or activity more
successful
gin noun [ C or U ]
a colourless strong alcoholic drink flavoured with juniper berries (= small fruits)
a bottle of gin
gin and tonic
ginger adjective , noun [ U ] SPICE
ginger
1. (containing) the spicy root of a tropical plant which is used in cooking or eaten
preserved in sugar
ground (= powdered) ginger
crystallized ginger
ginger biscuits / cake
ginger adjective , noun [ U ] COLOUR
2. (having) a red or orange-brown colour
His nickname was Ginger because of his ginger hair .
a ginger cat
gingery adjective
a gingery taste/colour
ginger noun PERSON
1. [ S ] UK OFFENSIVE a person who has red or orange-brown hair
[ as form of address ] Hey, ginger, what are you doing?
ginger noun DRINK
2. [ C or U ] UK ginger ale
rum and ginger
ginger verb
ginger sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to make something more exciting, interesting or active
They've gingered up the book cover with a new design, but the contents are the
same.
ˌ ginger ˈ ale noun [ C or U ] ( UK ALSO ginger , UK dry ginger )
a fizzy (= with bubbles) drink containing ginger, which is sometimes mixed with
an alcoholic drink
alcohol
alcohol
gingerbread noun [ U ]
a type of cake, usually very dark brown and soft, which contains ginger
ˈ gingerbread ˌ man noun [ C ]
a hard ginger biscuit shaped like a person
ˈ ginger ˌ group noun [ C ] UK
a group of people, especially within a political party, who try to encourage other
people to follow a new, more interesting, or more active way of doing things
gingerly adverb
in a way that is careful or cautious
Holding her painful back, she sat down gingerly on the bench.
ˌ ginger ˈ nut/ ˈ biscuit noun [ C ] UK ( US AND UK ginger snap )
a type of hard biscuit with a ginger flavour
ˌ ginger ˈ wine noun [ C or U ]
a strong alcoholic drink made with ginger
gingham noun [ U ]
a cotton cloth which has a pattern of coloured squares on a white surface
a gingham dress/tablecloth
gingivitis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
an infection of the gums (= the part of the mouth from which the teeth grow)
which causes swelling, pain, and sometimes bleeding
ginormous adjective UK INFORMAL
extremely large
Even little Billie ate his way through a ginormous ice-cream sundae.
ˌ gin ˈ rummy noun [ U ]
a card game which is a type of rummy
ˌ gin ˈ rummy noun [ U ]
a card game which is a type of rummy
ginseng noun [ U ]
the root of a tropical plant, especially from China, used as a medicine and to
improve health
gippy tummy noun [ C or U ] UK INFORMAL
when you suffer from stomach pains and diarrhoea , especially while on holiday
It's a shame - he had (a) gippy tummy most of the time he was on holiday.
gipsy noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a gypsy
giraffe noun [ C ]
giraffe
a large African animal with a very long neck and long legs
gird verb [ T ] OLD USE
to tie something around your body or part of your body
[ R ] The knights girded them selves for battle (= put on their swords and
fighting clothes) .
gird your self ( ALSO gird (up) your loins ) LITERARY OR HUMOROUS
to get ready to do something or deal with something
We girded ourselves for the fray (= prepared for action or trouble) .
Europe's finest golfers are girding their loins for the challenge of the Ryder Cup.
girder noun [ C ]
a long thick piece of steel or concrete, etc. which supports a roof, floor, bridge or
other large structure
steel roof girders
girdle noun
1. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED a piece of underwear for women worn around the waist and
bottom that stretches to shape the body
2. [ C ] OLD USE a long strip of cloth worn tied around the waist
3. [ C usually singular ] LITERARY something which surrounds another thing
girdle verb [ T ] LITERARY
to surround something
a garden girdled by oak trees
girdle noun
1. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED a piece of underwear for women worn around the waist and
bottom that stretches to shape the body
2. [ C ] OLD USE a long strip of cloth worn tied around the waist
3. [ C usually singular ] LITERARY something which surrounds another thing
girdle verb [ T ] LITERARY
to surround something
a garden girdled by oak trees
girl noun
1. [ C ] a female child or young woman, especially one still at school
Two girls showed us round the classrooms.
2. [ C ] a daughter
We have two girls.
My little girl is five.
3. [ C usually plural ] a woman worker, especially when seen as one of a group
shop/office girls
4. the girls
a group of female friends
I'm going out with the girls tonight.
The girls at work gave it to me.
girlishness noun [ U ]
a big/great girl's blouse UK INFORMAL HUMOROUS
a weak and cowardly (= not brave) man
He's just a big girl's blouse.
ˌ girl ˈ Friday noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a female helper or office worker who is willing to do various different types of
work
girlfriend noun [ C ]
1. a woman or girl who a person is having a romantic or sexual relationship with
I've never met his girlfriend.
Compare boyfriend
2. the female friend of a woman
Susan was going out to lunch with her girlfriends.
ˌ Girl ˈ Guide noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED
a member of the Guides organization
girlhood noun [ C or U ] OLD-FASHIONED
the period when a person is a girl, and not yet a woman, or the state of being a
girl
She lived in India during her girlhood.
See also boyhood ; childhood
girlie , girly adjective
1. girlie magazine/picture/etc.
a magazine/etc. which shows women wearing few or no clothes
2. INFORMAL typically feminine in character, or suitable for girls rather than boys
My sister has always been a very girlie girl, not like me.
We had a real girlie chat.
We do lots of girlie things together.
DISAPPROVING Sometimes she speaks in this silly, girly voice.
girlie , girly adjective
1. girlie magazine/picture/etc.
a magazine/etc. which shows women wearing few or no clothes
2. INFORMAL typically feminine in character, or suitable for girls rather than boys
My sister has always been a very girlie girl, not like me.
We had a real girlie chat.
We do lots of girlie things together.
DISAPPROVING Sometimes she speaks in this silly, girly voice.
ˈ girlie ˌ swot noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who always does their homework or prepares for something
I was always a bit of a girlie swot at school.
girlish adjective USUALLY APPROVING
describes behaviour or characteristics that are typical of a girl
a girlish laugh
His eyelashes were long and girlish.
girlishly adverb
ˈ girl ˌ power noun [ U ]
the idea that women and girls should be confident, make decisions and achieve
things independently of men, or the social and political movement that is based on this
idea
ˌ Girl ˈ Scout noun [ C ] US
a girl or young woman who belongs to an organization similar to the Guides and
Scouts
giro noun
1. [ U ] a system used between European banks and similar organizations, in
which money can be moved from one account to another by a central computer
The money was transferred by giro.
2. [ C ] UK a cheque which provides money from the government, through the
giro, to someone unemployed, ill, or with very little income
a giro cheque
She didn't know how she would manage until (she got) her next giro.
girth noun MEASUREMENT
1. [ C or U ] the distance around the outside of a thick or fat object, like a tree or
a body
The oak was 2 metres in girth.
HUMOROUS His ample girth was evidence of his love of good food.
girth noun HORSE EQUIPMENT
2. [ C ] the strap which goes around the middle of a horse to keep the saddle (=
rider's seat) or the load in the right position
Loosen the girth a little.
gismo noun [ C ]
ANOTHER SPELLING OF gizmo
gismo noun [ C ]
ANOTHER SPELLING OF gizmo
the gist noun [ S ]
the most important pieces of information about something, or general information
without details
That was the gist of what he said.
I think I got (= understood) the gist of what she was saying.
git noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a person, especially a man, who is stupid or unpleasant
You stupid/lying git!
He's a miserable old git.
gite noun [ C ] UK
a holiday house for renting in France
give verb PROVIDE
1. [ I or T ] to offer something to someone, or to provide them with it
[ + two objects ] She gave us a set of saucepans as a wedding present.
Can you give me a date for another appointment?
They never gave me a chance/choice.
Has the director given you permission to do that?
[ + adverb or preposition ] We always try to give to charity.
We're collecting for the children's home - please give generously.
The police gave (out) road-safety booklets to the children (= gave them to all
the children) .
Please give (up) your seat to an elderly or disabled person if they require it.
2. [ T ] to pay someone a particular amount
I gave £40 for this pump and it's broken already!
3. give of your money/time, etc.
FORMAL to give your money, time or best efforts, especially in a way that seems
generous
We're very grateful to all the people who have given of their time.
UK She wasn't feeling well, so I don't think she gave of her best tonight.
4. give (sth) your all ( US ALSO give (sth) your best ) OLD-FASHIONED
to put a lot of effort into doing something
We must be finished by tonight, so I want you to give it your all.
5. [ T ] to tell someone something
The winner's name was given (out) /They gave the winner's name (out) on the
news.
[ + two objects ] Can you give Jo a message for me?
6. [ T ] to punish someone by making them go to prison for a particular period
[ + two objects ] If you're found guilty, they'll give you three years.
7. [ T ] to allow a person or activity a particular amount of time
[ + two objects ] I'm nearly ready - just give me a couple of minutes.
8. [ T ] INFORMAL to calculate that something will last a particular amount of time
[ + two objects ] Look at that old car she's bought - I give it two weeks before it
breaks down.
give verb CAUSE
9. [ T ] to produce or cause something
[ + two objects ] The fresh air gave us an appetite (= made us hungry) .
What you said has given me an idea.
The alarm gave (out) a high-pitched sound.
10. give sb to understand sth FORMAL
to tell someone something or cause them to think that something is true
I was given to understand she was staying at this hotel.
give verb DO
11. [ T ] to perform an action
[ + two objects ] She gave me a smile/strange look.
They had to give the car a push to start it.
Give me a call/ring (= telephone me) when you get back from holiday.
Who is giving the speech/lecture/concert?
12. [ T ] to organize a party, meal, etc
They're always giving parties.
The ambassador is giving a banquet for the visiting president.
13. give sth a go
to attempt something
Only a few people are successful as sports professionals, but it's worth giving it a
go.
14. [ T + two objects ] FORMAL to state publicly that everyone present at a formal
occasion, especially a meal, should drink a toast to someone (= have a drink in honour
of someone)
Gentlemen, I give you the Queen!
give verb STRETCH
15. [ I ] If something gives, it stretches, bends or breaks, or becomes less firm or
tight, under pressure
The rope gave under/with the weight of the load.
The shoes will give a little after you've worn them once or twice.
FIGURATIVE You can't work so hard all the time - something will have to give (=
change) .
FIGURATIVE Suddenly her patience gave (out) and she shouted crossly at the
children.
give verb DECIDE
16. [ T + object + adjective ] UK in some sports, to decide and state officially that
a player or the ball is in a particular condition or place
The umpire gave the batsman out.
The ball was clearly out, but the line judge gave it in.
Don't give me that! INFORMAL
don't expect me to believe that, because I know it is untrue
"But I was going to let you have it tomorrow." "Don't give me that!"
give as good as you get
to be strong and confident enough to treat people in the same way that they treat
you, especially in an argument or a fight
There's a lot of teasing and fighting among the crew, and you have to be able to
give as good as you get.
give or take
possibly a little more or less than the amount or time mentioned
It'll be ready at six, give or take a few minutes.
It cost £200, give or take.
Give me ... any day/every time! INFORMAL
used to say that you always like or prefer a particular thing
This new stuff is all very well, but give me the old-style weather forecast any day!
give way
1. UK to allow other vehicles to go past before you move onto a road
You have to give way to traffic coming from the right.
2. to break, especially when under pressure from strong forces
Because of an unusually strong current, the bridge's central support gave way,
tipping a coach into the river.
3. to stop arguing or fighting against someone or something
Neither of them will give way, so they could be arguing for a very long time.
Don't give way to your fears.
give sb what for OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to tell off someone whose behaviour you strongly disapprove of
given the chance/choice ( ALSO given half a chance )
if I were allowed to, or if I could choose
Given the chance, I'd spend all day reading.
what I wouldn't give for sth ( ALSO what wouldn't I give for sth )
used to say that you want something very much
What I wouldn't give for a cold drink!
I would give anything/a lot ( ALSO I would give my eye teeth/right arm )
used to say that you would like to have or to do something very much
I'd give anything to see the Taj Mahal.
Janice would give her eye teeth for a house like that.
give sth away phrasal verb [ M ] FREE
1. to give something to someone without asking for payment
The shop is giving away a sample pack to every customer.
Nobody wants this type of heater anymore - I can't even give it away!
See also giveaway
give sth away phrasal verb [ M ] SECRET
2. to tell people something secret, often without intending to
The party was meant to be a surprise, but Sharon gave it away.
I won't give the game (= the information or plan) away.
give sb away phrasal verb SHOW
1. to show someone's secret feelings
She thinks no one knows how much she likes him, but her face when I said he'd
be there really gave her away!
give sb away phrasal verb MARRIAGE
2. [ M ] FORMAL in a marriage ceremony, to formally bring a woman who is getting
married to the front of the church so that she is standing at the side of her future
husband, and then to give permission for her to marry
The bride was given away by her father.
give sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to return something to the person who gave it to you
Has she given you those books back yet?
give in phrasal verb AGREE
1. to finally agree to what someone wants, after refusing for a period of time
He nagged me so much for a new bike that eventually I gave in.
The government cannot be seen to give in to terrorists' demands.
give in phrasal verb ADMIT DEFEAT
2. to accept that you have been defeated and agree to stop competing or fighting
You'll never guess the answer - do you give in?
She wouldn't give in until she received a full apology.
give sth in phrasal verb [ M ] UK
to give a piece of written work or a document to someone for them to read, judge
or deal with
Have you given that essay in yet?
give sth off phrasal verb
to produce heat, light, a smell or a gas
That tiny radiator doesn't give off much heat.
give onto sth phrasal verb SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to open in the direction of something
The patio doors give onto a small courtyard.
give out phrasal verb
If a machine or part of your body gives out, it stops working
At the end of the race his legs gave out and he collapsed on the ground.
give over phrasal verb UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to stop doing something, usually something annoying
Oh (do) give over (= stop complaining) , it's not my fault!
[ + -ing verb ] It's time you gave over pretend ing you were still a teenager.
Give over! UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to show that you do not believe what has been said to you
They've doubled your salary? Give over!
give sth over to sth/sb phrasal verb [ M ]
to give another person the use of something, or the responsibility for something
or someone
We've given the attic over to the children.
give yourself over/up to sth phrasal verb [ R ]
to spend all your time and energy doing or feeling something
After her death he gave himself over to grief.
give up phrasal verb
to stop trying to guess
You'll never guess the answer - do you give up?
I give up - how many were there?
give up sth phrasal verb
1. to stop owning and using something
They were forced to give up their home because they couldn't pay the mortgage.
2. give up hope
to stop hoping that a particular thing will happen
We still haven't given up hope of finding her alive.
give up (sth) phrasal verb
to stop doing something before you have finished it, usually because it is too
difficult
[ + -ing verb ] I've given up try ing to help her.
give (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
If you give up a habit, such as smoking, or something such as alcohol, you stop
doing it or using it
[ + -ing verb ] I gave up smok ing two years ago.
Don't offer him a cigarette, he's trying to give up.
give sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to stop doing a regular activity or job
[ + -ing verb ] He's given up driv ing since his illness.
We're going to give up our sports club membership after this year.
give it up for sb
used to ask people to clap their hands to show their enjoyment or approval of a
performance
Ladies and gentlemen, will you give it up for Danny Jones.
give sb up phrasal verb END FRIENDSHIP
1. [ M ] to stop having a friendship with someone
She seems to have given up all her old friends.
give sb up phrasal verb NOT EXPECT
2. ( ALSO give up on sb ) to stop expecting that someone will arrive
I've been waiting half-an-hour - I'd almost given you up.
give sb up phrasal verb
3. give sb up for dead ( ALSO give up on sb )
to think that someone is certain to die or to be dead
The hospital had virtually given her up for dead, but she eventually recovered.
After a three-day search on the mountain, they gave him up for dead.
give yourself up phrasal verb [ R ]
to allow the police or an enemy to take you as a prisoner
The gunman gave himself up to the police.
See also give yourself over/up to sth
give noun [ U ]
when something stretches, bends or breaks, or becomes less firm or tight, under
pressure
A sweater knitted in pure cotton hasn't much give (= will not stretch much) .
give-and-take noun
1. [ U ] willingness to accept suggestions from another person and give up some
of your own
In every friendship there has to be some give-and-take.
2. [ S ] US an exchange of ideas or statements
The candidates engaged in a lively give-and-take, witnessed by a huge television
audience.
give-and-take noun
1. [ U ] willingness to accept suggestions from another person and give up some
of your own
In every friendship there has to be some give-and-take.
2. [ S ] US an exchange of ideas or statements
The candidates engaged in a lively give-and-take, witnessed by a huge television
audience.
giveaway noun [ C ] ( ALSO give-away ) FREE
1. something that is given free to a customer
giveaway noun [ C ] ( ALSO give-away ) SHOW
2. INFORMAL something that tells or shows something secret, often without
intending to
He said he'd given up smoking, but the empty packets in the bin were a dead
give-away (= clearly showed the secret truth) .
giveaway adjective [ before noun ] ( ALSO give-away )
describes a price that is very low
The furniture shop's offering three-piece suites at giveaway prices .
given verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF give
given preposition
knowing about or considering a particular thing
Given his age, he's a remarkably fast runner.
Given (the fact) that he's had six months to do this, he hasn't made much
progress.
given adjective ARRANGED
1. already decided, arranged or agreed
At the given signal, the group rushed forward to the barrier.
The bomb could go off at any given (= any) time and in any given (= any) place.
given adjective HAVE HABIT
2. be given to sth
to do something regularly or as a habit
She was given to staying in bed till lunchtime.
given noun [ C ]
something which is certain to happen
You can take it as a given that there will be champagne at the wedding.
ˈ given ˌ name noun [ C ] US ( UK first name )
the name which is chosen for you at birth and which is not your family name
Her family name is Smith and her given names are Mary Elizabeth.
ˈ given ˌ name noun [ C ] US ( UK first name )
the name which is chosen for you at birth and which is not your family name
Her family name is Smith and her given names are Mary Elizabeth.
gizmo , gismo noun [ C ] INFORMAL
any small device with a particular purpose
electronic gizmos
glacé adjective [ before noun ] ( US ALSO glacéed )
preserved in liquid sugar and then dried
glacé fruit
glacial adjective ICE/COLD
1. made or left by a glacier
glacial deposits
2. extremely cold
glacial temperatures
a glacial period
glacial adjective NOT FRIENDLY
3. extremely unfriendly
She gave me a glacial smile/stare.
ˈ glacial ˌ period noun [ C ] ( ALSO ice age ) SPECIALIZED
a time in the past when the temperature was very cold and glaciers (= large
masses of ice) spread over large parts of the Earth
glaciated adjective SPECIALIZED
formed or covered by glaciers
the glaciated peaks of the Himalayas
glacier noun [ C ]
a large mass of ice which moves slowly
glaciation noun [ U ]
the formation, existence or movement of glaciers over the surface of the Earth
This landscape shows many clear features of glaciation.
glad adjective
pleased and happy
We were glad about her success.
I'm glad (that) you came.
I'm glad to know the parcel arrived safely.
I'd be (only too) glad to help you.
We'd be glad of the chance to meet her.
gladness noun [ U ]
give sb the glad eye OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
to look at someone in a way that shows you find them sexually attractive
All the men were giving her the glad eye.
gladden verb [ T ] LITERARY
to make someone or something glad
The news gladdened his heart .
gladden verb [ T ] LITERARY
to make someone or something glad

