show|piece /ʃoʊ piːs/ (showpieces ) also show-piece N‑COUNT A showpiece is something that is admired because it is the best thing of its type, especially something that is intended to be impressive. □ [+ of ] The factory was to be a showpiece of Western investment in the East.
show|room /ʃoʊ ruːm/ (showrooms ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A showroom is a shop in which goods are displayed for sale, especially goods such as cars or electrical or gas appliances. □ …a car showroom.
show|stopper /ʃoʊ stɒpə r / (showstoppers ) also show-stopper N‑COUNT If something is a showstopper , it is very impressive. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ Her natural creativity and artistic talent make her home a real showstopper.
sho w-stopping also showstopping ADJ [ADJ n] A show-stopping performance or product is very impressive. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ]
show|time /ʃoʊ ta I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Showtime is the time when a particular stage or television show starts. □ It's close to showtime now, so you retire into the dressing room.
sho w tri|al (show trials ) N‑COUNT People describe a trial as a show trial if they believe that the trial is unfair and is held for political reasons rather than in order to find out the truth. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] …the show trials of political dissidents.
showy /ʃoʊ i/ (showier , showiest ) ADJ Something that is showy is very noticeable because it is large, colourful, or bright. □ Since he was color blind, he favored large, showy flowers.
shrank /ʃræ ŋk/ Shrank is the past tense of shrink .
shrap|nel /ʃræ pn ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Shrapnel consists of small pieces of metal which are scattered from exploding bombs and shells. □ He was hit by shrapnel from a grenade.
shred /ʃre d/ (shreds , shredding , shredded )
1 VERB If you shred something such as food or paper, you cut it or tear it into very small, narrow pieces. □ [V n] They may be shredding documents. □ [V n] Finely shred the carrots, cabbage and cored apples.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you cut or tear food or paper into shreds , you cut or tear it into small, narrow pieces. □ Cut the cabbage into fine long shreds.
3 N‑COUNT If there is not a shred of something, there is not even a small amount of it. □ [+ of ] He said there was not a shred of evidence to support such remarks. □ [+ of ] There is not a shred of truth in the story.
shred|der /ʃre də r / (shredders ) N‑COUNT A shredder is a machine for shredding things such as documents or parts of bushes that have been cut off. □ …a document shredder.
shrew /ʃruː / (shrews ) N‑COUNT A shrew is a small brown animal like a mouse with a long pointed nose.
shrewd /ʃruː d/ (shrewder , shrewdest ) ADJ A shrewd person is able to understand and judge a situation quickly and to use this understanding to their own advantage. □ She's a shrewd businesswoman.
shriek /ʃriː k/ (shrieks , shrieking , shrieked )
1 VERB When someone shrieks , they make a short, very loud cry, for example because they are suddenly surprised, are in pain, or are laughing. □ [V ] She shrieked and leapt from the bed. □ [V + with ] Miranda shrieked with laughter. ● N‑COUNT Shriek is also a noun. □ Sue let out a terrific shriek and leapt out of the way.
2 VERB If you shriek something, you shout it in a loud, high-pitched voice. □ [V with quote] 'Stop it! Stop it!' shrieked Jane. □ [V n] He was shrieking obscenities and weeping.
shrift /ʃr I ft/ PHRASE If someone or something gets short shrift , they are paid very little attention. □ The idea has been given short shrift by philosophers.
shrill /ʃr I l/ (shriller , shrillest )
1 ADJ A shrill sound is high-pitched and unpleasant. □ Shrill cries and startled oaths flew up around us as pandemonium broke out. □ Mary Ann's voice grew shrill. ● shril|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ 'What are you doing?' she demanded shrilly. ● shrill|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …that ugly shrillness in her voice.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a demand, protest, or statement as shrill , you disapprove of it and do not like the strong, forceful way it is said. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Shrill voices on both sides of the Atlantic are advocating protectionism.
shrimp /ʃr I mp/ (shrimps or shrimp ) N‑COUNT Shrimps are small shellfish with long tails and many legs. □ Add the shrimp and cook for 30 seconds.
shri mp co ck|tail (shrimp cocktails ) N‑VAR A shrimp cocktail is a dish that consists of shrimp, salad, and a sauce. It is usually eaten at the beginning of a meal. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use prawn cocktail
shrine /ʃra I n/ (shrines )
1 N‑COUNT A shrine is a place of worship which is associated with a particular holy person or object. □ [+ of ] …the holy shrine of Mecca.
2 N‑COUNT A shrine is a place that people visit and treat with respect because it is connected with a dead person or with dead people that they want to remember. □ [+ to ] The monument has been turned into a shrine to the dead and the missing.
shrink /ʃr I ŋk/ (shrinks , shrinking , shrank , shrunk )
1 VERB If cloth or clothing shrinks , it becomes smaller in size, usually as a result of being washed. □ [V ] All my jumpers have shrunk.
2 VERB If something shrinks or something else shrinks it, it becomes smaller. □ [V ] The vast forests of West Africa have shrunk. □ [V n] Hungary may have to lower its hopes of shrinking its state sector.
3 VERB If you shrink away from someone or something, you move away from them because you are frightened, shocked, or disgusted by them. □ [V prep/adv] One child shrinks away from me when I try to talk to him.
4 VERB [usu with neg] If you do not shrink from a task or duty, you do it even though it is unpleasant or dangerous. □ [V + from ] We must not shrink from the legitimate use of force if we are to remain credible.
5 N‑COUNT A shrink is a psychiatrist. [INFORMAL ] □ I've seen a shrink already.
6 no shrinking violet → see violet
shrink|age /ʃr I ŋk I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Shrinkage is a decrease in the size or amount of something. □ Allow for some shrinkage in both length and width.
shri nk-wrapped ADJ [usu ADJ n] A shrink-wrapped product is sold in a tight covering of thin plastic. □ …a shrink-wrapped chicken breast.
shriv|el /ʃr I v ə l/ (shrivels , shrivelling , shrivelled ) in AM, use shriveling , shriveled VERB When something shrivels or when something shrivels it, it becomes dryer and smaller, often with lines in its surface, as a result of losing the water it contains. □ [V ] The plant shrivels and dies. □ [V n] …dry weather that shrivelled this summer's crops. ● PHRASAL VERB Shrivel up means the same as shrivel . □ [V P ] The leaves started to shrivel up. ● shriv|elled ADJ □ It looked old and shrivelled.
shroud /ʃraʊ d/ (shrouds , shrouding , shrouded )
1 N‑COUNT A shroud is a cloth which is used for wrapping a dead body.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to something that surrounds an object or situation as a shroud of something. □ [+ of ] …a parked car huddled under a shroud of grey snow. □ [+ of ] Ministers are as keen as ever to wrap their activities in a shroud of secrecy.
3 VERB If something has been shrouded in mystery or secrecy, very little information about it has been made available. □ [be V -ed + in ] For years the teaching of acting has been shrouded in mystery. □ [V n] …the secrecy which has shrouded the whole affair.
4 VERB If darkness, fog, or smoke shrouds an area, it covers it so that it is difficult to see. □ [V n] Mist shrouded the outline of Buckingham Palace.
Shrove Tues|day /ʃroʊ v tjuː zde I , [AM ] tuː z-/ N‑UNCOUNT Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. People traditionally eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.
shrub /ʃrʌ b/ (shrubs ) N‑COUNT Shrubs are plants that have several woody stems. □ …flowering shrubs.
shrub|bery /ʃrʌ bəri/ (shrubberies )
1 N‑COUNT A shrubbery is a part of a garden where a lot of shrubs are growing. [BRIT ]
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to a lot of shrubs or to shrubs in general as shrubbery .
shrub|by /ʃrʌ bi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A shrubby plant is like a shrub. □ …a shrubby tree.
shrug /ʃrʌ g/ (shrugs , shrugging , shrugged ) VERB If you shrug , you raise your shoulders to show that you are not interested in something or that you do not know or care about something. □ [V ] I shrugged, as if to say, 'Why not?' □ [V n] The man shrugged his shoulders. ● N‑COUNT Shrug is also a noun. □ 'I suppose so,' said Anna with a shrug.
