graft /grɑː ft, græ ft/ (grafts , grafting , grafted )
1 N‑COUNT A graft is a piece of healthy skin or bone, or a healthy organ, which is attached to a damaged part of your body by a medical operation in order to replace it. □ I am having a skin graft on my arm soon.
2 VERB [usu passive] If a piece of healthy skin or bone or a healthy organ is grafted onto a damaged part of your body, it is attached to that part of your body by a medical operation. □ [be V -ed + onto/on ] The top layer of skin has to be grafted onto the burns.
3 VERB If a part of one plant or tree is grafted onto another plant or tree, they are joined together so that they will become one plant or tree, often in order to produce a new variety. □ [be V -ed + on/onto ] Pear trees are grafted on quince rootstocks.
4 VERB If you graft one idea or system on to another, you try to join one to the other. □ [V n + onto ] The Japanese tried to graft their own methods onto this different structure.
5 N‑UNCOUNT Graft means hard work. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ His career has been one of hard graft.
6 N‑UNCOUNT In politics, graft is used to refer to the activity of using power or authority to obtain money dishonestly. [mainly AM ] □ …another politician accused of graft.
Grail /gre I l/
1 N‑PROPER The Grail or the Holy Grail is the cup that was used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. In medieval times, many people tried to find the Grail without success.
2 N‑SING If you describe something as a grail or a holy grail , you mean that someone is trying very hard to obtain or achieve it. □ The discovery is being hailed as The Holy Grail of astronomy.
grain ◆◇◇ /gre I n/ (grains )
1 N‑COUNT A grain of wheat, rice, or other cereal crop is a seed from it. □ [+ of ] …a grain of wheat. □ …rice grains.
2 N‑VAR Grain is a cereal crop, especially wheat or corn, that has been harvested and is used for food or in trade. □ …a bag of grain. □ …the best grains.
3 N‑COUNT A grain of something such as sand or salt is a tiny hard piece of it. □ [+ of ] …a grain of sand. ● -grained COMB □ …coarse-grained salt.
4 N‑SING A grain of a quality is a very small amount of it. □ [+ of ] There's more than a grain of truth in that.
5 N‑SING The grain of a piece of wood is the direction of its fibres. You can also refer to the pattern of lines on the surface of the wood as the grain . □ Brush the paint generously over the wood in the direction of the grain. ● -grained COMB □ …a hard, heavy, straight-grained wood.
6 PHRASE If you say that an idea or action goes against the grain , you mean that it is very difficult for you to accept it or do it, because it conflicts with your previous ideas, beliefs, or principles. □ Takes some nerve, obviously, and it goes against the grain of British reserve.
grai n el|eva|tor (grain elevators ) N‑COUNT A grain elevator is a building in which grain such as corn is stored and which contains machinery for moving the grain. [AM ]
grainy /gre I ni/
1 ADJ A grainy photograph looks as if it is made up of lots of spots, which make the lines or shapes in it difficult to see. □ …grainy black and white photos.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Grainy means having a rough surface or texture, or containing small bits of something. □ …the grainy tree trunk. □ Do not use a grainy mustard.
gram /græ m/ (grams ) in BRIT, also use gramme N‑COUNT A gram is a unit of weight. One thousand grams are equal to one kilogram. □ A football weighs about 400 grams.
-gram /-græm/ (-grams ) COMB -gram combines with nouns to form other nouns which refer to someone who dresses up in order to a bring a message to someone else, as a practical joke. □ Now he has only six or seven kissogram girls on his books.
gram|mar /græ mə r / (grammars )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Grammar is the ways that words can be put together in order to make sentences. □ He doesn't have mastery of the basic rules of grammar. □ …the difference between Sanskrit and English grammar.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's grammar is the way in which they obey or do not obey the rules of grammar when they write or speak. □ His vocabulary was sound and his grammar excellent. □ …a deterioration in spelling and grammar among teenagers.
3 N‑COUNT A grammar is a book that describes the rules of a language. □ …an advanced English grammar.
4 N‑VAR A particular grammar is a particular theory that is intended to explain the rules of a language. □ Transformational grammars are more restrictive.
gram|mar|ian /grəmeə riən/ (grammarians ) N‑COUNT A grammarian is someone who studies the grammar of a language and writes books about it or teaches it.
gra m|mar school (grammar schools ) N‑VAR A grammar school is a school in Britain for children aged between eleven and eighteen who have a high academic ability. □ He is in the third year at Leeds Grammar School.
gram|mati|cal /grəmæ t I k ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Grammatical is used to indicate that something relates to grammar. □ Should the teacher present grammatical rules to students? □ …grammatical errors. ● gram|mati|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ …grammatically correct language.
2 ADJ If someone's language is grammatical , it is considered correct because it obeys the rules of grammar. □ …a new test to determine whether students can write grammatical English. ● gram|mati|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ One in five undergraduates cannot write grammatically.
gramme /græ m/ → see gram
gramo|phone /græ məfoʊn/ (gramophones ) N‑COUNT A gramophone is an old-fashioned type of record player. [mainly BRIT ] □ …a wind-up gramophone with a big horn. □ …gramophone records. in AM, usually use phonograph
gran /græ n/ (grans ) N‑COUNT Some people refer to or address their grandmother as gran . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ My gran's given us some apple jam.
grana|ry /græ nəri/ (granaries )
1 N‑COUNT A granary is a building which is used for storing grain.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, Granary bread contains whole grains of wheat. [TRADEMARK ]
grand ◆◆◇ /græ nd/ (grander , grandest , grands ) The form grand is used as the plural for meaning 8 . 1 ADJ If you describe a building or a piece of scenery as grand , you mean that its size or appearance is very impressive. □ …this grand building in the center of town. □ The scenery of South Island is on a grand scale.
2 ADJ Grand plans or actions are intended to achieve important results. □ …a passionate anti-slavery crusader with grand ideas for education.
3 ADJ People who are grand think they are important or socially superior. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He is grander and even richer than the Prince of Wales.
4 ADJ If you describe an activity or experience as grand , you mean that it is very pleasant and enjoyable. □ The dinner was a grand success. □ He was having a grand time meeting new sorts of people.
5 ADJ You can describe someone or something as grand when you admire or approve of them very much. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , APPROVAL ] □ He was a grand bloke.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] A grand total is one that is the final amount or the final result of a calculation. □ It came to a grand total of £220,329.
7 ADJ [ADJ n] Grand is often used in the names of buildings such as hotels, especially when they are very large. □ They stayed at The Grand Hotel, Budapest.
8 N‑COUNT A grand is a thousand dollars or a thousand pounds. [INFORMAL ] □ They're paying you ten grand now for those adaptations of old plays.
9 → see also grandly
gran|dad /græ ndæd/ (grandads ) also granddad N‑COUNT Your grandad is your grandfather. You can call your grandad 'Grandad'. [INFORMAL ] □ My grandad is 85.
gran|dad|dy /græ ndædi/ (grandaddies ) also granddaddy N‑COUNT Some people refer to or address their grandfather as grandaddy . [AM , INFORMAL ]
grand|child /græ ntʃa I ld/ (grandchildren ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's grandchild is the child of their son or daughter. □ Mary loves her grandchildren.
grand|dad /græ ndæd/ → see grandad
grand|daughter /græ ndɔːtə r / (granddaughters ) N‑COUNT [usu with poss] Someone's granddaughter is the daughter of their son or daughter. □ …a drawing of my granddaughter Amelia.
gran|dee /grændiː / (grandees )
1 N‑COUNT In the past, a grandee was a Spanish prince of the highest rank.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to someone, especially a politician, who is upper class and has a lot of influence as a grandee . [mainly BRIT ] □ He is a former defence secretary of the United States and a grandee of the Democratic Party.
gran|deur /græ ndʒə r /
1 N‑UNCOUNT If something such as a building or a piece of scenery has grandeur , it is impressive because of its size, its beauty, or its power. □ …the grandeur and natural beauty of South America.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's grandeur is the great importance and social status that they have, or think they have. □ He is wholly concerned with his own grandeur.
3 delusions of grandeur → see delusion
grand|father /græ ndfɑːðə r / (grandfathers ) N‑COUNT Your grandfather is the father of your father or mother. You can call your grandfather 'Grandfather'. □ His grandfather was a professor.
gra nd|father clock (grandfather clocks ) N‑COUNT A grandfather clock is an old-fashioned type of clock in a tall wooden case which stands upright on the floor.
gran|dilo|quent /grænd I ləkwənt/ ADJ Grandiloquent language or behaviour is very formal, literary, or exaggerated, and is used by people when they want to seem important. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
gran|di|ose /græ ndioʊs/ ADJ If you describe something as grandiose , you mean it is bigger or more elaborate than necessary. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Not one of Kim's grandiose plans has even begun.
gra nd ju ry (grand juries ) N‑COUNT A grand jury is a jury, usually in the United States, which considers a criminal case in order to decide if someone should be tried in a court of law. □ They have already given evidence before a grand jury in Washington.
grand|ly /græ ndli/
1 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] You say that someone speaks or behaves grandly when they are trying to impress other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He grandly declared that 'international politics is a struggle for power'.
2 ADV [ADV adj, ADV before v] You use grandly in expressions such as 'grandly named' or 'grandly called' to say that the name of a place or thing makes it sound much more impressive than it really is. [mainly BRIT ] □ Lucille's home was very grandly called a chateau, though in truth it was nothing more than a farm.
grand|ma /græ nmɑː/ (grandmas ) N‑COUNT Your grandma is your grandmother. You can call your grandma 'Grandma'. [INFORMAL ] □ Grandma was from Scotland.
Grand|master /græ ndmɑː stə r , -mæ st-/ (Grandmasters ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In chess, a Grandmaster is a player who has achieved a very high standard in tournaments.
grand|mother /græ nmʌðə r / (grandmothers ) N‑COUNT Your grandmother is the mother of your father or mother. You can call your grandmother 'Grandmother'. □ My grandmothers are both widows.
grand|pa /græ npɑː/ (grandpas ) N‑COUNT Your grandpa is your grandfather. You can call your grandpa 'Grandpa'. [INFORMAL ] □ Grandpa was not yet back from the war.
grand|parent /græ npeərənt/ (grandparents ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft poss N ] Your grandparents are the parents of your father or mother. □ Tammy was raised by her grandparents.
gra nd pia |no (grand pianos ) N‑COUNT A grand piano is a large piano whose strings are set horizontally to the ground. Grand pianos are used especially for giving concerts and making recordings.
Grand Prix /grɒ n priː , [AM ] græ nd -/ (Grands Prix or Grand Prix ) N‑COUNT A Grand Prix is one of a series of races for very powerful racing cars; also used sometimes in the names of competitions in other sports. □ He never won the British Grand Prix.
Gra nd Sla m (Grand Slams )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] In sport, a Grand Slam tournament is a major one. □ …her 39 Grand Slam titles. ● N‑COUNT Grand Slam is also a noun. □ It's my first Grand Slam and I was hoping to make a good impression.
2 N‑COUNT If someone wins a Grand Slam , they win all the major tournaments in a season in a particular sport, for example in rugby or tennis. □ They won the Grand Slam in 1990.
grand|son /græ nsʌn/ (grandsons ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] Someone's grandson is the son of their son or daughter. □ My grandson's birthday was on Tuesday.
grand|stand /græ ndstænd/ (grandstands ) N‑COUNT A grandstand is a covered stand with rows of seats for people to sit on at sporting events.
grand|stand|ing /græ ndstænd I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Grandstanding means behaving in a way that makes people pay attention to you instead of thinking about more important matters. [mainly AM ] □ The political temptation to engage in grandstanding should be resisted.
Gra nd Tou r (Grand Tours ) also grand tour N‑COUNT The Grand Tour was a journey round the main cities of Europe that young men from rich families used to make as part of their education.
gran|ite /græ n I t/ (granites ) N‑VAR Granite is a very hard rock used in building.
gran|ny /græ ni/ (grannies ) also grannie N‑COUNT Some people refer to or address their grandmother as granny . [INFORMAL ] □ …my old granny.
grant ◆◆◇ /grɑː nt, græ nt/ (grants , granting , granted )
1 N‑COUNT A grant is an amount of money that a government or other institution gives to an individual or to an organization for a particular purpose such as education or home improvements. □ They'd got a special grant to encourage research. □ Unfortunately, my application for a grant was rejected.
2 VERB If someone in authority grants you something, or if something is granted to you, you are allowed to have it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n n] France has agreed to grant him political asylum. □ [V n + to ] It was a Labour government which granted independence to India and Pakistan. □ [be V -ed] Permission was granted a few weeks ago.
3 VERB If you grant that something is true, you accept that it is true, even though your opinion about it does not change. □ [V that] The magistrates granted that the charity was justified in bringing the action. ● PHRASE You use ' I grant you ' or ' I'll grant you ' to say that you accept something is true, even though your opinion about it does not change. □ He took a risk, I'll grant you. But when you think about it, the risk was pretty small.
4 PHRASE If you say that someone takes you for granted , you are complaining that they benefit from your help, efforts, or presence without showing that they are grateful. □ The officials felt taken for granted and grumbled loudly.
5 PHRASE If you take something for granted , you believe that it is true or accept it as normal without thinking about it. □ I was amazed that virtually all the things I took for granted up north just didn't happen in London.
6 PHRASE If you take it for granted that something is the case, you believe that it is true or you accept it as normal without thinking about it. □ He seemed to take it for granted that he should speak as a representative. COLLOCATIONS grant NOUN 1
verb + grant : award, give, make; obtain, receive; apply for VERB 2
grant + noun : access, approval, exemption, leave, permission, wish; asylum, citizenship, immunity; bail, injunction, pardon, parole; request SYNONYMS grant NOUN 1
allowance: She gets an allowance for looking after Lillian.
award: …workmen's compensation awards.
donation: Employees make regular donations to charity.
handout: Soldiers oversee the food handouts.
grant|ed /grɑː nt I d, græ nt I d/ CONJ You use granted or granted that at the beginning of a clause to say that something is true, before you make a comment on it. □ Granted that the firm has not broken the law, is the law what it should be? ● ADV Granted is also an adverb. □ Granted, he doesn't look too bad for his age, but I don't fancy him.
gra nt-maintai ned ADJ [usu ADJ n] In Britain, a grant-maintained school is one which receives money directly from the national government rather than from a local authority. The abbreviation GM is also used.
granu|lar /græ njʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] Granular substances are composed of a lot of granules. □ …a granular fertiliser.
granu|lat|ed sug|ar /græ njʊle I t I d ʃʊ gə r / N‑UNCOUNT Granulated sugar is sugar that is in the form of grains, and is usually white.
gran|ule /græ njuːl/ (granules ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Granules are small round pieces of something. □ She was spooning coffee granules into cups.
grape /gre I p/ (grapes )
1 N‑COUNT Grapes are small green or dark purple fruit which grow in bunches. Grapes can be eaten raw, used for making wine, or dried.
2 PHRASE If you describe someone's attitude as sour grapes , you mean that they say something is worthless or undesirable because they want it themselves but cannot have it. □ These accusations have been going on for some time now, but it is just sour grapes.
grape|fruit /gre I pfruːt/ (grapefruit or grapefruits ) N‑VAR A grapefruit is a large, round, yellow fruit, similar to an orange, that has a sharp, slightly bitter taste.
grape|vine /gre I pva I n/ N‑SING If you hear or learn something on the grapevine , you hear it or learn it in casual conversation with other people. □ He'd doubtless heard rumours on the grapevine. □ I had heard on the grapevine that he was quite critical of what we were doing.
graph /grɑː f, græ f/ (graphs ) N‑COUNT A graph is a mathematical diagram which shows the relationship between two or more sets of numbers or measurements.
gra|phene /græ fiːn/ N‑UNCOUNT Graphene is a very thin, strong material which consists of a single layer of carbon atoms, arranged in a pattern of six-sided shapes. □ Graphene is used for energy generation.
graph|ic /græ f I k/ (graphics )
1 ADJ If you say that a description or account of something unpleasant is graphic , you are emphasizing that it is clear and detailed. [EMPHASIS ] □ The descriptions of sexual abuse are graphic. □ …graphic scenes of violence. ● graphi|cal|ly /græ f I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ Here, graphically displayed, was confirmation of the entire story.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Graphic means concerned with drawing or pictures, especially in publishing, industry, or computing. □ …fine and graphic arts.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Graphics is the activity of drawing or making pictures, especially in publishing, industry, or computing. □ …a computer manufacturer which specialises in graphics.