The news gladdened his heart .
glade noun [ C ] LITERARY
a small area of grass without trees in a wood
glad-handing noun [ U ] INFORMAL
being very friendly to people you have not met before, as a way of trying to get
an advantage
political glad-handing
glad-hand verb [ I or T ]
gladiator noun [ C ]
in ancient Rome, a man who fought another man or an animal, usually until one
of them died, for public entertainment
gladiatorial adjective LITERARY
relating to violent fighting in which only one person or group can win
gladiatorial combat
gladiolus noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY gladiola )
a garden plant which has a long stem along which grow many brightly coloured
flowers
gladly adverb
willingly or happily
I'd gladly meet her, but I'm on holiday that week.
ˈ glad ˌ rags plural noun HUMOROUS
Someone's glad rags are their best clothes
Let's put on our glad rags and go out tonight!
ˌ glad ˈ tidings plural noun OLD USE OR HUMOROUS
good news
Let me be the first to give you the glad tidings.
glam adjective
INFORMAL SHORT FORM OFglamorous
You look dead glam in that dress!
glam verb
glam (yourself) up phrasal verb [ R ] UK INFORMAL
to dress yourself attractively and put on make-up, etc
Have I got time to glam (myself) up?
glammed up adjective UK INFORMAL
She got/was all glammed up for the party.
glamorize , UK USUALLY glamorise verb [ T ]
to make something seem better than it is and therefore more attractive
The ad glamorized life in the army, emphasizing travel and adventure.
glamorize , UK USUALLY glamorise verb [ T ]
to make something seem better than it is and therefore more attractive
The ad glamorized life in the army, emphasizing travel and adventure.
glamorous , UK ALSO glamourous adjective ( MAINLY UK INFORMAL glam )
attractive in an exciting and special way
a glamorous woman/outfit
a glamorous job
She was looking very glam.
glamorously adverb
glamorousness noun [ U ]
glamour UK , US glamor noun [ U ]
the special exciting and attractive quality of a person, place or activity
Who can resist the glamour of Hollywood?
glamourpuss noun [ C ] ( ALSO glamour girl ) OLD-FASHIONED
a sexually attractive woman who wears decorative clothes and make-up so that
she will be noticed
She is decorative, larger than life, a terrific glamourpuss.
glance verb LOOK
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to give a quick short look
She glanced around/round the room to see who was there.
He glanced up from his book as I passed.
Could you glance over/through this letter and see if it's alright?
glance verb SHINE
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to shine, reflect light or sparkle
The sunlight glanced on the lake.
glance off (sth) phrasal verb
to hit or touch something quickly and lightly at an angle and move away in
another direction
The bullets glanced off the car.
glance noun [ C ]
1. a quick short look
She took/cast a glance at her watch.
2. at a glance
immediately
He could tell at a glance that something was wrong.
3. at first glance
when first looking
At first glance I thought it was a dog (but I was mistaken).
glancing adjective [ before noun ]
hitting quickly and lightly at an angle
a glancing blow to the head
glancing adjective [ before noun ]
hitting quickly and lightly at an angle
a glancing blow to the head
gland noun [ C ]
an organ of the body or of a plant which secretes (= produces) liquid chemicals
that have various purposes
The glands in my neck are a bit swollen.
glandular adjective
belonging or relating to, or produced or caused by, a gland or glands
a glandular problem
glandular secretions
ˌ glandular ˈ fever noun [ U ] UK ( US mononucleosis )
an infectious disease which has an effect on particular glands (= small organs in
the body which produce chemicals) and makes you feel weak and ill for a long time
glare noun LOOK
1. [ C ] a long angry look
She gave me a fierce glare.
glare noun LIGHT
2. [ U ] unpleasantly bright or strong light
Tinted windows will cut down the glare/the sun's glare.
This screen gives off a lot of glare.
the/a glare of sth
when something receives the largest amount of attention possible
The actor's wedding took place in the full glare of publicity/the media .
glare verb [ I ] SHINE
1. to shine too brightly
The sun was glaring right in my eyes.
glare verb [ I ] LOOK
2. to look directly and continuously at someone or something in an angry way
She glared angrily at everyone and stormed out of the room.
glaring adjective OBVIOUS
1. describes something bad that is very obvious
glaring errors
a glaring injustice
glaring adjective SHINING
2. shining too brightly
glaring light
glaring colours
glaringly adverb
glaringly obvious
glaring adjective OBVIOUS
1. describes something bad that is very obvious
glaring errors
a glaring injustice
glaring adjective SHINING
2. shining too brightly
glaring light
glaring colours
glaringly adverb
glaringly obvious
glass noun SUBSTANCE
1. [ U ] a hard transparent material which is used to make windows, bottles and
other objects
coloured/broken glass
a glass jar/dish/ornament
It's a huge window made from a single pane of glass.
2. [ U ] objects made from glass when thought of as a group
The museum has a fine collection of valuable glass.
3. under glass
in a glasshouse
In cool climates you have to grow tropical plants under glass.
glass noun CONTAINER
4. [ C ] a small container for drinks made of glass or similar material, with a flat
base and typically tube-shaped with no handle
a beer/wine glass
She poured some milk into a glass.
5. a glass of sth
a type or amount of drink contained in a glass
Would you like a glass of water?
Two glasses of lemonade, please.
glass noun FOR IMPROVING SIGHT
6. glasses
[ plural ] two small pieces of special glass or plastic in a frame worn in front of the
eyes to improve sight
a pair of glasses
reading glasses
glass noun DEVICE
7. the glass OLD-FASHIONED
a barometer
The glass has been falling/rising (= showing a change to bad/good weather) all
day.
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. SAYING
This means that you should not criticize other people for bad qualities in their
character that you have yourself.
glass verb
glass sth in/over phrasal verb [ M ]
to use glass to fill the open spaces in something or to cover something
We glassed in the porch to make a small conservatory.
The manuscripts are now glassed over, to stop them being damaged.
glassblower noun [ C ]
someone who blows air down a tube to form heated glass into objects
glass-blowing noun [ U ]
glassblower noun [ C ]
someone who blows air down a tube to form heated glass into objects
glass-blowing noun [ U ]
ˌ glass ˈ ceiling noun [ C usually singular ]
a point after which you cannot go, usually in improving your position at work
Various reasons are given for the apparent glass ceiling women hit in many
professions.
ˈ glass ˌ cutter noun [ C ]
a tool for cutting glass
The burglars disabled the alarm and used a glass cutter to break into the house.
ˌ glass ˈ fibre noun [ U ] UK
fibreglass
glassful noun [ C ]
an amount contained in a glass
She drank two whole glassfuls of orange juice.
glasshouse noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY greenhouse )
a large building with glass sides and roof for growing plants in
glassware noun [ U ]
drinking glasses or other objects made of glass
a display/collection of ornamental glassware
glassy adjective SURFACE
1. LITERARY describes a surface which is smooth and shiny, like glass
a glassy sea/lake
glassy adjective EYES
2. describes a person's eyes when they have a fixed expression and seem unable
to see anything
Her eyes were glassy and her skin pale.
Glaswegian noun [ C ]
a person from Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland
Glaswegian adjective
Steven has a Glaswegian accent.
glaucoma noun [ U ]
a disease of the eye which can cause a person to gradually lose their sight
glaucoma noun [ U ]
a disease of the eye which can cause a person to gradually lose their sight
glaze verb GLASS
1. [ T ] to put a piece of glass into a window or the windows of a building
The house is nearly finished but it hasn't been glazed yet.
glaze verb SHINY
2. [ T ] to make a surface shiny by putting a liquid substance onto it and leaving it
or heating it until it dries
Glaze the pastry with beaten egg.
The pot had been badly glazed.
glaze verb BORED
3. [ I ] ( ALSO glaze over ) If your eyes glaze or glaze over, they stay still and stop
showing any emotion because you are bored or tired or have stopped listening
Among the audience, eyes glazed over and a few heads started to nod.
glazed adjective
All the rooms have glazed doors.
a glazed expression/look
glaze noun [ C ]
a substance used to glaze something
a cake with a redcurrant glaze
pottery with a fine translucent glaze
glazier noun [ C ]
a person who sells glass or fits it into windows
glazing noun [ U ]
the glass used for windows
gleam verb [ I ]
1. to produce or reflect a small, bright light
He polished the table until it gleamed.
2. When eyes gleam, they shine in a way that expresses a particular emotion
His eyes gleamed with/in triumph.
gleam noun [ C usually singular ]
when something gleams
gleaming adjective
bright and shiny from being cleaned
a gleaming kitchen
gleaming windows
gleaming adjective
bright and shiny from being cleaned
a gleaming kitchen
gleaming windows
glean verb [ T ]
to collect information in small amounts and often with difficulty
From what I was able to glean, the news isn't good.
They're leaving on Tuesday - I managed to glean that much ( from them).
glee noun [ U ]
happiness, excitement or pleasure
She opened her presents with glee.
gleeful adjective
a gleeful smile/shout
gleefully adverb
glen noun [ C ]
a deep narrow valley, especially among mountains
the glens of Scotland
Glen Maye
glib adjective
speaking or spoken in a confident way, but without careful thought or honesty
He's a glib, self-centred man.
No one was convinced by his glib answers/explanations .
glibly adverb
He spoke glibly about an economic recovery just around the corner.
glibness noun [ U ]
glide verb MOVE
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move easily without stopping and
without effort or noise
She came gliding gracefully into the ballroom in a long flowing gown.
I love my new pen - it just glides across/over the paper.
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move or progress without difficulty or
effort
Some people glide effortlessly through life with no real worries.
glide verb FLY
3. [ I ] to fly by floating on air currents instead of using power from wings or an
engine
We saw a condor gliding high above the mountains.
Unlike other spacecraft, the shuttle can glide back through the atmosphere, land
safely, and be reused.
glide noun [ C ]
glider noun [ C ]
glider
an aircraft without an engine and with long fixed wings, which flies by gliding
glider noun [ C ]
glider
an aircraft without an engine and with long fixed wings, which flies by gliding
gliding noun [ U ]
the sport or activity of flying in a glider
glimmer verb [ I ]
to shine with a weak light or a light that is not continuous
The lights of the village were glimmering in the distance.
The sky glimmered with stars.
a glimmering candle
FIGURATIVE The first faint signs of an agreement began to glimmer through (=
appear) .
glimmer noun [ C ] ( ALSO glimmering ) LIGHT
1. a light that glimmers weakly
We saw a glimmer of light in the distance.
glimmer noun [ C ] ( ALSO glimmering ) SIGN
2. a slight sign of something good or positive
This month's sales figures offer a glimmer of hope for the depressed economy.
She's never shown a glimmer of interest in classical music.
The first glimmer of light (= sign of development or understanding) has
appeared in the peace talks.
glimpse verb [ T ]
to see something or someone for a very short time or only partly
We glimpsed the ruined abbey from the windows of the train.
glimpse noun [ C ]
1. when you see something or someone for a very short time
I only caught (= had) a fleeting glimpse of the driver of the getaway car, but I
doubt I would recognize her if I saw her again.
2. a quick idea or understanding of what something is like
This biography offers a few glimpses of his life before he became famous.
glint verb [ I ]
1. to produce small bright flashes of light reflected from a surface
The stream glinted in the moonlight.
A large diamond glinted on her finger.
2. When someone's eyes glint, they look bright, expressing a strong emotion
She smiled at him, her eyes glinting with mischief.
glint noun [ C usually singular ]
when something glints
the glint of a knife
a mischievous glint in his eye
glisten verb [ I ]
to shine by reflecting light from a wet, oily or smooth surface
The grass glistened in the early-morning dew.
His eyes glistened with tears.
glisten verb [ I ]
to shine by reflecting light from a wet, oily or smooth surface
The grass glistened in the early-morning dew.
His eyes glistened with tears.
glitch noun [ C ]
1. a small problem or fault that prevents something from being successful or
working as well as it should
We'd expected a few glitches, but everything's gone remarkably smoothly.
The system has been plagued with glitches ever since its launch.
2. SPECIALIZED a sudden unexpected increase in electrical power, especially one
that causes a fault in an electronic system
The computer failure was due to a glitch caused by lightning.
glitter verb [ I ]
1. to produce a lot of small bright flashes of reflected light
Her diamond necklace glittered brilliantly under the spotlights.
2. LITERARY If someone's eyes glitter, they look bright and express strong feeling
His dark eyes glittered with anger behind his spectacles.
All that glitters is not gold. SAYING
said about something that seems to be good on the surface, but might not be
when you look at it more closely
glitter noun [ U ] EXCITEMENT
1. the excitement and attractive quality connected with rich and famous people
He was attracted by the glitter of Hollywood.
glitter noun [ U ] BRIGHT LIGHT
2. when something glitters
the glitter of the fireworks
3. very small pieces of shiny material used to decorate the skin or used by
children to make pictures
glitterati plural noun
rich, famous and fashionable people whose activities are of interest to the public
and are written about in some newspapers and magazines
The restaurant is popular with the glitterati of the music world.
Compare literati
glittering adjective EXCITING
1. exciting or admired by many people, usually relating to rich and famous people
a glittering career
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glittering occasions in the movie
world.
glittering adjective BRIGHT LIGHT
2. shining with a lot of small bright flashes of light
the glittering skyline of Manhattan
glittering adjective EXCITING
1. exciting or admired by many people, usually relating to rich and famous people
a glittering career
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glittering occasions in the movie
world.
glittering adjective BRIGHT LIGHT
2. shining with a lot of small bright flashes of light
the glittering skyline of Manhattan
glittery adjective
producing a lot of small flashes of reflected light
glittery eye shadow
a glittery dress
glitzy adjective
having a fashionable appearance intended to attract attention
He celebrated his birthday at a glitzy party in Beverly Hills.
glitz noun [ U ]
The party's electoral message may be obscured by the glitz and glamour of its
presentation.
the gloaming noun [ S ] LITERARY OR SCOTTISH ENGLISH
the part of the day after the sun has gone down and before the sky is completely
dark
They sat on a hillside in the gloaming, watching the lights come on in the houses
below.
gloat verb [ I ]
to feel or express great pleasure or satisfaction because of your own success or
good luck, or someone else's failure or bad luck
She's continually gloating over/about her new job.
I know I shouldn't gloat, but it really serves him right.
His enemies were quick to gloat at his humiliation.
[ + speech ] "This is our fourth victory in a row, " he gloated.
gloatingly adverb
gloat noun [ C usually singular ]
when you gloat about something
to have a gloat at/over/about something
glob noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a round mass of a thick liquid or a sticky substance
a glob of ketchup/yoghurt
global adjective WORLD
1. relating to the whole world
a global catastrophe/problem
global adjective ALL PARTS
2. considering or relating to all parts of a situation or subject
This report gives a global picture of the company's finances.
globally adverb
The company has to be able to compete globally (= across the whole world) .
We need to look at this issue globally (= to look at all parts of it) .
globally adverb
globalism noun [ U ]
the idea that events in one country cannot be separated from those in another
and that a government should therefore consider the effects of its actions in other
countries as well as its own
Compare isolationism
globalist noun [ C ]
someone who believes that a country should consider the effects of its actions on
other countries
He is a globalist, whereas we are nationalists who will put our country first.
She is critical of the president's globalist foreign policy.
globalization , UK USUALLY globalisation noun [ U ]
1. the increase of trade around the world, especially by large companies
producing and trading goods in many different countries
We must take advantage of the increased globalization of the commodity trading
business.
2. when available goods and services, or social and cultural influences, gradually
become similar in all parts of the world
the globalization of fashion/American youth culture
globalize , UK USUALLY globalise verb [ I or T ]
to (make a company or system) spread or operate internationally
Satellite broadcasting is helping to globalize television.
As the economy develops, it will continue to globalize.
ˌ global ˈ search noun [ C ]
If you do a global search on a computer, you look for every example of a word or
phrase in a document
Do a global search for 'organise' and replace it with 'organize'.
the ˌ global ˈ village noun [ S ]
all the countries of the world when thought of as being closely connected by
modern communication and trade
As citizens of the global village, we cannot ignore our obligations to others.
ˌ global ˈ warming noun [ U ]
a gradual increase in world temperatures caused by polluting gases such as
carbon dioxide which are collecting in the air around the Earth and preventing heat
escaping into space
globally adverb
globalism noun [ U ]
the idea that events in one country cannot be separated from those in another
and that a government should therefore consider the effects of its actions in other
countries as well as its own
Compare isolationism
globalist noun [ C ]
someone who believes that a country should consider the effects of its actions on
other countries
He is a globalist, whereas we are nationalists who will put our country first.
She is critical of the president's globalist foreign policy.
globalization , UK USUALLY globalisation noun [ U ]
1. the increase of trade around the world, especially by large companies
producing and trading goods in many different countries
We must take advantage of the increased globalization of the commodity trading
business.
2. when available goods and services, or social and cultural influences, gradually
become similar in all parts of the world
the globalization of fashion/American youth culture
globalize , UK USUALLY globalise verb [ I or T ]
to (make a company or system) spread or operate internationally
Satellite broadcasting is helping to globalize television.
As the economy develops, it will continue to globalize.
ˌ global ˈ search noun [ C ]
If you do a global search on a computer, you look for every example of a word or
phrase in a document
Do a global search for 'organise' and replace it with 'organize'.
the ˌ global ˈ village noun [ S ]
all the countries of the world when thought of as being closely connected by
modern communication and trade
As citizens of the global village, we cannot ignore our obligations to others.
ˌ global ˈ warming noun [ U ]
a gradual increase in world temperatures caused by polluting gases such as
carbon dioxide which are collecting in the air around the Earth and preventing heat
escaping into space
globe noun WORLD
1. the globe
[ S ] the world
His greatest ambition is to sail round the globe.
She is a superstar all around the globe.
globe
2. [ C ] a map of the world in the shape of a ball, which is fixed to a support and
can be turned round at the same angle as the Earth turns in space
She spun the globe, and pointed to the Solomon Islands.
globe noun ROUND OBJECT
3. [ C ] any ball-shaped object
4. [ C ] AUSTRALIAN a light globe
ˌ globe ˈ artichoke noun [ C ]
globe artichoke
a plant which has a round mass of pointed parts like leaves, which are eaten as a
vegetable, surrounding its flower
ˌ globe ˈ artichoke noun [ C ]
globe artichoke
a plant which has a round mass of pointed parts like leaves, which are eaten as a
vegetable, surrounding its flower
globetrotter noun [ C ]
someone who often travels to a lot of different countries
Japan last month, New York next month - you've become a regular globetrotter,
haven't you?
globetrotting adjective , noun [ U ]
a globetrotting lifestyle
The Prime Minister's globetrotting has led to accusations that he is ignoring
domestic problems.
globular adjective
shaped like a ball
globule noun [ C ]
a small ball of something, especially a drop of liquid
The disease is caused by globules of fat blocking the blood vessels.
glockenspiel noun [ C ]
a musical instrument made of flat metal bars of different lengths which you hit
with a pair of small hammers
See picture music (percussion)
glom verb
glom onto sth/sb phrasal verb US INFORMAL
1. to become very interested in something such as a new idea or fashion or in
someone
Retailers are glomming onto a new fashion among teens for outsize clothes.
This guy glommed onto me at Tasha's party and wouldn't take no for an answer.
2. to get or take something that you want
He's glommed onto a couple of my tapes and I can't get them back off him.
gloom noun [ U ] WITHOUT HOPE
1. feelings of great unhappiness and loss of hope
Bergman's films are often full of gloom and despair.
There is widespread gloom and doom about the company's future.
gloom noun [ U ] DARKNESS
2. when it is nearly dark and difficult to see well
She peered into the gloom, but she couldn't see where the noise was coming
from.
A figure emerged from the gloom of the corridor.
gloomy adjective WITHOUT HOPE
1. unhappy and without hope
a gloomy person/expression
The cemetery is a gloomy place.
2. with no positive opinions or expectations about a situation
The vet is rather gloomy about my cat's chances of recovery.
a gloomy economic forecast
gloomy adjective DARK
3. dark in a way that is unpleasant and makes it difficult to see
What gloomy weather we're having!
We waited in a gloomy waiting-room.
gloomily adverb
gloominess noun [ U ]
gloomy adjective WITHOUT HOPE
1. unhappy and without hope
a gloomy person/expression
The cemetery is a gloomy place.
2. with no positive opinions or expectations about a situation
The vet is rather gloomy about my cat's chances of recovery.
a gloomy economic forecast
gloomy adjective DARK
3. dark in a way that is unpleasant and makes it difficult to see
What gloomy weather we're having!
We waited in a gloomy waiting-room.
gloomily adverb
gloominess noun [ U ]
gloop noun [ U ] UK INFORMAL
any thick liquid or sticky substance
gloopy adjective UK
glop noun [ U ] INFORMAL
any thick unpleasant liquid, especially food
The soup was a greyish glop, with bits in it.
glorify verb [ T ]
1. to praise and honour God or a person
There are 99 prayer beads - one for each way Allah can be glorified in the Koran.
A statue was erected to glorify the country's national heroes.
2. to make something seem splendid or excellent, often when it is really not
I didn't like the way the film glorified war/violence.
INFORMAL My word processor's really just a glorified typewriter.
glorification noun [ U ]
He criticized the entertainment industry for the glorification of violence.
Cathedrals are built for the glorification of God.
glorious adjective DESERVING ADMIRATION
1. deserving great admiration, praise and honour
a glorious victory
a memorial to the glorious dead of two world wars
glorious adjective BEAUTIFUL/NICE
2. very beautiful
The beetroot had turned the soup a glorious pink.
Your roses are glorious!
3. describes weather that is very pleasant, especially weather that is hot and
sunny
They had glorious weather for their wedding.
It was a glorious winter day - crisp and clear.
4. very enjoyable or giving great pleasure
This wine is absolutely glorious.
We had a glorious time in the south of France last summer.
gloriously adverb
We've had gloriously sunny weather.
They looked gloriously happy.
the ˌ Glorious ˈ Twelfth noun [ S ] UK
August 12, the start of the grouse (= a big bird) shooting season in Britain
the ˌ Glorious ˈ Twelfth noun [ S ] UK
August 12, the start of the grouse (= a big bird) shooting season in Britain
glory noun ADMIRATION/PRAISE
1. [ U ] praise and thanks, especially as given to God
Glory be to God!
He dedicated his poetry to the glory of God.
2. [ U ] great admiration, honour and praise which you earn by doing something
successfully
He revelled in the glory of scoring three goals in the final 8 minutes.
This was her final professional match, and she wanted to end her career in a
blaze of glory.
3. [ C ] an important achievement which earns someone great admiration, honour
and praise
The reunion is an opportunity for the soldiers to remember their past glories.
glory noun BEAUTY
4. [ C or U ] great beauty, or something splendid or extremely beautiful, which
gives great pleasure
They want to restore the castle to its former glory.
The garden in all its glory is now open to the public.
bask/bathe in reflected glory
to feel successful and admired for something, despite the fact that you did not
achieve it yourself but were only connected to it in some way
The government is bathing in the reflected glory of its victorious military forces.
cover yourself in/with glory
to be very successful and earn admiration
He didn't exactly cover himself with glory in his last job.
crowning glory
the greatest or most beautiful thing
The ballroom is the crowning glory of the palace.
Her hair is her crowning glory.
glory verb
glory in sth phrasal verb
to feel or show that you are very proud and happy about something
He is still glorying in the success of his first Hollywood film.
She glories in the fact that she's much better qualified than her sister.
ˈ glory ˌ box noun [ C usually singular ]
AUSTRALIAN bottom drawer
ˈ glory ˌ box noun [ C usually singular ]
AUSTRALIAN bottom drawer
ˈ glory ˌ days plural noun
Someone's glory days are a period of time when they were very successful
Her popularity as a singer has waned since the glory days of the 1980s.
gloss noun APPEARANCE
1. [ S or U ] a smooth shiny appearance on the surface of something, or paint or
a similar substance which produces this appearance
Marble can be polished to a high gloss.
This varnish provides a long-lasting and hard-wearing gloss finish .
lip gloss
We'll need a litre of gloss ( paint ) to cover the woodwork.
gloss noun EXPLANATION
2. [ C ] an explanation for a word or phrase
Difficult expressions are explained in the glosses at the bottom of the page.
put a gloss on sth
to emphasize the good parts of something that has been done, especially those
which are to your advantage, and to avoid the bad parts
Politics is all about putting a good gloss on unpleasant or difficult situations.
take the gloss off sth
to make an event or occasion less special and enjoyable
The bad weather really took the gloss off our trip to the zoo.
gloss verb [ T ]
to provide an explanation for a word or phrase
In the school edition of the book, the older and more rare words have been
glossed.
gloss over sth phrasal verb
to avoid considering something, such as an embarrassing mistake, to make it
seem not important, and to quickly continue talking about something else
She glossed over the company's fall in profits.
The film was well researched, but it glossed over the important issues.
glossary noun [ C ]
an alphabetical list, with meanings, of the words or phrases in a text that are
difficult to understand
a glossary of technical terms
glossary noun [ C ]
an alphabetical list, with meanings, of the words or phrases in a text that are
difficult to understand
a glossary of technical terms
glossy adjective
1. smooth and shiny
She has wonderfully glossy hair.
a dog with a glossy coat
2. describes a book or magazine which has been produced on shiny and expensive
paper and contains many colour pictures
a glossy coffee-table book
a pile of glossy magazines/car brochures
3. MAINLY DISAPPROVING looking attractive, but often not having serious value or
quality
This magazine is full of glossy advertisements for aftershave.
glossily adverb
glossiness noun [ U ]
glossy noun [ C ]
1. a glossy magazine
2. US a photograph printed on smooth shiny paper
ˌ glossy maga ˈ zine noun [ C ] ( ALSO glossy )
a magazine printed on shiny high-quality paper which contains a lot of colour
photographs and advertisements, usually about famous people, fashion and beauty
glottal stop noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a speech sound produced by closing the vocal cords and then opening them
quickly so that the air from the lungs is released with force
glottis noun [ C usually singular ] SPECIALIZED
the thin opening between the vocal cords at the top of the larynx (= organ in the
throat) , which is closed by the epiglottis when you swallow
glove noun [ C ]
a piece of clothing which is worn on the hand and wrist for warmth or protection,
with separate parts for each finger
leather/woollen/rubber gloves
a pair of gloves
See picture sports 2
glove verb [ T ] US
1. to put gloves on your hands
She gloved her hands to protect them from the chemicals.
2. to catch a ball when playing baseball
He gloved the ball, turned and threw in one motion.
ˈ glove ˌ box noun [ C ] IN A CAR
1. a glove compartment
ˈ glove ˌ box noun [ C ] IN A LABORATORY
2. SPECIALIZED a closed transparent container in which poisonous or radioactive
substances can be touched safely using gloves fixed to holes in one side of the container
ˈ glove ˌ box noun [ C ] IN A CAR
1. a glove compartment
ˈ glove ˌ box noun [ C ] IN A LABORATORY
2. SPECIALIZED a closed transparent container in which poisonous or radioactive
substances can be touched safely using gloves fixed to holes in one side of the container
ˈ glove com ˌ partment noun [ C ] ( ALSO glove box )
a small cupboard or shelf in the front of a car, used for storing small things
See picture car interior
gloved adjective
having a glove or gloves on
She held out a gloved hand.
ˈ glove ˌ puppet noun [ C ] UK ( US hand puppet )
a toy person or animal which has a soft hollow body so that you can put your
hand inside and move its head and arms with your fingers
glow verb [ I ]
1. to produce a continuous light and sometimes heat
A nightlight glowed dimly in the corner of the children's bedroom.
This substance is so radioactive that it glows in the dark.
2. to look attractive because you are happy or healthy, especially with eyes that
are shining
The children's faces were glowing with excitement.
They came back from their week by the sea, glowing with health.
3. be glowing
to be hot or red from exercising
When we got back from our walk in the snow, my whole body was glowing.
glow noun [ S ] LIGHT
1. when something produces a continuous light and/or heat
the glow of the fire
Neon emits a characteristic red glow.
glow noun [ S ] FEELING
2. a positive feeling
They felt a glow of pride as they watched their daughter collect the award.
She felt a warm glow of satisfaction.
glower verb [ I ]
to look very angry, annoyed or threatening
There's no point glowering at me like that - you know the rules.
FIGURATIVE Large black rain clouds glowered (= looked likely to produce rain) in the
sky.
glower noun [ C usually singular ]
an angry glower
glower verb [ I ]
to look very angry, annoyed or threatening
There's no point glowering at me like that - you know the rules.
FIGURATIVE Large black rain clouds glowered (= looked likely to produce rain) in the
sky.
glower noun [ C usually singular ]
an angry glower
glowing adjective
praising with enthusiasm
In her speech, she paid a glowing tribute to her predecessor.
His latest book has received glowing reviews .
glowingly adverb
glow-worm noun [ C ]
a beetle , of which the females and young produce a green light from the tail
glucose noun [ U ]
a type of sugar which is found in plants, especially fruit, and which supplies an
important part of the energy animals need
glue noun [ U ]
glue
a sticky substance which is used for joining things together permanently,
produced from animal bones and skins or by a chemical process
glue verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to join things together using glue
Is it worth trying to glue this plate back together?
I've nearly finished making my model aeroplane - I just have to glue the wings on
.
be glued to sth INFORMAL
to be unable to stop watching something
We were glued to the television watching the election results come in.
glued to the spot INFORMAL
unable to move because you are very frightened, nervous or interested
I just stood there, glued to the spot.
ˈ glue ˌ ear noun [ U ]
a medical condition which is common in children, in which the middle part of the
ear becomes filled with a liquid which prevents them from hearing correctly
Over half of all children in Britain get glue ear at some time before they are 16,
and it can lead to permanent hearing loss.
ˈ glue ˌ ear noun [ U ]
a medical condition which is common in children, in which the middle part of the
ear becomes filled with a liquid which prevents them from hearing correctly
Over half of all children in Britain get glue ear at some time before they are 16,
and it can lead to permanent hearing loss.
ˈ glue ˌ sniffer noun [ C ]
someone who breathes in the dangerous gases produced by some types of glue in
order to feel excited
glue sniffing noun [ U ]
Drugs, glue sniffing and under-age drinking are prevalent amongst the older
teenagers.
gluey adjective
covered with glue
You'd better wash those gluey hands of yours.
glum adjective INFORMAL
1. disappointed or unhappy, and quiet
You look glum. What's up?
He's very glum about the company's prospects.
2. If a place is glum, it is not attractive and has nothing that causes pleasure
They live in one glum little room.
glumly adverb
"I'll never find another job at my age, " she said glumly.
glumness noun [ U ]
glut noun [ C ]
a supply of something that is much greater than can be sold or is needed or
wanted
The fall in demand for coffee could cause a glut on/in the market .
The current glut of graduates means that many of them will not be able to find
jobs.
glut verb [ T often passive ]
Higher mortgage rates and over-building left some markets glutted with unsold
houses.
gluten noun [ U ]
a protein which is contained in wheat and some other grains
a gluten-free diet
glutinous adjective
sticky
Short-grain rice turns into a soft glutinous mass when cooked.
glutinous adjective
sticky
Short-grain rice turns into a soft glutinous mass when cooked.
glutton noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a person who regularly eats and drinks more than is needed
be a glutton for sth
to like something very much
Sophie is a glutton for books.
be a glutton for punishment
to be someone who seems to enjoy doing something that you consider unpleasant
He's a real glutton for punishment, taking on all that extra work without getting
paid for it.
gluttonous adjective DISAPPROVING
1. eating and drinking more than you need
2. using more than you need
She said that industrialized countries should reduce their gluttonous (= greater
than is needed) consumption of oil.
gluttonously adverb
gluttony noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
when people eat and drink more than they need to
They treat Christmas as just another excuse for gluttony.
gly ˌ cemic ˈ index noun [ S ] ( ABBREVIATION GI )
a system for listing foods according to how quickly they increase the level of sugar
in your blood
glycerine , US ALSO glycerin , noun [ U ]
a colourless sweet thick liquid which is used in making explosives and medicines
and for making food sweet
Compare nitroglycerine
glycerol noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
glycerine
glycogen noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a substance found in the liver and muscles which stores carbohydrate and is
important in controlling sugar levels in the blood
gm noun
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR gram
GM adjective [ before noun ]
ABBREVIATION FOR genetically modified
G-man noun [ C ] US SLANG
a government official in the US, especially one who works for the FBI
ˌ GM ˈ food noun [ C or U ]
genetically modified food: food from crops whose genes have been scientifically
changed
Agricultural companies have failed to convince consumers that GM foods are safe.
GMO noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR genetically modified organism: a plant or animal whose genes
have been scientifically changed
GMT noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Greenwich Mean Time
GMTA , gmta
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR great minds think alike: used when two people write the
same thing when they are discussing something in a chat room , or when two people
have the same idea
gnarled adjective
rough and twisted, especially because of old age or no protection from bad
weather
a gnarled tree trunk
The old man drew a long gnarled finger across his throat.
gnash verb
gnash your teeth
1. to bring your teeth forcefully together when you are angry
The monster roared and gnashed its teeth.
2. HUMOROUS to complain angrily and noisily about something
The villagers gnashed their teeth about the council's decision to build a car park.
gnashing of teeth ( ALSO teeth-gnashing ) HUMOROUS
angry noise and upset
There has been much gnashing of teeth about the proposal to close the hospital.
gnat noun [ C ]
a very small flying insect that bites animals and people
gnat noun [ C ]
a very small flying insect that bites animals and people
gnaw verb [ I + prep T ] BITE
1. to bite or chew something repeatedly, usually making a hole in it or gradually
destroying it
Babies like to gnaw hard objects when they're teething.
A dog lay under the table, gnawing on a bone.
gnaw verb [ I + prep T ] FEEL WORRIED
2. to make you feel worried or uncomfortable
I've been gnawed by guilt about not replying to her letter yet.
The feeling that I've forgotten something has been gnawing at me all day.
gnaw away at sth phrasal verb
to gradually reduce or spoil something
Bad debts are continuing to gnaw away at the bank's profits.
gnawing adjective
continuously uncomfortable, worrying or painful
I've had gnawing doubts about this project for some time.
After three days, we felt an agonizing, gnawing hunger .
gneiss noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of metamorphic rock that contains light and dark bands formed of minerals
such as quartz and mica
gnocchi plural noun
small round balls made from potato or wheat flour mixed with water, that you eat
in soup or with sauce
gnome noun [ C ]
1. an imaginary, very small, old man with a beard and a pointed hat, in traditional
children's stories
2. a model of a gnome used as a garden decoration
I don't think garden gnomes are in very good taste.
3. US a person who works by using their mind, but does not talk to, and is not
known by, the public
The gnomes in the back room are putting the finishing touches to the new
software.
4. the gnomes of Zurich LITERARY
the powerful bankers (= people who own or control banks) from Switzerland who
control a lot of money, much of it belonging to foreign governments
gnomic adjective FORMAL
describes something spoken or written that is short, mysterious and not easily
understood, but often seems wise
Peter is always coming out with gnomic utterances/pronouncements.
gnomic adjective FORMAL
describes something spoken or written that is short, mysterious and not easily
understood, but often seems wise
Peter is always coming out with gnomic utterances/pronouncements.
GNP noun [ U ]
SPECIALIZED ABBREVIATION FOR Gross National Product: the total value of goods and
services produced by a country in one year, including profits made in foreign countries
Compare GDP
gnu noun [ C ]
a large African animal with a long tail and horns that curve to the sides, which
lives in areas covered with grass
go verb MOVE/TRAVEL
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to travel or move to another place
We went into the house.
I went to Paris last summer. Have you ever been there?
We don't go to the cinema very often these days.
Wouldn't it be quicker to go by train?
Does this train go to Newcastle?
Where do you think you're going? Shouldn't you be at school?
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to be in the process of moving
Can't we go any faster?
We were going along at about 50 miles an hour.
to go down the road
to go up/down stairs
to go over the bridge
to go through a tunnel
FIGURATIVE I've got a tune going around/round in my head (= I am continually
hearing it) and I just can't remember the name of it.
3. [ I ] to move or travel somewhere in order to do something
[ + -ing verb ] We go shopp ing every Friday night.
I've never gone ski ing .
They've gone for a walk, but they should be back soon.
[ + to infinitive ] She's gone to meet Brian at the station.
There's a good film on at the Odeon. Shall we go?
4. where has/have sth gone?
said when you cannot find something
Where have my keys gone?
go verb LEAVE
5. [ I ] to leave a place, especially in order to travel to somewhere else
Is it midnight already? I really must go/must be going.
She wasn't feeling well, so she went home early.
MAINLY UK What time does the last train to Bath go?
I'm afraid he'll have to go (= be dismissed from his job) - he's far too inefficient
to continue working for us.
This carpet's terribly old and worn - it really will have to go (= be got rid of) .
6. to go MAINLY US
If you ask for some food to go at a restaurant, you want it wrapped up so that
you can take it away with you instead of eating it in the restaurant
I'd like a cheeseburger and strawberry milk shake to go, please.
See also takeaway
7. [ I ] POLITE WORD FOR to die
She went peacefully in her sleep.
go verb LEAD
8. [ I + adverb or preposition ] If a road, path, etc. goes in a particular direction,
it leads there
This road goes to Birmingham.
A huge crack went from the top to the bottom of the wall.
9. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to continue for a particular length
The tree's roots go down three metres.
go verb FUTURE TIME
10. be going to do/be sth
a. to intend to do or be something in the future
Are you going to go to Claire's party?
He wants me to mend his shirt for him, but I'm not going to!
I'm going to be a famous pop star when I'm older.
b. to be certain or expected to happen in the future
They're going to have a baby in the spring.
There's going to be trouble when Paul finds out about this.
The forecast said it was going to be hot and sunny tomorrow.