▸ shrug off PHRASAL VERB If you shrug something off , you ignore it or treat it as if it is not really important or serious. □ [V P n] He shrugged off the criticism. □ [V n P ] He just laughed and shrugged it off.
shrunk /ʃrʌ ŋk/ Shrunk is the past participle of shrink .
shrunk|en /ʃrʌ ŋkən/ ADJ Someone or something that is shrunken has become smaller than they used to be. □ She now looked small, shrunken and pathetic.
shtick /ʃt I k/ → see schtick
shuck /ʃʌ k/ (shucks , shucking , shucked )
1 N‑COUNT The shuck of something is its outer covering, for example the leaves round an ear of corn, or the shell of a shellfish. [AM ] □ …corn shucks.
2 VERB If you shuck something such as corn or shellfish, you remove it from its outer covering. [AM ] □ [V n] On a good day, each employee will shuck 3,500 oysters.
3 VERB If you shuck something that you are wearing, you take it off. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] He shucked his coat and set to work.
4 EXCLAM Shucks is an exclamation that is used to express embarrassment, disappointment, or annoyance. [AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ Terry actually says 'Oh, shucks!' when complimented on her singing.
shud|der /ʃʌ də r / (shudders , shuddering , shuddered )
1 VERB If you shudder , you shake with fear, horror, or disgust, or because you are cold. □ [V prep/adv] Lloyd had urged her to eat caviar. She had shuddered at the thought. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Shudder is also a noun. □ She recoiled with a shudder.
2 VERB If something such as a machine or vehicle shudders , it shakes suddenly and violently. □ [V prep/adv] The train began to pull out of the station–then suddenly shuddered to a halt. □ [V ] The whole ship shuddered and trembled at the sudden strain.
3 N‑COUNT If something sends a shudder or shudders through a group of people, it makes them worried or afraid. □ [+ of ] The next crisis sent a shudder of fear through the U.N. community.
4 PHRASE If you say that you shudder to think what would happen in a particular situation, you mean that you expect it to be so bad that you do not really want to think about it. [FEELINGS ] □ I shudder to think what would have happened if he hadn't acted as quickly as he did.
shuf|fle /ʃʌ f ə l/ (shuffles , shuffling , shuffled )
1 VERB If you shuffle somewhere, you walk there without lifting your feet properly off the ground. □ [V prep/adv] Moira shuffled across the kitchen. ● N‑SING Shuffle is also a noun. □ She noticed her own proud walk had become a shuffle.
2 VERB If you shuffle around , you move your feet about while standing or you move your bottom about while sitting, often because you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. □ [V prep/adv] He shuffles around in his chair. □ [V n] He grinned and shuffled his feet.
3 VERB If you shuffle playing cards, you mix them up before you begin a game. □ [V n] There are various ways of shuffling and dealing the cards. [Also V ]
4 VERB If you shuffle things such as pieces of paper, you move them around so that they are in a different order. □ [V n] The silence lengthened as Thorne unnecessarily shuffled some papers.
shun /ʃʌ n/ (shuns , shunning , shunned ) VERB If you shun someone or something, you deliberately avoid them or keep away from them. □ [V n] From that time forward everybody shunned him. □ [V n] He has always shunned publicity.
shunt /ʃʌ nt/ (shunts , shunting , shunted )
1 VERB [usu passive] If a person or thing is shunted somewhere, they are moved or sent there, usually because someone finds them inconvenient. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [be V -ed prep/adv] He has spent most of his life being shunted between various foster families.
2 VERB When railway engines shunt wagons or carriages, they push or pull them from one railway line to another. □ [V n prep/adv] The GM diesel engine shunted the coaches to Platform 4.
shush /ʃʊ ʃ, ʃʌ ʃ/ (shushes , shushing , shushed )
1 CONVENTION You say shush when you are telling someone to be quiet. □ Shush! Here he comes. I'll talk to you later.
2 VERB If you shush someone, you tell them to be quiet by saying 'shush' or 'sh', or by indicating in some other way that you want them to be quiet. □ [V n] Frannie shushed her with a forefinger to the lips. [Also V ]
shut ◆◇◇ /ʃʌ t/ (shuts , shutting ) The form shut is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you shut something such as a door or if it shuts , it moves so that it fills a hole or a space. □ [V n] Just make sure you shut the gate after you. □ [V ] The screen door shut gently. ● ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Shut is also an adjective. □ They have warned residents to stay inside and keep their doors and windows shut.
2 VERB If you shut your eyes, you lower your eyelids so that you cannot see anything. □ [V n] Lucy shut her eyes so she wouldn't see it happen. ● ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Shut is also an adjective. □ His eyes were shut and he seemed to have fallen asleep.
3 VERB If your mouth shuts or if you shut your mouth, you place your lips firmly together. □ [V ] Daniel's mouth opened, and then shut again. □ [V n] He opened and shut his mouth, unspeaking. ● ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Shut is also an adjective. □ She was silent for a moment, lips tight shut, eyes distant.
4 VERB When a store, bar, or other public building shuts or when someone shuts it, it is closed and you cannot use it until it is open again. □ [V n] There is a tendency to shut museums or shops at a moment's notice. □ [V ] What time do the pubs shut? ● ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Shut is also an adjective. □ Make sure you have food to tide you over when the local shop may be shut.
5 PHRASE If you say that someone shuts their eyes to something, you mean that they deliberately ignore something which they should deal with. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ We shut our eyes to the plainest facts, refusing to admit the truth.
6 PHRASE If someone tells you to keep your mouth shut about something, they are telling you not to let anyone else know about it.
7 PHRASE If you keep your mouth shut , you do not express your opinions about something, even though you would like to. □ If she had kept her mouth shut she would still have her job now.
▸ shut down
1 PHRASAL VERB If a factory or business shuts down or if someone shuts it down , work there stops or it no longer trades as a business. □ [V P ] Smaller contractors had been forced to shut down. □ [V P n] It is required by law to shut down banks which it regards as chronically short of capital. □ [V n P ] Mr Buzetta sold the newspaper's assets to its competitor and shut it down.
2 → see also shutdown
▸ shut in
1 PHRASAL VERB If you shut someone or something in a room, you close the door so that they cannot leave it. □ [V n P n] The door enables us to shut the birds in the shelter in bad weather.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you shut yourself in a room, you stay in there and make sure nobody else can get in. □ [V pron-refl P n] After one particular bad result, he shut himself in the shower room for an hour.
3 → see also shut-in
▸ shut off
1 PHRASAL VERB If you shut off something such as an engine or an electrical item, you turn it off to stop it working. □ [V P n] They pulled over and shut off the engine. □ [V n P ] Will somebody please shut that alarm off.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you shut yourself off , you avoid seeing other people, usually because you are feeling depressed. □ [V pron-refl P ] Billy tends to keep things to himself more and shut himself off.
3 PHRASAL VERB If an official organization shuts off the supply of something, they no longer send it to the people they supplied in the past. □ [V P n] The State Water Project has shut off all supplies to farmers. [Also V n P ]
▸ shut out
1 PHRASAL VERB If you shut something or someone out , you prevent them from getting into a place, for example by closing the doors. □ [V n P + of ] 'I shut him out of the bedroom,' says Maureen. □ [V P n] I was set to shut out anyone else who came knocking. [Also V n P ]
2 PHRASAL VERB If you shut out a thought or a feeling, you prevent yourself from thinking or feeling it. □ [V P n] I shut out the memory which was too painful to dwell on. □ [V n P ] The figures represent such overwhelming human misery that the mind wants to shut it out.
3 PHRASAL VERB If you shut someone out of something, you prevent them from having anything to do with it. □ [V n P + of ] She is very reclusive, to the point of shutting me out of her life. □ [V n P ] She had effectively shut him out by refusing to listen.