4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Graphics are drawings and pictures that are composed using simple lines and sometimes strong colours. □ …articles with strong headlines and graphics. □ The Agriculture Department today released a new graphic to replace the old symbol.
graphi|cal /græ f I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] A graphical representation of something uses graphs or similar images to represent statistics or figures. □ A graphical representation of results is shown in figure 1.
gra ph|ic de|si gn N‑UNCOUNT Graphic design is the art of designing advertisements, magazines, and books by combining pictures and words. □ …the graphic design department.
gra ph|ic de|si gn|er (graphic designers ) N‑COUNT A graphic designer is a person who designs advertisements, magazines, and books by combining pictures and words.
graph|ite /græ fa I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Graphite is a soft black substance that is a form of carbon. It is used in pencils and electrical equipment.
graph|ol|ogy /græfɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Graphology is the study of people's handwriting in order to discover what sort of personality they have.
gra ph pa|per N‑UNCOUNT Graph paper is paper that has small squares printed on it so that you can use it for drawing graphs.
grap|ple /græ p ə l/ (grapples , grappling , grappled )
1 VERB If you grapple with a problem or difficulty, you try hard to solve it. □ [V + with ] The economy is just one of several critical problems the country is grappling with. [Also V to-inf]
2 VERB If you grapple with someone, you take hold of them and struggle with them, as part of a fight. You can also say that two people grapple . □ [V + with ] He was grappling with an alligator in a lagoon. □ [V ] They grappled desperately for control of the weapon.
grasp /grɑː sp, græ sp/ (grasps , grasping , grasped )
1 VERB If you grasp something, you take it in your hand and hold it very firmly. □ [V n] He grasped both my hands. □ [V + at ] She was trying to grasp at something.
2 → see also grasping
3 N‑SING A grasp is a very firm hold or grip. □ His hand was taken in a warm, firm grasp.
4 N‑SING [with poss, oft in/from N ] If you say that something is in someone's grasp , you disapprove of the fact that they possess or control it. If something slips from your grasp , you lose it or lose control of it. □ The people in your grasp are not guests, they are hostages. □ She allowed victory to slip from her grasp. □ …the task of liberating a number of states from the grasp of tyrants.
5 VERB If you grasp something that is complicated or difficult to understand, you understand it. □ [V n] The Government has not yet grasped the seriousness of the crisis. □ [V that] He instantly grasped that Stephen was talking about his wife.
6 N‑SING A grasp of something is an understanding of it. □ [+ of ] They have a good grasp of foreign languages.
7 PHRASE If you say that something is within someone's grasp , you mean that it is very likely that they will achieve it. □ Peace is now within our grasp.
grasp|ing /grɑː sp I ŋ, græ sp-/ ADJ If you describe someone as grasping , you are criticizing them for wanting to get and keep as much money as possible, and for being unwilling to spend it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a greedy grasping individual.
grass ◆◇◇ /grɑː s, græ s/ (grasses , grassing , grassed )
1 N‑VAR Grass is a very common plant consisting of large numbers of thin, spiky, green leaves that cover the surface of the ground. □ Small things stirred in the grass around the tent. □ The lawn contained a mixture of grasses.
2 N‑SING If you talk about the grass , you are referring to an area of ground that is covered with grass, for example in your garden. □ I'm going to cut the grass.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Grass is the same as marijuana . [INFORMAL ]
4 VERB If you say that one person grasses on another, the first person tells the police or other authorities about something criminal or wrong which the second person has done. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + on ] His sister wants him to grass on the members of his own gang. □ [V ] He was repeatedly attacked by other inmates, who accused him of grassing. ● PHRASAL VERB Grass up means the same as grass . □ [V P n] How many of them are going to grass up their own kids to the police? [Also V n P ]
5 N‑COUNT A grass is someone who tells the police or other authorities about criminal activities that they know about. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
6 PHRASE If you say the grass is greener somewhere else, you mean that other people's situations always seem better or more attractive than your own, but may not really be so. □ He was very happy with us but wanted to see if the grass was greener elsewhere.
▸ grass over PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If an area of ground is grassed over , grass is planted all over it. □ [be V -ed P ] The asphalt playgrounds have been grassed over or sown with flowers.
▸ grass up → see grass 4
grass|hopper /grɑː shɒpə r , græ s-/ (grasshoppers ) N‑COUNT A grasshopper is an insect with long back legs that jumps high into the air and makes a high, vibrating sound.
grass|land /grɑː slænd, græ s-/ (grasslands ) N‑UNCOUNT Grassland is land covered with wild grass. □ …areas of open grassland.
gra ss roo ts also grass-roots , grassroots N‑PLURAL [oft N n] The grass roots of an organization or movement are the ordinary people who form the main part of it, rather than its leaders. □ You have to join the party at grass-roots level.
grassy /grɑː si, græ s-/ (grassier , grassiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grassy area of land is covered in grass. □ Its buildings are half-hidden behind grassy banks.
gra|ta /grɑː tə/ → see persona non grata
grate /gre I t/ (grates , grating , grated )
1 N‑COUNT A grate is a framework of metal bars in a fireplace, which holds the coal or wood. □ A wood fire burned in the grate.
2 VERB If you grate food such as cheese or carrots, you rub it over a metal tool called a grater so that the food is cut into very small pieces. □ [V n] Grate the cheese into a mixing bowl. □ [V -ed] …grated carrot.
3 VERB When something grates , it rubs against something else making a harsh, unpleasant sound. □ [V ] His chair grated as he got to his feet. □ [V + against/on ] The gun barrel grated against the floor.
4 VERB If something such as someone's behaviour grates on you or grates , it makes you feel annoyed. □ [V + on ] His manner always grated on me. □ [V ] What truly grates is the painful banter.
5 → see also grating
grate|ful /gre I tfʊl/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are grateful for something that someone has given you or done for you, you have warm, friendly feelings towards them and wish to thank them. □ [+ to ] She was grateful to him for being so good to her. □ I should like to extend my grateful thanks to all the volunteers. [Also + for ] ● grate|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'That's kind of you, Sally,' Claire said gratefully.
grat|er /gre I tə r / (graters ) N‑COUNT A grater is a kitchen tool which has a rough surface that you use for cutting food into very small pieces.
grati|fy /græ t I fa I / (gratifies , gratifying , gratified )
1 VERB If you are gratified by something, it gives you pleasure or satisfaction. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] Mr. Dambar was gratified by his response. [Also V n] ● grati|fied ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf, ADJ that] □ He was gratified to hear that his idea had been confirmed. □ They were gratified that America kept its promise. ● grati|fy|ing ADJ □ We took a chance and we've won. It's very gratifying. ● grati|fi|ca|tion /græ t I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ He is waiting for them to recognise him and eventually they do, much to his gratification.
2 VERB If you gratify your own or another person's desire, you do what is necessary to please yourself or them. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] We gratified our friend's curiosity. ● grati|fi|ca|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ …sexual gratification.
grat|in /græ təŋ/ (gratins ) N‑VAR A gratin is a dish containing vegetables or sometimes meat or fish. It is covered with cheese or cheese sauce and baked in the oven. □ …fresh salmon with potato and cheese gratin.
grat|ing /gre I t I ŋ/ (gratings )
1 N‑COUNT A grating is a flat metal frame with rows of bars across it, which is fastened over a window or over a hole in a wall or the ground. □ …an open grating in the sidewalk.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grating sound is harsh and unpleasant. □ She recognized the grating voice of Dr. Sarnoff.
gra|tis /græ t I s, grɑː t-/ ADV [ADV after v] If something is done or provided gratis , it does not have to be paid for. □ David gives the first consultation gratis. ● ADJ Gratis is also an adjective. □ What I did for you was free, gratis, you understand?
grati|tude /græ t I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Gratitude is the state of feeling grateful. □ I wish to express my gratitude to Kathy Davis for her immense practical help.
gra|tui|tous /grətjuː I təs, [AM ] -tuː -/ ADJ If you describe something as gratuitous , you mean that it is unnecessary, and often harmful or upsetting. □ There's too much crime and gratuitous violence on TV. □ …his insistence on offering gratuitous advice. ● gra|tui|tous|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ They wanted me to change the title to something less gratuitously offensive.
gra|tu|ity /grətjuː I ti, [AM ] -tuː -/ (gratuities )
1 N‑COUNT A gratuity is a gift of money to someone who has done something for you. [FORMAL ] □ The porter expects a gratuity.
2 N‑COUNT A gratuity is a large gift of money that is given to someone when they leave their job, especially when they leave the armed forces. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □ He is taking a gratuity from the Navy.
grave ◆◇◇ (graves , graver , gravest ) Pronounced /gre I v/, except for meaning 5 , when it is pronounced /grɑː v/. 1 N‑COUNT A grave is a place where a dead person is buried. □ They used to visit her grave twice a year.
2 N‑COUNT [oft to N ] You can refer to someone's death as their grave or to death as the grave . □ …drinking yourself to an early grave. □ Most men would rather go to the grave than own up to feelings of dependency.
3 ADJ A grave event or situation is very serious, important, and worrying. □ He said that the situation in his country is very grave. □ I have grave doubts that the documents tell the whole story. ● grave|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ They had gravely impaired the credibility of the government.
4 ADJ A grave person is quiet and serious in their appearance or behaviour. □ William was up on the roof for some time and when he came down he looked grave. ● grave|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ 'I think I've covered that business more than adequately,' he said gravely.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] In some languages such as French, a grave accent is a symbol that is placed over a vowel in a word to show how the vowel is pronounced. For example, the word 'mère' has a grave accent over the first 'e'.
6 PHRASE If you say that someone who is dead would turn in their grave at something that is happening now, you mean that they would be very shocked or upset by it, if they were alive. □ Darwin must be turning in his grave at the thought of what is being perpetrated in his name.
7 from the cradle to the grave → see cradle SYNONYMS grave NOUN 1
tomb: The tomb was overgrown with ivy.
vault: He ordered that Matilda's body should be buried in the family vault.
sepulchre: His body is in the sepulchre. ADJ 3
serious: The government still faces very serious difficulties.
critical: Its day-to-day finances are in a critical state.
severe: I suffered from severe bouts of depression.
grave|digger /gre I vd I gə r / (gravediggers ) N‑COUNT A gravedigger is a person whose job is to dig the graves in which dead people can be buried.
grav|el /græ v ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Gravel consists of very small stones. It is often used to make paths. □ …a gravel path leading to the front door.
grav|elled /græ v ə ld/ in AM, use graveled ADJ [ADJ n] A gravelled path, road, or area has a surface made of gravel.
grav|el|ly /græ vəli/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gravelly voice is low and rather rough and harsh. □ There's a triumphant note in his gravelly voice.
2 ADJ A gravelly area of land is covered in or full of small stones. □ Water runs through the gravelly soil very quickly.
grave|side /gre I vsa I d/ (gravesides ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft at N ] You can refer to the area around a grave as the graveside , usually when you are talking about the time when someone is buried. □ Both women wept at his graveside.
grave|stone /gre I vstoʊn/ (gravestones ) N‑COUNT A gravestone is a large stone with words carved into it, which is placed on a grave.
grave|yard /gre I vjɑː r d/ (graveyards )
1 N‑COUNT A graveyard is an area of land, sometimes near a church, where dead people are buried. □ They made their way to a graveyard to pay their traditional respects to the dead.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you call a place a graveyard of particular things, you mean that there are many broken or unwanted things of that kind there. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] This had once been the greatest port in the world, now it was a graveyard of rusting cranes.
gra ve|yard shi ft (graveyard shifts ) N‑COUNT If someone works the graveyard shift , they work during the night. [mainly AM ]
gravi|tas /græ v I tæs/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has gravitas , you mean that you respect them because they seem serious and intelligent. [FORMAL ] □ He is pale, dark, and authoritative, with the gravitas you might expect of a Booker prize winner.
gravi|tate /græ v I te I t/ (gravitates , gravitating , gravitated ) VERB If you gravitate towards a particular place, thing, or activity, you are attracted by it and go to it or get involved in it. □ [V + towards/to ] Traditionally young Asians in Britain have gravitated towards medicine, law and engineering. [Also V prep/adv]
gravi|ta|tion /græ v I te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT In physics, gravitation is the force which causes objects to be attracted towards each other because they have mass. [TECHNICAL ]
gravi|ta|tion|al /græ v I te I ʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gravitational means relating to or resulting from the force of gravity. [TECHNICAL ] □ If a spacecraft travels faster than 11 km a second, it escapes the earth's gravitational pull.
grav|ity /græ v I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Gravity is the force which causes things to drop to the ground. □ Arrows would continue to fly forward forever were it not for gravity, which brings them down to earth.
2 → see also centre of gravity
3 N‑UNCOUNT The gravity of a situation or event is its extreme importance or seriousness. □ [+ of ] They deserve punishment which matches the gravity of their crime.
4 N‑UNCOUNT The gravity of someone's behaviour or speech is the extremely serious way in which they behave or speak. □ There was an appealing gravity to everything she said.
gra|vy /gre I vi/ (gravies ) N‑VAR Gravy is a sauce made from the juices that come from meat when it cooks.
gra |vy boat (gravy boats ) N‑COUNT A gravy boat is a long narrow jug that is used to serve gravy.
gra |vy train (gravy trains ) N‑COUNT [oft on the N ] If an organization or person earns a lot of money without doing much work, you can say that they are on the gravy train . [JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ] □ We are overworked and underpaid while they are always on the gravy train.
gray /gre I / → see grey
gray|ing /gre I I ŋ/ → see greying
graze /gre I z/ (grazes , grazing , grazed )
1 VERB When animals graze or are grazed , they eat the grass or other plants that are growing in a particular place. You can also say that a field is grazed by animals. □ [V ] Five cows graze serenely around a massive oak. □ [be V -ed] The hills have been grazed by sheep because they were too steep to be ploughed. □ [V n] Several horses grazed the meadowland. □ [V -ing] …a large herd of grazing animals.
2 VERB If you graze a part of your body, you injure your skin by scraping against something. □ [V n] I had grazed my knees a little. ● grazed ADJ □ …grazed arms and legs.
3 N‑COUNT A graze is a small wound caused by scraping against something.
4 VERB If something grazes another thing, it touches that thing lightly as it passes by. □ [V n] A bullet had grazed his arm.
graz|ing /gre I z I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Grazing or grazing land is land on which animals graze. □ He had nearly a thousand acres of grazing and arable land.
GRE /dʒiː ɑːr iː / N‑PROPER The GRE is the examination which you have to pass to be able to join most graduate degree courses in the United States. GRE is an abbreviation for 'Graduate Record Examination'.
grease /griː s/ (greases , greasing , greased )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Grease is a thick, oily substance which is put on the moving parts of cars and other machines in order to make them work smoothly. □ …grease-stained hands.
2 VERB If you grease a part of a car, machine, or device, you put grease on it in order to make it work smoothly. □ [V n] I greased front and rear hubs and adjusted the brakes.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Grease is an oily substance that is produced by your skin. □ His hair is thick with grease.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Grease is animal fat that is produced by cooking meat. You can use grease for cooking. □ He could smell the bacon grease.
5 VERB If you grease a dish, you put a small amount of fat or oil around the inside of it in order to prevent food sticking to it during cooking. □ [V n] Grease two sturdy baking sheets and heat the oven to 400 degrees. □ [V -ed] Place the frozen rolls on a greased baking tray.
6 → see also elbow grease
grease|paint /griː spe I nt/ N‑UNCOUNT Greasepaint is an oily substance used by actors as make-up.
grease|proof pa|per /griː spruːf pe I pə r / N‑UNCOUNT Greaseproof paper is a special kind of paper which does not allow fat or oil to pass through it. It is mainly used in cooking or to wrap food. [BRIT ] in AM, use wax paper
greasy /griː si, -zi/ (greasier , greasiest ) ADJ Something that is greasy has grease on it or in it. □ …the problem of greasy hair. □ He propped his elbows upon a greasy counter.
grea sy spoon (greasy spoons ) N‑COUNT A greasy spoon is a small, cheap, unattractive café that serves mostly fried food. [INFORMAL ]
great ◆◆◆ /gre I t/ (greater , greatest , greats )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use great to describe something that is very large. Great is more formal than big . □ The room had a great bay window. □ …a great hall as long and high as a church.
2 ADJ Great means large in amount or degree. □ I'll take great care of it. □ Benjamin Britten did not live to a great age.
3 ADJ You use great to describe something that is important, famous, or exciting. □ …the great cultural achievements of the past. □ America can be great again. ● great|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ A nation must take certain risks to achieve greatness.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe someone who is successful and famous for their actions, knowledge, or skill as great . □ Wes Hall was once one of the West Indies' great cricketers. □ …the great George Padmore. ● great|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Abraham Lincoln achieved greatness.
5 N‑PLURAL The greats in a particular subject or field of activity are the people who have been most successful or famous in it. [JOURNALISM ] □ …all the greats of Hollywood. □ …cycling's all-time greats.
6 N‑PLURAL The greats of popular modern music are records that have been successful and that continue to be popular. [JOURNALISM ] □ …a medley of rock'n'roll greats.