go verb BECOME
11. [ L only + adjective ] to become
The idea of going grey doesn't bother me, but I'd hate to go bald.
Her father's going senile/blind/deaf.
If anything goes wrong , you can call our emergency hotline free of charge.
After 12 years of Republican presidents, the US went Democratic in 1992.
go verb MOVE BODY
12. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move a part of the body in a particular
way or the way that is shown
Go like this with your hand to show that you're turning left.
go verb OPERATE
13. [ I ] to operate (in the right way)
Have you any idea why this watch won't go?
Can you help me get my car going?
Our company has been going (= has been in business) for twenty years.
go verb TIME
14. [ I ] If a period of time goes, it passes
I had a wonderful weekend but it went awfully quickly.
Time seems to go faster as you get older.
There's only a week to go before (= until) my exam results come out.
go verb BE
15. [ L only + adjective ] to be or stay in a particular, especially unpleasant,
condition
In spite of the relief effort, thousands of people continue to go hungry.
Why do so many rapes go unreported?
16. as...go
in comparison with most other things of a particular type, especially when you do
not think that type of thing is very good
It was quite a good film, as horror films go.
I suppose the concert was OK, as these things go.
17. go to prove/show
to prove that something is true
Your daughter's attitude only goes to prove how much society has changed over
the last 30 years.
go verb START
18. [ I ] to start doing or using something
I'll just connect up the printer to the computer and then we'll be ready to go.
go verb PLAY GAME
19. [ I ] to use your opportunity to play in a game
It's your turn to go now.
go verb DIVIDE
20. [ I not continuous ] (of a number) to fit into another number especially
resulting in a whole number
5 into 11 won't go.
5 goes into 11 twice with 1 left over.
go verb SAY
21. [ + speech ] INFORMAL to say, especially when a story is being told
"I never want to see you ever again, " he goes, and storms out the house.
go verb WEAKEN
22. [ I ] to become weak or damaged, especially from being used (too much), or
to stop working
After a gruelling six months singing on a world tour, it is hardly surprising that her
voice is starting to go.
I really must get a new jacket - this one's starting to go at the elbows.
Her hearing is going, but otherwise she's remarkably fit for a 95-year-old.
go verb NOISE
23. [ I or T ] to produce a noise
I think I heard the doorbell go (= ring) just now.
I wish my computer would stop going 'beep' whenever I do something wrong.
go verb BE EXPRESSED
24. [ I not continuous ] to be expressed, sung or played
I can never remember how that song goes.
"Doesn't it go something like this?" said Joan, and played the first couple of bars
on her guitar.
[ + ( that ) ] The story goes (= People say) (that) he was sacked after he was
caught stealing company property.
A headless ghost walks the castle at night - or so the story goes (= so people
say) .
go verb HAPPEN
25. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to happen or be found regularly or
typically with each other or another
Wisdom and maturity don't necessarily go together .
She knows all about the health problems that go with smok ing .
Great wealth often goes hand in hand with meanness.
go verb BE SITUATED
26. [ I usually + adverb or preposition not continuous ] to be put in a particular
place, especially as the usual place
The sofa went against that wall before we had the radiator put in.
I'll put it all away if you tell me where everything goes.
go verb BE SOLD
27. [ I ] to be sold or be available
The shop is having a closing-down sale - everything must go.
The painting will go to the highest bidder.
I bought some flowers that were going cheap .
"Going... going... gone! (= Sold!) " said the auctioneer, banging down the
hammer.
go verb BE ACCEPTABLE
28. [ I not continuous ] to look or be acceptable or suitable
That picture would go well on the wall in the living room.
The TV would go nicely in that corner, wouldn't it?
If I wear the orange hat with the blue dress, do you think it will go?
Just remember that I'm the boss and what I say goes (= you have to accept what
I say) .
My parents don't worry too much about what I get up to, and most of the time
anything goes (= I can do what I want) .
go verb BE KNOWN
29. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to be known (by a particular name)
He had a scruffy old teddy bear which went by the name of Augustus.
In Britain, this flour usually goes under the name of maize meal.
go verb DEVELOP
30. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to develop or happen
" How did the interview go?" "It went very well, thanks."
Things have gone badly for him since his business collapsed.
be gone on sb INFORMAL
to like someone a lot
Nicky's really gone on Marty.
go and... INFORMAL
used to express disapproval of something that is done
He's gone and lost (= He has lost) that wallet I gave him for his birthday.
Mike's really gone and done it now - he'll be in terrible trouble for breaking that
window.
go for it INFORMAL
to do anything you have to in order to get something
"I'm thinking of applying for that job." "Go for it!"
go it alone
to do something without other people
He's decided to leave the band and go it alone as a singer.
sth gone mad
a particular type of thing that has gone out of control
He described the new regulations as bureaucracy gone mad.
have sth going for you
If someone or something has something going for them, that thing causes them
to have a lot of advantages and to be successful
They've got a happy marriage, brilliant careers, wonderful kids - in fact they've
got everything going for them.
not go there
to not start to think about or discuss a subject
"Then there's the guilt I feel about leaving her for seven hours every day." "Don't
even go there!"
the same/that goes for sb/sth
what I have said about one person or thing is also true for or relates to another
person or thing
You really need to smarten up your appearance, Chris - and the same goes for the
rest of you.
What are you going to do? US INFORMAL
used to say that there is nothing you can do to make a situation better
go about sth phrasal verb
to begin to do something or deal with something
What's the best way of going about this?
[ + -ing verb ] How can we go about solv ing this problem?
go about your business
to continue doing what you usually do
In spite of last night's terrorist attack, most people seem to be going about their
business as if nothing had happened.
go after sb phrasal verb
to chase or follow someone in order to catch them
The police went after him but he got away.
go after sth phrasal verb
INFORMAL to try to get something
Are you planning to go after Paul's job when he leaves?
go against sb phrasal verb
If a decision or vote goes against someone, they do not get the result that they
needed
The judge's decision went against us.
The vote went against her (= She lost the vote) .
go against sth/sb phrasal verb
to oppose or disagree with something or someone
Public opinion is going against the government on this issue.
What you're asking me to do goes against everything I believe in.
go ahead phrasal verb
1. to start to do something
We've received permission to go ahead with the music festival in spite of
opposition from local residents.
I got so fed up with waiting for him to do it that I just went ahead and did it
myself.
2. INFORMAL said to someone in order to give them permission to start to do
something
"Could I ask you a rather personal question?" "Sure, go ahead."
3. If an event goes ahead, it happens
The festival is now going ahead as planned.
go along phrasal verb PLACE
1. UK to go to a place or event, usually without much planning
I might go along to the party later.
go along phrasal verb ACTIVITY
2. as you go along
as you are doing a job or activity
We have a flexible approach to what we're doing that allows us to make any
necessary changes as we go along.
I'll explain the rules as we go along.
go along with sth/sb phrasal verb
to support an idea, or to agree with someone's opinion
Kate's already agreed, but it's going to be harder persuading Mike to go along
with it.
go around phrasal verb
US FOR go round
go at sb phrasal verb
to attack someone
Suddenly, he went at me with a knife.
go at sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to start doing something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm
He went at (= ate eagerly) his dinner as if he hadn't had anything to eat for
weeks.
go away phrasal verb LEAVE
1. to leave a place
Go away and leave me alone!
2. to leave your home in order to spend time somewhere else, usually for a
holiday
We usually go away for the summer.
He goes away on business a lot.
go away phrasal verb DISAPPEAR
3. to disappear
It was weeks before the bruises went away.
going away US
In sports, if a team or person wins a competition going away, they win it by a lot
of points, goals, etc
They seemed to score at will in the final period and the Knicks won going away.
go back phrasal verb RETURN
1. to return
That restaurant was terrible - I'm never going back there again.
I'll have to go back for my umbrella.
Do you think you'll ever go back to London?
When do you go back to school?
Let's go back to the beginning and start again.
We can always go back to the original plan if necessary.
go back phrasal verb
2. to be returned
When are these library books due to go back ?
That TV will have to go back to the shop - it hasn't worked properly ever since I
bought it.
go back phrasal verb ORIGIN
3. to have existed since a time in the past
Their relationship goes back to when they were at university together.
Our house goes back to (= has existed since) the 18th century.
go back on sth phrasal verb
to fail to keep a promise, or to change a decision or agreement
The government looks likely to go back on its decision to close the mines.
She's gone back on her word and decided not to give me the job after all.
go back to sb phrasal verb
to start a relationship again with a person you had a romantic relationship with in
the past
I hear he's ended the affair and gone back to his wife.
go back to sth phrasal verb
to start doing something again that you were doing before
It's time to go back to work.
go by phrasal verb
1. to move past, in space or time
You can watch the trains going by from this window.
You can't let an opportunity like that go by - it's too good to miss.
Hardly a day goes by when I don't think about her.
2. in days gone by
in the past
The house was a railway station in days gone by.
go by sth phrasal verb FOLLOW
1. to follow something or be shown the way by something
I'm sorry, madam, but we have to go by the rules.
go by sth phrasal verb BASE
2. to base an opinion, decision or judgment on something
What do you go by when you're deciding whether or not to employ someone?
Going by what she said yesterday, I would say she's about to resign.
If past experience is anything to go by, he'll completely ignore our suggestions
and then change his mind at the last minute.
go down (sth) phrasal verb MOVE DOWN
1. to move down to a lower level or place
He went down on his knees and begged for forgiveness.
He first went down the mines when he was 17.
The plane went down (= fell to the ground because of an accident, bomb, etc.)
ten minutes after takeoff.
Everyone took to the lifeboats when the ship started to go down (= sink) .
Could I have a glass of water to help these pills go down (= to help me swallow
them) ?
go down (sth) phrasal verb REACH
2. to reach or go as far as
Its roots can go down three metres.
This path goes down to the river.
Go down to (= Read as far as) the bottom of the page.
go down phrasal verb SUN
1. When the sun goes down, it moves down in the sky until it cannot be seen any
more
On summer evenings we would sit on the verandah and watch the sun go down.
go down phrasal verb BE REDUCED
2. to be reduced in price, value, amount, quality, level or size
The temperature went down to minus ten last night.
The company's shares went down 7p to 53p.
The swelling's gone down but there's still a lot of bruising.
He went down in my estimation when he started trying to be a singer as well as
an actor.
go down phrasal verb BE REMEMBERED
3. to be remembered or recorded in a particular way
Hurricane Katrina will go down in the record books as the costliest storm ever
faced by insurers.
go down phrasal verb BE RECEIVED
4. to be received in a particular way
I think my speech went down rather well , don't you?
go down phrasal verb LOSE
5. to lose or be defeated
England's unbeaten run of ten games ended last night when they went down 4-2
to France.
Dictators rarely go down without a fight.
go down phrasal verb PRISON
6. UK SLANG to be put in prison
She went down for three years for her part in the robbery.
go down phrasal verb COMPUTER
7. If a computer system goes down, it stops working
The battery should prevent the computer system from going down in the event of
a power cut.
go down phrasal verb HAPPEN
8. US SLANG If an event such as a crime or a deal goes down, it happens
I tried to tell Tyrell what was going down, but he wouldn't listen.
go down phrasal verb LEAVE
9. UK OLD-FASHIONED If you go down from a college or university, especially Oxford
University or Cambridge University, you leave either permanently or for a holiday.
go down on sb phrasal verb SLANG
to use the tongue and lips to touch someone's sexual organs in order to give
pleasure
go down with sth phrasal verb ( ALSO come down with sth ) UK
to start to suffer from an infectious disease
Half of Martha's class has gone down with flu.
go for sb phrasal verb
to attack someone
Their dog had to be put to sleep after it went for the postwoman.
go for sth phrasal verb CHOOSE
1. to choose something
Instead of butter, I always go for margarine or a low-fat spread.
go for sth phrasal verb LIKE
2. to like or admire
I don't go for war films in a big way (= very much) .
What sort of men do you go for (= are you attracted to) ?
go for sth phrasal verb TRY
3. to try to have or achieve something
She tripped me as I went for the ball.
Are you planning to go for that scholarship to Harvard University?
The Russian relay team will again be going for the gold medal at the Olympic
Games.
go for sth phrasal verb MONEY
4. If something goes for a certain amount of money, it is sold for that amount
The painting is expected to go for at least a million dollars.
go in phrasal verb ENTER
1. to enter a place
I looked through the window, but I didn't actually go in.
go in phrasal verb BECOME HIDDEN
2. If the sun goes in, it becomes hidden from view by clouds.
go in phrasal verb BE UNDERSTOOD
3. MAINLY UK INFORMAL If a fact or piece of information goes in, you understand it or
remember it
No matter how many times you tell him something, it never seems to go in.
go in for sth phrasal verb ENJOY
1. to do something regularly, or to enjoy something
I've never really gone in for classical music, but I love jazz.
go in for sth phrasal verb COMPETE
2. to take part in a competition
Are you planning to go in for the 100 metres race?
go into sth phrasal verb START
1. to start doing a particular type of work
My son's planning to go into journalism.
She's decided to go into business as a freelance computer programmer.
2. to start an activity, or start to be in a particular state or condition
The drug is still being tested and will not go into commercial production for at
least two years.
How many companies have gone into liquidation/receivership during the
current recession?
Repeated death threats have forced them to go into hiding .
Her baby was born three hours after she went into labour .
Some of the fans seemed to go into a trance when she appeared on stage.
go into sth phrasal verb DISCUSS
3. to discuss, examine, describe or explain something in a detailed or careful way
This is the first book to go into her personal life as well as her work.
I'd rather not go into that now. Can we discuss it later?
I'm unable to go into detail(s) at this stage because I still have very little
information about how the accident happened.
go into sth phrasal verb BE USED
4. MAINLY UK If time, money or effort goes into a product or activity, it is used
when producing or doing it
A considerable amount of time and effort has gone into this exhibition.
go into sth phrasal verb HIT
5. If a vehicle goes into something such as a tree or a wall, it hits it
Their car was travelling at 50 miles an hour when it went into the tree.
Compare collide
go off phrasal verb STOP WORKING
1. If a light or a machine goes off, it stops working
The lights went off in several villages because of the storm.
go off phrasal verb EXPLODE
2. If a bomb goes off, it explodes
The bomb went off at midday.
3. If a gun goes off, it fires
His gun went off accidentally.
go off phrasal verb FOOD
4. UK If food or drink goes off, it is not good to eat or drink any more because it is
too old
This bacon smells a bit funny - do you think it's gone off?
See also off (BAD)
go off phrasal verb NOISE
5. If a warning device goes off, it starts to ring loudly or make a loud noise
The alarm should go off automatically as soon as smoke is detected.
Didn't you hear your alarm clock going off this morning?
go off phrasal verb LEAVE
6. to leave a place and go somewhere else
She's gone off to the pub with Tony
go off phrasal verb HAPPEN
7. to happen in a particular way
The protest march went off peacefully.
go off phrasal verb BECOME WORSE
8. UK to become worse in quality
That paper's really gone off since they got that new editor.
go off sb/sth phrasal verb
to stop liking or being interested in someone or something
I went off beefburgers after I got food poisoning from a take-away.
I went off Peter when he said those dreadful things about Clare.
go off with sb phrasal verb
to leave a wife, husband or partner in order to have a sexual or romantic
relationship with someone else
Did you know that Hugh had gone off with his sister-in-law?
go off with sth phrasal verb
to take something without getting permission from the owner first
I do wish you'd stop going off with my car without asking me beforehand.
go on phrasal verb HAPPEN
1. to happen
I'm sure we never hear about a lot of what goes on in government.
This war has been going on for years.
go on phrasal verb CONTINUE
2. to continue or move to the next thing
Please go on with what you're doing and don't let us interrupt you.
[ + -ing verb ] We really can't go on liv ing like this - we'll have to find a bigger
house.
[ + to infinitive ] She admitted her company's responsibility for the disaster and
went on to explain how compensation would be paid to the victims.
What proportion of people who are HIV-positive go on to develop (= later
develop) AIDS?
If you go on (= continue behaving) like this you won't have any friends left at all.
go on phrasal verb OPERATE
3. to start operating
The spotlights go on automatically when an intruder is detected in the garden.
When does the heating go on?
go on phrasal verb TALK AGAIN
4. to start talking again after a pause
She paused to light another cigarette and then went on with her account of the
accident.
[ + speech ] "What I want more than anything else, " he went on, "is a house in
the country with a large garden for the children to play in."
5. INFORMAL something that you say to encourage someone to say or do something
Go on, what happened next?
go on phrasal verb TALK A LOT
6. UK to talk in an annoying way about something for a long time
I just wish he'd stop going on about how brilliant his daughter is." "Yes, he does
go on (a bit) , doesn't he?"
I wish you'd stop going on at (= criticizing repeatedly) me about my haircut.
go on phrasal verb PLEASE DO
7. used when encouraging or asking someone to do something
Go on, have another drink.
"I don't really feel like seeing a film tonight." "Oh go on. We haven't been to the
cinema for ages."
go on phrasal verb AGREE
8. INFORMAL something that you say in order to agree to do or allow something
that you did not want to do or to allow before
"Are you sure you don't want another slice of cake?" "Oh go on then , but just a
small one."
go on phrasal verb TIME
9. to continue or pass
Tomorrow will start cold but it should get warmer as the day goes on.
As the evening went on it became clear that we should never have agreed to see
each other again.
go on phrasal verb NOT BELIEVE
10. Go on!
11. MAINLY UK OLD-FASHIONED used when you do not believe someone
go on sth phrasal verb
to use a piece of information in order to help you discover or understand
something
I'm only going on what I overheard him saying to Chris, but I think he's planning
to leave next month.
The investigation has only just started so the police haven't got much to go on
at the moment.
go out phrasal verb LEAVE
1. to leave a room or building, especially in order to do something for
entertainment
Please close the door as you go out.
Do you fancy going out for a meal after work?
It's terribly smoky in here - I'm just going out for a breath of fresh air.
[ + -ing verb ] I wish you'd spend more time at home instead of going out drink
ing with your friends every night.
go out phrasal verb RELATIONSHIP
2. to have a romantic and usually sexual relationship with someone
How long have you been going out with him?
They'd been going out (together/with each other) for almost five years before
he moved in with her.
go out phrasal verb SEA
3. If the tide goes out, it moves back and covers less of the beach.
Compare come in
go out phrasal verb LIGHT/FIRE
4. If a light or something that is burning goes out, it stops producing light or heat.
When I woke up the fire had gone out.
go out phrasal verb SPORT
5. UK to lose when you are playing in a sports competition, so that you must stop
playing in the competition
England went out to France in the second round of the championship.
go out to sb phrasal verb
If your thoughts or sympathies go out to someone in a difficult or sad situation,
you think of them and feel sorry for them
Our deepest sympathies go out to her husband and children.
go over phrasal verb
US FOR go down (BE RECEIVED)
go over sth phrasal verb EXAMINE
1. to examine or look at something in a careful or detailed way
Forensic scientists are going over the victim's flat in a search for clues about the
murderer.
Remember to go over your essay checking for grammar and spelling mistakes
before you hand it in to me.
I've gone over the problem several times, but I can't think of a solution.
go over sth phrasal verb STUDY
2. to study or explain something
I always go over my revision notes just before I go into an exam.
Could you go over the main points of your argument again, Professor?
go over to sth phrasal verb
1. to change to something new or to a new way of doing things
Many motorists are going over from leaded to unleaded fuel.
She went over (= changed her support) to the Democrats at the last election.
2. to change to another broadcaster or place of broadcast
We're now going over to Kate Adie speaking live from Baghdad.
Later in this bulletin we will be going over to our Westminster studio for an update
on the situation.
go round phrasal verb UK ( US go around ) SPIN
1. to spin like a wheel
Compare revolve ; rotate
go round phrasal verb UK ( US go around ) BE ENOUGH
2. If there is enough of something to go round, there is enough for everyone in a
group of people
Are there enough pencils to go round?
go round phrasal verb UK ( US go around ) BEHAVE BADLY
3. to spend your time behaving in the stated way
[ + -ing verb ] You can't go round be ing rude to people.
go round phrasal verb UK ( US go around ) VISIT
4. to visit someone in their home
I'm just going round to Martha's for half an hour.
Why didn't you tell me Perry had been round?
go round sth phrasal verb UK ( US go around )
to travel to all, or the main, parts of a place that you are visiting in order to find
out what it is like or to learn about it
For a few weeks in the summer, visitors are able to go round Buckingham Palace.
go round (somewhere) phrasal verb UK ( US go around (somewhere) )
to go or be given from one person to another, or to move from one place to
another
A nasty flu bug's going round (the school) at the moment.
There's a rumour going round (the village) that they're having an affair.
go through phrasal verb
If a law, plan or deal goes through, it is officially accepted or approved.
A council spokeswoman said that the proposals for the new shopping centre were
unlikely to go through.
go through sth phrasal verb EXPERIENCE
1. to experience a difficult or unpleasant situation
I've been going through a bad patch recently.
You'd think his children would be more sympathetic towards him after all he's
gone through (= the many bad things he has experienced) .
go through sth phrasal verb EXAMINE
2. to examine something which contains a collection of things carefully in order to
organize them or find something
I'm going through my wardrobe and throwing out all the clothes I don't wear any
more.
Remember to go through the pockets before you put those trousers in the
washing machine.
go through sth phrasal verb PRACTISE
3. to do something in order to practise or as a test
I'd like you to go through that manoeuvre again and then bring the car to a halt.
go through sth phrasal verb USE
4. to use a lot of something
Before I gave up smoking I was going through 40 cigarettes a day.
I went through a hundred quid on my last trip to London.
go through with sth phrasal verb
to do something unpleasant or difficult that has already been agreed or promised
He'd threatened to divorce her but I never thought he'd go through with it.
The company has decided not to go through with the takeover of its smaller rival.
go to sb phrasal verb
to be given or sold to someone
Who did the award for Best Actress go to?
All the money raised will go to charity.
The painting went to the highest bidder.
go together phrasal verb LOOK GOOD
1. to look good together
Do you think the cream dress and the blue jacket go together?
Compare match ; suit
go together phrasal verb BE FOUND
2. to happen or be found together
Wisdom and maturity don't necessarily go together.
Researchers have discovered that short-sightedness and high IQs seem to go
together in children.
go together phrasal verb RELATIONSHIP
3. INFORMAL If two people are going together, they have a romantic or sexual
relationship with each other.
go under phrasal verb SINK
1. to sink
The ship went under just minutes after the last passenger had been rescued.
go under phrasal verb FAIL
2. If a company goes under, it fails financially
The charity will go under unless a generous donor can be found within the next
few months.
go up phrasal verb RISE
1. to move higher, rise or increase
The average cost of a new house has gone up by 5% to £276 500.
go up phrasal verb EXPLODE
2. to suddenly explode
There's a gas leak and the whole building could go up at any moment.
go up phrasal verb BE FIXED
3. If a sign goes up, it is fixed into position
The new 'No Parking' signs went up yesterday.
go up phrasal verb BUILD
4. If a building goes up, it is built
A new factory is going up on the old airport.
go up phrasal verb UNIVERSITY
5. UK OLD-FASHIONED If you go up to a college or university, especially Oxford
University or Cambridge University, you begin studying there, or continue studying after
a holiday.
go up to sth phrasal verb
to reach as far as something
The path going up to the back door is very muddy.
This edition's rather out-of-date and only goes up to 1989.
go with sth phrasal verb SUIT
1. If one thing goes with another, they suit each other or they look or taste good
together
This wine goes particularly well with seafood.
I'm not sure that this hat really goes with this dress.
Compare match ; suit
go with sth phrasal verb RESULT
2. If a problem, activity or quality goes with another one, they often happen or
exist together and the first thing is often caused by the second
[ + -ing verb ] What are the main health problems that go with smok ing ?
go with sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to have a romantic or sexual relationship with someone
Did he ever go with anyone else while they were living together?
go with sb/sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to accept an idea or agree with a person
I think we can go with the advertising agency's suggestions, don't you?
go without (sth) phrasal verb
to not have something or to manage to live despite not having something
If you don't want fish for dinner, then you'll just have to go without!
I'd rather go without food than work for him.
go noun ATTEMPT
1. [ C ] ( US USUALLY try ) an attempt to do something
Georgina passed her driving test ( on her) first go.
"This jar is impossible to open." "Here, let me have a go."
I want to have a go at finish ing my essay tonight.
We can't do the work all in one go (= all at the same time) .
2. make a go of sth ( US USUALLY try )
to try to make something succeed, usually by working hard
She's really making a go of her new antique shop.
I can't see him ever making a go of accountancy.
go noun OPPORTUNITY
3. [ C ] ( US USUALLY turn ) an opportunity to play in a game, or to do or use
something
Hey, it's Ken's go now! You've just had your go.
Please can I have a go (= can I ride) on your bike?
I'll have a go at driv ing for a while if you're tired.
go noun CRITICIZE
4. have a go at sb UK
to criticize someone
My Dad's always having a go at me about getting a proper job.
go noun ENERGY
5. [ U ] the condition of being energetic and active
You're full of go this morning.
He doesn't have much go about him, does he?
See also get-up-and-go
be no go INFORMAL
to be impossible or not effective, or to not happen
They tried for hours to get her to come down from the roof, but it was no go.
The launch was no go due to the weather.
goad verb [ T ]
to make a person or an animal react or do something by continuously annoying or
upsetting them
Will the pressure applied by environmentalists be enough to goad the
industrialized nations into us ing less fossil fuels?
He refused to be goaded by their insults.
The team were goaded on by their desire to be first to complete the course.
A group of children were goading (= laughing at or pushing) another child in the
school playground.
goad noun [ S ]
The thought of exams next week is a great goad to the students to work hard.
goad verb [ T ]
to make a person or an animal react or do something by continuously annoying or
upsetting them
Will the pressure applied by environmentalists be enough to goad the
industrialized nations into us ing less fossil fuels?
He refused to be goaded by their insults.
The team were goaded on by their desire to be first to complete the course.
A group of children were goading (= laughing at or pushing) another child in the
school playground.
goad noun [ S ]
The thought of exams next week is a great goad to the students to work hard.
go-ahead noun [ S ]
when permission is given for someone to start doing something or for an event or
activity to happen
The government has given the go-ahead for a multi-billion pound road-building
project.
We're ready to start but we're still waiting to get the go-ahead from our head
office.
See also go ahead .
go-ahead adjective
enthusiastic about using new products and modern methods of doing things
We have a flexitime system and crèche facilities and like to think of ourselves as a
go-ahead employer.
goal noun [ C ] SPORT
1. an area on a playing field, that usually has two posts with a net fixed behind
them, where players try to send the ball in order to score in sports such as football and
hockey
Black kicked/headed the ball into/towards the goal.
2. a point scored in some sports, such as football or hockey , when a player gets
the ball into this area
Brazil won by three goals to one.
Only one goal was scored in the entire match.
3. be/play in goal
UK to be the player who tries to prevent the other team from scoring goals
Who is playing in goal for Milan this evening?
goal noun [ C ] AIM
4. an aim or purpose
Our goal is for the country to be fully independent within two years.
They have set themselves a series of goals to achieve by the end of the month.
Do you think I'll be able to achieve my goal of los ing 5 kilos before the
summer?
goalkeeper noun [ C ] UK ( INFORMAL goalie , US goaltender )
goalkeeper
the player who stands in the team's goal to try to stop the other team from
scoring
See also picture goalkeeper, goalpost
goalless adjective
without any goals being scored
The match ended in a goalless draw .
goalless adjective
without any goals being scored
The match ended in a goalless draw .
ˈ goal ˌ line noun [ C ]
the line between the two posts that mark the goal, over which the ball must pass
if a point is to be scored
goalmouth noun [ C ]
the area exactly in front of the goal
goalpost noun [ C ] ( ALSO post , UK ALSO upright )
in some sports, one of the two vertical posts, often painted white, which are
connected with a crossbar to form a goal
See picture goalkeeper, goalpost
move the goalposts UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to change the rules while someone is trying to do something in order to make it
more difficult for them
We'd almost signed the contract when the other guys moved the goalposts and
said they wanted more money.
goalscorer noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a person who scores goals for their team in games such as football
Matthew Le Tissier was Southampton's leading/top goalscorer that season.
goalscoring noun [ U ]
a fine goalscoring record
goaltender noun [ C ]
1. the person who stands in goal in ice hockey (= a game played by two teams on
ice) and tries to stop the opposing team from scoring
2. US a goalkeeper
goanna noun [ C ]
a type of large lizard which is common in Australia
goat noun [ C ] ANIMAL
1. an animal which is related to sheep, which usually has horns, and which lives
wild on mountains or is kept on farms to provide milk, meat, wool, etc
goat's milk/cheese
goat noun [ C ] MAN
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a man who is very active sexually, or would like to be and
makes it obvious
an old goat
act/play the goat UK INFORMAL
to behave in a silly way
Stop acting the goat!
get sb's goat ( AUSTRALIAN ALSO get on sb's goat ) INFORMAL
to very much annoy someone
That sort of attitude really gets my goat.
goatee noun [ C ]
goatee
a small usually pointed beard grown only on the chin, not the cheeks
goatee noun [ C ]
goatee
a small usually pointed beard grown only on the chin, not the cheeks
goatherd noun [ C ]
a person who takes care of a flock (= group) of goats
goatskin noun [ C or U ]
the skin of a single goat, or leather made from the skin
gob noun [ C ] UK SLANG
1. a mouth
2. keep your gob shut UK
to not say anything
You'd better keep your gob shut about what happened.
gob verb [ I ] UK SLANG
to force out the contents of the mouth, usually saliva ; to spit
gobbet noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a small piece or lump of something, especially food
gobble verb EAT
1. [ I or T ] INFORMAL to eat food too fast
She gobbled her dinner (down/up) .
gobble verb MAKE NOISE
2. [ I ] to make the sound of a male turkey
gobble sth up phrasal verb INFORMAL
1. to gobble
2. to use a lot of your supply of something, usually money
The mounting legal costs quickly gobbled up their savings.
gobbledegook , gobbledygook noun [ U ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
language, especially used in official letters, forms and statements, which seems
difficult or to mean nothing because you do not understand it
This computer manual is complete gobbledegook.
go-between noun [ C ]
someone who takes messages between people who are unable or unwilling to
meet
The ambassador has offered to act as a go-between for the two countries
involved in the conflict.
meet
goblet noun [ C ] MAINLY OLD USE
a container from which drink, especially wine, is drunk, usually made of glass or
metal, and with a stem and a base but no handles
goblin noun [ C ]
(in stories) a small, usually ugly, creature which is harmful to humans
See also hobgoblin
gobsmacked adjective UK INFORMAL
so shocked that you cannot speak
He was gobsmacked when he heard of the redundancies.
gobstopper noun [ C ] UK ( US jawbreaker )
a large round hard sweet which often has different coloured layers
go-cart , UK ALSO go-kart noun [ C ]
a small low car used for racing, or a toy car which you operate with your feet
go-carting , UK ALSO go-karting noun [ U ]
racing in go-carts
God noun [ S not after the ]
(in especially Christian, Jewish and Muslim belief) the being which made the
universe, the Earth and its people and is believed to have an effect on all things
Do you believe in God?
(Oh my) God! INFORMAL
used to emphasize how surprised, angry, shocked, etc. you are
My God, what a mess!
Oh my God, I've never seen anything like it!
God helps those who help themselves. SAYING
said to show you believe that if you make an effort to achieve something, you will
be successful
God knows INFORMAL
used to emphasize that you do not understand something at all or have no
knowledge of something at all
God knows wh ere he's put the keys!
"What did he mean by that?" "God knows!"
God willing
used to say you hope everything happens in the way you want
We'll be there tomorrow, God willing!
hope/wish/swear to God INFORMAL
used for emphasis
I hope to God (that) he turns up.
I swear to God (that) I didn't know about it.
thank God INFORMAL
something you say when you are happy because something bad did not happen
Thank God nobody was hurt in the accident.
Oh, there's my wallet. Thank God.
There is a God! HUMOROUS
said in a bad situation when something good happens unexpectedly
god noun [ C ] SPIRIT
1. a spirit or being believed to control some part of the universe or life and often
worshipped for doing so, or a representation of this spirit or being
the ancient Greek gods and goddesses
god noun [ C ] ADMIRED PERSON
2. someone who is very important to you, who you admire very much, and who
strongly influences you
His most devoted fans think of Elvis Presley as a sort of god.
god noun [ C ] THEATRE
3. the gods
UK INFORMAL the seats in a theatre which are at the highest level and the furthest
distance from the stage
Those whom the gods love die young. LITERARY SAYING
sometimes said when someone has died young
meet
goblet noun [ C ] MAINLY OLD USE
a container from which drink, especially wine, is drunk, usually made of glass or
metal, and with a stem and a base but no handles
goblin noun [ C ]
(in stories) a small, usually ugly, creature which is harmful to humans
See also hobgoblin
gobsmacked adjective UK INFORMAL
so shocked that you cannot speak
He was gobsmacked when he heard of the redundancies.
gobstopper noun [ C ] UK ( US jawbreaker )
a large round hard sweet which often has different coloured layers
go-cart , UK ALSO go-kart noun [ C ]
a small low car used for racing, or a toy car which you operate with your feet
go-carting , UK ALSO go-karting noun [ U ]
racing in go-carts
God noun [ S not after the ]
(in especially Christian, Jewish and Muslim belief) the being which made the
universe, the Earth and its people and is believed to have an effect on all things
Do you believe in God?
(Oh my) God! INFORMAL
My God, what a mess!
Oh my God, I've never seen anything like it!
God helps those who help themselves. SAYING
said to show you believe that if you make an effort to achieve something, you will
be successful
God knows INFORMAL
used to emphasize that you do not understand something at all or have no
knowledge of something at all
God knows wh ere he's put the keys!
"What did he mean by that?" "God knows!"
God willing
used to say you hope everything happens in the way you want
We'll be there tomorrow, God willing!
hope/wish/swear to God INFORMAL
used for emphasis
I hope to God (that) he turns up.
I swear to God (that) I didn't know about it.
thank God INFORMAL
something you say when you are happy because something bad did not happen
Thank God nobody was hurt in the accident.
Oh, there's my wallet. Thank God.
There is a God! HUMOROUS
said in a bad situation when something good happens unexpectedly
god noun [ C ] SPIRIT
1. a spirit or being believed to control some part of the universe or life and often
worshipped for doing so, or a representation of this spirit or being
the ancient Greek gods and goddesses
god noun [ C ] ADMIRED PERSON
2. someone who is very important to you, who you admire very much, and who
strongly influences you
His most devoted fans think of Elvis Presley as a sort of god.
god noun [ C ] THEATRE
3. the gods
UK INFORMAL the seats in a theatre which are at the highest level and the furthest
distance from the stage
Those whom the gods love die young. LITERARY SAYING
sometimes said when someone has died young
god-awful adjective INFORMAL
very bad, difficult or unpleasant
That was a god-awful meal.
godchild noun [ C ]
in the Christian religion, a child whose moral and religious development is partly
the responsibility of two or more godparents (= adults who promise to take this
responsibility at a ceremony)
goddamn MAINLY US VERY INFORMAL , US ALSO God damn , goddamned , goddam
exclamation , adjective , adverb
used to add emphasis to what is being said
Goddamn (it) , how much longer will it take?
Don't drive so goddamn fast!
See also damn
goddaughter noun [ C ]
a female godchild
goddess noun [ C ]
a female god
Aphrodite was the ancient Greek goddess of love.
godfather noun [ C ]
1. a male godparent
2. the leader of a criminal group, especially a mafia family
god-fearing adjective OLD USE
Someone who is god-fearing is religious and tries to live in the way they believe
God would wish them to.
godforsaken adjective [ before noun ] DISAPPROVING
describes a place that is not attractive and contains nothing interesting or
pleasant
The town is a godforsaken place at night.
God-given adjective
1. If you say something is God-given, you mean that it has not been made by
people
She has a God-given talent as a painter.
2. having to be obeyed
She seems to think she has a God-given right to tell us all what to do.
godless adjective
1. not having or believing in God or gods
a godless society
2. bad or evil
godlessly adverb
godlessness noun [ U ]
godlike adjective
like God or a god in some way
godlike powers
godly adjective
showing obedience to God
a godly woman
godliness noun [ U ]
godmother noun [ C ]
a female godparent
See also fairy godmother
godparent noun [ C ]
(in the Christian religion) a person who, at a baptism ceremony, promises to help
a new member of the religion, usually a child, in religious and moral matters
godsend noun [ S ] INFORMAL
something good which happens unexpectedly, especially at a time when it is
needed
The grant was a real godsend, especially considering the theatre was due to close
next month.
God's gift noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
If you say that someone thinks or behaves as if they are God's gift (to someone
or something), you mean that they believe that they are better than anyone else
He thinks he's God's gift to women (= He thinks he is extremely attractive to
women) .
godslot noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a period of time on television or radio for religious broadcasts
godson noun [ C ]
a male godchild