▸ shut up PHRASAL VERB If someone shuts up or if someone shuts them up , they stop talking. You can say 'shut up' as an impolite way to tell a person to stop talking. □ [V P ] Just shut up, will you? □ [V n P ] A sharp put-down was the only way to shut her up. SYNONYMS shut VERB 1
close: If you are cold, close the window.
secure: The shed was secured by a hasp and staple fastener.
fasten: …the dress, which fastens with a long back zip.
lock: Are you sure you locked the front door?
shut|down /ʃʌ tdaʊn/ (shutdowns ) N‑COUNT A shutdown is the closing of a factory, shop, or other business, either for a short time or for ever. □ The shutdown is the latest in a series of painful budget measures.
shu t-eye also shuteye N‑UNCOUNT Shut-eye is sleep. [INFORMAL ] □ Go home and get some shut-eye.
shu t-in (shut-ins ) N‑COUNT A shut-in is someone who is ill for a long time, and has to stay in bed or at home. [AM ] □ …Meals on Wheels or similar programs that bring outside life to shut-ins.
shut|ter /ʃʌ tə r / (shutters )
1 N‑COUNT The shutter in a camera is the part which opens to allow light through the lens when a photograph is taken. □ There are a few things you should check before pressing the shutter release.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Shutters are wooden or metal covers fitted on the outside of a window. They can be opened to let in the light, or closed to keep out the sun or the cold. □ She opened the shutters and gazed out over village roofs.
shut|tered /ʃʌ tə r d/
1 ADJ A shuttered window, room, or building has its shutters closed. □ I opened a shuttered window.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A shuttered window, room, or building has shutters fitted to it. □ …green-shuttered colonial villas.
shut|tle /ʃʌ t ə l/ (shuttles , shuttling , shuttled )
1 N‑COUNT A shuttle is the same as a space shuttle .
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A shuttle is a plane, bus, or train which makes frequent journeys between two places. □ …shuttle flights between London and Manchester.
3 VERB If someone or something shuttles or is shuttled from one place to another place, they frequently go from one place to the other. □ [V prep/adv] He and colleagues have shuttled back and forth between the three capitals. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] Machine parts were also being shuttled across the border without authorisation. [Also V n prep/adv]
shuttle|cock /ʃʌ t ə lkɒk/ (shuttlecocks ) N‑COUNT A shuttlecock is the small object that you hit over the net in a game of badminton. It is rounded at one end and has real or artificial feathers fixed in the other end.
shu t|tle di|plo |ma|cy N‑UNCOUNT Shuttle diplomacy is the movement of diplomats between countries whose leaders refuse to talk directly to each other, in order to try to settle the argument between them. □ [+ between ] U.N. mediators are conducting shuttle diplomacy between the two sides.
shy /ʃa I / (shyer , shyest , shies , shying , shied )
1 ADJ A shy person is nervous and uncomfortable in the company of other people. □ She was a shy and retiring person off-stage. □ [+ of ] He is painfully shy of women. ● shy|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ The children smiled shyly. ● shy|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Eventually he overcame his shyness.
2 ADJ If you are shy of doing something, you are unwilling to do it because you are afraid of what might happen. □ [+ of ] You should not be shy of having your say in the running of the school.
3 VERB When a horse shies , it moves away suddenly, because something has frightened it. □ [V ] Llewelyn's stallion shied as the wind sent sparks flying.
4 PHRASE A number or amount that is just shy of another number or amount is just under it. □ …a high-school dropout rate just shy of 53%.
▸ shy away from PHRASAL VERB If you shy away from doing something, you avoid doing it, often because you are afraid or not confident enough. □ [V P P v-ing/n] We frequently shy away from making decisions.
-shy /-ʃa I / COMB -shy is added to nouns to form adjectives which indicate that someone does not like a particular thing, and tries to avoid it. For example, someone who is camera-shy does not like having their photograph taken. □ …camera-shy red deer.
shy|ster /ʃa I stə r / (shysters ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone, especially a lawyer or politician, as a shyster , you mean that they are dishonest and immoral. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
Sia|mese cat /sa I əmiːz kæ t/ (Siamese cats ) N‑COUNT A Siamese cat is a type of cat with short cream and brown fur, blue eyes, dark ears, and a dark tail.
Sia|mese twin /sa I əmiːz tw I n/ (Siamese twins ) N‑COUNT Siamese twins are twins who are born with their bodies joined.
sibi|lant /s I b I lənt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sibilant sounds are soft 's' sounds. [FORMAL ] □ A sibilant murmuring briefly pervaded the room.
sib|ling /s I bl I ŋ/ (siblings ) N‑COUNT Your siblings are your brothers and sisters. [FORMAL ] □ His siblings are mostly in their early twenties.
sic You write sic in brackets after a word or expression when you want to indicate to the reader that although the word looks odd or wrong, you intended to write it like that or the original writer wrote it like that. □ The latest school jobs page advertises a 'wide range (sic) of 6th-form courses.'
Si|cil|ian /s I s I liən/ (Sicilians )
1 ADJ Sicilian means belonging or relating to Sicily, or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT A Sicilian is a person who comes from Sicily.
sick ◆◇◇ /s I k/ (sicker , sickest )
1 ADJ If you are sick , you are ill. Sick usually means physically ill, but it can sometimes be used to mean mentally ill. □ He's very sick. He needs medication. □ She found herself with two small children, a sick husband, and no money. ● N‑PLURAL The sick are people who are sick. □ There were no doctors to treat the sick.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are sick , the food that you have eaten comes up from your stomach and out of your mouth. If you feel sick , you feel as if you are going to be sick. □ She got up and was sick in the handbasin. □ The very thought of food made him feel sick.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Sick is vomit. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
4 ADJ If you say that you are sick of something or sick and tired of it, you are emphasizing that you are very annoyed by it and want it to stop. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] I am sick and tired of hearing all these people moaning.
5 ADJ If you describe something such as a joke or story as sick , you mean that it deals with death or suffering in an unpleasantly humorous way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a sick joke about a cat.
6 PHRASE If you say that something or someone makes you sick , you mean that they make you feel angry or disgusted. [INFORMAL ] □ It makes me sick that people commit offences and never get punished.
7 PHRASE If you are off sick , you are not at work because you are ill. □ When we are off sick, we only receive half pay.
8 PHRASE If you say that you are worried sick , you are emphasizing that you are extremely worried. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ [+ about ] He was worried sick about what our mothers would say.
si ck bay (sick bays ) also sick-bay N‑COUNT A sick bay is an area, especially on a ship or navy base, or in Britain in a school or university, where medical treatment is given and where beds are provided for people who are ill. □ …a free 16-bed sick bay for students needing continuous care.
sick|bed /s I kbed/ (sickbeds ) also sick-bed N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your sickbed is the bed that you are lying in while you are ill. □ Michael left his sickbed to entertain his house guests.
sick bui ld|ing syn|drome N‑UNCOUNT Sick building syndrome is a group of conditions, including headaches, sore eyes, and tiredness, which people who work in offices may experience because the air there is not healthy to breathe.
sick|en /s I kən/ (sickens , sickening , sickened ) VERB If something sickens you, it makes you feel disgusted. □ [V n] The notion that art should be controlled by intellectuals sickened him.
sick|en|ing /s I kən I ŋ/ ADJ You describe something as sickening when it gives you feelings of horror or disgust, or makes you feel sick in your stomach. □ This was a sickening attack on a pregnant and defenceless woman.
sickie /s I ki/ (sickies ) N‑COUNT If someone takes a sickie , they take a day off work saying that they are ill, especially when they are not actually ill. [INFORMAL ] □ Broughton took a sickie on Monday to paint his fence.
sick|le /s I k ə l/ (sickles ) N‑COUNT A sickle is a tool that is used for cutting grass and grain crops. It has a short handle and a long curved blade.
si ck leave N‑UNCOUNT [oft on N ] Sick leave is the time that a person spends away from work because of illness or injury. [BUSINESS ] □ I have been on sick leave for seven months with depression.
si ckle-cell anae mia in AM, use sickle-cell anemia N‑UNCOUNT Sickle-cell anaemia is an inherited illness in which the red blood cells become curved, causing a number of health problems.
sick|ly /s I kli/ (sicklier , sickliest )
1 ADJ A sickly person or animal is weak, unhealthy, and often ill. □ He had been a sickly child.
2 ADJ A sickly smell or taste is unpleasant and makes you feel slightly sick, often because it is extremely sweet. □ …the sickly smell of rum.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A sickly colour or light is unpleasantly pale or weak. □ Wallpapers for children too often come only in sickly pastel shades.
sick|ness /s I knəs/ (sicknesses )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Sickness is the state of being ill or unhealthy. □ In fifty-two years of working he had one week of sickness. □ There appears to be another outbreak of sickness among seals in the North Sea.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Sickness is the uncomfortable feeling that you are going to vomit. □ After a while, the sickness gradually passed and she struggled to the mirror.