7 ADJ If you describe someone or something as great , you approve of them or admire them. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ Arturo has this great place in Cazadero. □ They're a great bunch of guys. □ I think she's great.
8 ADJ If you feel great , you feel very healthy, energetic, and enthusiastic. □ I feel just great.
9 ADJ You use great in order to emphasize the size or degree of a characteristic or quality. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a great big Italian wedding. □ …her sense of colour and great eye for detail.
10 EXCLAM You say great in order to emphasize that you are pleased or enthusiastic about something. [FEELINGS ] □ Oh great! That'll be good for Fergus.
11 EXCLAM You say great in order to emphasize that you are angry or annoyed about something. [FEELINGS ] □ 'Oh great,' I thought. 'Just what I need.'
12 N‑COUNT Great is used as part of the name of a species of plant or animal when there is another species of the same plant or animal which is smaller and has different characteristics. □ …the great white shark.
13 → see also greater
PREFIX great-
is used before some nouns that refer to relatives. Nouns formed in this way refer to a relative who is a further generation away from you. For example, your great-aunt is the aunt of one of your parents.
Great Brit|ain /gre I t br I t ə n/ N‑PROPER Great Britain is the island consisting of England, Scotland, and Wales, which together with Northern Ireland makes up the United Kingdom.
great|coat /gre I tkoʊt/ (greatcoats ) also great coat N‑COUNT A greatcoat is a long thick coat that is worn especially as part of a uniform. □ …an army greatcoat.
great|er /gre I tə r /
1 Greater is the comparative of great .
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Greater is used with the name of a large city to refer to the city together with the surrounding urban and suburban area. □ …Greater London.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Greater is used with the name of a country to refer to a larger area which includes that country and other land which used to belong to it, or which some people believe should belong to it. □ …greater Syria.
great|ly /gre I tli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] You use greatly to emphasize the degree or extent of something. [FORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ People would benefit greatly from a pollution-free vehicle. □ We were greatly honoured that Sheik Hasina took the trouble to visit us.
grebe /griː b/ (grebes ) N‑COUNT A grebe is a type of water bird.
Gre|cian /griː ʃ ə n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Grecian is used to describe something which is in the style of things from ancient Greece. □ …elegant Grecian columns.
greed /griː d/ N‑UNCOUNT Greed is the desire to have more of something, such as food or money, than is necessary or fair. □ [+ for ] …an insatiable greed for personal power. □ I get fed up with other people's greed.
greedy /griː di/ (greedier , greediest ) ADJ If you describe someone as greedy , you mean that they want to have more of something such as food or money than is necessary or fair. □ He attacked greedy bosses for awarding themselves big rises. □ She is greedy and selfish. ● greedi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Livy ate the pasties greedily and with huge enjoyment.
Greek /griː k/ (Greeks )
1 ADJ Greek means belonging or relating to Greece, or to its people, language, or culture.
2 N‑COUNT A Greek is a person who comes from Greece.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Greek is the language spoken in Greece. □ I had to learn Greek.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Greek or Ancient Greek was the language used in Greece in ancient times.
green ◆◆◆ /griː n/ (greens , greener , greenest )
1 COLOUR Green is the colour of grass or leaves. □ …shiny red and green apples. □ Yellow and green together make a pale green.
2 ADJ A place that is green is covered with grass, plants, and trees and not with houses or factories. □ Cairo has only thirteen square centimetres of green space for each inhabitant. ● green|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …the lush greenness of the river valleys.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Green issues and political movements relate to or are concerned with the protection of the environment. □ The power of the Green movement in Germany has made that country a leader in the drive to recycle more waste materials.
4 ADJ If you say that someone or something is green , you mean they harm the environment as little as possible. □ …trying to persuade governments to adopt greener policies. ● green|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ A Swiss company offers to help environmental investors by sending teams round factories to ascertain their greenness.
5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Greens are members of green political movements. □ The Greens won a seat.
6 N‑COUNT A green is a smooth, flat area of grass around a hole on a golf course. □ …the 18th green.
7 N‑COUNT A green is an area of land covered with grass, especially in a town or in the middle of a village. □ …the village green.
8 N‑COUNT [n N ] Green is used in the names of places that contain or used to contain an area of grass. □ …Bethnal Green.
9 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the cooked leaves of vegetables such as spinach or cabbage as greens .
10 ADJ If you say that someone is green , you mean that they have had very little experience of life or a particular job. □ He was a young lad, very green, very immature.
11 PHRASE If you say that someone is green with envy , you mean that they are very envious indeed.
12 PHRASE If someone has green fingers , they are very good at gardening and their plants grow well. [BRIT ] □ You don't need green fingers to fill your home with lush leaves. in AM, use a green thumb 13 to give someone the green light → see light ➊
green|back /griː nbæk/ (greenbacks ) N‑COUNT A greenback is a banknote such as a dollar bill. [AM , INFORMAL ]
gree n bea n (green beans ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Green beans are long narrow beans that are eaten as a vegetable.
gree n belt (green belts ) N‑COUNT A green belt is an area of land with fields or parks around a town or city, where people are not allowed to build houses or factories by law.
Gree n Be |ret (Green Berets ) N‑COUNT A Green Beret is a British or American commando . [INFORMAL ]
gree n card (green cards ) N‑COUNT A green card is a document showing that someone who is not a citizen of the United States has permission to live and work there. □ Nicollette married Harry so she could get a green card.
gree n e n|er|gy N‑UNCOUNT Green energy is power that comes from sources that do not harm the environment and are always available, such as wind and sunlight.
green|ery /griː nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Plants that make a place look attractive are referred to as greenery . □ They have ordered a bit of greenery to brighten up the new wing at Guy's Hospital.
green|field /griː nfiːld/ ADJ [ADJ n] Greenfield is used to refer to land that has not been built on before. □ The Government has ruled out the building of a new airport on a greenfield site.
green|fly /griː nfla I / (greenfly or greenflies ) N‑COUNT Greenfly are small green winged insects that damage plants.
green|gage /griː nge I dʒ/ (greengages ) N‑COUNT A greengage is a greenish-yellow plum with a sweet taste.
green|grocer /griː ngroʊsə r / (greengrocers )
1 N‑COUNT A greengrocer is a shopkeeper who sells fruit and vegetables. [mainly BRIT ]
2 N‑COUNT A greengrocer or a greengrocer's is a shop where fruit and vegetables are sold. [mainly BRIT ]
green|house /griː nhaʊs/ (greenhouses )
1 N‑COUNT A greenhouse is a glass building in which you grow plants that need to be protected from bad weather.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Greenhouse means relating to or causing the greenhouse effect.
gree n|house ef|fect N‑SING The greenhouse effect is the problem caused by increased quantities of gases such as carbon dioxide in the air. These gases trap the heat from the sun, and cause a gradual rise in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere.
gree n|house gas (greenhouse gases ) N‑VAR Greenhouse gases are the gases which are responsible for causing the greenhouse effect. The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide.
green|ing /griː n I ŋ/ N‑SING The greening of a person or organization means that the person or organization is becoming more aware of environmental issues. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ of ] The greening of the world shoehorns us into smaller cars and dimly lit rooms.
green|ish /griː n I ʃ/ ADJ Greenish means slightly green in colour. □ …his cold greenish eyes. ● ADJ Greenish is also a combining form. □ …greenish-yellow flowers.
green|mail /gri ːnme I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Greenmail is when a company buys enough shares in another company to threaten a takeover and makes a profit if the other company buys back its shares at a higher price. [mainly AM , BUSINESS ] □ Family control would prevent any hostile takeover or greenmail attempt.
gree n o n|ion (green onions ) N‑COUNT Green onions are small onions with long green leaves. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use spring onions
Gree n Pa |per (Green Papers ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a Green Paper is a document containing ideas about a particular subject that is published by the Government so that people can discuss them before any decisions are made.
Gree n Par|ty N‑PROPER The Green Party is a political party that is particularly concerned about protecting the environment.
gree n pe p|per (green peppers ) N‑COUNT A green pepper is an unripe pepper that is used in cooking or eaten raw in salads.
gree n revo|lu |tion also Green Revolution N‑SING The green revolution is the increase in agricultural production that has been made possible by the use of new types of crops and new farming methods, especially in developing countries.
green|room /griː nruːm/ (greenrooms ) also green room N‑COUNT A greenroom is a room in a theatre or television studio where performers can rest.
gree n sa l|ad (green salads ) N‑VAR A green salad is a salad made mainly with lettuce and other green vegetables.
gree n ta x (green taxes ) N‑COUNT A green tax is a tax that encourages people not to harm the environment, or helps pay for things that are good for the environment. □ Proposals to levy a green tax on carbon emissions will add to airline costs.
gree n tea (green teas ) N‑VAR Green tea is a pale type of tea grown mainly in Japan and China, and usually drunk without milk. □ The medical value of tea, especially green tea, has received glowing reports. □ I'd like a green tea, please.
Green|wich Mean Time /gre n I tʃ miː n ta I m/ → see GMT
greeny /griː ni/ ADJ Greeny means slightly green in colour. □ …greeny sea water. ● ADJ Greeny is also a combining form. □ …a lightweight, greeny-grey wool suit.
greet /griː t/ (greets , greeting , greeted )
1 VERB When you greet someone, you say 'Hello' or shake hands with them. □ [V n] She liked to be home to greet Steve when he came in from school.
2 VERB [usu passive] If something is greeted in a particular way, people react to it in that way. □ [be V -ed + with/by ] The court's decision has been greeted with dismay by fishermen. □ [be V -ed adv] It is unlikely that this suggestion will be greeted enthusiastically in the Baltic States.
3 VERB If you are greeted by something, it is the first thing you notice in a particular place. [WRITTEN ] □ [be V -ed + by ] I was greeted by a shocking sight. □ [V n] The savoury smell greeted them as they went through the door.
greet|ing /griː t I ŋ/ (greetings ) N‑VAR A greeting is something friendly that you say or do when you meet someone. □ They exchanged greetings. □ He raised a hand in greeting.
gree t|ings card (greetings cards ) in AM, use greeting card N‑COUNT A greetings card is a folded card with a picture on the front and greetings inside that you give or send to someone, for example on their birthday.
gre|gari|ous /gr I geə riəs/
1 ADJ Someone who is gregarious enjoys being with other people. □ She is such a gregarious and outgoing person.
2 ADJ Gregarious animals or birds normally live in large groups. □ Snow geese are very gregarious birds.
grem|lin /gre ml I n/ (gremlins ) N‑COUNT A gremlin is a tiny imaginary evil spirit that people say is the cause of a problem, especially in a machine, which they cannot explain properly or locate. □ The microphones went dead as if the technical gremlins had struck again.
gre|nade /gr I ne I d/ (grenades ) N‑COUNT A grenade or a hand grenade is a small bomb that can be thrown by hand. □ A hand grenade was thrown at an army patrol.
grew /gruː / Grew is the past tense of grow .
grey ◆◆◇ /gre I / (greyer , greyest ) in AM, use gray 1 COLOUR Grey is the colour of ashes or of clouds on a rainy day. □ …a grey suit.
2 ADJ You use grey to describe the colour of people's hair when it changes from its original colour, usually as they get old. □ …my grey hair. □ Eddie was going grey.
3 ADJ If the weather is grey , there are many clouds in the sky and the light is dull. □ It was a grey, wet April Sunday. ● grey|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …winter's greyness.
4 ADJ If you describe a situation as grey , you mean that it is dull, unpleasant, or difficult. □ Brazilians look gloomily forward to a New Year that even the president admits will be grey and cheerless. ● grey|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ In this new world of greyness there is an attempt to remove all risks.
5 ADJ If you describe someone or something as grey , you think that they are boring and unattractive, and very similar to other things or other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …little grey men in suits. ● grey|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Journalists are frustrated by his apparent greyness.
6 ADJ Journalists sometimes use grey to describe things concerning old people. □ There was further evidence of grey consumer power last week, when Ford revealed a car designed with elderly people in mind.
grey area (grey areas ) in AM, use gray area N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a grey area , you mean that it is unclear, for example because nobody is sure how to deal with it or who is responsible for it, or it falls between two separate categories of things. □ At the moment, the law on compensation is very much a grey area. □ …that gray area between blue-collar laborers and white-collar professionals.
grey|hound /gre I haʊnd/ (greyhounds ) N‑COUNT A greyhound is a dog with a thin body and long thin legs, which can run very fast. Greyhounds sometimes run in races and people bet on them.
grey|ing /gre I I ŋ/ in AM, use graying ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has greying hair, there is a lot of grey hair mixed with the person's natural colour. □ He was a smallish, greying man, with a wrinkly face.
grey|ish /gre I I ʃ/ in AM, use grayish ADJ Greyish means slightly grey in colour. □ The building was of greyish plaster and looked old. ● ADJ Greyish is also a combining form. □ …greyish-green leaves.
grey ma r|ket (grey markets ) in AM, use gray market 1 N‑SING [oft N n] Grey market goods are bought unofficially and then sold to customers at lower prices than usual. [BUSINESS ] □ Grey-market perfumes and toiletries are now commonly sold by mail.
2 N‑SING [oft N n] Grey market shares are sold to investors before they have been officially issued. [BUSINESS ] □ At one point last week shares in the grey market touched 230p.
gre y mat|ter in AM, use gray matter N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to your intelligence or your brains as grey matter . [INFORMAL ] □ …an unsolved mathematical equation which has caused his grey matter to work overtime.
grid /gr I d/ (grids )
1 N‑COUNT A grid is something which is in a pattern of straight lines that cross over each other, forming squares. On maps the grid is used to help you find a particular thing or place. □ [+ of ] …a grid of ironwork. □ [+ of ] …a grid of narrow streets. □ Many canals were built along map grid lines.
2 → see also cattle grid
3 N‑COUNT A grid is a network of wires and cables by which sources of power, such as electricity, are distributed throughout a country or area. □ …breakdowns in communications and electric power grids.
4 N‑COUNT The grid or the starting grid is the starting line on a car-racing track. □ At last the drivers were on the grid.
grid|dle /gr I d ə l/ (griddles ) N‑COUNT A griddle is a round, flat, heavy piece of metal which is placed on a cooker or fire and used for cooking.
grid|iron /gr I da I ə r n/ N‑UNCOUNT American football is sometimes referred to as gridiron . [AM ] □ …the greatest quarterback in gridiron history.
grid|lock /gr I dlɒk/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Gridlock is the situation that exists when all the roads in a particular place are so full of vehicles that none of them can move. □ The streets are wedged solid with near-constant traffic gridlock.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use gridlock to refer to a situation in an argument or dispute when neither side is prepared to give in, so no agreement can be reached. □ He agreed that these policies will lead to gridlock in the future.
grief /griː f/ (griefs )
1 N‑VAR Grief is a feeling of extreme sadness. □ [+ for ] …a huge outpouring of national grief for the victims of the shootings. □ Their grief soon gave way to anger.
2 PHRASE If something comes to grief , it fails. If someone comes to grief , they fail in something they are doing, and may be hurt. □ So many marriages have come to grief over lack of money. □ He was driving a Mercedes racer at 100 mph and almost came to grief.
3 EXCLAM Some people say ' Good grief ' when they are surprised or shocked. [FEELINGS ] □ 'He's been arrested for theft and burglary.'—'Good grief!'
gri ef-stricken ADJ If someone is grief-stricken, they are extremely sad about something that has happened. [FORMAL ] □ …the grief-stricken family. □ The Queen was grief-stricken over his death.
griev|ance /griː v ə ns/ (grievances ) N‑VAR If you have a grievance about something that has happened or been done, you believe that it was unfair. □ They had a legitimate grievance. □ The main grievance of the drivers is the imposition of higher fees for driving licences. □ …a deep sense of grievance.
grieve /griː v/ (grieves , grieving , grieved )
1 VERB If you grieve over something, especially someone's death, you feel very sad about it. □ [V prep] He's grieving over his dead wife and son. □ [V ] I didn't have any time to grieve. □ [V -ing] Margery's grieving family battled to come to terms with their loss.
2 VERB If you are grieved by something, it makes you unhappy or upset. □ [be V -ed + by/at ] He was deeply grieved by the sufferings of the common people. □ [be V -ed to-inf] I was grieved to hear of the suicide of James. □ [V n to-inf] It grieved me to see the poor man in such distress. [Also V n]
griev|ous /griː vəs/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something such as a loss as grievous , you mean that it is extremely serious or worrying in its effects. □ Their loss would be a grievous blow to our engineering industries. □ Mr Morris said the victims had suffered from a very grievous mistake. ● griev|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Birds, sea-life and the coastline all suffered grievously.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grievous injury to your body is one that causes you great pain and suffering. □ He survived in spite of suffering grievous injuries. ● griev|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ The world champion driver was grievously injured.
grie v|ous bodi|ly ha rm N‑UNCOUNT If someone is accused of grievous bodily harm , they are accused of causing very serious physical injury to someone. The abbreviation GBH is often used. [LEGAL ] □ They were both found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm.
grif|fin /gr I f I n/ (griffins ) also griffon N‑COUNT In mythology, a griffin is a winged creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle.
grill /gr I l/ (grills , grilling , grilled )
1 N‑COUNT A grill is a part of a stove which produces strong heat to cook food that has been placed underneath it. [BRIT ] □ Place the omelette under a gentle grill until the top is set. in AM, use broiler 2 N‑COUNT A grill is a flat frame of metal bars on which food can be cooked over a fire.