godsquad noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] INFORMAL MAINLY DISAPPROVING
any group of evangelical Christians whose members are generally thought to be
too forceful in trying to persuade other people to believe as they do
God's truth exclamation
said to emphasize that something is the complete truth
I didn't know she would be there - God's honest truth.
goer noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a woman who is sexually active with a lot of people
Apparently, she was a bit of a goer before she got married.
-goer suffix
a person who goes to the stated type of place
Restaurant-goers ought to complain more about bad food and service.
regular filmgoers
goes
HE/SHE/IT FORM OF go
gofer noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
someone whose job is to be sent to get and carry things such as messages,
drinks, etc. for other people in a company
go-getter noun [ C ]
someone who is very energetic, determined to be successful and able to deal with
new or difficult situations easily
We only recruit go-getters who will be actively involved in the company's
development.
go-getting adjective
He's a go-getting high-powered business manager.
goggle verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to look with the eyes wide open because you are surprised
The cathedral was full of goggling tourists.
goggle-box noun [ C usually singular ]
UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL FOR television
goggle-eyed adjective INFORMAL
If someone is goggle-eyed, their eyes are very wide open, usually because of
surprise.
goggles plural noun
goggles
special glasses which fit close to the face to protect the eyes from chemicals,
wind, water, etc
ski goggles
(a pair of) safety goggles
go-go adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
describes a financial period or business in which there is especially fast and active
development
an era of go-go economic growth
They made a fortune during the go-go years of the 1980s.
go-go dancer noun [ C ] ( ALSO go-go girl )
a dancer who performs in places such as bars, dancing energetically to modern
music with a strong beat, often in a sexually exciting manner and while wearing very
little clothing
going noun SPEED
1. [ U ] how quickly you do something
Cambridge to Newcastle in four hours is good going - you must have been driving
flat out.
going noun DIFFICULTY
2. [ U ] how easy or difficult something is
She's obviously very intelligent, but her lectures are heavy going (= they are
difficult to understand) .
He found three 400 metre races in two days hard going (= difficult) .
going noun GROUND
3. [ U ] the condition of the ground for walking or riding etc
After an inch of rain at the racecourse overnight, the going is described as good to
soft.
going noun LEAVING
4. [ S ] when someone leaves somewhere
His going came as as shock.
when the going gets rough/tough
when a situation becomes difficult or unpleasant
I run the farm on my own but a local boy helps me out when the going gets
tough.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. SAYING
said to emphasize that when conditions become difficult, strong people take
action
while the going is good
while an opportunity lasts
Many people fear that the newly-elected government will be ousted in a military
coup and are leaving their country while the going is good.
going adjective [ after noun ]
available or existing
I wouldn't trust him if I were you - he's the biggest crook going (= he's the most
dishonest person that exists) .
I don't suppose there's any left-over pie going, is there?
-going suffix
refers to the activity of going to the stated place
He grew up in a strict church-going family.
ˈ going ˌ on adverb , preposition
1. ( UK ALSO going on for ) INFORMAL nearly or almost (a particular number, age,
time or amount)
It was going on midnight when we left the party.
There were/was going on two hundred people at their wedding.
2. HUMOROUS You say someone is a particular age going on a much older age, if
they behave like a much older person
"How old is Brian?" "30 going on 50."
going-over noun [ S ]
1. an activity such as cleaning that is done carefully and completely
This carpet's filthy! It needs a really good going-over.
Detectives have given the flat a thorough going-over (= examined it carefully) .
2. INFORMAL when someone is hit repeatedly
They said I'd get a real going-over if I didn't pay them by tomorrow.
goings-on plural noun
strange, unusual, humorous or unsuitable events or activities
There've been a lot of strange/odd goings-on in that house recently.
goings-on plural noun
strange, unusual, humorous or unsuitable events or activities
There've been a lot of strange/odd goings-on in that house recently.
goitre noun [ U ] UK ( US goiter )
a swelling at the front of the neck caused by an increase in size of the thyroid
gland
gold noun
1. [ U ] a valuable, shiny, yellow metal used to make coins and jewellery
gold jewellery/bullion
a gold watch/necklace
2. [ C ] ( ALSO gold medal ) a small disc of gold which is given to the person who
wins a competition, especially in a sport
He's running so well, surely he'll take the gold.
gold adjective
made of gold, or the colour of gold
a gold dome
gold paint
go gold
If a recording of a popular song, or of a collection of popular songs, goes gold, it
sells a large number of copies.
ˌ gold ˈ card noun [ C ]
a credit card which you can get if you earn a lot of money
ˈ gold ˌ digger noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
someone, usually a woman, who tries to sexually attract a rich person, usually a
man, in order to get presents or money
ˌ gold ˈ disc noun [ C ]
a prize given to the performer(s) of a popular song, or a collection of popular
songs, when a large number of copies of the recording of it have been sold
ˈ gold ˌ dust noun [ U ]
gold in powder form
like gold dust MAINLY UK
said about something that is very difficult to get because a lot of people want it
Tickets for the concert are like gold dust.
golden adjective GOLD
1. made of gold
a golden necklace
2. the colour of gold
golden hair/skin
miles of golden beaches
golden adjective SPECIAL
3. [ before noun ] special, successful, or giving someone an advantage
the golden days of our youth
He's got a place at university which gives him a golden opportunity to do
research in the subject which interests him.
I like listening to those radio stations that play all the golden oldies (= old
popular songs which people still like or which have become liked again) .
golden adjective GOLD
1. made of gold
a golden necklace
2. the colour of gold
golden hair/skin
miles of golden beaches
golden adjective SPECIAL
3. [ before noun ] special, successful, or giving someone an advantage
the golden days of our youth
He's got a place at university which gives him a golden opportunity to do
research in the subject which interests him.
I like listening to those radio stations that play all the golden oldies (= old
popular songs which people still like or which have become liked again) .
ˌ golden ˈ age noun [ C usually singular ]
a period of time, sometimes imaginary, when everyone was happy, or when a
particular art, business, etc. was very successful
Adults often look back on their childhood as a golden age.
She was an actress from the golden age of the cinema.
ˈ golden ˌ boy/ ˌ girl noun [ C ]
a person who is very successful and is much admired, although often only
temporarily
She's the current golden girl of American ice-skating.
ˌ golden ˈ eagle noun [ C ]
a large flesh-eating bird with golden brown feathers on its back, which lives in
northern parts of the world
ˈ golden ˌ goal noun [ C ]
the first goal scored during a period of extra time in a football game, which ends
the game and gives a victory to the team that scored it
ˌ golden ˈ goose noun [ C usually singular ]
something which gives you an advantage, especially a financial advantage
ˌ golden ˈ handcuffs plural noun SLANG
payments made to employees, especially those in a high position, as a way of
persuading them not to leave their jobs and go and work somewhere else
ˌ golden ˈ handshake noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a usually large payment made to someone when they leave their job, either when
their employer has asked them to leave or when they are leaving at the end of their
working life, as a reward for very long or good service in their job
ˌ golden hel ˈ lo noun [ C ] UK
an extra payment that is given to someone for accepting a new job
ˌ golden hel ˈ lo noun [ C ] UK
an extra payment that is given to someone for accepting a new job
ˌ golden ˈ jubilee noun [ C usually singular ] MAINLY UK
the day exactly 50 years after an important occasion, or a special event to
celebrate this
The local hospital will be celebrating its golden jubilee on Thursday.
ˌ golden ˈ parachute noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a large payment made to someone who has an important job with a company
when they are forced to leave their job
ˌ golden re ˈ triever noun [ C ]
a large dog which has gold or cream-coloured fur
ˌ golden ˈ rule noun [ C usually singular ]
an important rule or principle, especially in a particular situation
The golden rule for working in any factory is to observe its safety regulations.
ˌ golden ˈ syrup noun [ U ] UK
a thick sweet gold-coloured liquid used in cooking to sweeten food
ˌ golden ˈ wedding (anni ˌ versary) noun [ C ]
the day exactly 50 years after a marriage, often celebrated with a party
goldfield noun [ C ]
an area where gold is found in the ground
goldfish noun [ C ]
a small, shiny, gold or orange fish which is often kept as a pet in a bowl or garden
pool
ˈ goldfish ˌ bowl noun [ C ] ( US ALSO fishbowl )
a bowl which is usually round and made of glass and is used for keeping pet fish
in, especially goldfish
FIGURATIVE There are so many windows in the office, it's like being in a goldfish
bowl (= people can easily see what you are doing) !
goldish adjective
slightly gold in colour
goldish adjective
slightly gold in colour
ˌ gold ˈ leaf noun [ U ]
gold in the form of very thin sheets which is often used to cover objects, such as
decorative details in a building
goldmine noun
1. [ C ] a place where gold is taken from the ground
2. [ S ] something which produces wealth or information
The archive is a goldmine for historians.
gold-plated adjective
covered with a very thin layer of gold
gold-plated earrings
ˈ gold re ˌ serve noun [ C ]
the amount of gold held by a national bank, which is used for dealing with the
national banks of other countries
ˈ gold ˌ rush noun [ S ]
a situation in which a lot of people move to a place to try to find gold because
they have heard that gold has been found there
goldsmith noun [ C ]
someone who makes objects from gold
ˈ gold ˌ standard noun [ S ] FINANCIAL SYSTEM
1. a system of providing and controlling the exchange of money in a country, in
which the value of money (compared to foreign money) is fixed against that of gold
ˈ gold ˌ standard noun [ S ] GOOD THING
2. something which is very good and is used for measuring how good other similar
things are
I think 'Sesame Street' is still the gold standard for preschool television.
golf noun [ U ]
golf
a game played outside on grass in which each player tries to hit a small ball into a
series of 9 or 18 small holes, using a long thin stick
We often play a round (= game) of golf at the weekend.
golfer noun [ C ]
golfer
He's one of the highest-earning professional golfers in the world.
golfing noun [ U ]
a golfing holiday
golf noun [ U ]
golf
a game played outside on grass in which each player tries to hit a small ball into a
series of 9 or 18 small holes, using a long thin stick
We often play a round (= game) of golf at the weekend.
golfer noun [ C ]
golfer
He's one of the highest-earning professional golfers in the world.
golfing noun [ U ]
a golfing holiday
ˈ golf ˌ ball noun [ C ] SPORT
1. a small hard white ball used for playing golf
ˈ golf ˌ ball noun [ C ] PRINTING
2. a small metal ball with raised letter shapes on it which is used in some types of
computer printer and typewriter
ˈ golf ˌ club noun [ C ] STICK
1. one of a set of specially shaped wooden or metal sticks used for hitting a golf
ball
ˈ golf ˌ club noun [ C ] CLUB
2. an organized group of golf players, or the building in which they meet and the
area on which they play
ˈ golf ˌ course noun [ C ]
an area of land used for playing golf
Goliath noun
1. [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO goliath ) a very large and powerful person or
organization
The country is being seen as the Goliath (= the most powerful) of the region.
2. [ S not after the ] in the Bible, a giant (= extremely tall man) who was killed
by the boy David throwing a stone at him
golliwog , ALSO gollywog noun [ C ] ( ALSO golly ) UK OLD-FASHIONED
a child's toy made of soft material, in the form of a small man with a black face
and stiff black hair
golly exclamation OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to show surprise
Grandad might be 70 but he said he'd finish the marathon and, by golly, he did.
golly noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a golliwog
gonad noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the sex organs in a male or female animal which make the cells needed to
produce babies; an ovary or a testicle
gonad noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the sex organs in a male or female animal which make the cells needed to
produce babies; an ovary or a testicle
gondola noun [ C ]
gondola
1. a narrow boat with a raised point at both ends, which is used on canals in
Venice and is moved by a man with a pole
2. in a cable car , ski lift , amusement park ride, etc., a hanging part that people
sit or travel in
gondolier noun [ C ]
a man who takes people from one place to another in a gondola
gone verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF go
gone preposition UK
later or older than
I said I'd be home by six and it's already gone seven.
gone adjective LEFT
1. [ after verb ] If something is gone, there is none of it left
All my money is gone and I have nothing to buy food with.
2. [ after verb ] dead
Fortunately I'll be dead and gone long before the money runs out.
They did everything they could to save him, but he was already too far gone (=
too close to death) when the ambulance arrived.
gone adjective PREGNANT
3. [ after noun ] INFORMAL pregnant
How far gone is she (= How long has she been pregnant) ?
goner noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a person or thing that has no chance of continuing to live
I thought I was a goner when I saw that car heading towards me.
gong noun [ C ]
1. a round piece of metal which is hung in a frame and hit with a stick to produce
a sound, usually for musical purposes but sometimes as a signal
2. UK INFORMAL an honour that is given to someone for the public service they have
done, or a for a particular acting or singing performance
gong noun [ C ]
gonna
MAINLY US INFORMAL FOR going to
What are you gonna do?
gonorrhoea , MAINLY US gonorrhea noun [ U ] ( SLANG clap )
a disease of the sexual organs which can be given from one person to another
during sex
gonzo adjective US SLANG
(especially used of pieces of writing in newspapers) intended to be shocking and
exciting rather than give information
gonzo journalism
goo noun [ U ] INFORMAL
an unpleasantly sticky substance
good adjective PLEASANT
1. very satisfactory, enjoyable, pleasant or interesting
a good book
Did you have a good time at the party?
The weather has been really good for the time of year.
I've just had some very good news.
It 's so good to see you after all this time!
2. used in greetings
good morning/afternoon/evening
good adjective HIGH QUALITY
3. of a high quality or level
She speaks very good French.
I've heard it's a very good school.
The apple pie was as good as the one my grandmother used to make.
This restaurant has a good reputation .
4. used to express praise
Good man! Splendid catch.
good adjective SUCCESSFUL
5. successful, or able to do something well
Kate's a good cook.
She's very good at Geography.
They have a good relationship.
She's very good with children.
6. be no good ( ALSO be not any/much good )
to be of low quality or not useful
Shoes are no good if they let in water.
Food aid isn't much good until the fighting stops.
7. get off to a good start
to begin an activity successfully
I didn't get off to a very good start this morning - I'd been at work five minutes
and my computer stopped working!
good adjective KIND
8. kind or helpful
a good friend
It 's good of you to offer to help.
He's very good to his mother.
9. be so good as to ( ALSO be good enough to ) FORMAL
used to make a polite request
Be so good as to close the door when you leave.
10. do ( sb ) a good turn OLD-FASHIONED
to do something kind which helps someone else
good adjective MORALLY RIGHT
11. morally right or based on religious principles
She led a good life.
Try to set a good example to the children.
good adjective POSITIVE
12. having a positive or useful effect, especially on the health
Make sure you eat plenty of good fresh food.
Too much sugar in your diet isn't good for you.
It's good for old people to stay active if they can.
good adjective BEHAVIOUR
13. A good child or animal behaves well
If you're a good boy at the doctor's I'll take you swimming afterwards.
14. able to be trusted
Her credit is good (= She can be trusted to pay her debts) .
good adjective SUITABLE
15. suitable, convenient or satisfactory
When would be a good time to phone?
good adjective LARGE
16. [ before noun ] used to emphasize the large number, amount or level of
something
We've walked a good distance today.
There was a good-sized crowd at the airport waiting for the plane to land.
Not all of his films have been successful - there were a good few (= several)
failures in the early years.
Have a good think about it and let me know tomorrow.
You have a good cry and you'll feel better after.
There's a good chance the operation will be successful.
See also good money
17. a good deal of
much
The new law met with a good deal of opposition at local level.
18. a good ... ( ALSO a good ... 's )
more than
It's a good half hour's walk to the station from here.
The police said a good twenty kilos of explosive were found during the raid.
Driving through the deserted town we saw a good many (= a lot of) burnt-out
houses.
good adjective SATISFACTION
19. said when you are satisfied or pleased about something, or to show
agreement with a decision
Oh good, he's arrived at last.
Good, I'll tell her it's all arranged, then.
be a good job/thing
used to mean 'it is lucky'
It's a good job they didn't go camping last weekend - the weather was awful.
all in good time MAINLY UK
used to tell someone to be patient because the thing they are eager for will
happen when the time is right
Be patient, you'll hear the result all in good time.
as good as
almost
The decorating is as good as finished - I just need to finish off the painting.
be (as) good as gold
(of a child) to behave very well
She's been as good as gold all morning.
be (as) good as new
to be in very good condition
A coat of paint and it will be as good as new.
be as good as your word
to do everything that you promise someone you will
He said he'd call every day and he was as good as his word.
be good for sth INFORMAL
to be able and willing to provide something
Bette is always good for a laugh.
Dad will probably be good for a few pounds, if we ask him.
be good to go US INFORMAL
to be prepared and ready to do something
Let me grab a jacket and then I'm good to go.
Be good, and if you can't be good, be careful. HUMOROUS SAYING
said to someone to tell them to enjoy themselves at an event or during an
activity, but to be sensible, too
for good measure
in addition
The concert was excellent - there were lots of well-known songs with some new
ones thrown in for good measure.
good and ... INFORMAL
very
Drink your coffee while it's good and hot.
good and proper INFORMAL
completely
The table is broken good and proper.
Good for you ! ( AUSTRALIAN ALSO Good on you ! )
used to show approval for someone's success or good luck
You passed your exam - good for you!
Good heavens/grief/gracious! ( ALSO Good God/Lord! )
the good old days
If you talk about the good old days, you mean a time in the past when you
believe life was better
I wish my grandma would stop going on about the good old days.
good show UK OLD-FASHIONED
used as an expression of approval
Good show chaps, you completed the course in the time allowed.
have a good innings UK INFORMAL
If you say that someone has had a good innings, you mean that they have had a
long and successful life
He was 86 when he died so I suppose he'd had a good innings.
in good faith
If something is done in good faith, it is done sincerely and honestly
She was acting in good faith for her client.
in good time MAINLY UK
early
We'll be at the airport in good time.
make good
1. to succeed and become rich
a working-class boy made good
2. When someone makes good something, they either pay for it, or make it
happen
The shortfall in the budget will be made good by selling further shares.
make good time
to complete a journey quickly
good noun THINGS
1. goods
a. things for sale, or the things that you own
There is a 25% discount on all electrical goods until the end of the week.
The house insurance will not cover your personal goods.
b. UK things, but not people, which are transported by railway or road
a goods train
good noun HELP
2. [ U ] something that is an advantage or help to a person or situation
Even a small donation can do a lot of good.
I'm telling you for your own good.
good noun HEALTH
3. [ U ] the state of being healthy or in a satisfactory condition; benefit
You should stop smoking for your own good (= for your health) .
He goes running every day for the good of his health .
Modernizing historic buildings can often do more harm than good.
The rally has been cancelled for the good of all concerned.
4. do you good
to improve your health or life
You can't work all the time - it does you good to go out and enjoy yourself
sometimes.
Take the medicine - it will do you (a power/world of) good (= improve your
health a lot) .
good noun MORALLY RIGHT
5. [ U ] that which is morally right
There is an eternal struggle between good (= the force which produces morally
right action) and evil.
Ambition can sometimes be a force for good.
6. the good
[ plural ] all the people who are morally good
You can't buy your way into the ranks of the good.
good noun TIME
7. for good
forever
She's gone and this time it's for good.
be up to no good INFORMAL
to be behaving in a dishonest or bad way
He certainly looked as if he was up to no good.
come up with the goods ( ALSO deliver the goods ) INFORMAL
to produce what is wanted
What they promise sounds impressive enough - let's see if they come up with the
goods.
no good INFORMAL OLD-FASHIONED
morally bad
I'd keep away from him if I were you - he's no good.
to the good
generally helpful
Greater international stability can surely only be to the good.
what good is ... ( ALSO what's the good of ... )
a way of asking what the purpose of (doing) something is
What good is sitting alone in your room?
ˌ good ˌ after ˈ noon exclamation SLIGHTLY FORMAL
something you say to greet someone when you meet them in the afternoon
gong noun [ C ]
gonna
MAINLY US INFORMAL FOR going to
What are you gonna do?
gonorrhoea , MAINLY US gonorrhea noun [ U ] ( SLANG clap )
a disease of the sexual organs which can be given from one person to another
during sex
gonzo adjective US SLANG
(especially used of pieces of writing in newspapers) intended to be shocking and
exciting rather than give information
gonzo journalism
goo noun [ U ] INFORMAL
an unpleasantly sticky substance
good adjective PLEASANT
1. very satisfactory, enjoyable, pleasant or interesting
a good book
Did you have a good time at the party?
The weather has been really good for the time of year.
I've just had some very good news.
It 's so good to see you after all this time!
2. used in greetings
good morning/afternoon/evening
good adjective HIGH QUALITY
3. of a high quality or level
She speaks very good French.
I've heard it's a very good school.
The apple pie was as good as the one my grandmother used to make.
This restaurant has a good reputation .
4. used to express praise
Good man! Splendid catch.
good adjective SUCCESSFUL
5. successful, or able to do something well
Kate's a good cook.
She's very good at Geography.
They have a good relationship.
She's very good with children.
6. be no good ( ALSO be not any/much good )
to be of low quality or not useful
Shoes are no good if they let in water.
Food aid isn't much good until the fighting stops.
7. get off to a good start
to begin an activity successfully
I didn't get off to a very good start this morning - I'd been at work five minutes
and my computer stopped working!
good adjective KIND
8. kind or helpful
a good friend
It 's good of you to offer to help.
He's very good to his mother.
9. be so good as to ( ALSO be good enough to ) FORMAL
used to make a polite request
Be so good as to close the door when you leave.
10. do ( sb ) a good turn OLD-FASHIONED
to do something kind which helps someone else
good adjective MORALLY RIGHT
11. morally right or based on religious principles
She led a good life.
Try to set a good example to the children.
good adjective POSITIVE
12. having a positive or useful effect, especially on the health
Make sure you eat plenty of good fresh food.
Too much sugar in your diet isn't good for you.
It's good for old people to stay active if they can.
good adjective BEHAVIOUR
13. A good child or animal behaves well
If you're a good boy at the doctor's I'll take you swimming afterwards.
14. able to be trusted
Her credit is good (= She can be trusted to pay her debts) .
good adjective SUITABLE
15. suitable, convenient or satisfactory
When would be a good time to phone?
good adjective LARGE
16. [ before noun ] used to emphasize the large number, amount or level of
something
We've walked a good distance today.
There was a good-sized crowd at the airport waiting for the plane to land.
Not all of his films have been successful - there were a good few (= several)
failures in the early years.
Have a good think about it and let me know tomorrow.
You have a good cry and you'll feel better after.
There's a good chance the operation will be successful.
See also good money
17. a good deal of
much
The new law met with a good deal of opposition at local level.
18. a good ... ( ALSO a good ... 's )
more than
It's a good half hour's walk to the station from here.
The police said a good twenty kilos of explosive were found during the raid.
Driving through the deserted town we saw a good many (= a lot of) burnt-out
houses.
good adjective SATISFACTION
19. said when you are satisfied or pleased about something, or to show
agreement with a decision
Oh good, he's arrived at last.
Good, I'll tell her it's all arranged, then.
be a good job/thing
used to mean 'it is lucky'
It's a good job they didn't go camping last weekend - the weather was awful.
all in good time MAINLY UK
used to tell someone to be patient because the thing they are eager for will
happen when the time is right
Be patient, you'll hear the result all in good time.
as good as
almost
The decorating is as good as finished - I just need to finish off the painting.
be (as) good as gold
(of a child) to behave very well
She's been as good as gold all morning.
be (as) good as new
to be in very good condition
A coat of paint and it will be as good as new.
be as good as your word
to do everything that you promise someone you will
He said he'd call every day and he was as good as his word.
be good for sth INFORMAL
to be able and willing to provide something
Bette is always good for a laugh.
Dad will probably be good for a few pounds, if we ask him.
be good to go US INFORMAL
to be prepared and ready to do something
Let me grab a jacket and then I'm good to go.
Be good, and if you can't be good, be careful. HUMOROUS SAYING
said to someone to tell them to enjoy themselves at an event or during an
activity, but to be sensible, too
for good measure
in addition
The concert was excellent - there were lots of well-known songs with some new
ones thrown in for good measure.
good and ... INFORMAL
very
Drink your coffee while it's good and hot.
good and proper INFORMAL
completely
The table is broken good and proper.
Good for you ! ( AUSTRALIAN ALSO Good on you ! )
used to show approval for someone's success or good luck
You passed your exam - good for you!
Good heavens/grief/gracious! ( ALSO Good God/Lord! )
the good old days
If you talk about the good old days, you mean a time in the past when you
believe life was better
I wish my grandma would stop going on about the good old days.
good show UK OLD-FASHIONED
used as an expression of approval
Good show chaps, you completed the course in the time allowed.
have a good innings UK INFORMAL
If you say that someone has had a good innings, you mean that they have had a
long and successful life
He was 86 when he died so I suppose he'd had a good innings.
in good faith
If something is done in good faith, it is done sincerely and honestly
She was acting in good faith for her client.
in good time MAINLY UK
early
We'll be at the airport in good time.
make good
1. to succeed and become rich
a working-class boy made good
2. When someone makes good something, they either pay for it, or make it
happen
The shortfall in the budget will be made good by selling further shares.
make good time
to complete a journey quickly
good noun THINGS
1. goods
a. things for sale, or the things that you own
There is a 25% discount on all electrical goods until the end of the week.
The house insurance will not cover your personal goods.
b. UK things, but not people, which are transported by railway or road
a goods train
good noun HELP
2. [ U ] something that is an advantage or help to a person or situation
Even a small donation can do a lot of good.
I'm telling you for your own good.
good noun HEALTH
3. [ U ] the state of being healthy or in a satisfactory condition; benefit
You should stop smoking for your own good (= for your health) .
He goes running every day for the good of his health .
Modernizing historic buildings can often do more harm than good.
The rally has been cancelled for the good of all concerned.
4. do you good
to improve your health or life
You can't work all the time - it does you good to go out and enjoy yourself
sometimes.
Take the medicine - it will do you (a power/world of) good (= improve your
health a lot) .
good noun MORALLY RIGHT
5. [ U ] that which is morally right
There is an eternal struggle between good (= the force which produces morally
right action) and evil.
Ambition can sometimes be a force for good.
6. the good
[ plural ] all the people who are morally good
You can't buy your way into the ranks of the good.
good noun TIME
7. for good
forever
She's gone and this time it's for good.
be up to no good INFORMAL
to be behaving in a dishonest or bad way
He certainly looked as if he was up to no good.
come up with the goods ( ALSO deliver the goods ) INFORMAL
to produce what is wanted
What they promise sounds impressive enough - let's see if they come up with the
goods.
no good INFORMAL OLD-FASHIONED
morally bad
I'd keep away from him if I were you - he's no good.
to the good
generally helpful
Greater international stability can surely only be to the good.
what good is ... ( ALSO what's the good of ... )
a way of asking what the purpose of (doing) something is
What good is sitting alone in your room?
ˌ good ˌ after ˈ noon exclamation SLIGHTLY FORMAL
something you say to greet someone when you meet them in the afternoon
the ˌ good ˈ book noun [ S ] ( ALSO the Good Book ) OLD-FASHIONED
the Bible
goodbye , , exclamation
( INFORMAL bye ) used when someone leaves or is left
Goodbye Bill! See you next week.
goodbye , , noun [ C ]
the words or actions that are used when someone leaves or is left
Don't go without saying goodbye to me, will you?
She kissed her children goodbye before leaving for work.
We said our goodbyes, and left.
I hate long drawn-out goodbyes (= acts of leaving) .
goodbye to sth
used when accepting that there is no possibility of getting, keeping or achieving a
particular thing
She only finished sixth - that surely means goodbye to a place in the final.
ˌ good ˈ day exclamation OLD-FASHIONED
used as a greeting or when saying goodbye during the day
See also g'day
ˌ good ˈ evening exclamation SLIGHTLY FORMAL
something you say to greet someone when you meet them in the evening
good-for-nothing noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who is lazy and not helpful or useful
She told him he was a lazy good-for-nothing and should get a job.
good-for-nothing adjective [ before noun ]
not helpful or useful
They're all good-for-nothing layabouts .
ˌ Good ˈ Friday noun [ C or U ]
the Friday before Easter Sunday, the day in the Christian religion on which the
death of Jesus is especially remembered
good-hearted adjective
kind and generous
good-humoured adjective
friendly or in a good mood
a good-humoured remark
The walkers were good-humoured despite the bad weather.
goodish adjective [ before noun ] UK INFORMAL
1. good but not very good
2. quite large
a goodish distance/number
good-looking adjective
describes a physically attractive man or woman
He's very good-looking but not terribly bright.
ˌ good ˈ looks plural noun
an especially attractive appearance
his boyish good looks
goodly adjective [ before noun ] OLD-FASHIONED
great or large
The audience was of a goodly size.
ˌ good ˈ money noun [ U ]
an amount of money that you think is large
I paid good money for it.
ˌ good ˈ morning exclamation SLIGHTLY FORMAL
something you say to greet someone when you meet them in the morning
good-natured adjective
pleasant or friendly
a good-natured face/crowd
goodness noun [ U ] HEALTH
1. the part of something, especially of food, which is good for health
Don't cook vegetables for too long - they'll lose all their goodness.
goodness noun [ U ] CHARACTER
2. the personal quality of being morally good; virtue
Mother Teresa's goodness is an example to us all.
goodness exclamation
( ALSO goodness gracious ) used to express any strong emotion, especially surprise
( My ) goodness! how many more times do I have to tell you!
Goodness gracious (me) , what a terrible thought!
ˌ good ˈ night , goodnight exclamation
said when people leave each other in the evening or before going to bed or to
sleep
Well, good night - sleep well.
Give the children a goodnight kiss.
goodo exclamation [ after verb ] , adjective , adverb
AUSTRALIAN SLANG FOR good
ˈ good old ˌ boy noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a man from the southern US who enjoys having fun with his friends, and
disapproves of ideas or ways of behaving that are different from his own
ˌ goods and ˈ chattels plural noun LEGAL
the things that you own other than land and buildings
good-time girl noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a young woman who is only interested in having fun, not in serious activities,
work, etc.
goodwill noun [ U ]
friendly and helpful feelings
The school has to rely on the goodwill of the parents to help it raise money.
Releasing the hostages has been seen as a gesture of goodwill/a goodwill
gesture .
a ˌ good ˈ word noun [ S ]
a statement of approval and support for someone or something
If you see the captain could you put in a good word for me?
The critics didn't have a good word (to say) for/to say about the performance.
goody noun INFORMAL PLEASANT THING
1. [ C usually plural ] an object which people want or enjoy, often something nice
to eat
All the children were given a bag of goodies - mostly sweets and toys.
goody noun INFORMAL PERSON
2. [ C ] someone, especially in a film or story, who is good
It's one of those films where you don't know until the last moment who are the
goodies and who are the baddies.
goody exclamation ( OLD-FASHIONED goody gumdrops ) INFORMAL OR CHILD'S WORD
used to show pleasure
Oh goody! Chocolate cake.
goody-goody noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who behaves in a way intended to please people in authority
gooey adjective
soft and sticky
a gooey cake
goof verb [ I or T ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to make a silly mistake
If Tom hadn't goofed and missed that shot, we'd have won the game.
She goofed her lines (= said the words in the play wrong) .
goof around phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to spend time doing nothing important or behaving in a silly way
The boys spent the whole summer just goofing around.
goof off phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to avoid doing any work
They've goofed off and gone to the ball game.
goof noun [ C ] MISTAKE
1. MAINLY US INFORMAL a silly mistake
I made a real goof by forgetting his name.
goof noun [ C ] PERSON
2. US INFORMAL a silly or stupid person
goofy adjective MAINLY US INFORMAL
silly
That was a real goofy thing to do.
I like Jim, but he's a little goofy.
Google verb [ I or T ] TRADEMARK
to search for something on the Internet using the Google search engine (=
computer program that finds information)
googolplex number
the number ten to the 10th to the 100th power
googolplex verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to increase by an extremely large number that does not exist
Interest in the game has googolplexed.
goon noun [ C ] SILLY PERSON
1. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a silly or stupid person
goon noun [ C ] CRIMINAL
2. US INFORMAL a violent criminal who is paid to hurt or threaten people
goop noun [ U ] INFORMAL
any thick liquid or sticky substance
goose noun BIRD
goose
1. [ C or U ] a large water bird similar to a duck but larger, or the meat from this
bird
goose noun PERSON
2. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a silly person
goose verb [ T ] SQUEEZE
1. INFORMAL to squeeze or press someone's bottom
goose verb [ T ] MAKE ACTIVE
2. US INFORMAL to encourage or cause something or someone to be more active
gooseberry noun [ C ]
gooseberry
a small green fruit covered with short hairs, which grows on a bush and has a
sour taste
Gooseberries are used for making pies and jam.
play gooseberry ( ALSO feel like a gooseberry ) UK INFORMAL
to be an unwanted third person who is present when two other people, especially
two lovers, want to be alone
goosebumps plural noun ( UK ALSO goose pimples )
small raised areas that appear on the skin because of cold, fear or excitement
You're cold - look, you've got goosebumps!
gooseflesh noun [ U ] UK
goosebumps
goosestep noun [ S ]
a special way of marching with the legs lifted high and straight
Hitler's soldiers used to do (the) goosestep.
goosestep verb [ I ]
the GOP noun [ S ]
ABBREVIATION FOR the Grand Old Party: the Republican political party in the US
gopher noun [ C ]
a North American animal which lives in holes that it makes in the ground
Gordian knot noun [ S ]
a difficult problem or situation
to cut the Gordian knot (= to deal with problems by taking forceful action)
Gordon Bennett exclamation UK OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
used to express great surprise or anger
gore noun [ U ]
blood that has come from an injury and become thick
It's a good film, but there's a lot of blood and gore in it (= pictures of people
being badly injured) .
gore verb [ T ]
(of an animal) to cause an injury to someone, or damage something, with the
horns or tusks
gored by a bull
gorge noun VALLEY
1. [ C ] a deep narrow valley with steep sides, usually formed by a river or stream
cutting through hard rock
gorge noun DISGUST
2. make your gorge rise
to make you feel shocked, sick and angry
gorge verb [ I or R ]
to eat until you are unable to eat any more
[ R ] If you gorge your self on crisps like that, you won't eat your dinner.
gorgeous adjective
very beautiful or pleasant
What a gorgeous room/dress/colour!
The bride looked gorgeous.
The weather was so gorgeous.
gorgeously adverb
She's always gorgeously dressed.
gorgeousness noun [ U ]
gorgon noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a woman whose appearance and behaviour causes fear
Our teacher is a real gorgon!
Gorgon noun [ C ]
one of three sisters in ancient Greek stories who had snakes on their heads
instead of hair, and who turned anyone who looked at them into stone
gorilla noun [ C ]
gorilla
a large ape that comes from western Africa
gormless adjective UK INFORMAL
stupid and slow to understand
He looks really gormless.
gorse noun [ U ] ( ALSO furze )
a bush with sharp thorns and small yellow flowers, which grows in the countryside
gory adjective
involving violence and blood
a very gory film
the gory details of the operation
the gory details
the interesting and usually personal bits of information about a person or event
Come on, I want to know all the gory details about your date with Jon.
gosh exclamation INFORMAL SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED
used to express surprise or strength of feeling
Gosh, I didn't expect to see you here!
gosling noun [ C ]
a young goose
go-slow noun [ C usually singular ] UK ( US slowdown )
when employees work more slowly and with less effort than usual to try to
persuade an employer to agree to higher pay or better working conditions or
arrangements
gospel noun CHRISTIANITY
1. [ C ] any of the four books of the Bible which contain details of the life of Jesus
Christ
St Mark's Gospel/the Gospel according to St Mark
2. the gospel
[ S ] the teachings of Jesus Christ
to preach/spread the gospel
gospel noun TRUTH
3. [ U ] INFORMAL ( ALSO gospel truth ) the complete truth
If Mary tells you something, you can take it as gospel.
gospel noun MUSIC
4. [ U ] ( ALSO gospel music ) a style of religious music originally performed by
black Americans
gospel noun BELIEFS
5. [ S ] LITERARY a set of principles or ideas which someone believes in
the gospel of hard work
gossamer noun [ U ]
the very thin thread that spiders produce to make webs
gossamer adjective [ before noun ] LITERARY
very delicate and light
gossamer wings
a gossamer veil
gossip noun
1. [ S or U ] (a) conversation or reports about other people's private lives which
might be unkind, disapproving or not true
Her letter was full of gossip.
Jane and Lyn sat in the kitchen having a good gossip about their friends.
I don't like all this idle gossip.
I've got some juicy gossip for you.
Have you heard the (latest) gossip?
2. [ C ] DISAPPROVING ( MAINLY UK gossipmonger ) someone who enjoys talking
about other people and their private lives
She's a terrible gossip.
gossipy adjective
a gossipy letter
gossipy people
gossip verb [ I ]
to talk about other people's private lives
Stop gossiping and get on with some work.
People have started to gossip about us.
ˈ gossip ˌ column noun [ C ]
the part of a newspaper in which you find stories about the social and private lives
of famous people
got
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF get
gotcha exclamation SLANG
said to mean 'I have got you' in order to surprise or frighten someone you have
caught, or to show that you have an advantage over them
goth noun
1. [ U ] a type of rock music which often has words expressing ideas about death
or the end of the world
2. [ C ] someone who likes goth music, wears black clothes, and white make-up
Gothic adjective BUILDING
1. of or like a style of building which was common in Europe between the 12th