3 → see also morning sickness , travel sickness
4 N‑VAR A sickness is a particular illness. □ …radiation sickness.
si ck|ness ben|efit N‑UNCOUNT Sickness benefit is money that you receive regularly from the government when you are unable to work because of illness. [BRIT ]
si ck note (sick notes ) N‑COUNT A sick note is an official note signed by a doctor which states that someone is ill and needs to stay off work for a particular period of time.
si ck pay N‑UNCOUNT When you are ill and unable to work, sick pay is the money that you get from your employer instead of your normal wages. [BUSINESS ] □ They are not eligible for sick pay.
sick|room /s I kruːm/ (sickrooms ) also sick room N‑COUNT A sickroom is a room in which a sick person is lying in bed. □ Close friends were allowed into the sickroom.
side ◆◆◆ /sa I d/ (sides , siding , sided )
1 N‑COUNT The side of something is a position to the left or right of it, rather than in front of it, behind it, or on it. □ On one side of the main entrance there's a red plaque. □ …a photograph with me in the centre and Joe and Ken on each side of me. □ …the nations on either side of the Pacific. □ There's nothing but woods on the other side of the highway. □ There has been a build-up of troops on both sides of the border. □ PC Dacre knocked on Webb's door and, opening it, stood to one side.
2 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The side of an object, building, or vehicle is any of its flat surfaces which is not considered to be its front, its back, its top, or its bottom. □ We put a notice on the side of the box. □ …a van bearing on its side the name of a company. □ [+ of ] There was a stone staircase against the side of the house. □ A carton of milk lay on its side.
3 N‑COUNT The sides of a hollow or a container are its inside vertical surfaces. □ [+ of ] The rough rock walls were like the sides of a deep canal. □ Line the base of the dish with greaseproof paper and lightly grease the sides.
4 N‑COUNT The sides of an area or surface are its edges. □ Park on the side of the road. □ …a small beach on the north side of the peninsula.
5 N‑COUNT The two sides of an area, surface, or object are its two halves. □ She turned over on her stomach on the other side of the bed. □ The major centre for language is in the left side of the brain.
6 N‑COUNT The two sides of a road are its two halves on which traffic travels in opposite directions. □ [+ of ] It had gone on to the wrong side of the road and hit a car coming in the other direction.
7 N‑COUNT If you talk about the other side of a town or of the world, you mean a part of the town or of the world that is very far from where you are. □ [+ of ] He saw the ship that was to transport them to the other side of the world. □ [+ of ] Are you working on this side of the city?
8 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Your sides are the parts of your body between your front and your back, from under your arms to your hips. □ His arms were limp at his sides. □ They had laid him on his side.
9 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone is by your side or at your side , they stay near you and give you comfort or support. □ He was constantly at his mother's side.
10 N‑COUNT The two sides of something flat, for example a piece of paper, are its two flat surfaces. You can also refer to one side of a piece of paper filled with writing as one side of writing. □ [+ of ] The new copiers only copy onto one side of the paper. □ Fry the chops until brown on both sides.
11 N‑COUNT One side of a tape or record is what you can hear or record if you play the tape or record from beginning to end without turning it over. □ We want to hear side A.
12 ADJ [ADJ n] Side is used to describe things that are not the main or most important ones of their kind. □ She slipped in and out of the theatre by a side door. □ …a prawn curry with a lentil side dish.
13 N‑COUNT The different sides in a war, argument, or negotiation are the groups of people who are opposing each other. □ Both sides appealed for a new ceasefire. □ …the elections which his side lost.
14 N‑COUNT The different sides of an argument or deal are the different points of view or positions involved in it. □ …those with the ability to see all sides of a question.
15 VERB If one person or country sides with another, they support them in an argument or a war. If people or countries side against another person or country, they support each other against them. □ [V + with/against ] There has been much speculation that America might be siding with the rebels.
16 N‑COUNT In sport, a side is a team. [BRIT ] □ Italy were definitely a better side than Germany. in AM, use team 17 N‑COUNT A particular side of something such as a situation or someone's character is one aspect of it. □ [+ of ] He is in charge of the civilian side of the U.N. mission. □ [+ of ] It shows that your child can now see the funny side of things.
18 N‑COUNT The mother's side and the father's side of your family are your mother's relatives and your father's relatives. □ So was your father's side more well off?
19 → see also -sided , siding
20 PHRASE If two people or things are side by side , they are next to each other. □ We sat side by side on two wicker seats.
21 PHRASE If people work or live side by side , they work or live closely together in a friendly way. □ …areas where different nationalities have lived side by side for centuries.
22 PHRASE If you say that someone has let the side down , you mean that they have embarrassed their family or friends by behaving badly or not doing well at something. [BRIT ] □ Brown was constantly letting the side down.
23 PHRASE If something moves from side to side , it moves repeatedly to the left and to the right. □ She was shaking her head from side to side.
24 PHRASE If you are on someone's side , you are supporting them in an argument or a war. □ He has the Democrats on his side. □ [+ of ] Some of the younger people seem to be on the side of reform.
25 PHRASE If something is on your side or if you have it on your side , it helps you when you are trying to achieve something. □ The law is not on their side.
26 PHRASE If you get on the wrong side of someone, you do something to annoy them and make them dislike you. If you stay on the right side of someone, you try to please them and avoid annoying them. □ I wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of him.
27 PHRASE If you say that something is on the small side , you are saying politely that you think it is slightly too small. If you say that someone is on the young side , you are saying politely that you think they are slightly too young. [POLITENESS ] □ He's quiet and a bit on the shy side.
28 PHRASE If someone does something on the side , they do it in addition to their main work. □ …ways of making a little bit of money on the side.
29 PHRASE If you put something to one side or put it on one side , you temporarily ignore it in order to concentrate on something else. □ In order to maintain profit margins, health and safety regulations are often put to one side.
30 PHRASE If you take someone to one side or draw them to one side , you speak to them privately, usually in order to give them advice or a warning. □ He took Sabrina to one side and told her about the safe.
31 PHRASE If you take sides or take someone's side in an argument or war, you support one of the sides against the other. □ We cannot take sides in a civil war.
32 to look on the bright side → see bright
33 the other side of the coin → see coin
34 to err on the side of something → see err
35 to be on the safe side → see safe
36 someone's side of the story → see story
side|arm /sa I dɑː r m/ (sidearms ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sidearms are weapons, usually small guns, that you can wear on a belt. □ Two guards with sidearms patrolled the wall.
side|bar /sa I dbɑː r / (sidebars )
1 N‑COUNT A sidebar is a short article that is placed beside a longer one in a newspaper or on a website, and provides other relevant information.
2 N‑COUNT A sidebar is an additional or less important thing. □ A small sidebar exhibition showcases some of the best of these works.
side|board /sa I dbɔː r d/ (sideboards )
1 N‑COUNT A sideboard is a long cupboard which is about the same height as a table. Sideboards are usually kept in dining rooms to put plates and glasses in.
2 N‑PLURAL Sideboards are the same as sideburns . [BRIT ]
side|burns /sa I dbɜː r nz/ N‑PLURAL If a man has sideburns , he has a strip of hair growing down the side of each cheek. □ …a young man with long sideburns.
side|car /sa I dkɑː r / (sidecars ) N‑COUNT A sidecar is a kind of box with wheels which you can attach to the side of a motorcycle so that you can carry a passenger in it.