3 VERB When you grill food, or when it grills , you cook it using very strong heat directly above or below it. [BRIT ] □ [V n] Grill the meat for 20 minutes each side. □ [V adv] Apart from peppers and aubergines, many other vegetables grill well. □ [V -ed] …grilled chicken. in AM, use broil ● grill|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The breast can be cut into portions for grilling.
4 VERB If you grill someone about something, you ask them a lot of questions for a long period of time. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n + about/on ] Grill your travel agent about the facilities for families with children. □ [V n] The police grilled him for hours. ● grill|ing (grillings ) N‑COUNT □ The pop princess will receive a grilling about her life and career.
5 N‑COUNT A grill is a restaurant that serves grilled food.
grille /gr I l/ (grilles ) also grill N‑COUNT A grille is a framework of metal bars or wire which is placed in front of a window or a piece of machinery, in order to protect it or to protect people.
grim /gr I m/ (grimmer , grimmest )
1 ADJ A situation or piece of information that is grim is unpleasant, depressing, and difficult to accept. □ They painted a grim picture of growing crime. □ There was further grim economic news yesterday. □ The mood could not have been grimmer. ● grim|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …an unrelenting grimness of tone.
2 ADJ A place that is grim is unattractive and depressing in appearance. □ …the tower blocks on the city's grim edges.
3 ADJ If a person or their behaviour is grim , they are very serious, usually because they are worried about something. [WRITTEN ] □ She was a grim woman with a turned-down mouth. □ Her expression was grim and unpleasant.
4 ADJ If you say that something is grim , you think that it is very bad, ugly, or depressing. [INFORMAL ] □ Things were pretty grim for a time.
gri|mace /gr I me I s, gr I məs/ (grimaces , grimacing , grimaced ) VERB If you grimace , you twist your face in an ugly way because you are annoyed, disgusted, or in pain. [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] She started to sit up, grimaced, and sank back weakly against the pillow. □ [V + at ] She grimaced at Cerezzi, then turned to Brenda. ● N‑COUNT Grimace is also a noun. □ He took another drink of his coffee. 'Awful,' he said with a grimace.
grime /gra I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Grime is dirt which has collected on the surface of something. □ Kelly got the grime off his hands before rejoining her in the kitchen.
Gri m Rea p|er N‑SING The Grim Reaper is an imaginary character who represents death. He looks like a skeleton, wears a long, black cloak with a hood, and carries a scythe.
grimy /gra I mi/ (grimier , grimiest ) ADJ Something that is grimy is very dirty. □ …a grimy industrial city.
grin /gr I n/ (grins , grinning , grinned )
1 VERB When you grin , you smile broadly. □ [V ] He grins, delighted at the memory. □ [V + at ] Sarah tried several times to catch Philip's eye, but he just grinned at her. □ [V -ing] …a statue of a grinning old man cutting the throat of a deer.
2 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A grin is a broad smile. □ She came out of his office with a big grin on her face. □ Bobby looked at her with a sheepish grin.
3 PHRASE If you grin and bear it , you accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining because you know there is nothing you can do to make things better. □ They cannot stand the sight of each other, but they will just have to grin and bear it.
grind /gra I nd/ (grinds , grinding , ground )
1 VERB If you grind a substance such as corn, you crush it between two hard surfaces or with a machine until it becomes a fine powder. □ [V n] Store the peppercorns in an airtight container and grind the pepper as you need it. □ [V -ed] …the odor of fresh ground coffee. ● PHRASAL VERB Grind up means the same as grind . □ [V P n] He makes his own paint, grinding up the pigment with a little oil. [Also V n P ]
2 VERB If you grind something into a surface, you press and rub it hard into the surface using small circular or sideways movements. □ [V n prep] 'Well,' I said, grinding my cigarette nervously into the granite step. ● PHRASE If you grind your teeth , you rub your upper and lower teeth together as though you are chewing something. □ [V n] If you know you're grinding your teeth, particularly at night, see your dentist.
3 VERB If you grind something, you make it smooth or sharp by rubbing it against a hard surface. □ [V n] …a shop where they grind knives. □ [be V -ed + to ] The tip can be ground to a much sharper edge to cut smoother and faster. [Also V n to n]
4 VERB If a vehicle grinds somewhere, it moves there very slowly and noisily. □ [V adv/prep] Tanks had crossed the border at five fifteen and were grinding south.
5 N‑SING The grind of a machine is the harsh, scraping noise that it makes, usually because it is old or is working too hard. □ [+ of ] The grind of heavy machines could get on their nerves.
6 N‑SING [oft adj N ] If you refer to routine tasks or activities as the grind , you mean they are boring and take up a lot of time and effort. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The daily grind of government is done by Her Majesty's Civil Service.
7 → see also grinding
8 PHRASE If a country's economy or something such as a process grinds to a halt , it gradually becomes slower or less active until it stops. □ The peace process has ground to a halt.
9 PHRASE If a vehicle grinds to a halt , it stops slowly and noisily. □ The tanks ground to a halt after a hundred yards because the fuel had been siphoned out.
10 to have an axe to grind → see axe
11 to come to a grinding halt → see grinding
▸ grind down PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone grinds you down , you mean that they treat you very harshly and cruelly, reducing your confidence or your will to resist them. □ [V n P ] There are people who want to humiliate you and grind you down.
▸ grind on PHRASAL VERB If you say that something grinds on , you disapprove of the fact that it continues to happen in the same way for a long time. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P ] The war has been grinding on for years.
▸ grind up → see grind 1
grind|er /gra I ndə r / (grinders )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] In a kitchen, a grinder is a device for crushing food such as coffee or meat into small pieces or into a powder. □ …an electric coffee grinder.
2 N‑COUNT A grinder is a machine or tool for sharpening, smoothing, or polishing the surface of something.
grind|ing /gra I nd I ŋ/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe a bad situation as grinding , you mean it never gets better, changes, or ends. □ Their grandfather had left his village in order to escape the grinding poverty. ● grind|ing|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ Nursing was ill-paid and grindingly hard work.
2 PHRASE If you say that something comes to a grinding halt , you are emphasizing that it stops very suddenly, especially before it was meant to. [EMPHASIS ] □ A car will come to a grinding halt if you put water in the petrol tank.
3 → see also grind
grind|stone /gra I ndstoʊn/ (grindstones ) N‑COUNT A grindstone is a large round stone that turns like a wheel and is used for sharpening knives and tools.
grin|go /gr I ŋgoʊ/ (gringos ) N‑COUNT Gringo is sometimes used by people from Latin America to refer to people from other countries, especially the United States and Britain. [OFFENSIVE ]
grip ◆◇◇ /gr I p/ (grips , gripping , gripped )
1 VERB If you grip something, you take hold of it with your hand and continue to hold it firmly. □ [V n] She gripped the rope.
2 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] A grip is a firm, strong hold on something. □ His strong hand eased the bag from her grip.
3 N‑SING Someone's grip on something is the power and control they have over it. □ [+ on ] The president maintains an iron grip on his country. □ [+ on ] The Labour leader last night tightened his grip on Labour MPs with new powers to root out trouble-makers.
4 VERB If something grips you, it affects you very strongly. □ [V n] The entire community has been gripped by fear.
5 VERB [usu passive] If you are gripped by something such as a story or a series of events, your attention is concentrated on it and held by it. □ [be V -ed] The nation is gripped by the dramatic story. ● grip|ping ADJ □ The film turned out to be a gripping thriller.
6 N‑UNCOUNT If things such as shoes or car tyres have grip , they do not slip. □ …a new way of reinforcing rubber which gives car tyres better grip.
7 N‑COUNT A grip is a bag that is smaller than a suitcase, and that you use when you are travelling.
8 PHRASE If you get to grips with a problem or if you come to grips with it, you consider it seriously, and start taking action to deal with it. □ The government's first task is to get to grips with the economy.
9 PHRASE If you get a grip on yourself, you make an effort to control or improve your behaviour or work.
10 PHRASE If a person, group, or place is in the grip of something, they are being severely affected by it. □ Britain is still in the grip of recession. □ …a region in the grip of severe drought.
11 PHRASE If you lose your grip , you become less efficient and less confident, and less able to deal with things.
12 PHRASE If you say that someone has a grip on reality , you mean they recognize the true situation and do not have mistaken ideas about it. □ Shakur loses his fragile grip on reality and starts blasting away at friends and foe alike. COLLOCATIONS grip NOUN
2
adjective + grip : firm, strong, tight; loose; overhand
3
adjective + grip : firm, iron, tight, vice-like; tenuous
verb + grip : keep, maintain; lose VERB
1
grip + adverb : firmly, tightly
4
noun + grip : fear, fever, mania, panic; crisis
gripe /gra I p/ (gripes , griping , griped )
1 VERB If you say that someone is griping , you mean they are annoying you because they keep on complaining about something. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] Why are football players griping when the average salary is half a million dollars? □ [V + about ] They were always griping about high prices. ● grip|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Still, the griping went on.
2 N‑COUNT A gripe is a complaint about something. [INFORMAL ] □ My only gripe is that one main course and one dessert were unavailable.
grip|ing /gra I p I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A griping pain is a sudden, sharp pain in your stomach or bowels.
gris|ly /gr I zli/ (grislier , grisliest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is grisly is extremely unpleasant, and usually involves death and violence. □ …two horrifically grisly murders.
grist /gr I st/ PHRASE If you say that something is grist to the mill , you mean that it is useful for a particular purpose or helps support someone's point of view.
gris|tle /gr I s ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Gristle is a tough, rubbery substance found in meat, especially in meat of poor quality, which is unpleasant to eat.
grit /gr I t/ (grits , gritting , gritted )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Grit is very small pieces of stone. It is often put on roads in winter to make them less slippery. □ [+ of ] He felt tiny bits of grit and sand peppering his knees.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has grit , they have the determination and courage to continue doing something even though it is very difficult. □ You've got to admire her grit.
3 VERB If you grit your teeth , you press your upper and lower teeth tightly together, usually because you are angry about something. □ [V n] Gritting my teeth, I did my best to stifle one or two remarks. □ [V -ed] 'It is clear that my client has been less than frank with me,' he said, through gritted teeth.
4 PHRASE If you grit your teeth , you make up your mind to carry on even if the situation is very difficult. □ There is going to be hardship, but we have to grit our teeth and get on with it.
grit|ty /gr I ti/ (grittier , grittiest )
1 ADJ Something that is gritty contains grit, is covered with grit, or has a texture like that of grit. □ The sheets fell on the gritty floor, and she just let them lie.
2 ADJ Someone who is gritty is brave and determined. □ We have to prove how gritty we are. □ …a gritty determination to avoid humiliation.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A gritty description of a tough or unpleasant situation shows it in a very realistic way. □ …gritty social comment.
griz|zled /gr I z ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grizzled person or a person with grizzled hair has hair that is grey or partly grey.
griz|zly /gr I zli/ (grizzlies )
1 N‑COUNT A grizzly or a grizzly bear is a large, fierce, greyish-brown bear. □ …two grizzly bear cubs.
2 → see also grisly
groan /groʊ n/ (groans , groaning , groaned )
1 VERB If you groan , you make a long, low sound because you are in pain, or because you are upset or unhappy about something. □ [V + with ] Slowly, he opened his eyes. As he did so, he began to groan with pain. □ [V ] They glanced at the man on the floor, who began to groan. □ [V -ing] She was making small groaning noises. ● N‑COUNT Groan is also a noun. □ She heard him let out a pitiful, muffled groan. □ As his ball flew wide, there was a collective groan from the stands.
2 VERB If you groan something, you say it in a low, unhappy voice. □ [V with quote] 'My leg–I think it's broken,' Eric groaned.
3 VERB If you groan about something, you complain about it. □ [V + about ] His parents were beginning to groan about the price of college tuition. [Also V , V that] ● N‑COUNT Groan is also a noun. □ Listen sympathetically to your child's moans and groans about what she can't do.
4 VERB If wood or something made of wood groans , it makes a loud sound when it moves. □ [V ] The timbers groan and creak and the floorboards shift.
5 VERB If you say that something such as a table groans under the weight of food, you are emphasizing that there is a lot of food on it. [EMPHASIS ] □ [V + under/with ] The bar counter groans under the weight of huge plates of the freshest fish. □ [V -ing] …a table groaning with food.
6 VERB [usu cont] If you say that someone or something is groaning under the weight of something, you think there is too much of that thing. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + under ] Consumers were groaning under the weight of high interest rates.
gro|cer /groʊ sə r / (grocers )
1 N‑COUNT A grocer is a shopkeeper who sells foods such as flour, sugar, and tinned foods.
2 N‑COUNT A grocer or a grocer's is a shop where foods such as flour, sugar, and tinned foods are sold. [mainly BRIT ]
gro|cery /groʊ səri/ (groceries )
1 N‑COUNT A grocery or a grocery store is a grocer's shop. [mainly AM ]
2 N‑PLURAL Groceries are foods you buy at a grocer's or at a supermarket such as flour, sugar, and tinned foods.
grog /grɒ g/ N‑VAR Grog is a drink made by mixing a strong spirit, such as rum or whisky, with water.
grog|gy /grɒ gi/ (groggier , groggiest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel groggy , you feel weak and rather ill. [INFORMAL ] □ She was feeling a bit groggy when I saw her.
groin /grɔ I n/ (groins ) N‑COUNT Your groin is the front part of your body between your legs.
groom /gruː m/ (grooms , grooming , groomed )
1 N‑COUNT A groom is the same as a bridegroom . □ …the bride and groom.
2 N‑COUNT A groom is someone whose job is to look after the horses in a stable and to keep them clean.
3 VERB If you groom an animal, you clean its fur, usually by brushing it. □ [V n] The horses were exercised and groomed with special care.
4 VERB [usu passive] If you are groomed for a special job, someone prepares you for it by teaching you the skills you will need. □ [be V -ed + for ] George was already being groomed for the top job. □ [be V -ed to-inf] Marshall was groomed to run the family companies.
groomed /gruː md/ ADJ [usu adv ADJ ] You use groomed in expressions such as well groomed and badly groomed to say how neat, clean, and smart a person is. □ …a very well groomed man. □ She always appeared perfectly groomed.
groom|ing /gruː m I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Grooming refers to the things that people do to keep themselves clean and make their face, hair, and skin look nice. □ …a growing concern for personal grooming.
groove /gruː v/ (grooves ) N‑COUNT A groove is a deep line cut into a surface. □ Their wheels left grooves in the ground.
grooved /gruː vd/ ADJ Something that is grooved has grooves on its surface. □ The inscriptions are fresh and deep-grooved.
groovy /gruː vi/ (groovier , grooviest ) ADJ If you describe something as groovy , you mean that it is attractive, fashionable, or exciting. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ …the grooviest club in London.
grope /groʊ p/ (gropes , groping , groped )
1 VERB If you grope for something that you cannot see, you try to find it by moving your hands around in order to feel it. □ [V + for ] With his left hand he groped for the knob, turned it, and pulled the door open. □ [V adv/prep] Bunbury groped in his breast pocket for his wallet.
2 VERB If you grope your way to a place, you move there, holding your hands in front of you and feeling the way because you cannot see anything. □ [V n prep/adv] I didn't turn on the light, but groped my way across the room.
3 VERB If you grope for something, for example the solution to a problem, you try to think of it, when you have no real idea what it could be. □ [V + for ] She groped for a simple word to express a simple idea. [Also V + towards ] ● grop|ing (gropings ) N‑VAR □ They continue their groping towards a constitutional settlement.
4 VERB If one person gropes another, they touch or take hold of them in a rough, sexual way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] He would try to grope her breasts and put his hand up her skirt. ● N‑COUNT Grope is also a noun. □ She even boasted of having a grope in a cupboard with a 13-year-old.
gross ◆◇◇ /groʊ s/ (grosser , grossest , grosses , grossing , grossed ) The plural of the number is gross . 1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use gross to describe something unacceptable or unpleasant to a very great amount, degree, or intensity. □ The company were guilty of gross negligence. □ …an act of gross injustice. ● gross|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □ Funding of education had been grossly inadequate for years. □ She was grossly overweight.