and the 16th centuries, and which has pointed arches and windows, high ceilings and
tall, thin columns
Gothic adjective STORIES
2. describes writing or films in which strange things happen in frightening places
gotta short form NOT STANDARD
'have got to' or 'have got a'
I gotta go now.
He's gotta be kidding.
Gotta (= Have you got a) cigarette?
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. MAINLY HUMOROUS SAYING
said to mean that you will do whatever you have to do, even if it is difficult or
dangerous
gotten US PAST PARTICIPLE OF
get
They were so pleased that they'd finally gotten to visit (= succeeded in visiting)
England.
gouge verb [ T ]
to make a hole in something in a rough or violent way
He drove into some railings and gouged a hole in the back of his car.
gouge sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to remove something by digging or cutting it out of a surface
In Shakespeare's play, 'King Lear', the Earl of Gloucester's eyes are gouged out.
gouge noun [ C ]
a hole that has been made roughly or violently
goulash noun [ U ]
a savoury dish, originally from Hungary, which consists of meat cooked in a sauce
with paprika (= a spice that tastes hot)
gourd , noun [ C ]
a large fruit which has a hard shell and cannot be eaten, or the shell of this fruit
used as a container
gourmand noun [ C ]
a person who enjoys eating large amounts of food
gourmet adjective [ before noun ]
1. (of food) very high quality
gourmet coffee
a gourmet meal
2. producing or serving food which is very high quality
a gourmet restaurant
a gourmet chef
gourmet noun [ C ]
a person who knows a lot about food and cooking, and who enjoys eating high-
quality food
gout noun [ U ]
a painful disease which makes the joints (= places where two bones are
connected) , especially the feet, knees and hands, swell
gouty adjective
.gov
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR government: used to show that an Internet address
belongs to a government organization
www.nasa.gov
govern verb RULE
1. [ I or T ] to control and direct the public business of a country, city, group of
people, etc
The country is now being governed by the Labour Party.
They accused the government of being unfit to govern.
govern verb INFLUENCE
2. [ T ] to have a controlling influence on something
Prices of goods are governed by the cost of the raw materials, as well as by the
cost of production and distribution.
governess noun [ C ]
(especially in the past) a woman who lives with a family and teaches their children
at home
governing adjective [ before noun ] RULING
1. having the power to govern a country or an organization
the governing body of the school
governing adjective [ before noun ] INFLUENCING
2. having a controlling influence on something
a governing principle/factor
government , noun GROUP
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION govt ) the group of people
who officially control a country
the government of Israel
The government is/are expected to announce its/their tax proposals today.
The minister has announced that there will be no change in government policy.
Senior government officials will be attending a meeting tomorrow.
Theatre companies are very concerned about cuts in government grants to the
arts.
A government enquiry has been launched.
government , noun SYSTEM
2. [ U ] the system used for controlling a country, city, or group of people
The 1990s have seen a shift to democratic government in Eastern Europe.
What this state needs is really strong government.
3. [ U ] the activities involved in controlling a country, city, group of people, etc
The party that was elected to power has no experience of government.
UK The party was in government (= controlled the country) for four years in the
1960s.
4. Her/His Majesty's Government
the group of people who control Britain
governmental adjective
belonging or relating to government or the government
We await a governmental decision about the future of the programme.
governor noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Gov )
1. a person in charge of a particular political unit
the governor of Texas
See also gubernatorial ; guvnor
2. MAINLY UK a person in charge of a particular organization
a prison/school governor
governor-general noun [ C ]
the main representative of a country in another country which is controlled by the
first country, especially the representative of the British king or queen in a country
which is a member of the Commonwealth
governorship noun [ U ]
the period of time that someone is a governor
His governorship was marked by fairness and prosperity.
gown noun [ C ]
a woman's dress, especially a long one worn on formal occasions, or a long loose
piece of clothing worn over other clothes for a particular purpose
a ball gown
a hospital gown
GP noun [ C ]
MAINLY UK ABBREVIATION FOR general practitioner: a doctor who provides general
medical treatment for people who live in a particular area
I went along to the local GP.
GPS noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR global positioning system: a system that can show the exact
position of a person or thing by using signals from satellites (= objects in space that
send signals to Earth)
grab verb TAKE WITH HAND
1. [ I or T ] to take hold of something or someone suddenly and roughly
A mugger grabbed her handbag as she was walking across the park.
He grabbed (hold of) his child's arm to stop her from running into the road.
grab verb TAKE OPPORTUNITY
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to take the opportunity to get, use or enjoy something quickly
If you don't grab this opportunity, you might not get another one.
We'd better get there early, or someone else will grab the best seats.
Let's just grab a quick bite.
How does ... grab you? INFORMAL
used to ask if someone would like to do something or is interested in something
We could have a picnic in the park. How does that grab you?
grab at sth/sb phrasal verb
to try to get hold of someone or something quickly, with your hand
grab noun [ C ]
a sudden attempt to hold, get or take something
The two children both made a grab for the same cake.
grabby INFORMAL
Don't be so grabby (= trying to take things for yourself) , Shirley. Let the others
have their share.
up for grabs
available and ready to be won or taken
There are hundreds of prizes up for grabs.
ˈ grab ˌ bag noun [ C ]
1. US FOR lucky dip
2. US any mixed collection of things
-grabbing suffix
getting or taking a lot of the stated thing
a money -grabbing scheme
a headline -grabbing court case (= one which is being written about a lot in
newspapers)
grace noun MOVEMENT
1. [ U ] a quality of moving in a smooth, relaxed and attractive way
Joanna has natural grace and elegance.
grace noun POLITENESS
2. [ U ] the quality of being pleasantly polite, or a willingness to be fair and
honest
They accepted their defeat with good grace.
3. graces
[ plural ] ways of behaving that are considered polite and pleasant
Ken is sadly lacking in social graces.
grace noun APPROVAL
4. [ U ] FORMAL approval or kindness, especially (in the Christian religion) that is
freely given by God to all humans
Betty believed that it was through divine grace that her husband had recovered
from his illness.
5. by the grace of God FORMAL
through the kindness or help of God
By the grace of God, the pilot managed to land the damaged plane safely.
grace noun PRAYER
6. [ C or U ] a prayer said by Christians before a meal to thank God for the food
The children always say grace at school.
grace noun TIME
7. [ U ] a period of time left or allowed before something happens or before
something must be done
The exams have been postponed, so the students have a few days' grace before
they start.
There but for the grace of God (go I). SAYING
said when something bad that has happened to someone else could have
happened to you
grace verb [ T ]
1. When a person or thing graces a place or thing, they make it more attractive
Her face has graced the covers of magazines across the world.
2. grace sb with your presence
to honour people by taking part in something
We are delighted that the mayor will be gracing us with his presence at our
annual dinner.
HUMOROUS So you've finally decided to grace us with your presence, have you? (=
You are late.)
Grace noun
Your/His/Her Grace
used to address or refer to a duke , duchess or archbishop
graceful adjective MOVEMENT
1. moving in a smooth, relaxed, attractive way, or having a smooth, attractive
shape
graceful movements
a graceful neck
graceful adjective BEHAVIOUR
2. behaving in a polite and pleasant way
She finally apologized, but she wasn't very graceful about it.
gracefully adverb
gracefulness noun [ U ]
graceless adjective NO BEAUTY
1. without beauty
graceless movements
graceless adjective NOT POLITE
2. without politeness
a graceless manner
gracelessly adverb
gracelessness noun [ U ]
gracious adjective PLEASANT
1. behaving in a pleasant, polite, calm way
a gracious smile
He was gracious enough to thank me.
The losing team were gracious in defeat.
gracious adjective COMFORTABLE
2. having the qualities of great comfort, beauty and freedom made possible by
being rich
We can't afford gracious living .
graciously adverb
She graciously accepted the flowers that were presented to her.
graciousness noun [ U ]
gracious exclamation OLD-FASHIONED
used to express surprise or to emphasize what is being said
Gracious (me) / Good gracious (me) , I never thought he'd do that!
grad noun [ C ]
MAINLY US INFORMAL FOR graduate
gradable adjective
A gradable adjective or adverb is one which can be used in the comparative or
superlative , or which can be qualified by words such as 'very' or 'quite'.
gradability noun [ U ]
gradation noun [ C or U ] CHANGE
1. (a) gradual change, or a stage in the process of change
The gradation in/of tempo in this piece of music is very subtle.
gradation noun [ C or U ] MARK
2. (one of) a set of marks showing units of measurement on a jug, tube or
instrument
the gradations on a ruler
grade noun [ C ] LEVEL
1. a level of quality, size, importance, etc
He's suffering from some kind of low -grade (= slight) infection, which he can't
seem to get rid of.
There's some really high -grade (= high quality) musicianship on this recording.
Bill has been UK on / US at the same grade (= his job has been of the same level
of importance, or he has had the same level of pay) for several years now.
2. a number or letter that shows how good someone's work or performance is
Steve never studies, but he always gets good grades.
UK Carla got a grade A in German.
grade noun [ C ] SCHOOL
3. US a school class or group of classes in which all the children are of a similar
age or ability
Jackie is in the sixth grade.
grade noun [ C ] SLOPE
4. US FOR gradient
The next hill has a real steep grade.
make the grade
to perform well enough to succeed in something
Ian wanted to be an actor, but he didn't make the grade.
grade verb [ T ]
1. to separate people or things into different levels of quality, size, importance etc
The fruit is washed and then graded by size.
The books are graded according to the difficulty of the language.
2. US ( UK mark ) to give a score to a student's piece of work
to grade work/papers
ˈ grade ˌ crossing noun [ C ]
US FOR level crossing
ˈ grade point ˌ average noun [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION GPA ) US
a number which is the average mark received for all the courses a student takes
and shows how well the student is doing
-grader suffix US
a student in the stated class level at school
an eighth-grader
ˈ grade ˌ school noun [ C ] US
a school for children from the age of 5 to the age of 10 or 14
gradient noun [ C ] ( US ALSO grade )
how steep a slope is
a steep/gentle gradient
gradual , adjective
happening or changing slowly over a long period of time or distance
There has been a gradual improvement in our sales figures over the last two
years.
As you go further south, you will notice a gradual change of climate.
gradually , adverb
slowly over a period of time or a distance
Gradually, she realized that he wasn't telling her the truth.
The bank slopes gradually down to the river.
graduate noun [ C ]
1. UK a person who has a first degree from a university or college
a Cambridge graduate
Chris is a physics graduate.
See also postgraduate ; undergraduate
2. ( INFORMAL grad ) US a person who has finished their school, college or
university education
high-school graduates
a graduate of Yale
graduate verb QUALIFY
1. [ I ] UK to complete a first university degree successfully
Lorna graduated from the University of London.
Tom has just graduated with first-class honours in psychology.
2. [ I or T ] US to complete school, college or university correctly
After he graduated high school, he joined the Army.
graduate verb PROGRESS
3. [ I ] to move forward or improve
She graduated from being a secretary to running her own department.
graduated adjective
divided into levels or stages
The books that the children are using to learn to read are on a graduated scale of
difficulty.
ˈ graduate ˌ school noun [ C ] US
a college or a college department where students who already have a first degree
are taught
graduation noun [ C or U ]
when you receive your degree for finishing your education or a course of study
a graduation ceremony
Graeco- , prefix
UK SPELLING OF Greco-
graffiti plural noun , noun [ U ]
words or drawings, especially humorous, rude or political, on walls, doors, etc. in
public places
The subway walls are covered in graffiti.
graft noun PIECE
1. [ C ] a piece of healthy skin or bone cut from one part of a person's body and
used to repair another damaged part, or a piece cut from one living plant and fixed to
another plant so that it grows there
He has had a skin graft on his badly burned arm.
graft noun WORK
2. [ U ] UK INFORMAL work
I've never been afraid of hard graft.
graft noun INFLUENCE
3. [ U ] MAINLY US the act of getting money or advantage through the dishonest
use of political power and influence
The whole government was riddled with graft, bribery, and corruption.
graft verb ADD PIECE
1. [ T ] to take and put in place a graft
Skin was removed from her leg and grafted on/onto her face.
2. [ T ] to join or add something new
The management tried unsuccessfully to graft new working methods onto the
existing ways of doing things.
graft verb WORK
3. [ I ] UK INFORMAL to work hard
It was very sad that after spending all those years grafting ( away ), he died so
soon after he retired.
grafter noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a hard worker
the Grail noun [ S ]
the Holy Grail
grain noun SEED
1. [ C or U ] (a) seed from a plant, especially a plant like a grass such as rice or
wheat
grains of wheat/rice
Grain (= the crop from food plants like grasses) is one of the main exports of the
American Midwest.
See also wholegrain
grain noun SMALL PIECE
2. [ C ] a very small piece of a hard substance
grains of sand
3. [ S ] a very small amount of a particular quality
There wasn't a grain of truth in anything she said.
Anyone with a grain of common sense would have known what to do.
grain noun PHOTOGRAPH
4. [ C or U ] the pattern of extremely small spots of black and white or colour, or
any of the separate spots, which form a photographic or film image
fine/coarse-grain film
grain noun WOOD/CLOTH
5. the grain
the natural patterns of lines in the surface of wood or cloth
to cut something along/against the grain
grain noun WEIGHT
6. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED a unit of mass, equal to 0.0648 grams
go against the grain
If something goes against the grain, you would not usually do it because it would
be unusual or morally wrong
These days it goes against the grain to show respect for authority.
grainy adjective
If photographs are grainy, they are not clear because the many black and white
or coloured dots which make up the image can be seen.
gram , UK ALSO gramme noun [ C or ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION g , ALSO gm )
a unit of mass equal to 0.001 kilograms
grammar noun
1. [ U ] (the study or use of) the rules about how words change their form and
combine with other words to make sentences
2. [ C ] MAINLY UK a book of grammar rules
a German grammar
grammarian noun [ C ]
a person who studies grammar and usually writes books about it
ˈ grammar ˌ school noun [ C ]
a British school, especially in the past, for children aged 11-18 who are good at
studying. In America, especially in the past, it is a school for children aged 5-12 or 5-
14.
grammatical adjective
relating to grammar or obeying the rules of grammar
a grammatical (= grammatically correct) sentence
grammatically adverb
gramme noun [ C ]
UK SPELLING OF gram
Grammy noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
in the US, one of a set of prizes given each year to people involved in different
areas of the music industry
She's won five Grammys.
gramophone noun [ C ]
OLD-FASHIONED FOR record player
gran noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR grandmother
granary noun
1. [ C ] a large building for storing wheat or other similar crops
2. [ S ] an area where a lot of wheat is grown
Punjab, the granary of India
Granary noun [ U ] UK TRADEMARK ( US whole wheat bread , AUSTRALIAN wholegrain bread
)
Granary bread contains whole seeds of wheat.
grand adjective IMPORTANT
1. important and large in degree
She has all kinds of grand ideas.
His job has a grand title, but he's little more than a clerk.
grand adjective SPLENDID
2. splendid in style and appearance; attracting admiration and attention
The Palace of Versailles is very grand.
They always entertain their guests in grand style .
3. used in the name of a place or building to show that it is splendid or large
the Grand Hotel
the Grand Canyon
the Grand Canal
grand adjective EXCELLENT
4. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL OR IRISH ENGLISH excellent; pleasing
We had grand weather on our holiday.
My grandson is a grand little chap.
You've done a grand job.
grandness noun [ U ]
grand old age
If a person or animal lives to a grand old age, they live until they are very old
He lived to the grand old age of 97.
the grand old man of sth HUMOROUS
a man who has been involved in a particular activity for a long time and is known
and respected by a lot of people
He's been called the grand old man of cricket.
grand noun [ C ] MONEY
1. ( US G ) INFORMAL £1000 or $1000
John's new car cost him 20 grand!
grand noun [ C ] INSTRUMENT
2. INFORMAL FOR grand piano
grandad , granddad noun [ C ] INFORMAL
1. grandfather
2. used rudely or humorously to address an old man
Come on, grandad!
grandaddy , granddaddy noun [ C ]
US INFORMAL FOR grandfather
the grandaddy of sth MAINLY US INFORMAL
the biggest, most important or most powerful event or person of their type
'Modern Times' is a classic comedy starring Charlie Chaplin, the grandaddy of
comic film actors.
grandchild noun [ C ]
the child of a person's son or daughter
granddaughter noun [ C ]
the daughter of a person's son or daughter
grande dame noun [ C usually singular ]
a woman who is respected because of her experience and knowledge of a
particular subject
Vivienne Westwood is the grande dame of British fashion.
grandee noun [ C ]
an important person, especially in a particular job or area of public life
grandeur noun [ U ]
the quality of being very large and special or beautiful
the silent grandeur of the desert
the grandeur of Wagner's music
grandfather noun [ C or ] ( INFORMAL grandpa , ALSO grandad )
the father of a person's mother or father
ˈ grandfather ˌ clock noun [ C ]
a tall clock in a wooden case which stands on the floor
grandiloquent adjective FORMAL MAINLY DISAPPROVING
describes a style or a way of using language that is complicated in order to attract
admiration and attention, especially in order to make someone or something seem
important
Her speech was full of grandiloquent language, but it contained no new ideas.
grandiloquence noun [ U ]
grandiloquently adverb
grandiose adjective DISAPPROVING
larger and containing more detail than necessary, or intended to seem important
or splendid
grandiose plans/schemes/ideas for making money
ˌ grand ˈ jury noun [ C ]
in the US, a group of people who decide whether a person who has been charged
with a crime should be given a trial in a court of law
grandly adverb IMPORTANTLY
1. in a way suggesting that something or someone has great importance
She announced grandly that she was spending Christmas in the Caribbean.
grandly adverb ATTRACTING ADMIRATION
2. in a way that attracts admiration and attention
Their house is very grandly furnished.
grandma , noun [ C ]
grandmaster noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION GM )
(the rank of) a person who plays the game of chess with the highest level of skill
grandmother , noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL grandma , ALSO granny , ALSO gran )
the mother of a person's father or mother
teach your grandmother to suck eggs UK DISAPPROVING
to give advice to someone about a subject that they already know more about
than you
ˌ grand ˈ opera noun [ U ]
a type of serious opera
grandpa , noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR grandfather
grandparent noun [ C ]
the father or mother of a person's father or mother
ˌ grand pi ˈ ano noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL grand )
a large piano which has horizontal strings in a case supported on three legs
See picture music (other)
grand prix noun [ C ]
one of a series of important international races for very fast and powerful cars
the Italian Grand Prix
ˌ grand ˈ slam noun WINNING EVERYTHING
1. [ C usually singular ] when someone wins all of a set of important sports
competitions
ˌ grand ˈ slam noun CARDS
2. [ C usually singular ] when someone wins all the cards in a card game,
especially bridge
ˌ grand ˈ slam noun BASEBALL
3. [ C ] in baseball, the hitting of a home run with runners at all three bases , so
that four points are scored
grandson noun [ C ]
the son of a person's son or daughter
grandstand noun [ C ]
a set of seats arranged in rising rows, sometimes covered by a roof, from which
people can easily watch sports or other events
have a grandstand view INFORMAL
to be in a position where you can see something very well
From our hotel room window, we had a grandstand view of the parade.
grandstanding noun [ U ] US INFORMAL
acting or speaking in a way intended to attract the good opinion of other people
who are watching
ˌ grand ˈ total noun [ C ]
the complete number after everything has been added up
The school bazaar raised a/the grand total of £550.
ˌ grand ˈ tour noun [ C ]
1. ( ALSO Grand Tour ) a visit to the most important countries and cities of Europe
which rich young people made in the past as part of their education
2. OFTEN HUMOROUS when someone shows you round a house or other building
Let me give you a grand tour of the house.
grange noun [ C ]
1. ( ALSO Grange ) a large house in the countryside with farm buildings connected
to it
Chiltern Grange
2. US FOR farm
granita noun [ U ]
an Italian sweet dish made from crushed ice and sugar mixed with fruit, coffee or
nuts
granite noun [ U ]
a very hard, grey, pink and black rock, which is used for building
granny , grannie noun [ C ]
granny , grannie adjective UK INFORMAL
used of something that you wear, to mean having a style like those worn by old
women
granny glasses/shoes
ˈ granny ˌ flat noun [ C ] UK
a set of rooms, often connected to or part of a relation's house, in which an old
person lives
ˈ granny ˌ knot noun [ C ]
a simple knot that is not fully tied, so it can be easily unfastened
granola noun [ U ] US
a food made of baked grains, nuts and dried fruit which is usually eaten in the
morning
Granola is a lot like muesli, only crunchier.
grant noun [ C ]
a sum of money given especially by the government to a person or organization
for a special purpose
a student/research grant
a local authority/government grant
[ + to infinitive ] They gave/awarded her a grant to study abroad for one year.
grant verb GIVE
1. [ T ] to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way
[ + two objects ] They granted her an entry visa.
He was granted asylum.
FORMAL She granted their request/wish.
grant verb ACCEPT
2. [ T + ( that ) ] to accept that something is true, often before expressing an
opposite opinion
I grant that it must have been upsetting but even so I think she made a bit of a
fuss.
I grant you (= It is true that) , it's a difficult situation but I feel sure he could
have handled it more sensitively.
3. take sth for granted
to believe something to be the truth without even thinking about it
I didn't realize that Melanie hadn't been to college - I suppose I just took it for
granted.
4. take sth or sb for granted
If you take situations or people for granted, you do not realise or show that you
are grateful for how much you get from them
One of the problems with relationships is that after a while you just take each
other for granted.
granted conjunction
used to mean 'if you accept' something
Granted ( that ) the story's true, what are you going to do about it?
grant-maintained school noun [ C ] ( ALSO GM school )
a school in the UK that receives its money directly from central rather than local
government
granular adjective
made of, or seeming like, granules
a granular texture
granulated adjective
in small grains
granulated sugar
granule noun [ C ]
a small piece like a grain of something
coffee granules
grape noun
grape
1. [ C ] a small round purple or pale green fruit that you can eat or make into
wine
black/white/red/green grapes
a bunch of grapes
seedless grapes
grape juice
2. the grape HUMOROUS
[ S ] wine
grapefruit noun [ C ]
grapefruit
a fruit which is like a large orange, but has a yellow skin and tastes less sweet
grapeshot noun [ U ]
a mass of small iron balls which were shot together from a cannon (= big gun) in
the past
grapevine noun [ C ] ( ALSO vine )
a type of climbing plant on which grapes grow
hear (sth) on/through the grapevine
to hear news from someone who heard the news from someone else
I heard on the grapevine that he was leaving - is it true?
graph , noun [ C ]
graph
a picture which shows how two sets of information or variable amounts are
related, usually by lines or curves
This graph shows how crime has varied in relationship to unemployment over the
last 20 years.
graphic adjective CLEAR
1. very clear and powerful
a graphic description/account
He insisted on describing his operation in graphic detail while we were eating
lunch.
graphic adjective DRAWING
2. [ before noun ] related to drawing or printing
a graphic artist
graphic adjective GRAPH
3. ( MAINLY UK graphical ) relating to, using or consisting of a graph or graphs
graphically adverb CLEARLY
1. in a very clear and powerful way
The incident graphically illustrates just how dangerous the situation in the war
zone has become.
graphically adverb IN PICTURES
2. in a way that uses, consists of or relates to graphs, or to drawing or printing
Include a diagram that represents this data graphically.
ˌ graphical ˌ user ˈ interface noun [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION GUI )
a way of arranging information on a computer screen that is easy to understand
and use because it uses icons , menus and a mouse rather than only text
ˌ graphic de ˈ sign noun [ U ]
the art of designing pictures and text for books, magazines, advertising, etc.
graphic designer noun [ C ]
someone who works in graphic design
ˌ graphic ˈ novel noun [ C ]
a book containing one long story told mostly in pictures but with some writing
Art Spiegelman's 'Maus' is a very well-known graphic novel.
graphics plural noun
images and designs used in books, magazines, etc
computer graphics
ˈ graphics ˌ card noun [ C ] ( ALSO video card )
a circuit board (= small piece of electronic equipment) inside a computer that
allows it to receive and show pictures and video
graphite noun [ U ]
a soft dark grey form of carbon, used in the middle of pencils, as a lubricant in
machines, and in some atomic reactors
graphology noun [ U ]
the study of the way people write letters and words, especially in order to
discover things about their characters
graphologist noun [ C ]
ˈ graph ˌ paper noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of paper covered with small squares, for drawing graphs on
grapnel noun [ C ] ( ALSO grappling iron/hook )
a device which consists of several hooks (= curved devices) on the end of a rope,
used especially in the past on ships
grapnel noun [ C ] ( ALSO grappling iron/hook )
a device which consists of several hooks (= curved devices) on the end of a rope,
used especially in the past on ships
grappa noun [ U ]
a type of brandy (= strong alcoholic drink) made from grapes
grapple verb [ I ]
to fight, especially in order to win something
The children grappled for the ball.
grapple with sb phrasal verb
to hold onto someone and fight with them
Two officers grappled with the gunman.
grapple with sth phrasal verb
to try to deal with or understand a difficult problem or subject
Today, many Americans are still grappling with the issue of race.
ˈ grappling ˌ iron/ ˌ hook noun [ C ]
a grapnel
grasp verb [ T ] TAKE
1. to quickly take something in your hand(s) and hold it firmly
Rosie suddenly grasped my hand.
2. If you grasp an opportunity, you take it eagerly
We must grasp every opportunity to strengthen economic ties with other
countries.
grasp verb [ T ] UNDERSTAND
3. to understand something, especially something difficult
I think I managed to grasp the main points of the lecture.
The Government has acknowledged that homelessness is a problem but it has
failed to grasp the scale of the problem.
grasp the nettle UK
to force yourself to be brave and do something that is difficult or unpleasant
You've been putting off making that phone call for days - I think it's about time
you grasped the nettle!
grasp at sth phrasal verb OPPORTUNITY
1. to try to take an opportunity
Certainly if the job were offered me I'd grasp at the chance.
grasp at sth phrasal verb OBJECT
2. to try to hold or touch something
She grasped at his shirt as he ran past.
grasp noun HOLD
1. [ S ] when you hold onto someone or something
He shook my hand with a very firm grasp.
2. [ U ] the ability to get, achieve or keep something
The presidency at last looked within her grasp (= It looked possible that she
might become president) .
Why is success always beyond my grasp (= impossible to get) ?
The gold medal slipped from his grasp (= He was unable to get it) in the last
moments of the race.
I sometimes think that he's losing his grasp on reality (= his ability to judge
what is real and what is not) .
grasp noun UNDERSTANDING
3. [ S or U ] understanding
I'm afraid my grasp of economics is rather limited.
grasping adjective DISAPPROVING
(of people) always trying to get and keep more of something, especially money
a grasping, greedy man
grasping adjective DISAPPROVING
(of people) always trying to get and keep more of something, especially money
a grasping, greedy man
grass noun PLANT
1. [ C or U ] a low green plant which grows naturally over a lot of the Earth's
surface, having groups of very thin leaves which grow in large numbers very close
together
a blade of grass
cut the grass
a vase of dried flowers and grasses (= different types of grass)
2. [ U ] SLANG cannabis
grass noun PERSON
3. [ C ] UK SLANG a person, usually a criminal, who tells the police about other
criminals' activities
See also supergrass
The grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence). SAYING
something that you say which means that other people always seem to be in a
better situation than you, although they may not be
I sometimes think I'd be happier teaching in Spain. Oh well, the grass is always
greener on the other side!
put sb out to grass INFORMAL
to make someone stop work permanently because they are too old
grass verb
grass on sb phrasal verb UK SLANG
If a person grasses on somebody else, they tell the police or someone in authority
about something bad that that person has done
Dan grassed on them to the local police.
grass sth over phrasal verb [ M ]
to grow grass on an area of land
grasshopper noun [ C ]
grasshopper
a plant-eating insect with long back legs that can jump very high and makes a
sharp high noise using its back legs or wings
grassland , noun [ C or U ]
a large area of land covered with grass
the grasslands of North America
grassland , noun [ C or U ]
a large area of land covered with grass
the grasslands of North America
grassroots plural noun
the grassroots
the ordinary people in a society or an organization, especially a political party
The feeling among the grassroots of the Party is that the leaders are not radical
enough.
grassroots adjective [ before noun ]
involving the ordinary people in a society or an organization
grassroots support
a grassroots movement/campaign
grasstree noun [ C ]
a large Australian plant with a woody, trunk-like stem, stiff leaves like grass and
groups of small white flowers
ˌ grass ˈ widow noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
a woman who spends a lot of time apart from her husband, often because he is
working in a different place
grassy adjective
covered with grass
a grassy slope/hillside
grate verb COOKING
grate
1. [ T ] to rub food against a grater (= metal device with sharp holes in it) in
order to cut it into a lot of small pieces
grated cheese
grate verb RUB TOGETHER
2. [ I ] When two hard objects grate, they rub together, sometimes making a
sharp unpleasant sound.
grate verb ANNOY
3. [ I ] When a noise or behaviour grates, it annoys you
After a while her voice really started to grate on me.
It's the way she's always talking about herself - it just grates on me.
grate noun [ C ]
a metal structure which holds coal or wood in a fireplace
grateful adjective
showing or expressing thanks, especially to another person
I'm so grateful ( to you) for all that you've done.
If you could get that report finished by Thursday I'd be very grateful.
After the earthquake we felt grateful to be alive.
I'm just grateful that I'm not still working for him.
FORMAL I would be most grateful if you would send me the book immediately.
Opposite ungrateful
gratefully adverb
She smiled at me gratefully.
grateful adjective
showing or expressing thanks, especially to another person
I'm so grateful ( to you) for all that you've done.
If you could get that report finished by Thursday I'd be very grateful.
After the earthquake we felt grateful to be alive.
I'm just grateful that I'm not still working for him.
FORMAL I would be most grateful if you would send me the book immediately.
Opposite ungrateful
gratefully adverb
She smiled at me gratefully.
grater noun [ C ]
grater
a metal device with holes surrounded by sharp edges used to cut food into small
pieces
gratify verb [ T ]
to please someone, or to satisfy a wish or need
We were gratified by the response to our appeal.
[ + to infinitive ] He was gratified to see how well his students had done.
gratification noun [ U ]
sexual gratification
Some people expect instant gratification (= to get what they want immediately) .
gratifying adjective
pleasing and satisfying
[ + to infinitive ] It must be very gratifying to see all your children grown up and
happy.
gratifyingly adverb
The success rate in the exam was gratifyingly high.
gratin noun [ C or U ] , adjective [ after noun ]
in cooking, a dish which has a thin layer of cheese and often breadcrumbs on top
aubergine and tomato gratin
grating adjective
describes a sound which is unpleasant and annoying
grating noun [ C ]
a structure made of metal bars which covers a hole, especially in the ground over
a drain
gratis adverb [ after verb ] , adjective
free
I'll give it to you, gratis!
gratis adverb [ after verb ] , adjective
free
I'll give it to you, gratis!
gratitude noun [ U ] ( ALSO gratefulness )
the feeling or quality of being grateful
deep/eternal gratitude
She sent them a present to show/express her gratitude.
Take this as a token of my gratitude for all your help.
gratuitous adjective DISAPPROVING
(of something such as bad behaviour) not necessary; with no cause
A lot of viewers complained that there was too much gratuitous sex and violence
in the film.
gratuitously adverb
gratuitously violent
gratuitousness noun [ U ]
gratuity noun [ C ]
a sum of money given as a reward for a service
FORMAL The guides sometimes receive gratuities from the tourists which
supplement their salaries.
UK After he was disabled in the accident, he left the army with a one-off gratuity
of £5000.
gravadlax noun [ U ]
thin pieces of salmon (= type of fish) that have been dried with salt and herbs
grave noun [ C ]
a place in the ground where a dead person is buried
a mass grave
an unmarked grave
a grave digger
He visits his mother's grave every Sunday.
beyond the grave
after death
Do you think there's life beyond the grave?
turn in your grave UK ( US turn over/spin in your grave )
If you say that a dead person would turn in their grave, you mean that they would
be very angry or upset about something if they knew about it
She'd turn in her grave if she knew what he was spending his inheritance on.
grave adjective
seriously bad
a grave situation
gravely adverb
gravely ill
grave (accent) noun [ C ]
a symbol used over a letter in some languages, for example the letter 'è' in
French, to show that it is pronounced in a particular way
gravel noun [ U ]
small rounded stones, often mixed with sand
a gravel path
gravelled , US USUALLY graveled adjective
covered with gravel
a gravelled driveway
gravelly adjective VOICE
1. If a voice, especially a man's voice, is gravelly, it is low and rough.
gravelly adjective SUBSTANCE
2. like or containing gravel
gravelly soil
ˈ gravel ˌ pit noun [ C ]
a place where gravel is dug out of the ground
graven image noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
an object made especially from wood, stone, etc. and used for religious worship
graveside noun [ C usually singular ]
the area next to a grave
He made a short speech at the graveside, then the body was finally buried.
gravestone noun [ C ]
a stone that shows where a dead person is buried and which usually has their
name and the years of their birth and death written on it
Compare headstone
graveyard noun [ C ]
a place, often next to a church where dead people are buried
ˈ graveyard ˌ shift noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a period of work, for example in a factory, which begins late at night and ends
early in the morning
to work the graveyard shift
gravel noun [ U ]
small rounded stones, often mixed with sand
a gravel path
gravelled , US USUALLY graveled adjective
covered with gravel
a gravelled driveway
gravelly adjective VOICE
1. If a voice, especially a man's voice, is gravelly, it is low and rough.
gravelly adjective SUBSTANCE
2. like or containing gravel
gravelly soil
ˈ gravel ˌ pit noun [ C ]
a place where gravel is dug out of the ground
graven image noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
an object made especially from wood, stone, etc. and used for religious worship
graveside noun [ C usually singular ]
the area next to a grave
He made a short speech at the graveside, then the body was finally buried.
gravestone noun [ C ]
a stone that shows where a dead person is buried and which usually has their
name and the years of their birth and death written on it
Compare headstone
graveyard noun [ C ]
a place, often next to a church where dead people are buried
ˈ graveyard ˌ shift noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a period of work, for example in a factory, which begins late at night and ends
early in the morning
to work the graveyard shift
gravitas noun [ U ] FORMAL
seriousness and importance of manner, causing feelings of respect and trust in
others
He's an effective enough politician but somehow he lacks the statesmanlike
gravitas of a world leader.
gravitate verb
gravitate towards/to sth/sb phrasal verb UK ( US gravitate toward sth/sb )
to be attracted by or to move in the direction of something or someone
Susie always gravitates towards the older children in her playgroup.
gravitation noun FORCE
1. [ U ] in science, the force which attracts all objects in the universal towards one
another
Particles are attracted to each other by gravitation.
gravitation noun MOVEMENT TOWARDS
2. [ S or U ] when someone or something moves or is attracted in the direction of
a particular thing or person
The gravitation of country people to/towards the capital began in the 1920s.
gravitational adjective
relating to gravity or gravitation
gravitational forces
gravity noun [ U ] FORCE
1. the force which attracts objects towards one another, especially the force that
makes things fall to the ground
the laws of gravity
gravity noun [ U ] SERIOUS
2. seriousness
I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation.
the laws of gravity
2. seriousness
gravy noun [ U ]
a sauce made from meat juices, liquid and flour, and served with meat and
vegetables
ˈ gravy ˌ boat noun [ C ]
a long low container with a handle, used for serving gravy at the table
ˈ gravy ˌ train noun [ C usually singular ]
a way of making money quickly, easily, and often dishonestly
gray adjective
US SPELLING OF grey
graze verb SURFACE
1. [ T ] to break the surface of the skin by rubbing against something rough
He fell down and grazed his knee .
He was lucky, the bullet just grazed his leg.
2. [ T ] If an object grazes something, it touches its surface lightly when it passes
it
The aircraft's landing gear grazed the treetops as it landed.
graze verb FOOD
3. [ I or T ] to (cause animals to) eat grass
The cows were grazing.
The farmer grazes cattle on this land in the summer months.
4. [ I ] INFORMAL to eat small amounts of food many times during the day instead
of sitting down to eat meals at particular times
No dinner for me, thanks - I've been grazing all day.
graze noun [ C ]
an injury on the surface of your skin caused by rubbing it against something
rough
Her legs were covered with cuts and grazes.
ˈ grazing ( ˌ land) noun [ U ]
land where farm animals feed on grass
grease noun [ U ]
animal or vegetable fat that is soft after melting, or more generally, any thick oily
substance
The dinner plates were thick with grease.
You'll have to put some grease on those ball bearings.
grease verb [ T ]
to put fat or oil on something
Grease the tins well before adding the cake mixture.
grease sb's palm DISAPPROVING
to secretly give someone money in order to persuade them to do something for
you
like greased lightning
very fast
As soon as I mentioned work, he was out of the door like greased lightning!
ˈ grease ˌ monkey noun [ C ] MAINLY US OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
someone whose job is repairing car or aircraft engines
greasepaint noun [ U ]
make-up as used by actors in the theatre
greaseproof paper noun [ U ] UK
paper which does not allow oil through, used especially in cooking
Line the tins with greaseproof paper.
greaser noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
a man with long hair who rides a motorcycle, wears black leather clothes, and is
often a member of a gang
Greasers were originally so-called because of the grease that they used on their
hair and on their bikes.
greasy adjective
covered with or full of fat or oil
greasy food/dishes/skin/hair
greasiness noun [ U ]
ˌ greasy ˈ spoon noun [ C usually singular ] SLANG
a small, cheap restaurant, especially one which sells a lot of fried food