-sided /-sa I d I d/
1 COMB [usu ADJ n] -sided combines with numbers or adjectives to describe how many sides something has, or what kind of sides something has. □ …a three-sided pyramid. □ We drove up a steep-sided valley.
2 → see also one-sided
si de dish (side dishes ) N‑COUNT A side dish is an amount of a particular food that is served at the same time as the main dish. □ These mushrooms would make a delicious side dish.
si de-effect (side-effects ) also side effect
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The side-effects of a drug are the effects, usually bad ones, that the drug has on you in addition to its function of curing illness or pain. □ The treatment has some unpleasant side-effects including skin rashes and headaches. □ Most patients suffer no side-effects.
2 N‑COUNT A side-effect of a situation is something unplanned and usually unpleasant that happens in addition to the main effects of that situation. □ [+ of ] One side effect of modern life is stress.
si de-foot (side-foots , side-footing , side-footed ) also sidefoot VERB In football, if a player side-foots the ball, they kick it with the side of their foot. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] Currie sidefooted his first goal of the season. [Also V ] ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Side-foot is also a noun. □ Anthony scored with a simple side-foot.
si de is|sue (side issues ) N‑COUNT A side issue is an issue or subject that is not considered to be as important as the main one. □ I must forget these side issues and remember my mission.
side|kick /sa I dk I k/ (sidekicks ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's sidekick is a person who accompanies them and helps them, and who you consider to be less intelligent or less important than the other person. [INFORMAL ] □ His sons, brother and nephews were his armed sidekicks.
side|light /sa I dla I t/ (sidelights )
1 N‑COUNT The sidelights on a vehicle are the small lights at the front that help other drivers to notice the vehicle and to judge its width. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use parking lights 2 N‑COUNT The sidelights on a vehicle are lights on its sides. [AM ]
3 N‑COUNT A sidelight on a particular situation is a piece of information about that situation which is interesting but which is not particularly important. □ [+ on ] The book is full of amusing sidelights on his family background.
side|line /sa I dla I n/ (sidelines , sidelining , sidelined )
1 N‑COUNT A sideline is something that you do in addition to your main job in order to earn extra money. □ Charlie sold second-hand cars from the arches at Brighton station and trained horses as a sideline.
2 N‑PLURAL The sidelines are the lines marking the long sides of the playing area, for example on a football field or tennis court.
3 N‑PLURAL [usu on/from N ] If you are on the sidelines in a situation, you do not influence events at all, either because you have chosen not to be involved, or because other people have not involved you. □ France no longer wants to be left on the sidelines when critical decisions are taken.
4 VERB [usu passive] If someone or something is sidelined, they are made to seem unimportant and not included in what people are doing. □ [be V -ed] He was under pressure to resign and was about to be sidelined.
side|long /sa I dlɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] If you give someone a sidelong look, you look at them out of the corner of your eyes. □ She gave him a quick sidelong glance.
si de-o n ADJ A side-on collision or view is a collision or view from the side of an object. □ …steel beams built into the doors for protection against a side-on crash.
si de or|der (side orders ) N‑COUNT A side order is an amount of a food that you order in a restaurant to be served at the same time as the main dish. □ [+ of ] …a side order of potato salad.
si de road (side roads ) N‑COUNT A side road is a road which leads off a busier, more important road.
si de-saddle ADV [ADV after v] When you ride a horse side-saddle , you sit on a special saddle with both your legs on one side rather than one leg on each side of the horse. □ Naomi was given a pony and taught to ride side-saddle.
si de sal|ad (side salads ) N‑COUNT A side salad is a bowl of salad for one person which is served with a main meal.
side|show /sa I dʃoʊ/ (sideshows ) also side-show
1 N‑COUNT A sideshow is a less important or less significant event or situation related to a larger, more important one that is happening at the same time. □ [+ to ] In the end, the meeting was a sideshow to a political storm that broke Thursday.
2 N‑COUNT At a circus or fair, a sideshow is a performance that you watch or a game of skill that you play, that is provided in addition to the main entertainment.
si de-splitting ADJ Something that is side-splitting is very funny and makes you laugh a lot. [INFORMAL ] □ …a side-splitting joke.
side|step /sa I dstep/ (sidesteps , sidestepping , sidestepped ) also side-step
1 VERB If you sidestep a problem, you avoid discussing it or dealing with it. □ [V n] Rarely, if ever, does he sidestep a question. □ [V n] He was trying to sidestep responsibility. [Also V ]
2 VERB If you sidestep , you step sideways in order to avoid something or someone that is coming towards you or going to hit you. □ [V ] As I sidestepped, the bottle hit me on the left hip. □ [V n] He made a grab for her but she sidestepped him.
si de street (side streets ) N‑COUNT A side street is a quiet, often narrow street which leads off a busier street.
side|swipe /sa I dswa I p/ (sideswipes ) also side-swipe N‑COUNT If you take a sideswipe at someone, you make an unexpected critical remark about them while you are talking about something else. □ [+ at ] He sulks at setbacks, can't accept blame for failure, and makes gratuitous sideswipes at other golfers.
side|track /sa I dtræk/ (sidetracks , sidetracking , sidetracked ) also side-track VERB If you are sidetracked by something, it makes you forget what you intended to do or say, and start instead doing or talking about a different thing. □ [be V -ed] He'd managed to avoid being sidetracked by Schneider's problems. □ [V n] The leadership moved to sidetrack the proposal. □ [V n + from ] They have a tendency to try to sidetrack you from your task.
side|walk /sa I dwɔːk/ (sidewalks ) N‑COUNT A sidewalk is a path with a hard surface by the side of a road. [AM ] □ Two men and a woman were walking briskly down the sidewalk toward him. in BRIT, use pavement
side|ways /sa I dwe I z/
1 ADV [ADV after v] Sideways means from or towards the side of something or someone. □ Piercey glanced sideways at her. □ The ladder blew sideways. □ He was facing sideways. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Sideways is also an adjective. □ Alfred shot him a sideways glance.
2 ADV [ADV after v] If you are moved sideways at work, you move to another job at the same level as your old job. □ He would be moved sideways, rather than demoted. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Sideways is also an adjective. □ …her recent sideways move.
sid|ing /sa I d I ŋ/ (sidings )
1 N‑COUNT A siding is a short railway track beside the main tracks, where engines and carriages are left when they are not being used.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Siding is a wooden or metal covering on the outside walls of a building. [AM ]
si|dle /sa I d ə l/ (sidles , sidling , sidled ) VERB If you sidle somewhere, you walk there in a quiet or cautious way, as if you do not want anyone to notice you. □ [V prep/adv] A young man sidled up to me and said, 'May I help you?'
SIDS /s I dz/ N‑UNCOUNT SIDS is used to talk about the sudden death of a baby while it is asleep, when it had not previously been ill. SIDS is an abbreviation for 'sudden infant death syndrome'.
siè|cle → see fin de siècle
siege /siː dʒ/ (sieges )
1 N‑COUNT [oft under N ] A siege is a military or police operation in which soldiers or police surround a place in order to force the people there to come out or give up control of the place. □ We must do everything possible to lift the siege. □ The journalists found a city virtually under siege.
2 → see also state of siege
3 PHRASE If police, soldiers, or journalists lay siege to a place, they surround it in order to force the people there to come out or give up control of the place. □ The rebels laid siege to the governor's residence.
sie ge men|tal|ity N‑SING If a group of people have a siege mentality , they think that other people are constantly trying to harm or defeat them, and so they care only about protecting themselves. □ Police officers had a siege mentality that isolated them from the people they served.
si|es|ta /sie stə/ (siestas ) N‑COUNT A siesta is a short sleep or rest which you have in the early afternoon, especially in hot countries. □ They have a siesta during the hottest part of the day.
sieve /s I v/ (sieves , sieving , sieved )
1 N‑COUNT A sieve is a tool used for separating solids from liquids or larger pieces of something from smaller pieces. It consists of a metal or plastic ring with a wire or plastic net underneath, which the liquid or smaller pieces pass through. □ Press the raspberries through a fine sieve to form a puree.