2 ADJ If you say that someone's speech or behaviour is gross , you think it is very rude or unacceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He abused the Admiral in the grossest terms. □ I feel disgusted and wonder how I could ever have been so gross.
3 ADJ If you describe something as gross , you think it is very unpleasant. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ I spat them out because they tasted so gross. □ He wears really gross holiday outfits.
4 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as gross , you mean that they are extremely fat and unattractive. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I only resist things like chocolate if I feel really gross.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] Gross means the total amount of something, especially money, before any has been taken away. □ …a fixed rate account guaranteeing 10.4% gross interest or 7.8% net until October. ● ADV [ADV after v] Gross is also an adverb. □ Interest is paid gross, rather than having tax deducted. □ …a father earning £20,000 gross a year.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] Gross means the total amount of something, after all the relevant amounts have been added together. □ National Savings gross sales in June totalled £709 million.
7 ADJ [ADJ n] Gross means the total weight of something, including its container or wrapping.
8 VERB If a person or a business grosses a particular amount of money, they earn that amount of money before tax has been taken away. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] So far the films have grossed more than £590 million.
9 NUM A gross is a group of 144 things. □ [+ of ] He ordered twelve gross of the disks. SYNONYMS gross ADJ 1
flagrant: The judge called the decision 'a flagrant violation of international law'.
glaring: I never saw such a glaring example of misrepresentation.
blatant: …a blatant attempt to spread the blame for the fiasco.
barefaced: …crooked politicians who tell bare-faced lies.
obvious: …the need to rectify what is an obvious injustice.
gro ss do|mes|tic pro d|uct (gross domestic products ) N‑VAR A country's gross domestic product is the total value of all the goods it has produced and the services it has provided in a particular year, not including its income from investments in other countries. [BUSINESS ]
gro ss na|tion|al pro d|uct (gross national products ) N‑VAR A country's gross national product is the total value of all the goods it has produced and the services it has provided in a particular year, including its income from investments in other countries. [BUSINESS ]
gro|tesque /groʊte sk/ (grotesques )
1 ADJ You say that something is grotesque when it is so unnatural, unpleasant, and exaggerated that it upsets or shocks you. □ …the grotesque disparities between the wealthy few and nearly everyone else. □ …a country where grotesque abuses are taking place. ● gro|tesque|ly ADV □ He called it the most grotesquely tragic experience that he's ever had.
2 ADJ If someone or something is grotesque , they are very ugly. □ They tried to avoid looking at his grotesque face and his crippled body. ● gro|tesque|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed] □ …grotesquely deformed beggars.
3 N‑COUNT A grotesque is a person who is very ugly in a strange or unnatural way, especially one in a novel or painting. □ Grass's novels are peopled with outlandish characters: grotesques, clowns, scarecrows, dwarfs.
grot|to /grɒ toʊ/ (grottoes or grottos ) N‑COUNT A grotto is a small cave with interesting or attractively shaped rocks. □ Water trickles through an underground grotto.
grot|ty /grɒ ti/ (grottier , grottiest ) ADJ If you describe something as grotty , you mean that it is unpleasant or of poor quality and you dislike it strongly. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a grotty little flat in Camden.
grouch /graʊ tʃ/ (grouches )
1 N‑COUNT A grouch is someone who is always complaining in a bad-tempered way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He's an old grouch but she puts up with him.
2 N‑COUNT A grouch is a bad-tempered complaint. [INFORMAL ] □ One of the biggest grouches is the new system of payment.
grouchy /graʊ tʃi/ ADJ If someone is grouchy , they are very bad-tempered and complain a lot. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Your grandmother has nothing to stop her from being bored, grouchy and lonely.
ground ◆◆◆ /graʊ nd/ (grounds , grounding , grounded )
1 N‑SING The ground is the surface of the earth. □ Forty or fifty women were sitting cross-legged on the ground. □ We slid down the roof and dropped to the ground. ● PHRASE Something that is below ground is under the earth's surface or under a building. Something that is above ground is on top of the earth's surface. □ People were making for the air-raid shelters below ground.
2 N‑SING [oft N n] If you say that something takes place on the ground , you mean it takes place on the surface of the earth and not in the air. □ Coordinating airline traffic on the ground is as complicated as managing the traffic in the air.
3 N‑SING The ground is the soil and rock on the earth's surface. □ The ground had eroded. □ [+ of ] …the marshy ground of the river delta.
4 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to land as ground , especially when it has very few buildings or when it is considered to be special in some way. □ …a stretch of waste ground. □ This memorial stands on sacred ground.
5 N‑COUNT You can use ground to refer to an area of land, sea, or air which is used for a particular activity. □ …Indian hunting grounds. □ The best fishing grounds are around the islands.
6 N‑COUNT A ground is an area of land which is specially designed and made for playing sport or for some other activity. In American English grounds is also used. □ …the city's football ground. □ …a parade ground.
7 N‑PLURAL [n N ] The grounds of a large or important building are the garden or area of land which surrounds it. □ …the palace grounds. □ [+ of ] …the grounds of the University.
8 N‑VAR You can use ground to refer to a place or situation in which particular methods or ideas can develop and be successful. □ [+ for ] The company has maintained its reputation as the developing ground for new techniques. □ [+ for ] Colonialism is especially fertile ground for nationalist ideas.
9 N‑UNCOUNT [oft on adj N ] You can use ground in expressions such as on shaky ground and the same ground to refer to a particular subject, area of experience, or basis for an argument. □ Sensing she was on shaky ground, Marie changed the subject. □ The French are on solid ground when they argue that competitiveness is no reason for devaluation. □ It's often necessary to go over the same ground more than once.
10 N‑UNCOUNT Ground is used in expressions such as gain ground , lose ground , and give ground in order to indicate that someone gets or loses an advantage. [JOURNALISM ] □ There are signs that the party is gaining ground in the latest polls. □ The U.S. dollar lost more ground.
11 N‑VAR If something is grounds for a feeling or action, it is a reason for it. If you do something on the grounds of a particular thing, that thing is the reason for your action. □ [+ for ] In the interview he gave some grounds for optimism. □ The court overturned that decision on the grounds that the Prosecution had withheld crucial evidence. □ [+ of ] Owen was against it, on the grounds of expense.
12 VERB If an argument, belief, or opinion is grounded in something, that thing is used to justify it. □ [be V -ed + in ] Her argument was grounded in fact. □ [V n + on ] They believe the soul is immortal, grounding this belief on the Divine nature of the human spirit.
13 VERB If an aircraft or its passengers are grounded , they are made to stay on the ground and are not allowed to take off. □ [be V -ed] The civil aviation minister ordered all the planes to be grounded. □ [V n] He did not give the order to ground the shuttle, but he concurred with it.
14 VERB When parents ground a child, they forbid them to go out and enjoy themselves for a period of time, as a punishment. □ [V n] Thompson grounded him for a month, and banned television.
15 VERB If a ship or boat is grounded or if it grounds , it touches the bottom of the sea, lake, or river it is on, and is unable to move off. □ [be V -ed] Residents have been told to stay away from the region where the ship was grounded. □ [V ] The boat finally grounded on a soft, underwater bank. □ [V -ed] …a grounded oil tanker.
16 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The ground in an electric plug or piece of electrical equipment is the wire through which electricity passes into the ground and which makes the equipment safe. [AM ] in BRIT, use earth 17 ADJ Ground meat has been cut into very small pieces in a machine. [mainly AM ] □ …ground beef. □ …The sausages are made of coarsely ground pork. in BRIT, usually use minced 18 Ground is the past tense and past participle of grind .
19 → see also grounding , home ground
20 PHRASE If you break new ground , you do something completely different or you do something in a completely different way. [APPROVAL ] □ Gellhorn may have broken new ground when she filed her first report on the Spanish Civil War.
21 PHRASE If you say that a town or building is burnt to the ground or is razed to the ground , you are emphasizing that it has been completely destroyed by fire. [EMPHASIS ] □ The town was razed to the ground after the French Revolution.
22 PHRASE If two people or groups find common ground , they agree about something, especially when they do not agree about other things.
23 PHRASE If you go to ground , you hide somewhere where you cannot easily be found. [BRIT ] □ Citizens of East Beirut went to ground in basements and shelters.
24 PHRASE If you hit the ground running , you start working quickly or effectively from the time when something first begins. □ It is beneficial to an employer to hire someone who knows the ropes and can hit the ground running.
25 PHRASE The middle ground between two groups, ideas, or plans involves things which do not belong to either of these groups, ideas, or plans but have elements of each, often in a less extreme form. □ What you did was either great or nothing, there was no middle ground.
26 PHRASE If something such as a project gets off the ground , it begins or starts functioning. □ We help small companies to get off the ground.
27 PHRASE If you prepare the ground for a future event, course of action, or development, you make it easier for it to happen. □ …a political initiative which would prepare the ground for war.
28 PHRASE If you shift your ground or change your ground , you change the basis on which you are arguing.
29 PHRASE If you stand your ground or hold your ground , you continue to support a particular argument or to have a particular opinion when other people are opposing you or trying to make you change your mind. □ The spectacle of Sakharov standing his ground and speaking his mind gave me hope.
30 PHRASE If you stand your ground or hold your ground , you do not run away from a situation, but face it bravely. □ She had to force herself to stand her ground when she heard someone approaching.
31 PHRASE If you say that something such as a job or piece of clothing suits someone down to the ground , you mean that it is completely suitable or right for them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]
32 PHRASE If people or things of a particular kind are thin on the ground , there are very few of them. [mainly BRIT ] □ Good managers are often thin on the ground.
33 to have one's ear to the ground → see ear
ground|bait /graʊ ndbe I t/ N‑UNCOUNT Groundbait is food that you throw on to a river or lake when you are fishing in order to attract the fish.
ground|break|ing /graʊ ndbre I k I ŋ/ also ground-breaking ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use groundbreaking to describe things which you think are significant because they provide new and positive ideas, and influence the way people think about things. □ …his groundbreaking novel on homosexuality. □ …groundbreaking research.
ground|cloth /graʊ ndklɒθ/ (groundcloths ) N‑COUNT A groundcloth is a piece of waterproof material which you put on the ground to sleep on when you are camping. [AM ] in BRIT, use groundsheet
grou nd crew (ground crews ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] At an airport, the people who look after the planes when they are on the ground are called the ground crew . □ The airport ground crew tried to dissuade the pilot from taking off.
ground|ed /graʊ nd I d/ ADJ If you say that someone is grounded , you mean that they are sensible and reasonable, and that they understand the importance of ordinary things in life. □ Family and old friends help me stay grounded.
grou nd floo r (ground floors ) N‑COUNT The ground floor of a building is the floor that is level or almost level with the ground outside. [BRIT ] □ She showed him around the ground floor of the empty house. □ Jenny now lives in a terraced ground floor flat. in AM, use first floor
ground|hog /graʊ ndhɒg, [AM ] -hɔːg/ (groundhogs ) N‑COUNT A groundhog is a type of small animal with reddish-brown fur that is found in North America.
ground|ing /graʊ nd I ŋ/ N‑SING If you have a grounding in a subject, you know the basic facts or principles of that subject, especially as a result of a particular course of training or instruction. □ [+ in ] The degree provides a thorough grounding in both mathematics and statistics.
ground|less /graʊ ndləs/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a fear, accusation, or story is groundless , you mean that it is not based on evidence and is unlikely to be true or valid. □ Fears that the world was about to run out of fuel proved groundless. □ A ministry official described the report as groundless.
grou nd lev|el N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] If something is at ground level , it is at the same level as the ground, as opposed to being higher up or below the surface. □ The hotel is set on three floors. There's a bar and cafe at ground level. □ The remaining block of woodland is cut down to ground level.
ground|nut /graʊ ndnʌt/ (groundnuts ) N‑COUNT A groundnut is a peanut . [mainly BRIT ]
grou nd plan (ground plans )
1 N‑COUNT In British English, a ground plan is a plan of the ground floor of a building. In American English, a ground plan is a plan of any floor of a building.
2 N‑COUNT A ground plan is a basic plan for future action.
grou nd rent (ground rents ) N‑VAR Ground rent is rent that is paid by the owner of a flat or house to the owner of the land on which it is built. [mainly BRIT ]
grou nd rule (ground rules ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The ground rules for something are the basic principles on which future action will be based. □ [+ for/of ] The panel says the ground rules for the current talks should be maintained.
ground|sheet /graʊ ndʃiːt/ (groundsheets ) N‑COUNT A groundsheet is a piece of waterproof material which you put on the ground to sleep on when you are camping. [BRIT ] in AM, use groundcloth
grounds|keeper /graʊ ndzkiːpə r / (groundskeepers ) N‑COUNT A groundskeeper is the same as a groundsman . [AM ]
grounds|man /graʊ ndzmən/ (groundsmen ) N‑COUNT A groundsman is a person whose job is to look after a park or sports ground. [BRIT ] in AM, use groundskeeper
grou nd staff
1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The people who are paid to maintain a sports ground are called the ground staff . □ The ground staff do all they can to prepare the pitch.
2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] At an airport, the ground staff are the employees of aeroplane companies who do not fly with the planes, but who work in the airport helping passengers and providing information. □ There had been a strike amongst British Airways ground staff.
ground|swell /graʊ ndswel/ N‑SING A sudden growth of public feeling or support for something is often called a groundswell . [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ of ] There is undoubtedly a groundswell of support for the idea of a strong central authority. □ [+ of ] The groundswell of opinion is in favour of a referendum.
ground|water /graʊ ndwɔːtə r / N‑UNCOUNT Groundwater is water that is found under the ground. Groundwater has usually passed down through the soil and become trapped by rocks.
ground|work /graʊ ndwɜː r k/ N‑SING The groundwork for something is the early work on it which forms the basis for further work. □ Yesterday's meeting was to lay the groundwork for the task ahead.
group ◆◆◆ /gruː p/ (groups , grouping , grouped )
1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A group of people or things is a number of people or things which are together in one place at one time. □ [+ of ] The trouble involved a small group of football supporters. □ The students work in groups on complex problems.
2 N‑COUNT A group is a set of people who have the same interests or aims, and who organize themselves to work or act together. □ …the Minority Rights Group. □ Members of an environmental group are staging a protest inside a chemical plant.
3 N‑COUNT A group is a set of people, organizations, or things which are considered together because they have something in common. □ She is among the most promising players in her age group. □ As a group, today's old people are still relatively deprived.
4 N‑COUNT A group is a number of separate commercial or industrial firms which all have the same owner. [BUSINESS ] □ The group made a pre-tax profit of £1.05 million. □ …a French-based insurance group.
5 N‑COUNT A group is a number of musicians who perform together, especially ones who play popular music. □ At school he played bass in a pop group called The Urge. □ …Robbie Williams' backing group.
6 VERB If a number of things or people are grouped together or group together , they are together in one place or within one organization or system. □ [be V -ed prep] The fact sheets are grouped into seven sections. □ [V prep n ] The G-7 organization groups together the world's seven leading industrialized nations. □ [V prep ] We want to encourage them to group together to act as a big purchaser. [Also V n prep]
7 → see also grouping , blood group , ginger group , pressure group COLLOCATIONS group NOUN
1
adjective + group : ethnic, religious, social; large, small; advisory
2
noun + group : campaign, lobby, pressure
verb + group : form, join, lead
groupie /gruː pi/ (groupies ) N‑COUNT A groupie is someone, especially a young woman, who is a fan of a particular pop group, singer, or other famous person, and follows them around.
group|ing /gruː p I ŋ/ (groupings ) N‑COUNT A grouping is a set of people or things that have something in common. □ There were two main political groupings pressing for independence.
grou p the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT Group therapy is a form of psychiatric treatment in which a group of people discuss their problems with each other.
grouse /graʊ s/ (grouses , grousing , groused ) The form grouse is used as the plural for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A grouse is a wild bird with a round body. Grouse are often shot for sport and can be eaten. □ The party had been to the grouse moors that morning. ● N‑UNCOUNT Grouse is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. □ The menu included roast grouse.
2 VERB If you grouse , you complain. □ [V with quote] 'How come we never know what's going on?' he groused. □ [V + about ] When they groused about the parking regulations, they did it with good humor. [Also V that, V ]
3 N‑COUNT A grouse is a complaint. □ There have been grouses about the economy, interest rates and house prices.
grout /graʊ t/ (grouts , grouting , grouted )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Grout is a thin mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime, which is used to fill in the spaces between tiles that are fixed to a wall.
2 VERB If you grout the tiles on a wall, you use grout to fill in the spaces between the tiles. □ [be V -ed] Make sure that your tiles are thoroughly grouted and sealed. [Also V n]
grove /groʊ v/ (groves )
1 N‑COUNT A grove is a group of trees that are close together. □ …an olive grove.
2 N‑COUNT Grove is often used as part of the name of a street. [mainly BRIT ] □ …47 Canada Grove, Bognor Regis.
grov|el /grɒ v ə l/ (grovels , grovelling , grovelled ) in AM, use groveling , groveled 1 VERB If you say that someone grovels , you think they are behaving too respectfully towards another person, for example because they are frightened or because they want something. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + to/before ] I don't grovel to anybody. □ [V ] Speakers have been shouted down, classes disrupted, teachers made to grovel. □ [V -ing] …a letter of grovelling apology.