great adjective BIG
1. large in amount, size or degree
an enormous great hole
A great crowd had gathered outside the President's palace.
The improvement in water standards over the last 50 years has been very great.
A great many people would agree.
The great majority of (= Almost all) people would agree.
FORMAL It gives us great pleasure to announce the engagement of our daughter
Maria.
FORMAL It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the death of our director.
I have great sympathy for you.
I spent a great deal of time there.
2. [ before noun ] used in names, especially to mean large or important
a Great Dane (= large type of dog)
Catherine the Great
the Great Wall of China
the Great Bear (= group of stars)
great adjective FAMOUS
3. APPROVING famous, powerful, or important as one of a particular type
a great politician/leader/artist/man/woman
This is one of Rembrandt's greatest paintings.
Who do you think is the greatest modern novelist?
great adjective EXTREME
4. extreme
great success/difficulty
great adjective GOOD
5. INFORMAL very good
a great idea
We had a great time last night at the party.
It 's great to see you after all this time!
"I'll lend you the car if you like." "Great! Thanks a lot!"
"What's your new teacher like?" "Oh, he's great."
"How are you feeling now?" "Great."
6. INFORMAL used to mean that something is very bad
Oh great ! That's all I need - more bills!
greatness noun [ U ]
skill and importance
Her greatness as a writer is unquestioned.
be a great one for sth
to enjoy or do something a lot
He's a great one for gett ing other people to do his work for him, old Peter!
go great guns OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to go fast or successfully
For the first 400 metres he was going great guns, but then he fell and that lost
him the race.
great minds think alike HUMOROUS
said to someone just after you have discovered that they have had the same idea
as you
no great shakes INFORMAL
not very good
I'm afraid I am no great shakes as a cook/ at cook ing !
great adverb [ before noun ] , adjective INFORMAL
used to emphasize the meaning of another word
a great big spider
a great long queue
You great idiot!
Pat's a great friend of mine.
great noun [ C ]
a famous person in a particular area of activity
former tennis great Arthur Ashe
Woody Allen, one of the all-time greats of the cinema
the great and the good UK
important people
The great and the good are calling on the Government to support the arts.
great- prefix
used with a word for a family member to mean one generation away from that
member
your great-grandmother (= the grandmother of one of your parents)
your great-grandson (= the grandson of your child)
gravitation noun FORCE
1. [ U ] in science, the force which attracts all objects in the universal towards one
another
Particles are attracted to each other by gravitation.
gravitation noun MOVEMENT TOWARDS
2. [ S or U ] when someone or something moves or is attracted in the direction of
a particular thing or person
The gravitation of country people to/towards the capital began in the 1920s.
gravitational adjective
relating to gravity or gravitation
gravitational forces
the laws of gravity
2. seriousness
gravy noun [ U ]
a sauce made from meat juices, liquid and flour, and served with meat and
vegetables
ˈ gravy ˌ boat noun [ C ]
a long low container with a handle, used for serving gravy at the table
ˈ gravy ˌ train noun [ C usually singular ]
a way of making money quickly, easily, and often dishonestly
gray adjective
US SPELLING OF grey
graze verb SURFACE
1. [ T ] to break the surface of the skin by rubbing against something rough
He fell down and grazed his knee .
He was lucky, the bullet just grazed his leg.
2. [ T ] If an object grazes something, it touches its surface lightly when it passes
it
The aircraft's landing gear grazed the treetops as it landed.
graze verb FOOD
3. [ I or T ] to (cause animals to) eat grass
The cows were grazing.
The farmer grazes cattle on this land in the summer months.
4. [ I ] INFORMAL to eat small amounts of food many times during the day instead
of sitting down to eat meals at particular times
No dinner for me, thanks - I've been grazing all day.
graze noun [ C ]
an injury on the surface of your skin caused by rubbing it against something
rough
Her legs were covered with cuts and grazes.
grease noun [ U ]
animal or vegetable fat that is soft after melting, or more generally, any thick oily
substance
The dinner plates were thick with grease.
You'll have to put some grease on those ball bearings.
grease verb [ T ]
to put fat or oil on something
Grease the tins well before adding the cake mixture.
grease sb's palm DISAPPROVING
to secretly give someone money in order to persuade them to do something for
you
like greased lightning
very fast
As soon as I mentioned work, he was out of the door like greased lightning!
ˈ grease ˌ monkey noun [ C ] MAINLY US OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
someone whose job is repairing car or aircraft engines
greasepaint noun [ U ]
make-up as used by actors in the theatre
greaseproof paper noun [ U ] UK
paper which does not allow oil through, used especially in cooking
Line the tins with greaseproof paper.
greaser noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
a man with long hair who rides a motorcycle, wears black leather clothes, and is
often a member of a gang
Greasers were originally so-called because of the grease that they used on their
hair and on their bikes.
greasy adjective
covered with or full of fat or oil
greasy food/dishes/skin/hair
greasiness noun [ U ]
great adjective BIG
1. large in amount, size or degree
an enormous great hole
A great crowd had gathered outside the President's palace.
The improvement in water standards over the last 50 years has been very great.
A great many people would agree.
The great majority of (= Almost all) people would agree.
FORMAL It gives us great pleasure to announce the engagement of our daughter
Maria.
FORMAL It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the death of our director.
I have great sympathy for you.
I spent a great deal of time there.
2. [ before noun ] used in names, especially to mean large or important
a Great Dane (= large type of dog)
Catherine the Great
the Great Wall of China
the Great Bear (= group of stars)
great adjective FAMOUS
3. APPROVING famous, powerful, or important as one of a particular type
a great politician/leader/artist/man/woman
This is one of Rembrandt's greatest paintings.
Who do you think is the greatest modern novelist?
great adjective EXTREME
4. extreme
great success/difficulty
great adjective GOOD
5. INFORMAL very good
a great idea
We had a great time last night at the party.
It 's great to see you after all this time!
"I'll lend you the car if you like." "Great! Thanks a lot!"
"What's your new teacher like?" "Oh, he's great."
"How are you feeling now?" "Great."
6. INFORMAL used to mean that something is very bad
Oh great ! That's all I need - more bills!
greatness noun [ U ]
skill and importance
Her greatness as a writer is unquestioned.
be a great one for sth
to enjoy or do something a lot
He's a great one for gett ing other people to do his work for him, old Peter!
go great guns OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to go fast or successfully
For the first 400 metres he was going great guns, but then he fell and that lost
him the race.
great minds think alike HUMOROUS
said to someone just after you have discovered that they have had the same idea
as you
no great shakes INFORMAL
not very good
I'm afraid I am no great shakes as a cook/ at cook ing !
great adverb [ before noun ] , adjective INFORMAL
used to emphasize the meaning of another word
a great big spider
a great long queue
You great idiot!
Pat's a great friend of mine.
great noun [ C ]
a famous person in a particular area of activity
former tennis great Arthur Ashe
Woody Allen, one of the all-time greats of the cinema
the great and the good UK
important people
The great and the good are calling on the Government to support the arts.
great- prefix
used with a word for a family member to mean one generation away from that
member
your great-grandmother (= the grandmother of one of your parents)
your great-grandson (= the grandson of your child)
ˌ Great ˈ Britain noun [ S ]
England, Scotland and Wales
greatcoat noun [ C ]
a long heavy warm coat, worn especially by soldiers over their uniform
Greater adjective [ before noun ]
used before names of some cities to refer to both the city itself and the area
around it
Greater Manchester
greatly adverb
very much, used especially to show how much you feel or experience something
I greatly regret not having told the truth.
Her piano playing has greatly improved/has improved greatly.
the ˌ Great ˈ War noun [ S ] UK
World War One
grebe noun [ C ]
any of a family of grey or brown water birds which swim on or under the water
Grecian adjective
(especially of building styles or a person's appearance) beautiful and simple, in
the style of Ancient Greece
a Grecian column
Greco- , Graeco- , prefix
of or connected with ancient Greece
splendid Greco-Roman ruins
greed noun [ U ]
a very strong wish to continuously get more of something, especially food or
money
I don't know why I'm eating more - it's not hunger, it's just greed!
He was unsympathetic with many house sellers, complaining that they were
motivated by greed.
greedy adjective
wanting a lot more food, money, etc. than you need
greedy, selfish people
He's greedy for power/success.
greedily adverb
He ate the bread greedily.
greediness noun [ U ]
greedy-guts noun [ S ] UK INFORMAL OR CHILD'S WORD
someone who eats too much
Greek adjective
from, belonging to or relating to Greece
Greek history/culture
Greek food
See table of Geographical names
It's all Greek to me.
a way of saying that you do not understand something that is said or written
Greek noun
1. [ U ] the language of Greece
modern/ancient Greek
2. [ C ] a person from Greece
See also Grecian
ˌ Greek ˈ cross noun [ C ]
a cross with four arms which are all the same length
green adjective COLOUR
1. of a colour between blue and yellow; of the colour of grass
green vegetables
green adjective POLITICAL
2. relating to the protection of the environment
green politics/issues
a green campaigner/activist
the Green Party
3. go green
to do more to protect nature and the environment
The Chancellor proposed a crackdown on car and plane emissions, and the
introduction of tax incentives to go green.
green adjective PLANTS
4. covered with grass, trees and other plants
the green hills of Ireland
green adjective NOT RIPE
5. (especially of fruit) not ripe enough to eat, or (of wood) not dry enough to use
green bananas/tomatoes
green adjective NOT EXPERIENCED
6. not experienced or trained
I was very green when I started working there.
greenness noun [ U ]
the quality of being green
What first struck her when she arrived in England was the greenness of the
countryside.
be green with envy
to be very unhappy because someone has something that you want
Ben's heading off to Spain for the week and I'm green with envy.
give the green light to sth ( INFORMAL green-light )
to give permission for someone to do something or for something to happen
The council has given the green light to the new shopping development.
go/turn green
to look pale and ill as if you are going to vomit
green noun COLOUR
1. [ C or U ] the colour of grass; a colour between blue and yellow
light/pale green
dark/bottle green
green noun GRASS
2. [ C ] an area planted with grass, especially for use by the public
Children were playing on the village green.
3. [ C ] used as a part of a name
Sheep's Green
4. [ C ] a flat area of grass surrounding the hole on a golf course
green noun FOOD
5. greens
[ plural ] the leaves of green vegetables such as spinach or cabbage when eaten
as food
Green noun [ C ]
a member of the Green Party
He used to be a Liberal, but now he's a Green.
ˈ green ˌ audit noun [ C ]
an official examination of the effects a company or other organization has on the
environment, especially the damage that it causes
Management refused to carry out/conduct a green audit.
greenback noun [ C ] US OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
a US dollar
ˌ green ˈ bean noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO French bean )
green bean
a type of long, green bean that you can eat
ˈ green ˌ belt noun [ C usually singular ]
a strip of countryside round a city or town where building is not allowed
ˌ green ˈ card noun [ C ] WORK
1. a document giving a foreigner permission to live and work in the United States
ˌ green ˈ card noun [ C ] CAR
2. UK a document which insures your car against accidents (= protects you
financially if you have a car accident) when travelling in other countries
greenery noun [ U ]
green plants or branches, especially when cut and used as decoration
greenfield adjective [ before noun ] UK
describes land that has not yet been built on, or buildings built on land that had
never been used before for building
a greenfield site
greenfinch noun [ C ]
a medium-sized greenish bird, common in Europe
ˌ green ˈ fingers plural noun UK ( US green thumb )
the ability to make plants grow
green-fingered adjective ( US green-thumbed )
greenfly noun [ C ]
a very small pale green insect that often harms plants
greengage noun [ C ]
a small greenish yellow plum (= soft, juicy fruit)
greengrocer noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
1. a person who owns or works in a shop that sells fresh vegetables and fruit
2. ( ALSO greengrocer's ) a shop in which fresh vegetables and fruit are sold
greenhorn noun [ C ]
a person who is not experienced
greenhouse noun [ C ]
greenhouse
a building with a roof and sides made of glass, used for growing plants that need
warmth and protection
Gladys grows a lot of tomatoes in her greenhouse.
the ˈ greenhouse ef ˌ fect noun [ S ]
an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere
(= mixture of gases around the Earth) which is believed to be the cause of a gradual
warming of the surface of the Earth
ˌ greenhouse ˈ gas noun [ C ]
a gas which causes the greenhouse effect, especially carbon dioxide
greening noun [ S ] POLITICS
1. the process of understanding more and becoming more active about protecting
and looking after the environment
The next ten years, he predicted, would see the greening of America (=
Americans starting to take more care of the environment) .
greening noun [ S ] PLANTS
2. the process of making somewhere greener by planting grass, trees and plants
there
Concern about the ugly effects of industrialization has led to the greening of
many of our cities.
greenish adjective
slightly green in colour
greenish blue eyes
Greenland noun [ U ]
Greenlander noun [ C ]
Greenlandic adjective
ˌ green ˈ onion noun [ C ]
US FOR spring onion
ˌ green ˈ paper noun [ C ]
a document prepared by the British Government for anyone interested to study
and make suggestions about, especially before a law is changed or a new law is made
Compare white paper
ˌ green ˈ pepper noun [ C ]
a shiny green vegetable with a hollow centre which can be eaten raw or cooked
ˈ green ˌ room noun [ S ]
a room, for example in a theatre, where performers can relax
ˌ green ˈ salad noun [ C or U ] UK
a salad which consists of lettuce and other raw green vegetables
ˌ green ˈ shoots plural noun
(used especially in newspapers) the first signs of an improvement in an economy
that is performing badly
the green shoots of recovery
ˌ green ˈ tea noun [ U ]
the light-coloured tea drunk especially in China and Japan
greenwash verb [ I or T ]
to make people believe that your company is doing more to protect the
environment than it really is
Greenwich Mean Time noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION GMT )
the time at Greenwich, Greater London, that world time zones are based on
See also British Summer Time
greet verb
1. [ T ] to welcome someone with particular words or a particular action, or to
react to something in the stated way
He greeted me at the door.
The teacher greeted each child with a friendly 'Hello!'
The unions have greeted the decision with delight/anger.
2. [ T often passive ] If you are greeted by a sight, sound or smell, you notice it
immediately when you arrive somewhere
As we walked into the house, we were greeted by a wonderful smell of baking.
greeting noun
1. [ C or U ] something friendly or polite that you say or do when you meet or
welcome someone
They briskly exchanged greetings before starting the session.
He nodded his head in greeting.
2. greetings
[ plural ] a message that says you hope someone is well, happy, etc
birthday/Christmas greetings
FORMAL My father sends his greetings.
FORMAL Greetings to you, my friends and colleagues.
ˈ greetings ˌ card noun [ C ] UK ( US greeting card )
a piece of thick paper folded in half with a picture on the outside and a message
inside, which you write in and send or give to someone, for example at Christmas or on
their birthday
gregarious adjective
(of people) liking to be with other people, or (especially of animals) living in
groups
Emma's a gregarious, outgoing sort of person.
See also sociable
gregariously adverb
gregariousness noun [ U ]
the Gregorian calendar noun [ S ]
the system used in large parts of the world to divide the 365 days of the year into
weeks and months, and to number the years
Gregorian chant noun [ C or U ]
a type of Christian church music for voices alone, used since the Middle Ages;
plainsong
gremlin noun [ C ]
an imaginary little creature which gets inside things, especially machines, and
makes them stop working
We must have a gremlin in the engine - it isn't working properly.
Grenada noun [ U ]
grenade noun [ C ]
a small bomb thrown by hand or shot from a gun
a hand grenade
Grenadian adjective , noun [ C ]
grenadier noun [ C ]
a member of the Grenadier Guards (= a special part of the British, Canadian or
other army)
grenadine noun [ U ]
a sweet liquid made from the juice of the pomegranate and used to colour and
sweeten drinks
grew
PAST SIMPLE OF grow
grey , US USUALLY gray adjective COLOUR
1. of the colour that is a mixture of black and white, the colour of rain clouds
a grey sky
2. having hair that has become grey or white, usually because of age
He started to go/turn grey in his mid-forties.
3. describes the weather when there are a lot of clouds and little light
Night turned into morning, grey and cold.
grey , US USUALLY gray adjective BORING
4. boring and sad
He saw a grey future stretch ahead of him.
greyness , US USUALLY grayness noun [ U ]
grey , US USUALLY gray noun [ C or U ]
the colour that is a mixture of black and white, the colour of rain clouds
She was dressed in grey.
ˌ grey ˈ area noun [ C usually singular ]
a situation which is not clear or where the rules are not known
The difference between gross negligence and recklessness is a legal grey area.
ˌ grey ˈ eminence noun [ C usually singular ]
an éminence grise
greyhound noun [ C ]
a type of dog that has a thin body and long thin legs and can run fast, especially
in races
greying , US USUALLY graying adjective
If a person or their hair is greying, their hair is becoming grey
He is greying now but still elegant.
greyish , US USUALLY grayish adjective
slightly grey in colour
ˈ grey ˌ matter noun [ U ] INFORMAL
a person's intelligence
It's not the sort of movie that stimulates the old grey matter much.
the ˌ grey ˈ pound noun [ S ] UK ( US the gray dollar )
the money which all old people as a group have available to spend
ˈ grey ˌ water noun [ U ]
water that has been used before, for example for washing, that can be stored and
used again, for example in toilets
Water companies are testing recycling units which take grey water and clean it up
sufficiently for flushing toilets.
grid noun [ C ] PATTERN/STRUCTURE
1. a pattern or structure made from horizontal and vertical lines crossing each
other to form squares
A metal grid had been placed across the hole to stop people falling in.
In Barcelona the streets are laid out in/on a grid system .
See also gridiron
grid noun [ C ] ELECTRICITY
2. a system of wires through which electricity is connected to different power
stations across a region
the national grid
grid noun [ C ] MAP
3. a pattern of squares with numbers or letters used to find places on a map
griddle noun [ C ]
a round, flat piece of metal used for cooking over a fire or cooker
gridiron noun [ C ] US
a field painted with lines for American football
gridlock noun [ U ]
1. a situation where roads in a town become so blocked by cars that it is
impossible for any traffic to move
A car breaking down at rush hour could cause gridlock across half the city.
2. a situation in which no progress can be made
ˈ grid ˌ reference noun [ C ]
a position on a map which has been divided into squares by numbered lines going
from one side to the other and from top to bottom so that you can find places easily on
it
What's the grid reference of the village on this map?
grief noun [ C or U ]
1. very great sadness, especially at the death of someone
Her grief at her son's death was terrible.
Newspapers should not intrude on people's private grief.
newspaper pictures of grief -stricken relatives
2. come to grief
to suddenly fail in what you are doing, often because you have an accident
The Italian champion was in second position when he came to grief on the third
lap.
3. give sb grief INFORMAL
to criticize someone angrily
4. get grief INFORMAL
to be criticized angrily
I got a load of grief off Esther because I was ten minutes late.
ˈ grief ˌ tourist noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone who visits a place because something bad happened there
Grief tourists continue to visit the house where the girls were murdered.
grievance noun [ C or U ]
a complaint or a strong feeling that you have been treated unfairly
A special committee has been appointed to handle prisoners' grievances.
Bill still harbours/nurses a grievance against his employers for not promoting
him.
The small amount of compensation is a further source of grievance to the people
forced to leave their homes.
grieve verb
1. [ I ] to feel or express great sadness, especially when someone dies
He is still grieving for/over his wife.
2. [ T ] FORMAL to make you feel sad and angry
[ + object + to infinitive ] It grieves me to see all this food going to waste.
grieving adjective
feeling very sad because someone has died
grieving relatives
grievous adjective FORMAL
having very serious effects or causing great pain
Her death is a grievous loss to the whole of the community.
grievous wounds
grievously adverb
ˌ grievous bodily ˈ harm noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION GBH ) UK LEGAL
a crime in which one person does serious physical injury to another
griffin noun [ C ] ( ALSO gryphon )
an imaginary creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion
grill noun [ C ]
1. ( US ALSO broiler ) the surface in a cooker which can be heated to very high
temperatures and under which you put food to be cooked
See picture in the kitchen
2. a frame of metal bars over a fire on which food can be put to be cooked
3. MAINLY US an informal restaurant
grill verb [ T ] COOK
grill
1. ( US ALSO broil ) to cook something by direct heat, especially under a very hot
surface in a cooker
I grilled the sausages.
grill verb [ T ] QUESTION
2. to ask someone a lot of questions for a long time
After being grilled by the police for two days, Johnson signed a confession.
Her parents would grill her about where she'd been.
grille noun [ C ]
a frame of metal bars used to cover something such as a window or a machine
a security grille
A grille separated the prisoners from their visitors.
grilling noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
when someone is asked a lot of questions for a long time
She faced a grilling when she got home.
ˈ grill ˌ pan noun [ C ] UK ( AUSTRALIAN grill tray , US broiler pan )
an open rectangular metal container, often with a frame of metal bars inside, on
which food is cooked under a grill
grim adjective WITHOUT HOPE
1. worrying, without hope
The future looks grim.
grim adjective SERIOUS
2. worried and serious or sad
Her face was grim as she told them the bad news.
The expression on his face was one of grim determination .
Later Mr Ashby left the court, grim-faced and silent.
grim adjective UNPLEASANT
3. INFORMAL very unpleasant or ugly
a grim-looking block of flats
grimly adverb
grimness noun [ U ]
hang/hold on like grim death UK
to hold on very tightly to something, despite great difficulty
Darren always drives and I sit behind him, hanging on like grim death.
grimace verb [ I ]
to make an expression of pain, strong dislike, etc. in which the face twists in an
ugly way
He tried to stand and grimaced with pain.
grimace noun [ C ]
Helen made a grimace of disgust when she saw the raw meat.
grime noun [ U ]
a layer of dirt on skin or on a building
The walls were covered in grime.
the grim reaper noun [ S ] LITERARY
death thought of in the shape of a skeleton with a large curved tool used for
cutting crops
grimy adjective
dirty
The child's face was grimy and streaked with tears.
grin noun [ C ]
a wide smile
I assumed things had gone well for him as he had a big grin on his face.
a broad/sheepish grin
grin verb [ I ]
to smile a wide smile
He grinned at me from the doorway.
What are you grinning about?
grin and bear it
to accept something bad without complaining
I really don't want to go but I guess I'll just have to grin and bear it.
grind verb [ T ] MAKE SMALLER
1. to make something into small pieces or a powder by pressing between hard
surfaces
to grind coffee
Shall I grind a little black pepper over your pizza?
They grind the grain into flour (= make flour by crushing grain) between two
large stones.
grind verb [ T ] RUB
2. to rub something against a hard surface, in order to make it sharper or
smoother
She has a set of chef's knives which she grinds every week.
He ground down the sharp metal edges to make them smooth.
The car engine was making a strange grinding noise.
See also grindstone
3. grind your teeth
to make a noise by rubbing your teeth together
She grinds her teeth in her sleep.
grind the faces of the poor UK LITERARY
Someone who grinds the faces of the poor, treats poor people very badly, often to
get money from them.
grind to a halt/standstill
to stop slowly
The car juddered and ground to a halt right in the middle of the road.
FIGURATIVE If we don't do something soon, the industry could grind to a halt (=
stop operating) .
grind sb down phrasal verb
to treat someone so badly for such a long time that they are no longer able to
fight back
Ground down by years of abuse, she did not have the confidence to leave him.
grind sth into sth phrasal verb
to press something hard into something else using a twisting movement
Sara angrily ground her cigarette into the ashtray.
grind sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to produce the same thing, especially a boring thing, again and again
The orchestra ground out the same tunes it has been playing for the last twenty
years.
grind noun [ S ] INFORMAL
a difficult or boring activity which needs a lot of effort
Having to type up my handwritten work was a real grind.
The daily grind of looking after three children was wearing her down.
grinder noun
1. [ C ] a machine used to rub or press something until it becomes a powder
a coffee/pepper grinder
grinder noun
2. knife grinder
a device for making knives sharper, or a person whose job is to do this
grinding adjective LITERARY
grinding poverty
when people are extremely poor over a long period
grindstone noun [ C ]
a large round stone that is turned by a machine and is used to make tools sharper
or sharp edges smooth
gringo noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a foreigner in a Latin American country, especially one who speaks only English
grip verb HOLD
1. [ I or T ] to hold very tightly
The baby gripped my finger with her tiny hand.
Old tyres won't grip (= stay on the surface of the road) in the rain very well.
grip verb INTEREST
2. [ T ] to keep someone's attention completely
This trial has gripped the whole nation.
I was gripped throughout the entire two hours of the film.
grip verb EMOTION
3. [ T usually passive ] When an emotion such as fear grips you, you feel it
strongly
Then he turned towards me and I was suddenly gripped by fear.
grip noun CONTROL
1. [ S ] control over something or someone
Rebels have tightened their grip on the city.
grip noun HOLD
2. [ C usually singular ] a tight hold on something or someone
She tightened her grip on my arm.
She would not loosen her grip on my arm.
grip noun BAG
3. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED a bag for travelling that is smaller than a suitcase
get/keep a grip on yourself
to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly
I just think he ought to get a grip on himself - he's behaving like a child.
be in the grip of sth
to be experiencing something unpleasant that you have no control over
The country is currently in the grip of the worst recession for twenty years.
come/get to grips with sth
to make an effort to understand and deal with a problem or situation
The government have failed to come to grips with the two most important social
issues of our time.
I can't seem to get to grips with this problem.
gripe noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a strong complaint
Her main gripe is that she's not being trained properly.
gripe verb [ I ]
There's no point griping about the price of things.
ˈ Gripe ˌ Water noun [ U ] UK TRADEMARK
a medicine given to babies to cure stomach pain
gripping adjective
describes something that is so interesting or exciting that it holds your attention
completely
I found the book so gripping that I couldn't put it down.
grisly adjective
extremely unpleasant, especially because death or blood is involved
The 55-year-old Canadian had suffered a grisly death.
a grisly murder
grist noun
UK AND AUSTRALIAN grist to the mill / US grist for sb's mill anything that can be
used to your advantage
I might as well learn another language, it's all grist to the mill when it comes to
getting a job.
gristle noun [ U ]
a solid white substance in meat that comes from near the bone and is hard to
chew (= crush with the teeth)
gristly adjective
grit noun [ U ] STONES
1. very small pieces of stone or sand
The road had been covered with grit.
grit noun [ U ] BRAVERY
2. bravery and determination despite difficulty
It takes true (= real) grit to stand up to a bully.
grit noun [ U ] FOOD
3. grits US
a dish of hominy grain eaten especially as a morning meal
grit verb [ T ]
to put small stones on a road or path which is covered in ice, in order to make it
safer
Council lorries had been out gritting the icy roads the night before.
grit your teeth
1. to press your top and bottom teeth together, often in anger
He gritted his teeth in silent fury.
2. to accept a difficult situation and deal with it in a determined way
We had to grit our teeth and agree with their conditions because we wanted the
contract.
gritter noun [ C ] UK ( US sander )
a special vehicle that spreads grit on the roads when they are covered with ice
gritty adjective SANDY
1. containing grit or like grit
gritty adjective BRAVE
2. brave and determined
He showed the gritty determination that we've come to expect from him.
gritty adjective UNPLEASANT AND TRUE
3. showing all the unpleasant but true details of a situation
a gritty portrayal of inner-city poverty
a gritty documentary
grizzle verb [ I ] DISAPPROVING
(especially of a young child) to cry continuously but not very loudly, or to
complain all the time
The baby was cutting a tooth and grizzled all day long.
They're always grizzling (= complaining) about how nobody invites them
anywhere.
grizzled adjective LITERARY
having hair that is grey or becoming grey
Grizzled veterans in uniform gathered at the war monument.
grizzly bear noun [ C ] ( ALSO grizzly )
a very large greyish brown bear from North America and Canada
groan noun [ C ]
1. a deep long sound showing great pain or unhappiness
We could hear the groans of the wounded soldiers.
2. a complaining noise or phrase
He looked at the piles of dirty dishes and gave a groan of dismay.
groan verb [ I ]
1. to make a deep long sound showing great pain or unhappiness
He collapsed, groaning with pain.
[ + speech ] "Not again, " he groaned (= said in a low unhappy voice) .
2. to complain or speak unhappily
She's always moaning and groaning (= complaining a lot) about the weather.
groan with/under (the weight of) sth HUMOROUS
to carry a very large quantity of something
The tables were positively groaning with food.
grocer noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a person who owns or works in a shop selling food and small things for the home
See also greengrocer
grocer's noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
the shop where a grocer works
I popped into the grocer's on the way home from work to get some cheese.
grocery noun SHOP
1. [ C ] ( UK ALSO grocery shop , US ALSO grocery store ) OLD-FASHIONED a grocer's
grocery noun FOOD
2. groceries
[ plural ] the food that you buy in a grocer's shop or supermarket
grog noun [ U ]
1. OLD-FASHIONED strong alcohol, such as rum , that has been mixed with water
2. MAINLY AUSTRALIAN any alcoholic drink
groggy adjective INFORMAL
weak and unable to think clearly or walk correctly, usually because of tiredness or
illness
I felt a bit groggy for a couple of days after the operation.
groin noun [ C ] BODY
1. the place where your legs meet the front of your body
He pulled a muscle in his groin.
a groin strain
See picture body
2. the male sex organs
He was kicked in the stomach and the groin.
groin noun [ C ] SEA
3. a groyne
groom verb [ T ] CLEAN
1. to clean an animal, often by brushing its fur
Polly spends hours in the stables grooming her pony.
groom verb [ T ] PREPARE
2. to prepare someone for a special job or activity
She was being groomed for leadership.
[ + to infinitive ] My boss is grooming me to take over his job next year.
groom verb [ T ] SEX
3. to become friends with a child, especially over the Internet, in order to try to
persuade them to have a sexual relationship with you
groom noun [ C ] MAN
1. a bridegroom
The bride and groom walked down the aisle together.
groom noun [ C ] HORSES
2. a person whose job is to take care of and clean horses
groomed adjective
having a tidy and pleasant appearance that is produced with care
His mother was always impeccably groomed.
See also well-groomed
grooming noun [ U ] TIDYING
1. the things that you do to make your appearance tidy and pleasant, for example
brushing your hair, or the things that you do to keep an animal's hair or fur clean and
tidy
grooming noun [ U ] SEX
2. the criminal activity of becoming friends with a child, especially over the
Internet, in order to try to persuade the child to have a sexual relationship with you
groove noun [ C ]
a long narrow hollow space cut into a surface
The window slides along a deep metal groove to open and close.
be in the groove INFORMAL
to be operating or performing successfully
Alex Popov proved he was back in the groove by winning the 100 metres
freestyle.
be stuck in a groove
to be bored because you are doing the same things that you have done for a long
time
We never do anything exciting any more - we seem to be stuck in a groove.
grooved adjective
having a groove or grooves
groovy adjective OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
very fashionable and interesting
That's a groovy hat you're wearing, did you knit it yourself?
grope verb
1. [ I or T ] to feel with your hands, especially in order to find or move towards
something when you cannot see easily
She groped for her glasses on the bedside table.
I had to grope my way up the dark stairs.
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to touch someone's body in order to get sexual pleasure, usually
when the person does not want you to do this
He groped me as I was going to the bar.
grope for sth phrasal verb
to try to think of something, especially the right words, the correct answer, etc
I'm groping for the right words here.
grope noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a sexual touch, usually an unwanted and unpleasant one
groper noun [ C ] PERSON
1. INFORMAL someone who touches another person's body in order to get sexual
pleasure, when the person does not want them to
gropers on crowded trains
groper noun [ C ] FISH
2. AUSTRALIAN a large fish with a very wide mouth
gross adjective , adverb
(in) total
A person's gross income is the money they earn before tax is deducted from it.
Once wrapped, the gross weight of the package is 2kg.
She earns £30,000 a year gross.
Compare net
gross adjective UNACCEPTABLE
1. [ before noun ] FORMAL (especially in law) unacceptable because clearly wrong
gross misconduct/indecency
a gross violation of justice
gross adjective FAT
2. extremely fat or large and ugly
I'd put on ten kilos and felt gross in my bikini.
gross adjective UNPLEASANT
3. INFORMAL extremely unpleasant
"Oh, gross!" she said, looking at the flies buzzing above the piles of dirty plates.
gross verb [ T ]
to earn a particular amount of money before tax is paid or costs are subtracted
The film has grossed over $200 million this year.
gross sb out phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
If something grosses you out, you think it is very unpleasant or disgusting
He smells and he's dirty - he really grosses me out.
gross noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
(a group of) 144
grossly adverb
extremely
It was grossly unfair to demand such a high interest rate on the loan.
He's grossly overweight.
grotesque adjective
strange and unpleasant, especially in a silly or slightly frightening way
By now she'd had so much cosmetic surgery that she looked quite grotesque.
Gothic churches are full of devils and grotesque figures.
grotesquely adverb
a grotesquely fat man
My views were grotesquely (= extremely) misrepresented.
grotesque noun [ C ]
a painting or other artistic work with a figure that is ugly or unpleasant as its
subject
Spencer's grotesques are his best works.
grotto noun [ C ]
a small cave, especially one that is made to look attractive
grotty adjective INFORMAL
unpleasant or of bad quality
a grotty little room
grouch verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to complain in an angry way
Oh, stop grouching!
grouch noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who often complains
grouchy adjective INFORMAL
easily annoyed and complaining
Don't be so grouchy!
grouchiness noun [ U ]
ground noun LAND
1. the ground
the surface of the Earth
I sat down on the ground.
2. [ U ] soil
soft/stony ground
The ground was frozen hard and was impossible to dig.
3. [ C ] an area of land used for a particular purpose or activity
a football ground
4. grounds
the gardens and land that surround a building and often have a wall or fence
around them
We went for a walk around the hospital grounds.
ground noun CAUSE
5. [ C usually plural ] a reason, cause or argument
She is suing the company on grounds of unfair dismissal.
Do you have any ground for suspecting them?
[ + to infinitive ] We have grounds to believe that you have been lying to us.
[ + that ] He refused to answer on the grounds that she was unfairly dismissed.
ground noun AREA OF KNOWLEDGE
6. [ U ] an area of knowledge or experience; a subject
When the conversation turns to politics he's on familiar ground (= he knows a lot
about this subject) .
Once we'd found some common ground (= things we both knew about) we got
on very well together.
The lectures covered a lot of ground (= included information on many different
subjects) .
I enjoyed her first novel, but I felt in the second she was going over the same
ground (= dealing with the same area of experience) .
ground noun WIRE
7. [ C usually singular ] US FOR earth (WIRE)
ground noun COFFEE
8. grounds
the small bits of coffee left at the bottom of a cup or other container that has had
coffee in it
See also grind
drive/work yourself into the ground
to make yourself tired or ill by working too hard
get ( sth ) off the ground
If a plan or activity gets off the ground or you get it off the ground, it starts or
succeeds
A lot more money will be required to get this project off the ground.
go/be run to ground
to hide in order to escape someone or something following you
He found the media attention intolerable and went to ground for several months.
on the ground
among the general public
Their political ideas have a lot of support on the ground.
ground verb GRIND
1. PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF grind
ground verb KEEP ON LAND
2. be grounded
If a ship is grounded, it cannot move because it has hit solid ground
The oil tanker was grounded on a sandbank.
3. [ T often passive ] If aircraft are grounded, they are prevented from flying or
ordered not to fly
The snowstorm meant that all planes were grounded.
ground verb PUNISH
4. [ T ] to forbid (= refuse to allow) a child or young person from going out as a
punishment
My parents have grounded me for a week.
ground verb CAUSE
5. be grounded in sth FORMAL
to be based firmly on something
Fiction should be grounded in reality.
Most phobias are grounded in childhood experiences.
See also well-grounded
ˈ ground ˌ ball noun [ C ] US
a grounder
ˌ ground ˈ beef noun [ U ]
US FOR mince (MEAT)
ground-breaking adjective
If something is ground-breaking, it is very new and a big change from other
things of its type
His latest film is interesting, but not ground-breaking.
groundcloth noun [ C ]
US FOR groundsheet
ˈ ground ˌ cover noun [ U ]
plants which grow thickly and close to the ground, sometimes used in gardens to
prevent weeds from growing
This plant grows quickly and provides excellent ground cover.
ˈ ground ˌ crew noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
the people at an airport who take care of the aircraft while it is on the ground
grounded adjective SENSIBLE
1. Someone who is grounded has a very sensible way of thinking or behaving.
He's very grounded even though he has so much money.
grounded adjective UNABLE TO MOVE
2. describes an aircraft that is prevented from flying for some reason, or a ship
that cannot move because it has hit solid ground
grounded adjective PUNISHED
3. A child or young person who is grounded is not allowed to go out as a
punishment
I smashed some stuff and now I'm grounded for a week.
grounder noun [ C ] ( ALSO ground ball ) US
a ball which moves along the ground rather than through the air when it has been
hit in a game of baseball
the ˌ ground ˈ floor noun [ S ] ( US USUALLY first floor ) UK
the floor of a building that is at the same level as the ground outside
My flat is on the ground floor.
ground-floor adjective [ before noun ]
a ground-floor office
ˈ ground ˌ frost noun [ C usually singular ]
a temperature at or below freezing point on and near the ground during the night
which can damage plants
groundhog noun [ C ] US
a woodchuck
grounding noun [ U ]
a knowledge of the basic facts about a particular subject
This course is designed to give drivers a grounding in car maintenance.
groundless adjective
without cause
My fears turned out to be groundless.
ˈ ground ˌ level noun [ S ]
the same level as the surface of the ground
groundnut noun [ C ]
a peanut , especially as a crop or when used in particular products
groundnut oil
groundout noun [ C ] US
in baseball, the act of hitting a ball along the ground so that it is caught by
someone on the other team who then causes the batter (= person who hits the ball) to
be out
ˈ ground ˌ plan noun [ C usually singular ] BUILDING
1. the plan that has been drawn of a building
ˈ ground ˌ plan noun [ C usually singular ] ACTION
2. MAINLY US the basic plan of action for something
He doesn't have a ground plan, he just makes decisions as the need arises.
ˈ ground ˌ rent noun [ C usually singular ]
money paid by the owner of a building or apartment to the person who owns the
land on which it has been built
ˈ ground ˌ rules plural noun
the principles on which future behaviour is based
In all relationships a few ground rules have to be established.
groundsheet noun [ C ] ( US ALSO groundcloth )
a piece of waterproof material which you put on the ground to sleep on when
camping
See picture groundsheet
groundsman noun [ C ] UK ( US groundskeeper )
a man whose job is to take care of a sports ground or park
ˈ ground ˌ speed noun [ C usually singular ] SPECIALIZED
An aircraft's ground speed is its speed when measured against the ground rather
than the air through which it moves.
ˈ ground ˌ staff plural noun
the people whose job is to take care of a sports ground and its equipment
ˈ ground ˌ stroke noun [ C ]
in tennis and similar games, when you hit the ball after it has hit the ground
groundswell noun [ S ]
a growth of strong feeling among a large group of people
There is a groundswell of opinion against the new rules.
ˈ ground ˌ water noun [ U ]
underground water that is held in the soil and rocks
groundwork noun [ U ]
work that is done as a preparation for work that will be done later
The committee will meet today to lay the groundwork for inter-party talks next
month.
ˌ ground ˈ zero noun
1. [ C usually singular ] the exact place where a nuclear bomb explodes
The blast was felt as far as 30 miles from ground zero.
2. [ U ] the site of the World Trade Center in New York City, which was destroyed
in an attack on September 11, 2001
group noun SET
1. [ C ] a number of people or things that are put together or considered as a unit
I'm meeting a group of friends for dinner tonight.
The car was parked near a small group of trees.
She showed me another group of pictures, this time of children playing.
group noun MUSIC
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a number of people who play music together,
especially pop music
What's your favourite group?
a pop/rock group
group verb [ I or T + adv/prep ]
to form a group or put people or things into a group
We all grouped together round the bride for a family photograph.
I grouped the children according to age.
The books were grouped by size.
ˈ group ˌ captain noun [ C ]
an officer in the British air force
grouper noun [ C ]
a large fish with a big head and a wide mouth that can be eaten and which lives in
warm seas
groupie noun [ C ]
a person who likes a particular popular singer or other famous person and follows
them to try to meet them, especially in order to have sex with them
grouping noun [ C ]
several people or things when they have been arranged into a group or are being
considered as a group
political groupings
ˌ Group of ˈ Eight noun [ S + sing/pl verb ] ( ABBREVIATION G8 )
the eight countries of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK, and
the US, whose leaders meet every year to discuss international problems
ˌ group ˈ practice noun [ C ]
a group of several doctors who work together in the same place
ˌ group ˈ therapy noun [ U ]
treatment in which people meet in a group to talk about their emotional problems,
with a trained leader or doctor present
grouse noun [ C ] BIRD
1. a small fat bird, shot for sport and food
grouse noun [ C ] COMPLAINT
2. INFORMAL an angry complaint
grouse verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to complain angrily
She's always grousing about how she's been treated by the management.
grout verb [ T ]
to put a thin line of mortar in the spaces between tiles
We spent the weekend grouting the bathroom.
grout noun [ U ]
( ALSO grouting ) mortar used for grouting
grove noun [ C ]
1. a group of trees planted close together
Orange groves grow around the village.
2. Grove
used in some road and place names
Camberwell Grove
the groves of academe
universities considered as a whole
It's yet another novel set in the groves of academe.
grovel verb [ I ] TRY TO PLEASE
1. to behave with too much respect towards someone to show them that you are
very eager to please them
He sent a grovelling note of apology.
grovel verb [ I ] MOVE
2. to move close to or on the ground
I was grovelling under the sofa, trying to find my contact lens.
grow verb INCREASE
1. [ I or L or T ] to increase in size or amount, or to become more advanced or
developed
Children grow so quickly.
This plant grows best in the shade.
She's grown three centimetres this year.
Football's popularity continues to grow.
The labour force is expected to grow by 2% next year.
The male deer grows large branching horns called antlers.
2. [ I or T ] If your hair or nails grow, or if you grow them, they become longer
Lottie wants to grow her hair long.
Are you growing a beard?
Golly, your hair's grown!
3. [ I ] If a plant grows in a particular place, it exists and develops there
There were roses growing up against the wall of the cottage.
4. [ T ] If you grow a plant, you put it in the ground and take care of it, usually in
order to sell it
The villagers grow coffee and maize to sell in the market.
grow verb BECOME
5. grow tired/old/calm, etc.
to gradually become tired/old/calm, etc
He grew bored of the countryside.
Growing old is so awful.
6. grow to do sth
to gradually start to do something
I've grown to like her over the months.
grow apart phrasal verb ( ALSO grow away from sb )
If two people in a close relationship grow apart or if they grow away from each
other, they gradually begin to have a less close relationship, usually because they no
longer have the same interests and want the same things
There was nobody else involved, we just grew apart.
grow into sb/sth phrasal verb
to develop into a particular type of person or thing
He's grown into a fine, responsible young man.
grow into sth phrasal verb
If children grow into clothes, they gradually become big enough to wear them.
grow on sb phrasal verb
If someone or something grows on you, you like them more and more although
you did not like them at first
I wasn't sure about this album when I bought it but it's really grown on me.
grow out of sth phrasal verb CLOTHES
1. If children grow out of clothes, they become too big to fit into them.
grow out of sth phrasal verb INTEREST
2. If you grow out of an interest or way of behaving, you stop having or doing it
as you become older
He wants to join the army when he leaves school, but I hope he'll grow out of the
idea.
grow out of sth phrasal verb IDEA
3. If an idea grows out of another one, it develops from it
The idea for the story grew out of a strange experience I had last year.
grow up phrasal verb PERSON
1. to gradually become an adult
I grew up in Scotland (= I lived in Scotland when I was young) .
Taking responsibility for yourself is part of the process of growing up.
grow up phrasal verb CITY
2. If a town or city grows up in a particular place or way, it develops there or in
that way
The city grew up originally as a crossing point on the river.
grower noun [ C ]
1. a person who grows large amounts of a particular plant or crop in order to sell
them
2. a plant that grows in a particular way
The new varieties of wheat are good growers even in poor soil.
growing adjective
increasing in size or quantity
There is a growing awareness of the seriousness of this disease.
A growing boy needs his food.
ˈ growing ˌ pains plural noun PHYSICAL PAIN
1. pains felt by young people in the bones or joints (= places where two bones
are connected) of their legs
ˈ growing ˌ pains plural noun DIFFICULTIES
2. the problems of a new organization or activity
growl verb [ I ]
to make a low rough sound, usually in anger
The dog growled at her and snapped at her ankles.
[ + speech ] "Not now, I'm busy, " he growled.
growl noun [ C ]
The dog eyed me suspiciously and gave a low growl.
grown adjective
a grown man/woman
an adult
I don't like to see a grown man in tears.
grown-up noun [ C ]
an adult, used especially when talking to children
Ask a grown-up to cut the shape out for you.
grown-up adjective
If you say that someone is grown-up, you mean that they are an adult or that
they behave in a responsible way
She has two grown-up children who work in the family business.
He seems very grown-up for a ten-year-old.
This book is a bit too grown-up for you (= you are too young to understand this
book) .
growth noun
1. [ U ] The growth of a person, animal or plant is its process of increasing in size
A balanced diet is essential for healthy growth.
Plant growth is most noticeable in spring and early summer.
2. [ U ] an increase in the size or the importance of something
The government is trying to limit population growth.
The rapid growth of opposition to the plan has surprised the council.
Electronic publishing is a growth area (= an area of activity that is increasing in
size and developing quickly) .
3. [ C ] a lump (= solid mass) growing on the outside or inside of a person,
animal or plant which is caused by a disease
a cancerous growth on the liver
4. [ C or U ] something which has grown
Graham came back from holiday with a week's growth of beard on his chin.
ˈ growth ˌ hormone noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a hormone (= chemical made by living cells) that helps an animal or plant to grow
Scientists have warned that the use of growth hormones to make cattle grow
more quickly may result in a health risk for consumers.
groyne noun [ C ] ( ALSO groin )
a low wall built out from the coast into the sea, to prevent the repeated
movement of the waves from removing parts of the land
grub noun INSECT
1. [ C ] an insect in the stage when it has just come out of its egg
A grub looks like a short fat worm.
grub noun FOOD
2. [ U ] INFORMAL food