2 VERB When you sieve a substance, you put it through a sieve. □ [V n] Cream the margarine in a small bowl, then sieve the icing sugar into it.
sift /s I ft/ (sifts , sifting , sifted )
1 VERB If you sift a powder such as flour or sand, you put it through a sieve in order to remove large pieces or lumps. □ [V n] Sift the flour and baking powder into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2 VERB If you sift through something such as evidence, you examine it thoroughly. □ [V + through ] Police officers have continued to sift through the wreckage following yesterday's bomb attack. □ [V n] Brook has sifted the evidence and summarises it clearly.
sigh ◆◇◇ /sa I / (sighs , sighing , sighed )
1 VERB When you sigh , you let out a deep breath, as a way of expressing feelings such as disappointment, tiredness, or pleasure. □ [V prep/adv] Michael sighed wearily. □ [V ] Dad sighed and stood up. ● N‑COUNT Sigh is also a noun. □ She kicked off her shoes with a sigh.
2 VERB If you sigh something, you say it with a sigh. □ [V with quote] 'Oh, sorry. I forgot.'—'Everyone forgets,' the girl sighed.
3 PHRASE If people breathe or heave a sigh of relief , they feel happy that something unpleasant has not happened or is no longer happening. □ There was a big sigh of relief once the economic reform plan was agreed. COLLOCATIONS sigh NOUN 1
adjective + sigh : audible, deep, long, weary; collective
verb + sigh : breathe, emit, heave; hear VERB 2
sigh + adverb : audibly, deeply, heavily, loudly; inwardly, wearily, wistfully
sight ◆◆◇ /sa I t/ (sights , sighting , sighted )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's sight is their ability to see. □ My sight is failing, and I can't see to read any more. □ I use the sense of sound much more than the sense of sight.
2 N‑SING The sight of something is the act of seeing it or an occasion on which you see it. □ [+ of ] I faint at the sight of blood. □ [+ of ] The sight of him entering a room could flood her with desire.
3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] A sight is something that you see. □ [+ of ] We encountered the pathetic sight of a family packing up its home.
4 VERB If you sight someone or something, you suddenly see them, often briefly. □ [V n] The security forces sighted a group of young men that had crossed the border.
5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The sights of a weapon such as a rifle are the part which helps you aim it more accurately.
6 N‑PLURAL The sights are the places that are interesting to see and that are often visited by tourists. □ [+ of ] I am going to show you the sights of our wonderful city.
7 ADV [ADV adj/adv] You can use a sight to mean a lot. For example, if you say that something is a sight worse than it was before, you are emphasizing that it is much worse than it was. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ She's been no more difficult than most daughters and a sight better than some I could mention.
8 → see also sighted , sighting
9 PHRASE If you catch sight of someone, you suddenly see them, often briefly. □ Then he caught sight of her small black velvet hat in the crowd.
10 PHRASE If you say that something seems to have certain characteristics at first sight , you mean that it appears to have the features you describe when you first see it but later it is found to be different. □ It promised to be a more difficult undertaking than might appear at first sight.
11 PHRASE If something is in sight or within sight , you can see it. If it is out of sight , you cannot see it. □ [+ of ] The Atlantic coast is within sight of the hotel. □ [+ of ] We parked out of sight of passing traffic to avoid attracting attention.
12 PHRASE If a result or a decision is in sight or within sight , it is likely to happen within a short time. □ An agreement on many aspects of trade policy was in sight.
13 PHRASE If you lose sight of an important aspect of something, you no longer pay attention to it because you are worrying about less important things. □ In some cases, U.S. industry has lost sight of customer needs in designing products.
14 PHRASE If someone is ordered to do something on sight , they have to do it without delay, as soon as a person or thing is seen. □ Troops shot anyone suspicious on sight.
15 PHRASE If you set your sights on something, you decide that you want it and try hard to get it. □ They have set their sights on the world record. COLLOCATIONS sight NOUN 3
adjective + sight : familiar; depressing, not a pretty, sad, sorry; welcome; common, rare; awesome, spectacular SYNONYMS sight NOUN
1
vision: It causes blindness or serious loss of vision.
eyesight: He suffered from poor eyesight and could no longer read properly.
2
view: He stood up to get a better view of the blackboard.
sighting: …the sighting of a rare sea bird at Lundy island.
glimpse: They had waited 24 hours to catch a glimpse of their heroine.
sight|ed /sa I t I d/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Sighted people have the ability to see. This word is usually used to contrast people who can see with people who are blind. □ Blind children tend to be more passive in this area of motor development than sighted children.
2 → see also clear-sighted , far-sighted , long-sighted , near-sighted , short-sighted
sight|ing /sa I t I ŋ/ (sightings ) N‑COUNT A sighting of something, especially something unusual or unexpected is an occasion on which it is seen. □ [+ of ] …the sighting of a rare sea bird at Lundy island.
sight|less /sa I tləs/ ADJ Someone who is sightless is blind. [LITERARY ] □ He wiped a tear from his sightless eyes.
sight-read (sight-reads , sight-reading ) The form sight-read is used in the present tense, where it is pronounced /sa I t riːd/, and is the past tense and past participle, pronounced /sa I t red/. VERB Someone who can sight-read can play or sing music from a printed sheet the first time they see it, without practising it beforehand. □ [V ] Symphony musicians cannot necessarily sight-read. [Also V n]
sight|see|ing /sa I tsiː I ŋ/ also sight-seeing N‑UNCOUNT If you go sightseeing or do some sightseeing , you travel around visiting the interesting places that tourists usually visit. □ …a day's sight-seeing in Venice. □ …a sightseeing tour.
sight|seer /sa I tsiːə r / (sightseers ) N‑COUNT A sightseer is someone who is travelling around visiting the interesting places that tourists usually visit. □ …coachloads of sightseers.
sign ◆◆◆ /sa I n/ (signs , signing , signed )
1 N‑COUNT A sign is a mark or shape that always has a particular meaning, for example in mathematics or music. □ Equations are generally written with a two-bar equals sign.
2 N‑COUNT A sign is a movement of your arms, hands, or head which is intended to have a particular meaning. □ They gave Lavalle the thumbs-up sign. □ [+ of ] He made a sign of assent.
3 VERB If you sign , you communicate with someone using sign language. If a programme or performance is signed , someone uses sign language so that deaf people can understand it. □ [be V -ed] All programmes will be either 'signed' or subtitled. [Also V , V n]
4 N‑COUNT A sign is a piece of wood, metal, or plastic with words or pictures on it. Signs give you information about something, or give you a warning or an instruction. □ …a sign saying that the highway was closed because of snow.
5 N‑VAR If there is a sign of something, there is something which shows that it exists or is happening. □ [+ of ] They are prepared to hand back a hundred prisoners of war a day as a sign of good will. □ [+ of ] Your blood would have been checked for any sign of kidney failure.
6 VERB When you sign a document, you write your name on it, usually at the end or in a special space. You do this to indicate that you have written the document, that you agree with what is written, or that you were present as a witness. □ [V n] World leaders are expected to sign a treaty pledging to increase environmental protection.
7 VERB If an organization signs someone or if someone signs for an organization, they sign a contract agreeing to work for that organization for a specified period of time. □ [V n] The Blues' boss planned to sign a big-name striker in January. □ [V + to ] The band then signed to Slash Records. [Also V ] [Also V + for ]
8 N‑COUNT In astrology, a sign or a sign of the zodiac is one of the twelve areas into which the heavens are divided. □ The New Moon takes place in your opposite sign of Libra on the 15th.
9 → see also signing , call sign
10 PHRASE If you say that there is no sign of someone, you mean that they have not yet arrived, although you are expecting them to come. □ The London train was on time, but there was no sign of my Finnish friend.