2 VERB If you grovel , you crawl on the ground, for example in order to find something. □ [V prep/adv] We grovelled around the club on our knees. [Also V ]
grow ◆◆◆ /groʊ / (grows , growing , grew , grown )
1 VERB When people, animals, and plants grow , they increase in size and change physically over a period of time. □ [V ] We stop growing at maturity.
2 VERB If a plant or tree grows in a particular place, it is alive there. □ [V ] The station had roses growing at each end of the platform.
3 VERB If you grow a particular type of plant, you put seeds or young plants in the ground and look after them as they develop. □ [V n] I always grow a few red onions.
4 VERB When someone's hair grows , it gradually becomes longer. Your nails also grow . □ [V ] Then the hair began to grow again and I felt terrific.
5 VERB If someone grows their hair, or grows a beard or moustache, they stop cutting their hair or shaving so that their hair becomes longer. You can also grow your nails. □ [V n] I'd better start growing my hair.
6 VERB If someone grows mentally, they change and develop in character or attitude. □ [V ] They began to grow as persons.
7 V‑LINK You use grow to say that someone or something gradually changes until they have a new quality, feeling, or attitude. □ [V adj] I grew a little afraid of the guy next door. □ [V to-inf] He grew to love his work.
8 VERB If an amount, feeling, or problem grows , it becomes greater or more intense. □ [V ] Opposition grew and the government agreed to negotiate. □ [V -ing] …a growing number of immigrants.
9 VERB If one thing grows into another, it develops or changes until it becomes that thing. □ [V + into ] The boys grew into men. □ [V + into ] This political row threatens to grow into a full blown crisis.
10 VERB If something such as an idea or a plan grows out of something else, it develops from it. □ [V + out of ] The idea for this book grew out of conversations with Philippa Brewster.
11 VERB If the economy or a business grows , it increases in wealth, size, or importance. [BUSINESS ] □ [V ] The economy continues to grow. □ [V -ing] …a fast growing business.
12 VERB If someone grows a business, they take actions that will cause it to increase in wealth, size, or importance. [BUSINESS ] □ [V n] To grow the business, he needs to develop management expertise and innovation across his team.
13 VERB If a crystal grows , or if a scientist grows it, it forms from a solution. □ [V ] …crystals that grow in cavities in the rock. □ [V n] We tried to grow some copper sulphate crystals with our children.
14 → see also grown
▸ grow apart PHRASAL VERB If people who have a close relationship grow apart , they gradually start to have different interests and opinions from each other, and their relationship starts to fail. □ [V P ] He and his wife grew apart. □ [V P + from ] It sounds as if you have grown apart from Tom.
▸ grow into PHRASAL VERB When a child grows into an item of clothing, they become taller or bigger so that it fits them properly. □ [V P n] It's a bit big, but she'll soon grow into it.
▸ grow on PHRASAL VERB If someone or something grows on you, you start to like them more and more. □ [V P n] Slowly and strangely, the place began to grow on me.
▸ grow out of
1 PHRASAL VERB If you grow out of a type of behaviour or an interest, you stop behaving in that way or having that interest, as you develop or change. □ [V P P n] Most children who stammer grow out of it.
2 PHRASAL VERB When a child grows out of an item of clothing, they become so tall or big that it no longer fits them properly. □ [V P P n] You've grown out of your shoes again.
▸ grow up
1 PHRASAL VERB When someone grows up , they gradually change from being a child into being an adult. □ [V P ] She grew up in Tokyo.
2 → see also grown-up
3 PHRASAL VERB [usu imper] If you tell someone to grow up , you are telling them to stop behaving in a silly or childish way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P ] It's time you grew up.
4 PHRASAL VERB If something grows up , it starts to exist and then becomes larger or more important. □ [V P ] A variety of heavy industries grew up alongside the port. COLLOCATIONS grow VERB 8
noun + grow : concern, fear, suspicion; business, demand, economy, industry, market; profit, revenue, sales
grow + adverb : fast, quickly, rapidly; significantly, steadily, strongly; slowly
grow|er /groʊ ə r / (growers ) N‑COUNT A grower is a person who grows large quantities of a particular plant or crop in order to sell them. □ …England's apple growers.
gro w|ing pains
1 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] If a person or organization suffers from growing pains , they experience temporary difficulties and problems at the beginning of a particular stage of development. □ There's some sympathy for this new country's growing pains.
2 N‑PLURAL If children suffer from growing pains , they have pain in their muscles or joints that is caused by unusually fast growth.
gro w|ing sea|son (growing seasons ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The growing season in a particular country or area is the period in each year when the weather and temperature is right for plants and crops to grow.
growl /graʊ l/ (growls , growling , growled )
1 VERB When a dog or other animal growls , it makes a low noise in its throat, usually because it is angry. □ [V ] The dog was biting, growling and wagging its tail. ● N‑COUNT Growl is also a noun. □ The bear exposed its teeth in a muffled growl.
2 VERB If someone growls something, they say something in a low, rough, and angry voice. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] His fury was so great he could hardly speak. He growled some unintelligible words at Pete. □ [V with quote] 'I should have killed him,' Sharpe growled. ● N‑COUNT Growl is also a noun. □ …with an angry growl of contempt for her own weakness.
grown /groʊ n/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A grown man or woman is one who is fully developed and mature, both physically and mentally. □ Few women can understand a grown man's love of sport. □ Dad, I'm a grown woman. I know what I'm doing.
2 → see also full-grown
gro wn-u p (grown-ups ) The spelling grownup is also used. The syllable up is not stressed when it is a noun. 1 N‑COUNT A grown-up is an adult; used by or to children. □ Tell children to tell a grown-up if they're being bullied.
2 ADJ Someone who is grown-up is physically and mentally mature and no longer depends on their parents or another adult. □ I have grown-up children who're doing well.
3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is grown-up , you mean that they behave in an adult way, often when they are in fact still a child. □ She's very grown-up.
4 ADJ Grown-up things seem suitable for or typical of adults. [INFORMAL ] □ Her songs tackle grown-up subjects. □ She talked in a grown-up manner.
growth ◆◆◇ /groʊ θ/ (growths )
1 N‑UNCOUNT The growth of something such as an industry, organization, or idea is its development in size, wealth, or importance. □ [+ of ] …the growth of nationalism. □ …Japan's enormous economic growth. □ …high growth rates.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] A growth in something is an increase in it. □ [+ in ] A steady growth in the popularity of two smaller parties may upset the polls. □ The area has seen a rapid population growth. □ [+ of ] The market has shown annual growth of 20 per cent for several years.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] A growth industry, area, or market is one which is increasing in size or activity. [BUSINESS ] □ Computers and electronics are growth industries and need skilled technicians. □ Real estate lending has become the biggest growth area for American banks.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Someone's growth is the development and progress of their character. □ …the child's emotional and intellectual growth.
5 N‑UNCOUNT Growth in a person, animal, or plant is the process of increasing in physical size and development. □ …hormones which control fertility and body growth. □ Cells divide and renew as part of the human growth process.
6 N‑VAR You can use growth to refer to plants which have recently developed or which developed at the same time. □ This helps to ripen new growth and makes it flower profusely.
7 N‑COUNT A growth is a lump that grows inside or on a person, animal, or plant, and that is caused by a disease. □ This type of surgery could even be used to extract cancerous growths.
grub /grʌ b/ (grubs , grubbing , grubbed )
1 N‑COUNT A grub is a young insect which has just come out of an egg and looks like a short fat worm.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Grub is food. [INFORMAL ] □ Get yourself some grub and come and sit down.
3 VERB If you grub around, you search for something. □ [V adv/prep] I simply cannot face grubbing through all this paper.
grub|by /grʌ bi/ (grubbier , grubbiest )
1 ADJ A grubby person or object is rather dirty. □ His white coat was grubby and stained. □ …kids with grubby faces.
2 ADJ If you call an activity or someone's behaviour grubby , you mean that it is not completely honest or respectable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the grubby business of politics.
grudge /grʌ dʒ/ (grudges ) N‑COUNT If you have or bear a grudge against someone, you have unfriendly feelings towards them because of something they did in the past. □ [+ against ] He appears to have a grudge against certain players. □ There is no doubt it was an accident and I bear no grudges.
gru dge match (grudge matches ) N‑COUNT You can call a contest between two people or groups a grudge match when they dislike each other. □ This is something of a grudge match against a long-term enemy.
grudg|ing /grʌ dʒ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A grudging feeling or action is felt or done very unwillingly. □ He even earned his opponents' grudging respect. □ There seems to be a grudging acceptance of the situation. ● grudg|ing|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The film studio grudgingly agreed to allow him to continue working.
gru|el /gruː əl/ N‑UNCOUNT Gruel is a food made by boiling oats with water or milk.
gru|el|ling /gruː əl I ŋ/ in AM, use grueling ADJ A gruelling activity is extremely difficult and tiring to do. □ He had complained of exhaustion after his gruelling schedule over the past week. □ This flight was more gruelling than I had expected.
grue|some /gruː səm/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is gruesome is extremely unpleasant and shocking. □ There has been a series of gruesome murders in the capital. ● grue|some|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ He has spent periods in prison, where he was gruesomely tortured. □ …a gruesomely compelling series of interviews.
gruff /grʌ f/
1 ADJ A gruff voice sounds low and rough. □ He picked up the phone expecting to hear the chairman's gruff voice. ● gruff|ly ADV □ 'Well, never mind now,' he said gruffly.
2 ADJ If you describe someone as gruff , you mean that they seem rather unfriendly or bad-tempered. □ His gruff exterior concealed one of the kindest hearts.
grum|ble /grʌ mb ə l/ (grumbles , grumbling , grumbled )
1 VERB If someone grumbles , they complain about something in a bad-tempered way. □ [V + about ] I shouldn't grumble about Mum–she's lovely really. □ [V that] Taft grumbled that the law so favored the criminal that trials seemed like a game of chance. □ [V with quote] 'This is inconvenient,' he grumbled. □ [V ] It's simply not in her nature to grumble. [Also V + at ] ● N‑COUNT Grumble is also a noun. □ My grumble is with the structure and organisation of the material. ● grum|bling (grumblings ) N‑VAR □ There have been grumblings about the party leader.
2 VERB If something grumbles , it makes a low continuous sound. [LITERARY ] □ [V adv/prep] It was quiet now, the thunder had grumbled away to the west. □ [V -ing] The dogs made a noise, a rough, grumbling sound. [Also V ] ● N‑SING Grumble is also a noun. □ [+ of ] One could often hear, far to the east, the grumble of guns.
grumpy /grʌ mpi/ (grumpier , grumpiest ) ADJ If you say that someone is grumpy , you mean that they are bad-tempered and miserable. □ Some folk think I'm a grumpy old man. ● grumpi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'I know, I know,' said Ken, grumpily, without looking up.
grunge /grʌ ndʒ/
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Grunge is the name of a fashion and of a type of music. Grunge fashion involves wearing clothes which look old and untidy. Grunge music is played on guitars and is very loud.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Grunge is dirt. [AM , INFORMAL ] ● grungy ADJ □ …grungy motel rooms.
grunt /grʌ nt/ (grunts , grunting , grunted )
1 VERB If you grunt , you make a low sound, especially because you are annoyed or not interested in something. □ [V ] The driver grunted, convinced that Michael was crazy. □ [V with quote] 'Rubbish,' I grunted. □ [V n] He grunted his thanks. ● N‑COUNT Grunt is also a noun. □ [+ of ] Their replies were no more than grunts of acknowledgement.
2 VERB When an animal grunts , it makes a low rough noise. □ [V ] …the sound of a pig grunting.
GSM /dʒi ː es e m/ N‑UNCOUNT GSM is a digital mobile telephone system, used across Europe and in other parts of the world. GSM is an abbreviation for 'global system for mobile communication'. □ There has been consistent growth in GSM mobile subscribers.
G-string /dʒiː str I ŋ/ (G-strings ) N‑COUNT A G-string is a narrow band of cloth that is worn between a person's legs to cover his or her sexual organs, and that is held up by a narrow string round the waist.
gua|ca|mo|le /gwɑːkəmoʊ li/ N‑UNCOUNT Guacamole is a cold food from Mexico made of crushed avocados and other ingredients such as tomatoes and chillis.
gua|no /gwɑː noʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Guano is the faeces of sea birds and bats. It is used as a fertilizer.
guar|an|tee ◆◆◇ /gæ rəntiː / (guarantees , guaranteeing , guaranteed )
1 VERB If one thing guarantees another, the first is certain to cause the second thing to happen. □ [V n] Surplus resources alone do not guarantee growth. □ [V that] …a man whose fame guarantees that his calls will nearly always be returned. [Also V n n]
2 N‑COUNT [N that] Something that is a guarantee of something else makes it certain that it will happen or that it is true. □ [+ of ] A famous old name on a firm is not necessarily a guarantee of quality. □ There is still no guarantee that a formula could be found.
3 VERB If you guarantee something, you promise that it will definitely happen, or that you will do or provide it for someone. □ [V n] Most states guarantee the right to free and adequate education. □ [be V -ed n] All students are guaranteed campus accommodation for their first year. □ [V that] We guarantee that you will find a community with which to socialise. □ [V to-inf] We guarantee to refund your money if you are not delighted with your purchase. □ [V -ed] …a guaranteed income of £3.6 million. [Also V n n, V n that] ● N‑COUNT [oft N that] Guarantee is also a noun. □ The Editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations. □ [+ of ] California's state Constitution includes a guarantee of privacy.
4 N‑COUNT [oft under N ] A guarantee is a written promise by a company to replace or repair a product free of charge if it has any faults within a particular time. □ Whatever a guarantee says, if something is faulty, you can still claim your rights from the shop. □ It was still under guarantee.
5 VERB If a company guarantees its product or work, they provide a guarantee for it. □ [V n] Some builders guarantee their work. □ [V n] All Dreamland's electric blankets are guaranteed for three years.
6 N‑COUNT A guarantee is money or something valuable which you give to someone to show that you will do what you have promised. □ [+ of ] They had to leave a deposit as a guarantee of returning to do their military service.
guar|an|teed /gæ rəntiː d/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ , usu ADJ to-inf] If you say that something is guaranteed to happen, you mean that you are certain that it will happen. □ Reports of this kind are guaranteed to cause anxiety. □ It's guaranteed that my colleagues think I'm deranged. □ Success is not guaranteed.
2 → see also guarantee
guar|an|tor /gæ rəntɔː r / (guarantors ) N‑COUNT A guarantor is a person who gives a guarantee or who is bound by one. [LEGAL ]
guard ◆◆◇ /gɑː r d/ (guards , guarding , guarded )
1 VERB If you guard a place, person, or object, you stand near them in order to watch and protect them. □ [V n] Gunmen guarded homes near the cemetery with shotguns. □ [V -ed] …the heavily guarded courtroom.
2 VERB If you guard someone, you watch them and keep them in a particular place to stop them from escaping. □ [V n] Marines with rifles guarded them. □ [be V -ed + by ] He is being guarded by a platoon of police.
3 N‑COUNT A guard is someone such as a soldier, police officer, or prison officer who is guarding a particular place or person. □ The prisoners overpowered their guards and locked them in a cell.
4 N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] A guard is a specially organized group of people, such as soldiers or police officers, who protect or watch someone or something. □ We have a security guard around the whole area. □ A heavily armed guard of police have sealed off the city centre.
5 N‑COUNT On a train, a guard is a person whose job is to travel on the train in order to help passengers, check tickets, and make sure that the train travels safely and on time. [BRIT ] in AM, use conductor 6 VERB If you guard some information or advantage that you have, you try to protect it or keep it for yourself. □ [V n] He closely guarded her identity. □ [V -ed] …a threat to the country's jealously guarded unity.
7 N‑COUNT A guard is a protective device which covers a part of someone's body or a dangerous part of a piece of equipment. □ …the chin guard of my helmet. □ A blade guard is fitted to protect the operator.
8 N‑COUNT Some regiments in the British Army, or the soldiers in them, are referred to as Guards . □ …the Grenadier Guards.
9 → see also guarded , bodyguard , coastguard , lifeguard , old guard
10 PHRASE If someone catches you off guard , they surprise you by doing something you do not expect. If something catches you off guard , it surprises you by happening when you are not expecting it. □ Charm the audience and catch them off guard. □ The invitation had caught me off guard.