They do really good grub in our local pub.
grub verb SEARCH
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to search for something by digging or
turning over earth
The dog was grubbing around/about in the mud for a bone.
grub verb TAKE
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] US SLANG to ask someone for something
without intending to pay for it
Could I grub a cigarette off you?
grub sth up/out phrasal verb [ M ]
to dig something out of the ground to get rid of it
She spent the morning in the garden, grubbing up weeds.
grubby adjective
1. INFORMAL dirty
He was wearing some old shorts and a grubby T-shirt.
Don't wipe your grubby hands on my clean towel!
2. DISAPPROVING If you describe an activity or someone's behaviour as grubby, you
do not think that it is honest, fair or acceptable
She sees the business of making money as just grubby opportunism.
He doesn't want this story to get into the grubby hands of the tabloid press (= to
be obtained by newspapers who are not honest and fair) .
grudge noun [ C ]
a strong feeling of anger and dislike for a person who you feel has treated you
badly, which often lasts for a long time
I don't bear any grudge against you.
Philippa still has/holds a grudge against me for refusing to lend her that money.
grudge verb [ T ]
1. to not want to spend time or money on someone or something, or to not want
to give something to someone
She grudged every hour she spent helping him.
2. to think that someone does not deserve something good that they have
[ + two objects ] I don't grudge you your holiday, it's just that you've chosen a
bad time to go.
grudging adjective
A grudging action or feeling is one which you do or have unwillingly
She won the grudging respect of her boss.
grudgingly adverb
She grudgingly (= unwillingly) admitted that she had been wrong to criticize him.
grudging adjective
grudgingly adverb
gruel noun [ U ]
a cheap simple food made especially in the past by boiling oats with water or milk
gruelling , US USUALLY grueling adjective
extremely tiring and difficult, and demanding great effort and determination
Junior doctors often have to work a gruelling 100-hour week.
He eventually won the match after five gruelling sets.
gruellingly , US gruelingly adverb
gruesome adjective
extremely unpleasant and shocking, and usually dealing with death or injury
The newspaper article included a gruesome description of the murder.
gruesomely adverb
gruff adjective
(of a person's voice) low and unfriendly, or (of a person's behaviour) unfriendly or
showing no patience
"If you must, " came the gruff reply.
He's quite a sweet man beneath the gruff exterior.
gruffly adverb
gruffness noun [ U ]
grumble verb [ I ]
1. to complain about someone or something in an annoyed way
She spent the evening grumbling to me about her job.
[ + speech ] "You never hang your coat up, " she grumbled.
2. If your stomach grumbles, it makes a low continuous noise, usually because
you are hungry.
grumbler noun [ C ]
a person who complains a lot
mustn't grumble UK HUMOROUS
something you say to mean that your life is not bad and that you should not
complain about it
"How's it going then, Mike?" "Oh, all right. Mustn't grumble."
grumble noun [ C usually plural ]
a complaint
If I hear any more grumbles about the food, you can do the cooking yourself!
ˌ grumbling ap ˈ pendix noun [ C usually singular ] UK
a medical condition in which the appendix (= tube-shaped part that is joined to
the intestines ) causes you slight pain over a period of time
grudging adjective
grudgingly adverb
gruel noun [ U ]
a cheap simple food made especially in the past by boiling oats with water or milk
gruelling , US USUALLY grueling adjective
extremely tiring and difficult, and demanding great effort and determination
Junior doctors often have to work a gruelling 100-hour week.
He eventually won the match after five gruelling sets.
gruellingly , US gruelingly adverb
gruesome adjective
extremely unpleasant and shocking, and usually dealing with death or injury
The newspaper article included a gruesome description of the murder.
gruesomely adverb
gruff adjective
(of a person's voice) low and unfriendly, or (of a person's behaviour) unfriendly or
showing no patience
"If you must, " came the gruff reply.
He's quite a sweet man beneath the gruff exterior.
gruffly adverb
gruffness noun [ U ]
grumble verb [ I ]
1. to complain about someone or something in an annoyed way
She spent the evening grumbling to me about her job.
[ + speech ] "You never hang your coat up, " she grumbled.
2. If your stomach grumbles, it makes a low continuous noise, usually because
you are hungry.
grumbler noun [ C ]
a person who complains a lot
mustn't grumble UK HUMOROUS
something you say to mean that your life is not bad and that you should not
complain about it
"How's it going then, Mike?" "Oh, all right. Mustn't grumble."
grumble noun [ C usually plural ]
a complaint
If I hear any more grumbles about the food, you can do the cooking yourself!
ˌ grumbling ap ˈ pendix noun [ C usually singular ] UK
a medical condition in which the appendix (= tube-shaped part that is joined to
the intestines ) causes you slight pain over a period of time
grump noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone who is easily annoyed and complains a lot
He's only an old grump - don't listen to him.
grumpy adjective INFORMAL
easily annoyed and complaining
I hadn't had enough sleep and was feeling a bit grumpy.
a grumpy old man
grumpily adverb
grumpiness noun [ U ]
grunge noun [ U ]
a type of rock music, and a fashion for untidy clothes which was popular in the
early 1990s
Nirvana was one of the most famous grunge bands.
grungy adjective MAINLY US SLANG
(of a person) feeling tired and dirty, or (of a thing) dirty
He showed up for the interview wearing some grungy old sweatshirt and jeans.
grunt verb [ I ]
1. (of a pig) to make a low rough noise
The pigs were grunting contentedly as they ate their food.
2. (of a person) to make a short low sound instead of speaking, usually because
of anger or pain
He hauled himself over the wall, grunting with the effort.
[ + speech ] "Too tired, " he grunted and sat down.
grunt noun [ C ]
Loud grunts were coming from the pig sty.
gruntled adjective HUMOROUS
happy or satisfied
Although he wasn't actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled.
Gruyère noun [ U ]
a hard, pale yellow, strong-tasting cheese which was originally made in
Switzerland
GSOH noun [ U ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR good sense of humour: used in newspapers and magazine
advertisements by people looking for a new friend or sexual partner
Male non-smoker, 36, GSOH, would like to meet interesting female.
G-spot noun [ C usually singular ]
a small area that is believed to be inside the vagina which increases sexual
pleasure when rubbed
G-string noun [ C ]
a narrow piece of cloth worn between a person's legs to cover their sexual organs
that is held in place by a piece of string around their waist
GTG , gtg
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR got to go
GTi noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Gran Turismo injection: a version of a car which is comfortable,
expensive and very powerful
She drives a white Golf GTi.
guacamole noun [ U ]
a thick mixture of avocado (= a savoury green tropical fruit) tomato, onion and
spices, which is usually eaten cold
guano noun [ U ]
the excrement (= solid waste) of sea birds
Guano is often used as a fertilizer.
guarantee noun
1. [ C or U ] a promise that something will be done or will happen, especially a
written promise by a company to repair or change a product that develops a fault within
a particular period of time
The system costs £99.95 including postage, packing and a 12-month guarantee.
The video recorder comes with/has a two-year guarantee.
a money-back guarantee
[ + that ] The United Nations has demanded a guarantee from the army that food
convoys will not be attacked.
[ + ( that ) ] There is no guarantee (that) the discussions will lead to a deal.
A product as good as that is a guarantee of commercial success (= It is certain to
be successful) .
The shop said they would replace the television as it was still under guarantee.
2. [ C ] a formal agreement to take responsibility for something, such as the
payment of someone else's debt
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED something valuable which you give to someone temporarily
while you do what you promised to do for them, and which they will keep if you fail to
do it
guarantee verb [ T ] PROMISE
1. If a product is guaranteed, the company that made it promises to repair or
change it if a fault develops within a particular period of time
The fridge is guaranteed for three years.
2. to promise that something will happen or exist
[ + two objects ] European Airlines guarantees its customers top-quality service.
The label on this bread says it is guaranteed free of/from preservatives (= it
contains no preservatives) .
3. If you guarantee someone's debt, you formally promise to accept the
responsibility for that debt if the person fails to pay it.
guarantee verb [ T ] MAKE CERTAIN
4. If something guarantees something else, it makes certain that it will happen
[ + ( that ) ] The £50 deposit guarantees (that) people return the boats after
their hour has finished.
5. If something is guaranteed to happen or have a particular result, it is certain
that it will happen or have that result
[ + to infinitive ] Just looking at a picture of the sea is guaranteed to make me
feel sick.
guarantor noun [ C ]
1. FORMAL a person who makes certain that something happens or that something
is protected
The armed forces see themselves as the guarantors of free elections in the
country.
2. LEGAL someone who formally accepts responsibility for you or for something that
belongs to you
You must have a guarantor in order to get a visa to enter the country.
guard noun [ C ] PERSON WHO PROTECTS
1. a person or group of people whose job is to protect a person, place or thing
from danger or attack, or to prevent a person such as a criminal from escaping
prison guards
security guards
There are guards posted (= standing and watching) at every entrance.
Armed guards are posted around the site.
The frontier is patrolled by border guards.
2. be under guard
to be kept in a place by a group of people who have weapons
The ex-President was under armed guard in the Palace.
3. stand/keep guard ( ALSO be on guard )
to be responsible for protecting someone or something, or for preventing
someone from escaping
Two of the soldiers kept guard over the captured guns.
Armed police stand guard outside the house.
4. the changing of the guard
a ceremony held outside Buckingham Palace in London when one set of soldiers
replaces the soldiers who have finished their time on duty standing outside the palace
guard noun [ C ] ON A TRAIN
5. UK ( US conductor ) a railway official who travels on and is responsible for a
train
guard noun [ C ] DEVICE
6. a device that protects a dangerous part of something or that protects
something from getting damaged
a fire guard
a trigger guard
The helmet has a face guard attached.
be on your guard
to be careful to avoid being tricked or getting into a dangerous situation
You always have to be on your guard against pickpockets.
catch sb off guard
to surprise someone by doing something which they are not expecting and are not
ready for
drop/lower your guard
to stop being careful to avoid danger or difficulty
Once he knew I wasn't a journalist, he dropped his guard and even let me take a
photograph of him.
guard verb [ T ] WATCH
1. to protect someone or something from being attacked or stolen
Soldiers guard the main doors of the embassy.
2. to watch someone and make certain they do not escape from a place
Five prison officers guarded the prisoners.
guard verb [ T ] NOT TELL
3. to keep information secret
Journalists jealously (= carefully) guard their sources of information.
guard against sth phrasal verb
to take careful action in order to try to prevent something from happening
Regular exercise helps guard against heart disease.
ˈ guard ˌ cell noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
on a leaf, one of a pair of cells positioned around each stoma (= small hole in the
surface) which open it to release gases or close it to prevent water from being lost
ˈ guard ˌ dog noun [ C ]
a dog trained to protect a place
guarded adjective
careful not to give too much information or show how you really feel
a guarded response
guardedly adverb
guardhouse noun [ C ]
a building for the soldiers who are protecting a place
guardian noun [ C ]
1. a person who has the legal right and responsibility of taking care of someone
who cannot take care of themselves, such as a child whose parents have died
The child's parents or guardians must give their consent before she has the
operation.
2. FORMAL someone who protects something
These three official bodies are the guardians of the nation's countryside.
a self-appointed guardian of public morals
ˌ guardian ˈ angel noun [ C ]
a spirit who is believed to protect and help a particular person
guardianship noun [ U ]
the state or duty of being a guardian
ˌ guard of ˈ honour noun [ C usually singular ]
a group of people, usually soldiers, who are arranged in a row at a special
occasion such as a marriage ceremony or an official visit, to honour someone very
important
ˈ guard ˌ post noun [ C ]
a small building for the soldiers who are protecting a place
ˈ guard ˌ post noun [ C ]
a small building for the soldiers who are protecting a place
ˈ guard ˌ rail noun [ C ]
a bar along the edge of something steep, such as stairs or a cliff , to prevent
people from falling off
guardroom , noun [ C ]
a room for soldiers who are protecting a place
Guards plural noun
used in the name of several important regiments (= units) in an army
the Grenadier Guards
a Guards officer
guardsman noun [ C ]
a soldier who is a member of the Guards (= a particular army unit)
guard's van noun [ C ] UK ( US caboose )
a small train carriage , usually at the back of a train, in which the guard travels
Guatemala noun [ U ]
Guatemalan adjective , noun [ C ]
guava noun [ C ]
a round yellow tropical fruit with pink or white flesh and hard seeds, or the small
tropical tree on which it grows
gubbins noun [ U ] UK INFORMAL
a collection of objects that are not important
I've just got to clear all this gubbins off my desk before I start working.
gubernatorial adjective US SPECIALIZED
relating to a governor (= the official leader of a state in the United States)
gubernatorial adjective US SPECIALIZED
relating to a governor (= the official leader of a state in the United States)
guerrilla noun [ C ]
a member of an unofficial military group that is trying to change the government
by making sudden, unexpected attacks on the official army forces
A small band of guerrillas has blown up a train in the mountains.
guerrilla warfare
guerrilla ( ALSO guerilla ) adjective
using unusual methods to get attention for your ideas, products, etc
guerrilla marketing
guess verb [ I or T ]
1. to give an answer to a particular question when you do not have all the facts
and so cannot be certain if you are correct
I didn't know the answer, so I had to guess.
On the last question, she guessed right/wrong .
[ + question word ] Guess when this was built.
[ + ( that ) ] I guessed (that) she was your sister.
She asked me to guess her age.
I guessed the total amount to be about £50,000.
2. to give the correct answer or make the correct judgment
[ + question word ] I bet you can't guess how old he is.
She guessed the answer first time.
"You've got a new job, haven't you?" "Yes, how did you guess?"
3. Guess what? INFORMAL
used before telling someone something interesting or surprising
Guess what? We won the match 4-0.
4. I guess
INFORMAL used when you believe something is true or likely but are not certain
[ + ( that ) ] I guess (that) things are pretty hard for you now.
keep sb guessing
to not tell someone what you are going to do next
guess at sth phrasal verb [ T ]
to try to imagine something when you have little knowledge or experience of it
There are no photographs of him so we can only guess at what he looked like.
guess noun [ C ]
1. an attempt to give the right answer when you are not certain if you are correct
Go on - have/make/ US take a guess.
Both teams made some wild guesses (= ones which were made without much
thought) , none of which were right.
"What's the time?" "It's about 5 o'clock, at a guess (= without knowing exactly) ."
2. someone's opinion about something which is formed without any knowledge of
the situation
"I wonder why she's not here." "My guess is that her car has broken down."
3. be anyone's guess
If a piece of information is anyone's guess, no one knows it
"So what's going to happen now?" "That's anyone's guess."
Your guess is as good as mine. INFORMAL
something you say when you do not know the answer to a question
"What's he doing?" "Your guess is as good as mine."
guesstimate , guestimate noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an approximate calculation of the size or amount of something when you do not
know all the facts
Current guesstimates are that the company's turnover will increase by 7% this
year.
guesstimate , guestimate noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an approximate calculation of the size or amount of something when you do not
know all the facts
Current guesstimates are that the company's turnover will increase by 7% this
year.
guesswork noun [ U ]
the process of making a guess when you do not know all the facts
The projected sales figures are pure guesswork on our part.
guest noun [ C ]
1. a person who is staying with you, or a person you have invited to a social
occasion, such as a party or a meal
150 guests were invited to the wedding.
We have guests ( US houseguests ) staying this weekend.
Is he on the guest list ?
He is a paying guest (= He pays for the use of a room in someone's home) .
2. a person who is staying in a hotel
We would like to remind all our guests to leave their keys at reception before they
depart.
3. a person, such as an entertainer , who has been invited to appear on a
television or radio programme or in a performance
Our special guest on the programme tonight is Robert de Niro.
Madonna made a guest appearance at the concert.
Simon Rattle will be the guest conductor with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Be my guest.
something you say when you give someone permission to do or use something
"Can I try out your new bicycle?" "Be my guest."
guest verb [ I ]
If a person, especially an entertainer , guests on a programme or show, they are
invited to appear or perform on it
He guests on their latest video.
ˈ guest ˌ beer noun [ C ] UK
a type of beer which is sold in a bar for a short time and which is made by a
different company from the one that normally supplies the beer in the bar
ˈ guest ˌ book noun [ C ]
a book in which people write their names and addresses when they have been
staying at a hotel
ˈ guest ˌ book noun [ C ]
a book in which people write their names and addresses when they have been
staying at a hotel
guesthouse noun [ C ]
a small cheap hotel
ˌ guest of ˈ honour noun [ C ] UK ( US guest of honor )
the most important person at a social occasion
The Prime Minister was guest of honour at the dinner.
guestroom noun [ C ]
a bedroom in a house for visitors to sleep in
ˈ guest ˌ worker noun [ C ]
a person who lives and works in a foreign country for a limited period of time,
doing low paid and usually unskilled work
guff noun [ U ] INFORMAL
speech or writing that is nonsense
guffaw verb [ I ]
to laugh loudly, especially at something stupid that someone has said or done
He guffawed with delight when he heard the news.
guffaw noun [ C ]
She let out a loud guffaw.
GUI noun
ABBREVIATION FOR graphical user interface
guidance noun [ U ]
1. help and advice about how to do something or about how to deal with problems
connected with your work, education, or personal relationships
I've always looked to my father for guidance in these matters.
careers guidance
2. the process of directing the flight of a missile or rocket
a missile guidance system
ˈ guidance ˌ counselor noun [ C ] US
someone whose job is to help people choose a job or career
ˈ guidance ˌ counselor noun [ C ] US
someone whose job is to help people choose a job or career
Guide noun
1. [ C ] ( ALSO Girl Guide ) a girl between 10 and 14 years old who is a member
of the Guides organization
2. the Guides
an international organization for young women which encourages them to take
part in different activities and to become responsible and independent
Compare the Scouts
guide noun [ C ] BOOK
1. a book which gives you the most important information about a particular
subject
a hotel/wine guide
a guide to the birds of North America
2. a guidebook
a guide to the British Isles
tourist guides
guide noun [ C ] HELP
3. something that helps you form an opinion or make a decision about something
else
I never follow recipes exactly when I cook - I just use them as rough guides.
guide noun [ C ] PERSON
4. a person whose job is showing a place or a particular route to visitors
We hired a guide to take us up into the mountains.
a tour guide
guide noun [ C ] INFLUENCE
5. a person or thing that influences what you do or think
Let your conscience be your guide.
guide verb HELP
1. [ T ] to show someone how to do something difficult
Our lawyer guided us through the more complicated questions on the form.
guide verb SHOW WAY
2. [ T ] to show people round a place
The curator guided us round the gallery, pointing out the most famous paintings
in the collection.
a guided tour of the city
3. [ T ] to take someone somewhere or show them how to get there
The shop assistant guided me to the shelf where the gardening books were
displayed.
The runway lights guide the plane in to land.
4. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to take hold of part of someone's body,
especially their arm, and take them somewhere
He took my arm and guided me to the bar.
guide verb MAKE MOVE
5. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to make something move in the direction
in which you want it to go
The pilot guided the plane onto the runway.
She guided the child's head and arms into the T-shirt.
guide verb INFLUENCE
6. [ T ] to influence someone's behaviour
Trust your own judgment and don't be guided by what anyone else thinks.
guidebook noun [ C ] ( ALSO guide )
a book which gives information for visitors about a place, such as a city or country
a guidebook to Montreal
guidebook noun [ C ] ( ALSO guide )
a book which gives information for visitors about a place, such as a city or country
a guidebook to Montreal
ˌ guided ˈ missile noun [ C ]
an explosive weapon whose direction is controlled electronically during its flight
ˈ guide ˌ dog noun [ C ]
a dog that has been specially trained to help a blind person travel around safely
guide dogs for the blind
guideline noun [ C usually plural ]
information intended to advise people on how something should be done or what
something should be
The EU has issued guidelines on appropriate levels of pay for part-time manual
workers.
ˈ guide ˌ word noun [ C ]
In this dictionary, guide words help you find the explanation you are looking for
when a word has more than one main meaning. They are printed in capital letters inside
a box before a particular sense or group of senses.
ˌ guiding ˈ principle noun [ C ]
an idea which influences you very much when making a decision or considering a
matter
Equality of opportunity has been the government's guiding principle in its
education reforms.
ˌ guiding ˈ spirit noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO guiding light )
a person who influences a person or group and shows them how to do something
successfully
She was the founder of the company, and for forty years its guiding spirit.
guild noun [ C ]
an organization of people who do the same job or have the same interests
the Writers' Guild
the Fashion Designers' Guild
guilder noun [ C ]
the standard unit of money used in the Netherlands before they started using the
euro, and also used in Suriname
guilder noun [ C ]
guildhall noun [ C usually singular ]
(in Britain) a building in the centre of a town in which members of a guild met in
the past, which is now often used as a place for meetings or performances or as local
government offices
guile noun [ U ] FORMAL
clever but sometimes dishonest behaviour that you use to deceive someone
The President will need to use all her political guile to stay in power.
He is a simple man, totally lacking in guile.
guileless adjective FORMAL
honest, not able to deceive
She regarded him with wide, guileless blue eyes.
guillemot noun [ C ]
a black and white sea bird with a long narrow beak that lives in northern parts of
the world
guillotine noun DEVICE
guillotine
1. [ C or S ] a device, invented in France, consisting of a sharp blade in a tall
frame which was used in the past for killing criminals by cutting off their heads
King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette went to the guillotine (= were killed by the
guillotine) during the French Revolution.
guillotine
2. [ C ] UK a device with a long sharp blade which is used for cutting large
quantities of paper
guillotine noun LIMIT
3. [ C ] UK SPECIALIZED a limit on the amount of discussion allowed about a
particular law in Parliament, which is made by setting a fixed time before a final vote
must be taken
guillotine verb [ T ] KILL
1. to cut someone's head off using a guillotine
During the French Revolution, thousands of people were guillotined.
guillotine verb [ T ] LIMIT
2. UK SPECIALIZED to set a fixed time before a final vote must be taken on a
particular law in Parliament
The bill was guillotined at the committee stage.
guilt noun [ U ] FEELING
1. a feeling of worry or unhappiness that you have because you have done
something wrong, such as causing harm to another person
He suffered such feelings of guilt over leaving his children.
She remembered with a pang of guilt that she hadn't called her mother.
guilt noun [ U ] RESPONSIBILITY
2. the fact of having done something wrong or committed a crime
Both suspects admitted their guilt to the police.
The prosecution's task in a case is to establish a person's guilt beyond any
reasonable doubt.
Compare innocence
guilder noun [ C ]
government offices
the world
guillotine
guillotine
quantities of paper
must be taken
reasonable doubt.
Compare innocence
ˈ guilt ˌ complex noun [ C ]
a very strong feeling of guilt which you cannot get rid of
She has a guilt complex about inheriting so much money.
guilt-free adjective
allowing you to enjoy something without feeling unhappy that you are doing
something bad
a guilt-free chocolate cake made without fat
The travel company offers guilt-free trips that won't damage the environment.
guiltless adjective
not responsible for doing something wrong or committing a crime
guilt-ridden adjective
feeling very guilty
ˈ guilt ˌ trip noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a strong feeling of guilt because of something you have done wrong or forgotten
to do
I never call her and every time she calls me I have a guilt trip.
guilt-trip verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to make someone feel guilty, usually in order to make them do something
He's just trying to guilt-trip you into paying him more.
guilty adjective FEELING
1. feeling guilt
I feel so guilty about forgetting her birthday.
She must have done something wrong, because she's looking so guilty.
You've got a guilty conscience - that's why you can't sleep.
guilty adjective RESPONSIBLE
2. responsible for breaking a law
The jury has to decide whether a person is guilty or innocent of a crime.
A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The company pleaded guilty (= They formally admitted their guilt in court) to the
charge of manslaughter.
Compare innocent
3. the guilty party
the person who has done something wrong or who has committed a crime
guiltily adverb
guiltiness noun [ U ]
Guinea noun [ U ]
guinea noun [ C ]
an old British gold coin worth £1.05
Guinea-Bissau noun [ U ]
Guinea-Bissauan noun [ C ] , adjective
ˈ guinea ˌ fowl noun [ C ]
a large grey and white African bird, kept for its eggs and meat
Guinean adjective , noun [ C ]
ˈ guinea ˌ pig noun [ C ] ANIMAL
1. a small animal covered in fur with rounded ears, short legs and no tail, which is
often kept as a pet by children
ˈ guinea ˌ pig noun [ C ] TEST
2. a person used in a scientific test, usually to discover the effect of a drug on
humans
They're asking for students to be guinea pigs in their research into the common
cold.
guise noun [ U ]
the appearance of someone or something, especially when intended to deceive
The men who arrived in the guise of drug dealers were actually undercover police
officers.
The company has been accused of trying to sell their products under the guise of
market research.
guitar noun [ C ]
guitar
a musical instrument with six strings and a long neck which is usually made of
wood, and which is played by pulling or hitting the strings with the fingers
He sat on the grass, strumming his guitar.
an acoustic guitar
an electric guitar
guilder noun [ C ]
government offices
the world
guillotine
guillotine
quantities of paper
must be taken
reasonable doubt.
Compare innocence
something bad
guiltless adjective
feeling very guilty
to do
1. feeling guilt
Compare innocent
3. the guilty party
guiltily adverb
Guinea noun [ U ]
guinea noun [ C ]
humans
cold.
guise noun [ U ]
officers.
market research.
guitar noun [ C ]
guitar
an acoustic guitar
an electric guitar
guitarist noun [ C ]
a person who plays the guitar
a classical/folk/rock guitarist
the gulag noun [ S ]
severe work prisons for people found guilty of crimes against their country
gulch noun [ C ]
US FOR gully
gulf noun AREA
1. [ C ] a very large area of sea surrounded on three sides by a coast
the Gulf of Mexico
2. the Gulf
[ S ] the Persian Gulf and the countries around it
The Gulf states include Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar,
and the United Arab Emirates.
3. [ C ] FORMAL a very large deep hole in the ground
gulf noun DIFFERENCE
4. [ C usually singular ] an important difference between the ideas, opinions, or
situations of two groups of people
There is a widening gulf between the middle classes and the poorest sections of
society.
It is hoped that the peace plan will bridge the gulf (= reduce the very large
difference) between the government and the rebels.
the ˈ Gulf ˌ Stream noun [ S ]
the current of warm water which flows across the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of
Mexico towards Europe
gull noun [ C ] ( ALSO seagull )
gull
a sea bird with black and white or grey and white feathers
gullet noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
the tube which food travels down from the mouth to the stomach
gullible adjective
easily deceived or tricked, and too willing to believe everything that other people
say
There are any number of miracle cures on the market for people gullible enough
to buy them.
gully , US ALSO gulley noun [ C ] ( ALSO gulch )
a narrow, rocky valley or channel with steep sides, made by a fast flowing stream
gulp verb
1. [ I or T ] to eat or drink food or liquid quickly by swallowing it in large
amounts, or to make a swallowing movement because of fear, surprise or excitement
She gulped down her drink and made a hasty exit.
When it was his turn to dive, he gulped and stepped up onto the diving board.
2. [ T ] to breathe in a large amount of air very quickly
gulp sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to try not to show that you are upset, usually by swallowing hard
She gulped back the tears .
gulp noun [ C ]
an act of gulping
He swallowed his drink in one gulp.
She rose to the surface of the water once every minute to get/take a gulp of air.
gum noun MOUTH
1. [ C ] either of the two areas of firm pink flesh inside the mouth which cover the
bones into which the teeth are fixed
sore gums
See picture head
gum noun STICKY SUBSTANCE
2. [ U ] a sticky substance which comes from the stems of some trees and plants,
or a type of glue used for sticking together pieces of paper
3. [ U ] chewing gum or bubble gum (= a soft sweet that you crush with your
teeth but do not swallow)
4. [ C ] UK used in the names of some chewy sweets with fruit flavours
fruit/wine gums
By gum! UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to express surprise
By gum, he's a big lad!
gum verb [ T ] SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED
If you gum one piece of paper to another, you stick them together using glue
The labels were already gummed to the envelopes.
gum sth up phrasal verb [ M often passive ]
to prevent something from working or opening in the usual way by covering it
with a sticky substance
When I woke up this morning my eyes were all gummed up.
guilder noun [ C ]
government offices
the world
guillotine
guillotine
quantities of paper
must be taken
reasonable doubt.
Compare innocence
something bad
guiltless adjective
feeling very guilty
to do
1. feeling guilt
Compare innocent
3. the guilty party
guiltily adverb
Guinea noun [ U ]
guinea noun [ C ]
humans
cold.
guise noun [ U ]
officers.
market research.
guitar noun [ C ]
guitar
an acoustic guitar
an electric guitar
guitarist noun [ C ]
a person who plays the guitar
a classical/folk/rock guitarist
the gulag noun [ S ]
severe work prisons for people found guilty of crimes against their country
gulch noun [ C ]
US FOR gully
gulf noun AREA
1. [ C ] a very large area of sea surrounded on three sides by a coast
the Gulf of Mexico
2. the Gulf
[ S ] the Persian Gulf and the countries around it
The Gulf states include Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar,
and the United Arab Emirates.
3. [ C ] FORMAL a very large deep hole in the ground
gulf noun DIFFERENCE
4. [ C usually singular ] an important difference between the ideas, opinions, or
situations of two groups of people
There is a widening gulf between the middle classes and the poorest sections of
society.
It is hoped that the peace plan will bridge the gulf (= reduce the very large
difference) between the government and the rebels.
the ˈ Gulf ˌ Stream noun [ S ]
the current of warm water which flows across the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of
Mexico towards Europe
gull noun [ C ] ( ALSO seagull )
gull
a sea bird with black and white or grey and white feathers
gullet noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
the tube which food travels down from the mouth to the stomach
gullible adjective
easily deceived or tricked, and too willing to believe everything that other people
say
There are any number of miracle cures on the market for people gullible enough
to buy them.
gully , US ALSO gulley noun [ C ] ( ALSO gulch )
a narrow, rocky valley or channel with steep sides, made by a fast flowing stream
gulp verb
1. [ I or T ] to eat or drink food or liquid quickly by swallowing it in large
amounts, or to make a swallowing movement because of fear, surprise or excitement
She gulped down her drink and made a hasty exit.
When it was his turn to dive, he gulped and stepped up onto the diving board.
2. [ T ] to breathe in a large amount of air very quickly
gulp sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to try not to show that you are upset, usually by swallowing hard
She gulped back the tears .
gulp noun [ C ]
an act of gulping
He swallowed his drink in one gulp.
She rose to the surface of the water once every minute to get/take a gulp of air.
gum noun MOUTH
1. [ C ] either of the two areas of firm pink flesh inside the mouth which cover the
bones into which the teeth are fixed
sore gums
See picture head
gum noun STICKY SUBSTANCE
2. [ U ] a sticky substance which comes from the stems of some trees and plants,
or a type of glue used for sticking together pieces of paper
3. [ U ] chewing gum or bubble gum (= a soft sweet that you crush with your
teeth but do not swallow)
4. [ C ] UK used in the names of some chewy sweets with fruit flavours
fruit/wine gums
By gum! UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to express surprise
By gum, he's a big lad!
gum verb [ T ] SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED
If you gum one piece of paper to another, you stick them together using glue
The labels were already gummed to the envelopes.
gum sth up phrasal verb [ M often passive ]
to prevent something from working or opening in the usual way by covering it
with a sticky substance
When I woke up this morning my eyes were all gummed up.
gumbo noun
1. [ C or U ] a thick soup made with okra (= a small green vegetable) and meat
or fish, which comes from America
2. [ U ] US FOR okra
gumboot noun [ C ]
AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH AND UK OLD-FASHIONED FOR wellington (boot)
gumdrop noun [ C ] ( ALSO gum )
a chewy sweet that usually has a fruit flavour
gummed adjective ( ALSO gummy )
sticky or with glue on the surface
gummed labels/envelopes
gummy adjective MOUTH
1. showing the gums
The baby gave her a gummy smile.
gummy adjective STICKY
2. gummed
a gummy label
gumption noun [ U ] INFORMAL
the ability to decide what is the best thing to do in a particular situation, and to do
it with energy and determination
She had the gumption to write directly to the company manager and persuade
him to give her a job.
ˈ gum ˌ shield noun [ C ] UK
a device which boxers put inside their mouths in order to protect their teeth and
gums during fights
gumshoe noun [ C ]
US OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL FOR detective (= someone whose job is to discover facts
about a crime)
ˈ gum ˌ tree noun [ C ]
a eucalyptus (tree)
gun noun [ C ]
1. a weapon from which bullets or shells (= explosive containers) are fired
The British police do not carry guns.
You could hear the noise of guns firing in the distance.
2. in sport, a device which makes a very loud sudden noise as a signal to start a
race
At the gun, the runners sprinted away down the track.
3. a device which you hold in your hand and use for sending out a liquid or object
a spray gun
a staple gun
See also staple-gun
4. hired gun MAINLY US INFORMAL
a person who is paid to shoot and kill someone
be under the gun MAINLY US
to feel worried because you have to do something by a particular time or in a
particular way
Al's under the gun to decide by the end of the month whether to move with his
company.
with guns blazing ( ALSO all guns blazing )
If you do something, especially argue, with guns blazing, you do it with a lot of
force and energy
I went into the meeting with guns blazing, determined not to let him win.
gun verb [ T ] MAINLY US OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to make an engine operate at a higher speed
You must have been really gunning the engine to get here on time.
be gunning for sb INFORMAL
to often criticize someone or be trying to cause trouble for them
She's been gunning for me ever since I got the promotion she wanted.
gun sb down phrasal verb [ M ]
to shoot someone and kill or seriously injure them, often when they cannot
defend themselves
The police officer was gunned down as he took his children to school.
gunboat noun [ C ]
a small military ship with large guns, used especially in areas near the coast
ˌ gunboat di ˈ plomacy noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
the use of military threats by a strong country against a weaker country in order
to make that country obey it
ˈ gun ˌ carriage noun [ C ]
a frame on wheels for a cannon (= a large powerful gun)
ˈ gun ˌ dog noun [ C ] ( US ALSO bird dog )
a dog used by people who hunt to find and collect birds they have shot
gunfight noun [ C ]
a fight using guns between two or more people, especially cowboys
gunfighter noun [ C ]
gunfire noun [ U ]
the usually repeated shooting of one or more guns
The sound of gunfire echoed into the night.
gunge noun [ U ] ( ALSO gunk )
any unpleasant soft dirty substance, often one which you can not recognize
It was amazing how much gunge had accumulated in the pipe.
gung-ho adjective INFORMAL
extremely enthusiastic about doing something, especially going to war
The film stars Mark Burgess-Ashton as the gung-ho young fighter pilot.
Mrs Parsons had organized the village fête with her customary gung-ho zeal.
gunman noun [ C ]
a man, usually a criminal, who is armed with a gun
The three men were held hostage for two days by masked gunmen.
gunmetal grey adjective
dark grey
gunnel noun [ C ]
a gunwale
gunner noun [ C ]
a member of the armed forces who is trained to use artillery (= very large guns)
gunner noun [ C ]
a member of the armed forces who is trained to use artillery (= very large guns)
gunnery noun [ U ]
the skill or activity of shooting with artillery (= very large guns)
gunpoint noun
at gunpoint
experiencing or using a threat of killing with a gun
The family were held at gunpoint for an hour while the men raided their house.
gunpowder noun [ U ]
an explosive mixture of substances in the form of a powder, used for making
explosive devices and fireworks
gun-runner noun [ C ]
a person who illegally brings guns into a country
gun-running noun [ U ]
the activity of bringing guns and other weapons into a country illegally, especially
for use against the government
gunshot noun [ C ]
(the sound of) the shooting of a gun
I then heard what sounded like a gunshot in the hall.
gunshot wounds
gunslinger noun [ C ]
especially in the past in North America, someone who is good at shooting guns
and is employed for protection or to kill people
gunsmith noun [ C ]
a person who makes and repairs guns, especially small guns
gunwale noun [ C ] ( ALSO gunnel )
the upper edge of the side of a boat or ship
to the gunwales OLD-FASHIONED
If something is filled to the gunwales, it is extremely full
A crowd of fifty thousand packed the stadium almost to the gunwales.
gurgle verb [ I ]
(of babies) to make a happy sound with the back of the throat, or (of water,
especially small streams) to flow quickly while making a low, pleasant sound
The baby lay gurgling in her cot.
Outside of her window the stream gurgled over the rocks.
gurgle noun [ C ]
The water went down the plughole with a loud gurgle.
gurgle verb [ I ]
(of babies) to make a happy sound with the back of the throat, or (of water,
especially small streams) to flow quickly while making a low, pleasant sound
The baby lay gurgling in her cot.
Outside of her window the stream gurgled over the rocks.
gurgle noun [ C ]
The water went down the plughole with a loud gurgle.
gurgler noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
a plughole
go down the gurgler AUSTRALIAN
If work or money goes down the gurgler, it is wasted
So say he gives up his training, that's four thousand pounds down the gurgler.
gurney noun [ C ] US
a light bed on wheels, used to move patients in a hospital
guru noun [ C ]
1. a religious leader or teacher in the Hindu or Sikh religion
2. INFORMAL a person skilled in something who gives advice
a management guru
a lifestyle guru
gush verb FLOW
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition T ] to flow or send out quickly and in large
amounts
Oil gushed (out) from the hole in the tanker.
Blood was gushing from his nose.
Her arm gushed blood where the knife had gone in.
gush verb EXPRESS
2. [ I or T ] to express a positive feeling, especially praise, in such a strong way
that it does not sound sincere
[ + speech ] "You're just so talented!" she gushed.
gush noun [ S ] FLOW
1. a large amount of liquid or gas that flows quickly
Showers with pumps are more expensive, but they deliver a really powerful gush
of water.
gush noun [ S ] EXPRESSION
2. a sudden strong and positive feeling, or an expression of positive feeling,
usually so strong it does not sound sincere
gusher noun [ C ]
an oil well from which oil flows without the use of a pump
gushing adjective ( ALSO gushy )
expressing a positive feeling, especially praise, in such a strong way that it does
not sound sincere
One of the more gushing newspapers described the occasion as 'a fairy-tale
wedding'.
gushingly adverb ( ALSO gushily )
gushing adjective ( ALSO gushy )
expressing a positive feeling, especially praise, in such a strong way that it does
not sound sincere
One of the more gushing newspapers described the occasion as 'a fairy-tale
wedding'.
gushingly adverb ( ALSO gushily )
gusset noun [ C ]
a second layer of cloth which is sewn into a piece of clothing to make it larger,
stronger or more comfortable
silk panties with a cotton gusset
gust noun [ C ]
a sudden strong wind
A sudden gust of wind blew his umbrella inside out.
FIGURATIVE She could hear gusts of laughter (= sudden, loud laughter) from within
the room.
gust verb [ I ]
to blow strongly
Winds gusting to 50 mph brought down power cables.
gustatory adjective SPECIALIZED
connected with taste
gustatory pleasures
gusto noun [ U ]
great energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment that is experienced by someone taking
part in an activity, especially a performance
Everyone joined in the singing with great gusto.
gusty adjective
with sudden, strong winds
The forecast was for gusty winds and rain.
gut noun BOWELS
1. [ U ] the long tube in the body of a person or animal, through which food
moves during digestion
Meat stays in the gut longer than vegetable matter.
2. [ C ] INFORMAL a person's stomach when it is extremely large
He's got a huge beer gut (= large stomach caused by drinking beer) .
3. guts
bowels
My guts hurt.
He got a knife in the guts.
4. gut feeling/reaction INFORMAL
a strong belief about someone or something which cannot completely be
explained and does not have to be decided by reasoning
I have a gut feeling that the relationship won't last.
5. [ U ] a strong thread made from an animal's bowels used, especially in the
past, for making musical instruments and sports rackets
gut noun BRAVERY
6. guts
INFORMAL bravery; the ability to control fear and to deal with danger and
uncertainty
[ + to infinitive ] It takes a lot of guts to admit to so many people that you've
made a mistake.
have sb's guts for garters UK INFORMAL
If you say you will have someone's guts for garters, you mean that you will
punish them severely
If that boy has taken my bike again, I'll have his guts for garters!
slog/sweat/work your guts out INFORMAL
to work extremely hard
I've been slogging my guts out these past few weeks and all he can do is criticize.
gut verb [ T ] EMPTY A BUILDING
1. to destroy the inside of a building completely, usually by fire
A fire gutted the bookshop last week.
2. to remove the inside parts and contents of a building, usually so that it can be
decorated in a completely new way
3. UK INFORMAL to clean very thoroughly the inside of a house or room
gut verb [ T ] REMOVE ORGANS
4. to remove the inner organs of an animal, especially in preparation for eating it
She gutted the fish and cut off their heads.
gutless adjective INFORMAL
showing no bravery
This government is too gutless to take on the big long-term problems such as
pollution.
gutless adjective INFORMAL
showing no bravery
This government is too gutless to take on the big long-term problems such as
pollution.
gutsy adjective INFORMAL
brave and determined
a gutsy performance
gutted adjective UK SLANG
extremely disappointed and unhappy
He was gutted when she finished the relationship.
gutter noun CHANNEL
1. [ C ] the edge of a road where rain flows away
2. [ C ] an open pipe at the lower edge of a roof which collects and carries away
rain
See picture house
gutter noun SOCIAL LEVEL
3. the gutter
the lowest level, especially of society
Born to a poverty-stricken family, she dragged herself out of the gutter to become
one of the wealthiest people in Britain today.
gutter verb [ I ] LITERARY
(of a flame or candle) to burn unevenly and weakly, especially before completely
stopping burning
a guttering candle
guttering noun [ U ] UK
the system of open pipes on a building which collects and carries away rain
the ˌ gutter ˈ press noun [ S ] UK DISAPPROVING
the type of newspapers which pay more attention to shocking stories about crime
and sex than to serious matters
guttersnipe noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a child from a poor area of a town who is dirty and dressed badly
a Victorian guttersnipe
guttural adjective
(of speech sounds) produced at the back of the throat and therefore deep
Two Egyptians were arguing outside the room, their voices loud and guttural.
guttural adjective
(of speech sounds) produced at the back of the throat and therefore deep
Two Egyptians were arguing outside the room, their voices loud and guttural.
gut-wrenching adjective INFORMAL
making you want to vomit
gut-wrenching scenes of bloodshed
guv noun [ S ] UK OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
1. used to address a man
Excuse me, guv, could you spare an old man the price of a cup of tea?
2. guvnor
Check with the guv first.
guvnor noun [ C ] ( ALSO guv ) UK OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
a man who is in a position of authority over you
If you want any time off work you'll have to ask the guvnor.
guy noun MAN
1. [ C ] INFORMAL a man
He's a really nice guy.
Do you mean the guy with the blonde hair and glasses?
2. guys
MAINLY US used to address a group of people of either sex
Come on, you guys, let's go.
3. [ C ] in the UK, a model of a man that is burnt on a large fire on Guy Fawkes
Night
guy noun ROPE
4. [ C ] ( ALSO guy rope , US ALSO guyline ) a rope which at one end is connected to
a tent or pole and at the other end is fastened to the ground by a peg , keeping the tent
or pole in position
Guyana noun [ U ]
Guyanese noun [ C ]
Guy Fawkes Night noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO Bonfire Night ) UK
in Britain, the evening of November 5th when models of men, called guys , are
burned on large fires outside and there are firework displays . This is in memory of the
failed attempt by Guy Fawkes to destroy the Houses of Parliament in London in 1605
with explosives.
Guy Fawkes Night noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO Bonfire Night ) UK
in Britain, the evening of November 5th when models of men, called guys , are
burned on large fires outside and there are firework displays . This is in memory of the
failed attempt by Guy Fawkes to destroy the Houses of Parliament in London in 1605
with explosives.
guzzle verb [ I or T ] INFORMAL
to eat or drink quickly, eagerly and usually in large amounts
I'm not surprised you feel sick after guzzling three ice-creams!
You're bound to get indigestion if you guzzle like that!
guzzler , noun [ C ]
She's a real guzzler!
gym noun
1. [ U ] gymnastics, especially when done as a subject at school
a gym skirt
gym shoes
Class 3 do gym on a Wednesday afternoon.
2. [ C ] a large room with weights for lifting, horizontal bars and other equipment
for exercising the body and increasing strength
I go to the gym twice a week.
3. [ U ] US FOR physical education
gymkhana noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
an event at which people ride horses, taking part in various competitions involving
horse racing and jumping over special fences
gymnasium noun [ C ] ( ALSO gym ) FORMAL
a large room with weights for lifting, horizontal bars and other equipment for
exercising the body and increasing strength
gymnast noun [ C ]
a person who is skilled in gymnastics, often someone who competes in gymnastic
competitions
a great Russian gymnast
gymnastics noun [ U ]
gymnastics
physical exercises and activities performed inside, often using equipment such as
bars and ropes which are intended to increase the body's strength and the ability to
move and bend easily
the US women's gymnastics team
FIGURATIVE Legal arguments require incredible mental/verbal gymnastics (= the
ability to think/speak cleverly and quickly) .
gymnastic adjective [ before noun ]
a gymnastic display
gymslip noun [ C ] UK
a plain dress without sleeves usually worn over a shirt, especially in the past, by
girls as a part of their school uniform
gymslip noun [ C ] UK
a plain dress without sleeves usually worn over a shirt, especially in the past, by
girls as a part of their school uniform
gynaecologist UK , US gynecologist noun [ C ]
a doctor skilled in the treatment of women's diseases, especially those of the
reproductive (= connected with having babies) organs
gynaecology UK , US gynecology noun [ U ]
the area of medicine which involves the treatment of women's diseases, especially
those of the reproductive (= connected with having babies) organs
gynaecological , US gynecological adjective
gynaecological problems
gyp noun [ U ] UK INFORMAL
pain or trouble
My knee has been giving me gyp since I started running.
gypsum noun [ U ]
a hard white substance that is used in making plaster of Paris
gypsy , UK ALSO gipsy noun [ C ] ( ALSO Romany )
a member of a race of people originally from northern India who typically used to
travel from place to place, and now live especially in Europe and North America
a gypsy caravan/encampment
gyrate verb [ I ]
1. to turn around and around on a fixed point, usually quickly
2. to dance, especially in a sexual way
A line of male dancers gyrated to the music while the audience screamed their
appreciation.
gyration noun [ C or U ]
gyro noun [ C ] DEVICE
1. a gyroscope
gyro noun [ C ] FOOD
2. , US a food consisting of pitta bread filled with lamb and vegetables
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