11 to sign one's own death warrant → see death warrant
▸ sign away PHRASAL VERB If you sign something away , you sign official documents that mean that you no longer own it or have a right to it. □ [V P n] The Duke signed away his inheritance. □ [V n P ] They signed the rights away when they sold their idea to DC Comics.
▸ sign for PHRASAL VERB If you sign for something, you officially state that you have received it, by signing a form or book. □ [V P n] When the postal clerk delivers your order, check the carton before signing for it.
▸ sign in PHRASAL VERB If you sign in , you officially indicate that you have arrived at a hotel or club by signing a book or form. □ [V P ] I signed in and crunched across the gravel to my room.
▸ sign off
1 PHRASAL VERB If someone signs off , they write a final message at the end of a letter or they say a final message at the end of a phone conversation. You can say that people such as entertainers sign off when they finish a broadcast. □ [V P ] O.K. I'll sign off. We'll talk at the beginning of the week.
2 PHRASAL VERB When someone who has been unemployed signs off , they officially inform the authorities that they have found a job, so that they no longer receive money from the government. [BRIT ] □ [V P n] If you work without signing off the dole, you are breaking the law. [Also V P ]
▸ sign on PHRASAL VERB When an unemployed person signs on , they officially inform the authorities that they are unemployed, so that they can receive money from the government in order to live. [BRIT ] □ [V P prep] He has signed on at the job centre. □ [V P n] I had to sign on the dole on Monday.
▸ sign over PHRASAL VERB If you sign something over , you sign documents that give someone else property, possessions, or rights that were previously yours. □ [V P n] Two years ago, he signed over his art collection to the city's art museum. □ [V n P ] Last June, he closed his business voluntarily and signed his assets over to someone else.
▸ sign up PHRASAL VERB If you sign up for an organization or if an organization signs you up , you sign a contract officially agreeing to do a job or course of study. □ [V P + as ] He signed up as a steward with P&O Lines. □ [V n P ] He saw the song's potential, and persuaded the company to sign her up. [Also V P + for ]
sign|age /sa I n I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Signage is signs, especially road signs and advertising signs, considered collectively. □ They don't allow signage around the stadium.
sig|nal ◆◇◇ /s I gnəl/ (signals , signalling , signalled ) in AM, use signaling , signaled 1 N‑COUNT A signal is a gesture, sound, or action which is intended to give a particular message to the person who sees or hears it. □ They fired three distress signals. □ As soon as it was dark, Mrs Evans gave the signal. □ You mustn't fire without my signal.
2 VERB If you signal to someone, you make a gesture or sound in order to send them a particular message. □ [V prep/adv] The United manager was to be seen frantically signalling to McClair. □ [V that] He stood up, signalling to the officer that he had finished with his client. □ [V n] She signalled a passing taxi and ordered him to take her to the rue Marengo. [Also V ]
3 N‑COUNT If an event or action is a signal of something, it suggests that this thing exists or is going to happen. □ [+ of ] Kurdish leaders saw the visit as an important signal of support.
4 VERB If someone or something signals an event, they suggest that the event is happening or likely to happen. □ [V n] She will be signalling massive changes in energy policy. □ [V wh] The outcome of the meeting could signal whether there is a political will to begin negotiating.
5 N‑COUNT A signal is a piece of equipment beside a railway, which indicates to train drivers whether they should stop the train or not.
6 N‑COUNT A signal is a series of radio waves, light waves, or changes in electrical current which may carry information. □ …high-frequency radio signals.
si g|nal box (signal boxes ) N‑COUNT A signal box is a small building near a railway, which contains the switches used to control the signals.
signal|man /s I gnəlmæn/ (signalmen ) N‑COUNT A signalman is a person whose job is to control the signals on a particular section of a railway.
sig|na|tory /s I gnətri, [AM ] -tɔːri/ (signatories ) N‑COUNT The signatories of an official document are the people, organizations, or countries that have signed it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of/to ] Both countries are signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
sig|na|ture /s I gnətʃə r / (signatures )
1 N‑COUNT Your signature is your name, written in your own characteristic way, often at the end of a document to indicate that you wrote the document or that you agree with what it says. □ I was writing my signature at the bottom of the page.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A signature item is typical of or associated with a particular person. [mainly JOURNALISM ] □ Rabbit stew is one of chef Giancarlo Moeri's signature dishes.
si g|na|ture tune (signature tunes ) N‑COUNT A signature tune is the tune which is always played at the beginning or end of a particular television or radio programme, or which people associate with a particular performer. [mainly BRIT ] □ Doesn't that sound like the signature tune from Doctor Who? in AM, usually use theme song
sign|board /sa I nbɔː r d/ (signboards ) N‑COUNT A signboard is a piece of wood which has been painted with pictures or words and which gives some information about a particular place, product, or event. □ The signboard outside the factory read 'baby milk plant'.
sign|er /sa I nə r / (signers ) N‑COUNT A signer is someone who communicates information to deaf people using sign language. □ I'm keen on providing signers for deaf people and readers for the blind.
sig|net ring /s I gnət r I ŋ/ (signet rings ) N‑COUNT A signet ring is a ring which has a flat oval or circular section at the front with a pattern or letters carved into it.
sig|nifi|cance /s I gn I f I kəns/ N‑UNCOUNT The significance of something is the importance that it has, usually because it will have an effect on a situation or shows something about a situation. □ [+ of ] Ideas about the social significance of religion have changed over time.
sig|nifi|cant ◆◆◇ /s I gn I f I kənt/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A significant amount or effect is large enough to be important or affect a situation to a noticeable degree. □ A small but significant number of 11-year-olds are illiterate. □ …foods that offer a significant amount of protein. ● sig|nifi|cant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The number of MPs now supporting him had increased significantly.
2 ADJ A significant fact, event, or thing is one that is important or shows something. □ I think it was significant that he never knew his own father. ● sig|nifi|cant|ly ADV □ Significantly, the company recently opened a huge store in Atlanta. SYNONYMS significant ADJ 1
important: This project is every bit as important to me as it is to you.
marked: There has been a marked increase in crimes against property.
notable: The proposed new structure is notable not only for its height, but for its shape.
considerable: To be without Pearce would be a considerable blow.
sig|ni fi|cant o th|er (significant others ) N‑COUNT If you refer to your significant other , you are referring to your wife, husband, or the person you are having a relationship with.
sig|ni|fy /s I gn I fa I / (signifies , signifying , signified )
1 VERB If an event, a sign, or a symbol signifies something, it is a sign of that thing or represents that thing. □ [V n] Fever accompanied by a runny nose usually signifies a cold. □ [V that] The symbol displayed outside a restaurant signifies there's excellent cuisine inside.
2 VERB If you signify something, you make a sign or gesture in order to communicate a particular meaning. □ [V n] Two jurors signified their dissent. □ [V that] The U.N. flag was raised at the airport to signify that control had passed into its hands.
sign|ing /sa I n I ŋ/ (signings )
1 N‑UNCOUNT The signing of a document is the act of writing your name to indicate that you agree with what it says or to say that you have been present to witness other people writing their signature. □ [+ of ] The agreement provided for the signing of a treaty within 3 months.
2 N‑COUNT A signing is someone who has recently signed a contract agreeing to play for a sports team or work for a record company. □ …the salary paid to the club's latest signing.
3 N‑UNCOUNT The signing of a player by a sports team or a group by a record company is the act of drawing up a legal document setting out the length and terms of the association between them. □ [+ of ] …Barcelona's signing of Brazilian Neymar.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Signing is the use of sign language to communicate with someone who is deaf. □ The two deaf actors converse solely in signing.
si gn lan|guage (sign languages ) N‑VAR Sign language is movements of your hands and arms used to communicate. There are several official systems of sign language, used for example by deaf people. Movements are also sometimes invented by people when they want to communicate with someone who does not speak the same language. □ Her son used sign language to tell her what happened.
sign|post /sa I npoʊst/ (signposts ) N‑COUNT A signpost is a sign where roads meet that tells you which direction to go in to reach a particular place or different places. □ [+ for ] Turn off at the signpost for Attlebridge.
sign|post|ed /sa I npoʊst I d/ ADJ A place or route that is signposted has signposts beside the road to show the way. □ The entrance is well signposted and is in Marbury Road.