11 PHRASE If you lower your guard , let your guard down or drop your guard , you relax when you should be careful and alert, often with unpleasant consequences. □ The ANC could not afford to lower its guard until everything had been carried out. □ You can't let your guard down.
12 PHRASE If you mount guard or if you mount a guard , you organize people to watch or protect a person or place. □ They've even mounted guard outside the main hotel in the capital.
13 PHRASE If you are on your guard or on guard , you are being very careful because you think a situation might become difficult or dangerous. □ The police have questioned him thoroughly, and he'll be on his guard. □ He is constantly on guard against any threat of humiliation.
14 PHRASE If someone is on guard , they are on duty and responsible for guarding a particular place or person. □ Police were on guard at Barnet town hall.
15 PHRASE If you stand guard , you stand near a particular person or place because you are responsible for watching or protecting them. □ One young policeman stood guard outside the locked embassy gates.
16 PHRASE If someone is under guard , they are being guarded. □ Three men were arrested and one was under guard in hospital.
▸ guard against PHRASAL VERB If you guard against something, you are careful to prevent it from happening, or to avoid being affected by it. □ [V P n] The armed forces were on high alert to guard against any retaliation. COLLOCATIONS guard NOUN
3
noun + guard : border, palace, prison; security
verb + guard : overpower; hire, post, station
adjective + guard : armed, uniformed
4
adjective + guard : armed; presidential VERB
1
guard + noun : building, compound, embassy, entrance; border
noun + guard : officers, soldiers, troops
guard + adverb : carefully, heavily
2
guard + noun : prisoner
6
guard + noun : privacy, secret
guard + adverb : closely, heavily, jealously
gua rd dog (guard dogs ) N‑COUNT A guard dog is a fierce dog that has been specially trained to protect a particular place.
guard|ed /gɑː r d I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as guarded , you mean that they are careful not to show their feelings or give away information. □ The boy gave him a guarded look. □ In the office, Dr. Lahey seemed less guarded, more relaxed. ● guard|ed|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, ADV adj] □ 'I am happy, so far,' he says guardedly. □ They are guardedly optimistic that the market is on the road to recovery.
guard|ian /gɑː r diən/ (guardians )
1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A guardian is someone who has been legally appointed to look after the affairs of another person, for example a child or someone who is mentally ill.
2 N‑COUNT The guardian of something is someone who defends and protects it. □ [+ of ] The National Party is lifting its profile as socially conservative guardian of traditional values.
gua rd|ian a n|gel (guardian angels ) N‑COUNT A guardian angel is a spirit who is believed to protect and guide a particular person.
guardi|an|ship /gɑː r diənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] Guardianship is the position of being a guardian. □ …depriving mothers of the guardianship of their children.
gua rd of ho n|our (guards of honour ) N‑COUNT A guard of honour is an official parade of troops, usually to celebrate or honour a special occasion, such as the visit of a head of state. [BRIT ] in AM, use honor guard
guard|rail /gɑː r dre I l/ (guardrails ) also guard rail N‑COUNT A guardrail is a railing that is placed along the edge of something such as a staircase, path, or boat, so that people can hold onto it or so that they do not fall over the edge.
guards|man /gɑː r dzmən/ (guardsmen ) also Guardsman
1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a guardsman is a soldier who is a member of one of the regiments of Guards.
2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a guardsman is a soldier who is a member of the National Guard.
gua rd's van (guard's vans ) N‑COUNT The guard's van of a train is a small carriage or part of a carriage in which the guard travels. [BRIT ]
gua|va /gwɑː və/ (guavas ) N‑VAR A guava is a round yellow tropical fruit with pink or white flesh and hard seeds.
gu|ber|na|to|rial /guː bə r nətɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Gubernatorial means relating to or connected with the post of governor. □ …a well-known Dallas lawyer and former Texas gubernatorial candidate.
guer|ril|la ◆◇◇ /gər I lə/ (guerrillas ) also guerilla N‑COUNT [oft N n] A guerrilla is someone who fights as part of an unofficial army, usually against an official army or police force. □ The guerrillas threatened to kill their hostages. □ …a guerrilla war.
guess ◆◆◇ /ge s/ (guesses , guessing , guessed )
1 VERB If you guess something, you give an answer or provide an opinion which may not be true because you do not have definite knowledge about the matter concerned. □ [V that] The suit was faultless: Wood guessed that he was a very successful publisher or a banker. □ [V + at ] You can only guess at what mental suffering they endure. □ [V n] Paula reached for her camera, guessed distance and exposure, and shot two frames. □ [V wh] Guess what I did for the whole of the first week. □ [V adv] If she guessed wrong, it meant twice as many meetings the following week. [Also V with quote]
2 VERB If you guess that something is the case, you correctly form the opinion that it is the case, although you do not have definite knowledge about it. □ [V that] By now you will have guessed that I'm back in Ireland. □ [V wh] He should have guessed what would happen. □ [V n] Someone might have guessed our secret and passed it on.
3 N‑COUNT [oft N that, N as to n/wh] A guess is an attempt to give an answer or provide an opinion which may not be true because you do not have definite knowledge about the matter concerned. □ My guess is that the chance that these vaccines will work is zero. □ [+ at ] He'd taken her pulse and made a guess at her blood pressure. □ [+ at ] Well, we can hazard a guess at the answer.
4 PHRASE If you say that something is anyone's guess or anybody's guess , you mean that no-one can be certain about what is really true. [INFORMAL ] □ Just when this will happen is anyone's guess.
5 PHRASE You say at a guess to indicate that what you are saying is only an estimate or what you believe to be true, rather than being a definite fact. [VAGUENESS ] □ At a guess he's been dead for two days.
6 PHRASE You say I guess to show that you are slightly uncertain or reluctant about what you are saying. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , VAGUENESS ] □ I guess she thought that was pretty smart. □ I guess he's right. □ 'I think you're being paranoid.'—'Yeah. I guess so.'
7 PHRASE If someone keeps you guessing , they do not tell you what you want to know. □ The author's intention is to keep everyone guessing until the bitter end.
8 CONVENTION You say guess what to draw attention to something exciting, surprising, or interesting that you are about to say. [INFORMAL ] □ Guess what, I just got my first part in a movie.
guess|ti|mate /ge st I mət/ (guesstimates ) N‑COUNT A guesstimate is an approximate calculation which is based mainly or entirely on guessing. [INFORMAL ]
guess|work /ge swɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Guesswork is the process of trying to guess or estimate something without knowing all the facts or information. □ The question of who planted the bomb remains a matter of guesswork.
guest ◆◆◇ /ge st/ (guests )
1 N‑COUNT A guest is someone who is visiting you or is at an event because you have invited them. □ She was a guest at the wedding. □ Their guests sipped drinks on the veranda.
2 N‑COUNT A guest is someone who visits a place or organization or appears on a radio or television show because they have been invited to do so. □ …a frequent chat show guest. □ Dr Gerald Jeffers is the guest speaker. □ They met when she made a guest appearance in his TV show.
3 N‑COUNT A guest is someone who is staying in a hotel. □ I was the only hotel guest. □ Hotels operate a collection service for their guests from the airports.
4 CONVENTION If you say be my guest to someone, you are giving them permission to do something. □ If anybody wants to work on this, be my guest. COLLOCATIONS guest NOUN
1
noun + guest : dinner, house, party, wedding
adjective + guest : honoured, overnight, royal; unexpected, uninvited
verb + guest : entertain, greet, invite, offer
2
noun + guest : celebrity, star, surprise
adjective + guest : regular, special
verb + guest : welcome
gue st book (guest books ) N‑COUNT A guest book is a book in which guests write their names and addresses when they have been staying in someone's house or in a hotel.
gue st house (guest houses ) also guesthouse
1 N‑COUNT A guest house is a small hotel. [BRIT ]
2 N‑COUNT A guest house is a small house in the grounds of a large house, where visitors can stay. [AM ]
gue st of ho n|our (guests of honour ) in AM, use guest of honor N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you say that someone is the guest of honour at a dinner or other social occasion, you mean that they are the most important guest.
gue st room (guest rooms ) N‑COUNT A guest room is a bedroom in a house or hotel for visitors or guests to sleep in.
gue st work|er (guest workers ) N‑COUNT A guest worker is a person, especially one from a poor country, who lives and works in a different country for a period.
guff /gʌ f/ N‑UNCOUNT If you say that what someone has said or written is guff , you think that it is nonsense. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
guf|faw /gʌfɔː / (guffaws , guffawing , guffawed )
1 N‑COUNT A guffaw is a very loud laugh. □ He bursts into a loud guffaw.
2 VERB To guffaw means to laugh loudly. □ [V ] As they guffawed loudly, the ticket collector arrived. □ [V with quote] 'Ha, ha,' everyone guffawed. 'It's one of Viv's shock tactics.' [Also V + at ]
guid|ance /ga I d ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Guidance is help and advice. □ [+ of ] …an opportunity for young people to improve their performance under the guidance of professional coaches. □ The nation looks to them for guidance.
gui d|ance cou n|se|lor (guidance counselors ) in BRIT, use guidance counsellor N‑COUNT A guidance counselor is a person who works in a school giving students advice about careers and personal problems. [mainly AM ]
gui d|ance sys|tem (guidance systems ) N‑COUNT The guidance system of a missile or rocket is the device which controls its course. □ The guidance systems didn't work and the missile couldn't hit its target.
guide ◆◆◇ /ga I d/ (guides , guiding , guided )
1 N‑COUNT A guide is a book that gives you information or instructions to help you do or understand something. □ Our 10-page guide will help you to change your life for the better. □ [+ to ] …the Pocket Guide to Butterflies of Britain and Europe.
2 N‑COUNT A guide is a book that gives tourists information about a town, area, or country. □ [+ to ] Follow your guide to Angkor Wat.
3 N‑COUNT A guide is someone who shows tourists around places such as museums or cities. □ We've arranged a walking tour of the city with your guide.
4 VERB If you guide someone around a city, museum, or building, you show it to them and explain points of interest. □ [V n adv/prep] …a young Egyptologist who guided us through tombs and temples with enthusiasm. □ [V -ed] There will be guided walks around the site.
5 → see also guided tour
6 N‑COUNT A guide is someone who shows people the way to a place in a difficult or dangerous region. □ The mountain people say that, with guides, the journey can be done in fourteen days.
7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A guide is something that can be used to help you plan your actions or to form an opinion about something. □ As a rough guide, a horse needs 2.5 per cent of his body weight in food every day. □ When selecting fresh fish, let your taste buds be your guide.
8 VERB If you guide someone somewhere, you go there with them in order to show them the way. □ [V n adv/prep] He took the bewildered Elliott by the arm and guided him out.
9 VERB If you guide a vehicle somewhere, you control it carefully to make sure that it goes in the right direction. □ [V n adv/prep] Captain Shelton guided his plane down the runway and took off.
10 VERB If something guides you somewhere, it gives you the information you need in order to go in the right direction. □ [V n] They sailed across the Baltic and North Seas with only a compass to guide them.
11 VERB If something or someone guides you, they influence your actions or decisions. □ [V n] He should have let his instinct guide him. □ [V -ing] My mother, whose guiding principle in life was doing right, had a far greater influence on me.
12 VERB If you guide someone through something that is difficult to understand or to achieve, you help them to understand it or to achieve success in it. □ [V n adv/prep] …a free helpline to guide businessmen through the maze of E.U. grants. COLLOCATIONS guide NOUN 1
adjective + guide : handy, helpful, interactive, step-by-step; authoritative, informative, reliable
Guide (Guides )
1 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] In Britain, the Guides is an organization for girls which teaches them to become practical and independent. The Guides used to be called the Girl Guides. In the United States, there is a similar organization called the Girl Scouts .
2 N‑COUNT In Britain, a Guide is a girl who is a member of the Guides.
guide|book /ga I dbʊk/ (guidebooks ) also guide book
1 N‑COUNT A guidebook is a book that gives tourists information about a town, area, or country.
2 N‑COUNT A guidebook is a book that gives you information or instructions to help you do or understand something. □ …a guidebook to Italian art.
gui d|ed mi s|sile (guided missiles ) N‑COUNT A guided missile is a missile whose direction can be controlled while it is in the air.
gui de dog (guide dogs ) N‑COUNT A guide dog is a dog that has been trained to lead a blind person. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use seeing-eye dog
gui d|ed tou r (guided tours ) N‑COUNT If someone takes you on a guided tour of a place, they show you the place and tell you about it.
gui d|ed wri t|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In language teaching, when students do guided writing activities, they are given an outline in words or pictures to help them write. □ …some guided writing tasks.
guide|line /ga I dla I n/ (guidelines )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If an organization issues guidelines on something, it issues official advice about how to do it. □ [+ on ] The government should issue clear guidelines on the content of religious education. □ [+ for ] The Internet Advertising Bureau has guidelines for advertising companies to follow.
2 N‑COUNT A guideline is something that can be used to help you plan your actions or to form an opinion about something. □ The effects of the sun can be significantly reduced if we follow certain guidelines.
guild /g I ld/ (guilds ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A guild is an organization of people who do the same job. □ [+ of ] …the Writers' Guild of America.
guil|der /g I ldə r / (guilders ) N‑COUNT [num N ] A guilder was a unit of money that was used in the Netherlands. In 2002 it was replaced by the euro. ● N‑SING The guilder was also used to refer to the Dutch currency system. □ During the turmoil in the foreign-exchange markets the guilder remained strong.
guild|hall /g I ldhɔːl/ (guildhalls ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a guildhall is a building near the centre of a town where members of a guild used to meet in former times.
guile /ga I l/ N‑UNCOUNT Guile is the quality of being good at deceiving people in a clever way. □ I love children's innocence and lack of guile.
guile|less /ga I lləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as guileless , you mean that they behave openly and truthfully and do not try to deceive people. [WRITTEN , APPROVAL ] □ Daphne was so guileless that Claire had no option but to believe her.
guil|lo|tine /g I lətiːn/ (guillotines , guillotining , guillotined )
1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A guillotine is a device used to execute people, especially in France in the past. A sharp blade was raised up on a frame and dropped onto the person's neck. □ One after the other Danton, Robespierre and the rest went to the guillotine.
2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is guillotined , they are killed with a guillotine. □ [be V -ed] After Marie Antoinette was guillotined, her lips moved in an attempt to speak.
3 N‑COUNT A guillotine is a device used for cutting paper.
guilt /g I lt/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Guilt is an unhappy feeling that you have because you have done something wrong or think that you have done something wrong. □ Her emotions had ranged from anger to guilt in the space of a few seconds. □ Some cancer patients experience strong feelings of guilt.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Guilt is the fact that you have done something wrong or illegal. □ The trial is concerned only with the determination of guilt according to criminal law. □ You weren't convinced of Mr Matthews' guilt.
gui lt com|plex (guilt complexes ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone has a guilt complex about something, you mean that they feel very guilty about it, in a way that you consider is exaggerated, unreasonable, or unnecessary. [DISAPPROVAL ]
gui lt-ridden ADJ If a person is guilt-ridden , they feel very guilty about something. □ In the first week of January, thousands of guilt-ridden people signed up for fitness courses.
guilty ◆◇◇ /g I lti/ (guiltier , guiltiest )
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel guilty , you feel unhappy because you think that you have done something wrong or have failed to do something which you should have done. □ I feel so guilty, leaving all this to you. □ When she saw me she looked guilty. [Also + about ] ● guilti|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He glanced guiltily over his shoulder.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Guilty is used of an action or fact that you feel guilty about. □ Many may be keeping it a guilty secret. □ I leave with a guilty sense of relief.
3 guilty conscience → see conscience
4 ADJ If someone is guilty of a crime or offence, they have committed that crime or offence. □ [+ of ] They were found guilty of murder. □ He pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.
5 ADJ If someone is guilty of doing something wrong, they have done that thing. □ [+ of ] He claimed Mr Brooke had been guilty of a 'gross error of judgment'. □ [+ of ] They will consider whether or not he has been guilty of serious professional misconduct. SYNONYMS guilty ADJ
1
ashamed: I felt incredibly ashamed of myself for getting so angry.
sorry: She was very sorry about all the trouble she'd caused.
rueful: He shook his head and gave me a rueful smile.
contrite: She was instantly contrite. 'Oh, I am sorry! You must forgive me.'
remorseful: He was genuinely remorseful.
5
culpable: Their decision to do nothing makes them culpable.
responsible: He still felt responsible for her death.
to blame: If their forces were not involved, then who is to blame?
guinea /g I ni/ (guineas ) N‑COUNT A guinea is an old British unit of money that was worth £1.05. Guineas are still sometimes used, for example in auctions.
gui nea fowl (guinea fowl ) N‑COUNT A guinea fowl is a large grey African bird that is often eaten as food.
gui nea pig (guinea pigs ) also guinea-pig
1 N‑COUNT If someone is used as a guinea pig in an experiment, something is tested on them that has not been tested on people before. □ …a human guinea pig. □ Nearly 500,000 pupils are to be guinea pigs in a trial run of the new 14-plus exams.