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FYI , fyi

to laugh repeatedly in a quiet but uncontrolled way, often at something silly or

Stop that giggling at the back!

giggle noun LAUGHTER

1. [ C ] a nervous or silly laugh

There were a few nervous giggles from people in the audience.

I caught Roz having a giggle over some of Janet's awful poetry.

[ plural ] INFORMAL when you can't stop giggling

I often used to get/have the giggles in lectures when I was at college.

giggle noun FUNNY SITUATION

3. [ S ] UK INFORMAL something which is funny, often when it involves laughing at

a person who often giggles

giggly , adjective MAINLY DISAPPROVING

a load of giggly school-kids

gigolo noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED

a man who is paid by a woman to be her lover and companion

Sunlight gilded the children's faces.

gild the lily DISAPPROVING

to improve or decorate something which is already perfect and therefore spoil it

Should I add a scarf to this jacket or would it be gilding the lily?

The gilded dome of the cathedral rises above the city.

2. LITERARY rich or of a higher social class

gill noun FISH

gill noun MEASUREMENT

2. [ C ] a measure of liquid that is equal to 0.142 litres or a quarter of a pint

be green about the gills HUMOROUS

to look ill and pale

to the gills INFORMAL

used in expressions to mean completely full

The restaurant was packed to the gills.

a gilt picture frame

It's not solid gold - it's just gilt.

gilt noun SURFACE

1. [ U ] when a very thin layer of gold, silver or a similar substance, is used to

gilt noun MONEY

( ALSO gilt-edged securities ) UK SPECIALIZED a type of investment offered by the

take the gilt off the gingerbread UK LITERARY

to spoil something that is in every other way enjoyable

gimcrack adjective DISAPPROVING

gimlet noun [ C ] TOOL

1. a small tool used for making holes in wood

gimlet noun [ C ] DRINK

2. US a drink made with gin or vodka and lime juice

have gimlet eyes ( ALSO be gimlet-eyed ) LITERARY

to look at things very carefully and not miss anything

gimme short form

NOT STANDARD give me

Gimme that pen back!

gimme noun [ C usually singular ] US SLANG

something which is extremely easy to do

That first test question was a gimme, for sure.

gimmick noun [ C ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING

gimmicky adjective DISAPPROVING

gin and tonic

ginger adjective , noun [ U ] SPICE

ground (= powdered) ginger

ginger biscuits / cake

ginger adjective , noun [ U ] COLOUR

2. (having) a red or orange-brown colour

His nickname was Ginger because of his ginger hair .

ginger noun PERSON

1. [ S ] UK OFFENSIVE a person who has red or orange-brown hair

[ as form of address ] Hey, ginger, what are you doing?