2 N‑COUNT A guinea pig is a small furry animal without a tail. Guinea pigs are often kept as pets.
guise /ga I z/ (guises ) N‑COUNT You use guise to refer to the outward appearance or form of someone or something, which is often temporary or different from their real nature. □ [+ of ] He turned up at a fancy dress Easter dance in the guise of a white rabbit.
gui|tar ◆◇◇ /g I tɑː r / (guitars ) N‑VAR A guitar is a musical instrument with six strings and a long neck. You play the guitar by plucking or strumming the strings.
gui|tar|ist /g I tɑː r I st/ (guitarists ) N‑COUNT A guitarist is someone who plays the guitar.
gu|lag /guː læg/ (gulags ) N‑COUNT A gulag is a prison camp where conditions are extremely bad and the prisoners are forced to work very hard. The name gulag comes from the prison camps in the former Soviet Union.
gulch /gʌ ltʃ/ (gulches ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A gulch is a long narrow valley with steep sides which has been made by a stream flowing through it. [mainly AM ] □ …California Gulch.
gulf /gʌ lf/ (gulfs )
1 N‑COUNT A gulf is an important or significant difference between two people, things, or groups. □ [+ between ] Within society, there is a growing gulf between rich and poor. □ [+ between ] …the gulf between rural and urban life.
2 N‑COUNT A gulf is a large area of sea which extends a long way into the surrounding land. □ …damage caused by hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf N‑PROPER [oft N n] The Gulf is used to refer to the Arabian Gulf, the Persian Gulf and the surrounding countries. □ …the Gulf crisis. □ …the Gulf War. □ …the oil wells of the Gulf.
gull /gʌ l/ (gulls ) N‑COUNT A gull is a common sea bird.
gul|let /gʌ l I t/ (gullets ) N‑COUNT Your gullet is the tube which goes from your mouth to your stomach.
gul|ley /gʌ li/ → see gully
gul|lible /gʌ l I b ə l/ ADJ If you describe someone as gullible , you mean they are easily tricked because they are too trusting. □ I'm so gullible I would have believed him. ● gul|li|bil|ity /gʌ ləb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] □ Was she taking part of the blame for her own gullibility?
gul|ly /gʌ li/ (gullies ) also gulley N‑COUNT A gully is a long narrow valley with steep sides. □ The bodies of the three climbers were located at the bottom of a steep gully.
gulp /gʌ lp/ (gulps , gulping , gulped )
1 VERB If you gulp something, you eat or drink it very quickly by swallowing large quantities of it at once. □ [V n] She quickly gulped her tea.
2 VERB If you gulp , you swallow air, often making a noise in your throat as you do so, because you are nervous or excited. [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] I gulped, and then proceeded to tell her the whole story. □ [V with quote] 'I'm sorry,' he gulped.
3 VERB If you gulp air, you breathe in a large amount of air quickly through your mouth. □ [V n + into ] She gulped air into her lungs. □ [V + for ] He slumped back, gulping for air.
4 N‑COUNT A gulp of air, food, or drink, is a large amount of it that you swallow at once. □ [+ of ] I took in a large gulp of air. □ He finished his tea in two huge gulps.
▸ gulp down PHRASAL VERB If you gulp down food or drink, you quickly eat or drink it all by swallowing large quantities of it at once. □ [V P n] She gulped down a mouthful of coffee. □ [V n P ] He'd gulped it down in one bite.
gum /gʌ m/ (gums , gumming , gummed )
1 N‑VAR Gum is a substance, usually tasting of mint, which you chew for a long time but do not swallow.
2 → see also bubble gum , chewing gum
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your gums are the areas of firm, pink flesh inside your mouth, which your teeth grow out of. □ The toothbrush gently removes plaque without damaging the gums. □ …gum disease.
4 N‑VAR Gum is a type of glue that is used to stick two pieces of paper together. [mainly BRIT ] □ He was holding up a pound note that had been torn in half and stuck together with gum. ● gummed ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ …gummed labels.
5 ADJ If two things are gummed together , they are stuck together. [BRIT ] □ It is a mild infection in which a baby's eyelashes can become gummed together.
gum|ball /gʌ mbɔːl/ (gumballs ) N‑COUNT Gumballs are round, brightly coloured balls of chewing gum. [mainly AM ]
gum|bo /gʌ mboʊ/ (gumbos )
1 N‑VAR Gumbo is a type of soup or stew from the southern United States. It can be made with meat or fish, and usually contains okra.
2 N‑UNCOUNT In parts of the United States, gumbo is another name for okra .
gum|boot /gʌ mbuːt/ (gumboots ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Gumboots are long rubber boots which you wear to keep your feet dry. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]
gum|drop /gʌ mdrɒp/ (gumdrops ) N‑COUNT A gumdrop is a chewy sweet which feels like firm rubber and usually tastes of fruit.
gum|my /gʌ mi/ ADJ Something that is gummy is sticky. □ My eyes are gummy.
gump|tion /gʌ mpʃ ə n/
1 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has gumption , they are able to think what it would be sensible to do in a particular situation, and they do it. [INFORMAL ] □ Surely anyone with marketing gumption should be able to sell good books at any time of year.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If someone has the gumption to do something, they are brave enough to do it. □ He suspected that deep down, she admired him for having the gumption to disagree with her.
gu m tree (gum trees ) N‑COUNT A gum tree is a tree such as a eucalyptus that produces gum.
gun ◆◆◇ /gʌ n/ (guns , gunning , gunned )
1 N‑COUNT A gun is a weapon from which bullets or other things are fired. □ He produced a gun and he came into the house. □ The inner-city has guns and crime and drugs and deprivation. □ …gun control laws.
2 N‑COUNT A gun or a starting gun is an object like a gun that is used to make a noise to signal the start of a race. □ The starting gun blasted and they were off.
3 VERB To gun an engine or a vehicle means to make it start or go faster by pressing on the accelerator pedal. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] He gunned his engine and drove off.
4 → see also airgun , machine gun , shotgun , sub-machine gun
5 PHRASE If you come out with guns blazing or with all guns blazing , you put all your effort and energy into trying to achieve something. □ The company came out with guns blazing.
6 PHRASE If you jump the gun , you do something before everyone else or before the proper or right time. [INFORMAL ] □ Some booksellers have jumped the gun and decided to sell it early.
7 PHRASE If you stick to your guns , you continue to have your own opinion about something even though other people are trying to tell you that you are wrong. [INFORMAL ] □ He should have stuck to his guns and refused to meet her.
▸ gun down PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If someone is gunned down , they are shot and severely injured or killed. [JOURNALISM ] □ [be V -ed P ] He had been gunned down and killed at point-blank range.
▸ gun for PHRASAL VERB [only cont] If someone is gunning for you, they are trying to find a way to harm you or cause you trouble. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] He knew that they were gunning for him. COLLOCATIONS gun NOUN 1
noun + gun : anti-aircraft, hand, laser; imitation, replica, toy
adjective + gun : heavy; loaded
verb + gun : brandish, carry, draw, hold; fire, load, point
gun|boat /gʌ nboʊt/ (gunboats ) N‑COUNT A gunboat is a small ship which has several large guns fixed on it.
gu n con|tro l N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Gun control refers to the laws that restrict the possession and use of guns. □ France has tight gun-control laws for handguns, but not for hunting rifles.
gu n dog (gun dogs ) also gundog N‑COUNT A gun dog is a dog that has been trained to work with a hunter or gamekeeper, especially to find and carry back birds or animals that have been shot.
gun|fight /gʌ nfa I t/ (gunfights ) N‑COUNT A gunfight is a fight between people using guns. ● gun|fighter (gunfighters ) N‑COUNT □ …a gunfighter who hunts down the former partner who double-crossed him.
gun|fire /gʌ nfa I ə r / N‑UNCOUNT Gunfire is the repeated shooting of guns. □ The sound of gunfire and explosions grew closer.
gunge /gʌ ndʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT You use gunge to refer to a soft, sticky substance, especially if it is unpleasant. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ He had painted the floors with some kind of black gunge.
gung ho /gʌ ŋ hoʊ / also gung-ho ADJ If you say that someone is gung ho , you mean that they are very enthusiastic or eager to do something, for example to fight in a battle. [INFORMAL ] □ He has warned some of his more gung ho generals about the consequences of an invasion. □ Senate Republicans are less gung-ho about tax cuts.
gunk /gʌ ŋk/ N‑UNCOUNT You use gunk to refer to any soft sticky substance, especially if it is unpleasant. [INFORMAL ]
gun|man /gʌ nmən/ (gunmen ) N‑COUNT A gunman is a man who uses a gun to commit a crime such as murder or robbery. [JOURNALISM ] □ Two policemen were killed when gunmen opened fire on their patrol vehicle.
gun|ner /gʌ nə r / (gunners ) N‑COUNT A gunner is an ordinary soldier in an artillery regiment.
gun|nery /gʌ nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Gunnery is the activity of firing large guns. [MILITARY , TECHNICAL ] □ During the Second World War the area was used for gunnery practice.
gun|point /gʌ npɔ I nt/ PHRASE If you are held at gunpoint , someone is threatening to shoot and kill you if you do not obey them. □ She and her two daughters were held at gunpoint by a gang who burst into their home.
gun|powder /gʌ npaʊdə r / N‑UNCOUNT Gunpowder is an explosive substance which is used to make fireworks or cause explosions.
gu n-runner (gun-runners ) in AM, use gunrunner N‑COUNT A gun-runner is someone who takes or sends guns into a country secretly and illegally.
gu n-running N‑UNCOUNT Gun-running is the activity of taking or sending guns into a country secretly and illegally.
gun|ship /gʌ nʃ I p/ (gunships ) → see helicopter gunship
gun|shot /gʌ nʃɒt/ (gunshots )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Gunshot is used to refer to bullets that are fired from a gun. □ They had died of gunshot wounds. □ …avoiding the volleys of gunshot.
2 N‑COUNT A gunshot is the firing of a gun or the sound of a gun being fired. □ A balloon popped, sounding like a gunshot.
gu n-shy ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is gun-shy , they are nervous or afraid. □ The electric-power industry is gun-shy about building more large plants.
gun|slinger /gʌ nsl I ŋə r / (gunslingers ) N‑COUNT A gunslinger is someone, especially a criminal, who uses guns in fighting.
gun|smith /gʌ nsm I θ/ (gunsmiths ) N‑COUNT A gunsmith is someone who makes and repairs guns.
gup|py /gʌ pi/ (guppies ) N‑COUNT A guppy is a small, brightly-coloured tropical fish.
gur|gle /gɜː r g ə l/ (gurgles , gurgling , gurgled )
1 VERB If water is gurgling , it is making the sound that it makes when it flows quickly and unevenly through a narrow space. □ [V adv/prep] …a narrow stone-edged channel along which water gurgles unseen. ● N‑COUNT Gurgle is also a noun. □ We could hear the swish and gurgle of water against the hull.
2 VERB If someone, especially a baby, is gurgling , they are making a sound in their throat similar to the gurgling of water. □ [V ] Henry gurgles happily in his baby chair. ● N‑COUNT Gurgle is also a noun. □ There was a gurgle of laughter on the other end of the line.
gur|ney /gɜː ni/ (gurneys ) N‑COUNT A gurney is a bed on wheels that is used in hospitals for moving sick or injured people. [AM ] in BRIT, use trolley
guru /guː ruː/ (gurus )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A guru is a person who some people regard as an expert or leader. □ Fashion gurus dictate crazy ideas such as squeezing oversized bodies into tight trousers.
2 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A guru is a religious and spiritual leader and teacher, especially in Hinduism.
gush /gʌ ʃ/ (gushes , gushing , gushed )
1 VERB When liquid gushes out of something, or when something gushes a liquid, the liquid flows out very quickly and in large quantities. □ [V adv/prep] Piping-hot water gushed out. □ [V n] A supertanker continues to gush oil off the coast of Spain.
2 N‑SING A gush of liquid is a sudden, rapid flow of liquid, or a quantity of it that suddenly flows out. □ [+ of ] I heard a gush of water.
3 VERB If someone gushes , they express their admiration or pleasure in an exaggerated way. □ [V with quote] 'Oh, it was brilliant,' he gushes. □ [V prep] He gushed about his love for his wife. ● gush|ing ADJ □ He delivered a gushing speech.
gussy /gʌ si/ (gussies , gussying , gussied )
▸ gussy up PHRASAL VERB If someone is gussied up , they are dressed very smartly. If something is gussied up , it is made more interesting or attractive. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V -ed P ] They all got gussied up. □ [V P n] …plans to gussy up the venues, offering better food and games arcades. [Also V pron P ]
gust /gʌ st/ (gusts , gusting , gusted )
1 N‑COUNT A gust is a short, strong, sudden rush of wind. □ [+ of ] A gust of wind drove down the valley. □ A hurricane-force gust blew off part of a church tower.
2 VERB When the wind gusts , it blows with short, strong, sudden rushes. □ [V ] The wind gusted again. □ [V prep/adv] The wind gusted up to 164 miles an hour.
3 N‑COUNT If you feel a gust of emotion, you feel the emotion suddenly and intensely. □ [+ of ] …a small gust of pleasure.
gus|to /gʌ stoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N ] If you do something with gusto , you do it with energetic and enthusiastic enjoyment. [APPROVAL ] □ Hers was a minor part, but she played it with gusto.
gusty /gʌ sti/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Gusty winds are very strong and irregular. □ Weather forecasts predict more hot weather, gusty winds and lightning strikes.
gut /gʌ t/ (guts , gutting , gutted )
1 N‑PLURAL A person's or animal's guts are all the organs inside them. □ By the time they finish, the crewmen are standing ankle-deep in fish guts.
2 VERB When someone guts a dead animal or fish, they prepare it for cooking by removing all the organs from inside it. □ [V n] It is not always necessary to gut the fish prior to freezing.
3 N‑SING The gut is the tube inside the body of a person or animal through which food passes while it is being digested.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Guts is the will and courage to do something which is difficult or unpleasant, or which might have unpleasant results. [INFORMAL ] □ The new Chancellor has the guts to push through unpopular tax increases.
5 N‑SING [usu N n] A gut feeling is based on instinct or emotion rather than reason. □ Let's have your gut reaction to the facts as we know them.
6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to someone's stomach as their gut , especially when it is very large and sticks out. [INFORMAL ] □ His gut sagged out over his belt.
7 → see also beer gut
8 VERB To gut a building means to destroy the inside of it so that only its outside walls remain. □ [V n] Over the weekend, a firebomb gutted a building where 60 people lived. □ [V -ed] A factory stands gutted and deserted.
9 N‑UNCOUNT Gut is string made from part of the stomach of an animal. Traditionally, it is used to make the strings of sports rackets or musical instruments such as violins.
10 → see also gutted
11 PHRASE If you hate someone's guts , you dislike them very much indeed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ We hate each other's guts.
12 PHRASE If you say that you are working your guts out or slogging your guts out , you are emphasizing that you are working as hard as you can. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ Most have worked their guts out and made sacrifices.
gut|less /gʌ tləs/ ADJ If you describe someone as gutless , you think they have a weak character and lack courage or determination. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ By attacking me, by attacking my wife, he has proved himself to be a gutless coward.
gutsy /gʌ tsi/ (gutsier , gutsiest ) ADJ If you describe someone as gutsy , you mean they show courage or determination. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ I've always been drawn to tough, gutsy women. □ They admired his gutsy and emotional speech.
gut|ted /gʌ t I d/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are gutted , you feel extremely disappointed or depressed about something that has happened. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Birmingham City supporters will be absolutely gutted if he leaves the club.
gut|ter /gʌ tə r / (gutters )
1 N‑COUNT The gutter is the edge of a road next to the pavement, where rain water collects and flows away. □ It is supposed to be washed down the gutter and into the city's vast sewerage system.
2 N‑COUNT A gutter is a plastic or metal channel fixed to the lower edge of the roof of a building, which rain water drains into. □ Did you fix the gutter?
3 N‑SING If someone is in the gutter , they are very poor and live in a very bad way. □ Instead of ending up in jail or in the gutter he was remarkably successful.
4 → see also gutter press
gut|ter|ing /gʌ tər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Guttering consists of the plastic or metal channels fixed to the lower edge of the roof of a building, which rain water drains into.
gu t|ter pre ss N‑SING You can refer to newspapers and magazines which print mainly stories about sex and crime as the gutter press . [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The gutter press has held the royals up to ridicule. in AM, use scandal sheets
gut|tur|al /gʌ tər ə l/ ADJ Guttural sounds are harsh sounds that are produced at the back of a person's throat. □ Joe had a low, guttural voice with a mid-Western accent.
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