Sikh /siː k/ (Sikhs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Sikh is a person who follows the Indian religion of Sikhism. □ The rise of racism concerns Sikhs because they are such a visible minority. □ …Sikh festivals.
Sikh|ism /siː k I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sikhism is an Indian religion which separated from Hinduism in the sixteenth century and which teaches that there is only one God.
si|lage /sa I l I dʒ/ N‑UNCOUNT Silage is food for cattle that is made by cutting a crop such as grass or corn when it is green and then keeping it covered.
si|lence ◆◇◇ /sa I ləns/ (silences , silencing , silenced )
1 N‑VAR [oft in/of N ] If there is silence , nobody is speaking. □ They stood in silence. □ He never lets those long silences develop during dinner. □ Then he bellowed 'Silence!'
2 N‑UNCOUNT The silence of a place is the extreme quietness there. □ She breathed deeply, savouring the silence.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's silence about something is their failure or refusal to speak to other people about it. □ The district court ruled that Popper's silence in court today should be entered as a plea of not guilty. ● PHRASE If someone breaks their silence about something, they talk about something that they have not talked about before or for a long time. □ [+ about ] Gary decided to break his silence about his son's suffering in the hope of helping other families.
4 VERB To silence someone or something means to stop them speaking or making a noise. □ [V n] A ringing phone silenced her.
5 VERB If someone silences you, they stop you expressing opinions that they do not agree with. □ [V n] Like other tyrants, he tried to silence anyone who spoke out against him. SYNONYMS silence NOUN 1
quiet: Jeremy wants some peace and quiet before his big match.
peace: One more question and I'll leave you in peace.
hush: A hush suddenly fell over the crowd.
calm: …the rural calm of Grand Rapids, Michigan. COLLOCATIONS silence NOUN
1
adjective + silence : awkward, embarrassed, stunned, uncomfortable; long, two-minute; stony, sullen
verb + silence : maintain, observe; break, interrupt
2
adjective + silence : deathly, eerie
verb + silence : shatter
si|lenc|er /sa I lənsə r / (silencers )
1 N‑COUNT A silencer is a device that is fitted onto a gun to make it very quiet when it is fired. □ …a pistol that was equipped with a silencer.
2 N‑COUNT A silencer is a device on a car exhaust that makes it quieter. [BRIT ] in AM, use muffler
si|lent ◆◇◇ /sa I lənt/
1 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] Someone who is silent is not speaking. □ Trish was silent because she was reluctant to put her thoughts into words. □ He spoke no English and was completely silent during the visit. □ They both fell silent. ● si|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ She and Ned sat silently for a moment, absorbing the peace of the lake.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone as a silent person, you mean that they do not talk to people very much, and sometimes give the impression of being unfriendly. □ He was a serious, silent man.
3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A place that is silent is completely quiet, with no sound at all. Something that is silent makes no sound at all. □ The room was silent except for John's crunching. ● si|lent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Strange shadows moved silently in the almost permanent darkness.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] A silent emotion or action is not expressed in speech. □ The attacker still stood there, watching her with silent contempt.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] A silent film has pictures usually accompanied by music but does not have the actors' voices or any other sounds. □ …one of the famous silent films of Charlie Chaplin.
si |lent ma|jo r|ity N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] If you believe that, in society or in a particular group, the opinions of most people are very different from the opinions that are most often heard in public, you can refer to these people as the silent majority . □ [+ of ] The silent majority of supportive parents and teachers should make their views known.
si |lent pa rt|ner (silent partners ) N‑COUNT A silent partner is a person who provides some of the capital for a business but who does not take an active part in managing the business. [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use sleeping partner
sil|hou|ette /s I lue t/ (silhouettes )
1 N‑COUNT A silhouette is the solid dark shape that you see when someone or something has a bright light or pale background behind them. □ [+ of ] The dark silhouette of the castle ruins stood out boldly against the fading light.
2 N‑COUNT The silhouette of something is the outline that it has, which often helps you to recognize it. □ [+ of ] …the distinctive silhouette of his ears.
sil|hou|ett|ed /s I lue t I d/ ADJ If someone or something is silhouetted against a background, you can see their silhouette. □ [+ against ] Silhouetted against the sun stood the figure of a man.
sili|ca /s I l I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Silica is silicon dioxide, a compound of silicon which is found in sand, quartz, and flint, and which is used to make glass.
sili|cate /s I l I kət/ (silicates ) N‑VAR A silicate is a compound of silica which does not dissolve. There are many different kinds of silicate. □ …large amounts of aluminum silicate.
sili|con /s I l I kən/ N‑UNCOUNT Silicon is an element that is found in sand and in minerals such as quartz and granite. Silicon is used to make parts of computers and other electronic equipment. □ A chip is a piece of silicon about the size of a postage stamp.
si li|con chi p (silicon chips ) N‑COUNT A silicon chip is a very small piece of silicon inside a computer. It has electronic circuits on it and can hold large quantities of information or perform mathematical or logical operations.
sili|cone /s I l I koʊn/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Silicone is a tough artificial substance made from silicon, which is used to make polishes, and also used in cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery. □ …silicone breast implants.
silk /s I lk/ (silks ) N‑VAR Silk is a substance which is made into smooth fine cloth and sewing thread. You can also refer to this cloth or thread as silk . □ They continued to get their silks from China. □ Pauline wore a silk dress with a strand of pearls.
silk|en /s I lkən/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Silken is used to describe things that are very pleasantly smooth and soft. [LITERARY ] □ …her long silken hair.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A silken garment, fabric, or rope is made of silk or a material that looks like silk. [LITERARY ] □ …silken cushions.
si lk-screen also silkscreen ADJ [ADJ n] Silk-screen printing is a method of printing patterns onto cloth by forcing paint or dyes through silk or similar material. □ …silk-screen prints.
silk|worm /s I lkwɜː r m/ (silkworms ) N‑COUNT A silkworm is the young form of a Chinese moth and it produces silk.
silky /s I lki/ (silkier , silkiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If something has a silky texture, it is smooth, soft, and shiny, like silk. □ …dresses in seductively silky fabrics.
sill /s I l/ (sills ) N‑COUNT A sill is a shelf along the bottom edge of a window, either inside or outside a building. □ [+ of ] Whitlock was perched on the sill of the room's only window.
sil|ly /s I li/ (sillier , silliest ) ADJ If you say that someone or something is silly , you mean that they are foolish, childish, or ridiculous. □ My best friend tells me that I am silly to be upset about this. □ That's a silly question.
si l|ly sea|son N‑PROPER The silly season is the time around August when the newspapers are full of unimportant or silly news stories because there is not much political news to report. [BRIT ]
silo /sa I loʊ/ (silos )
1 N‑COUNT A silo is a tall round metal tower on a farm, in which grass, grain, or some other substance is stored. □ The land is flat, a chequerboard of fertile cornfields and grain silos. □ …a grain silo.
2 N‑COUNT A silo is a specially built place underground where a nuclear missile is kept. □ …underground nuclear missile silos.
silt /s I lt/ N‑UNCOUNT Silt is fine sand, soil, or mud which is carried along by a river. □ The lake was almost solid with silt and vegetation.
sil|ver ◆◇◇ /s I lvə r / (silvers )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Silver is a valuable pale-grey metal that is used for making jewellery and ornaments. □ …a hand-crafted brooch made from silver. □ …silver teaspoons.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Silver consists of coins that are made from silver or that look like silver. □ …the basement where £150,000 in silver was buried.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] You can use silver to refer to all the things in a house that are made of silver, especially the cutlery and dishes. □ He beat the rugs and polished the silver.
4 COLOUR Silver is used to describe things that are shiny and pale grey in colour. □ He had thick silver hair which needed cutting.
5 N‑VAR A silver is the same as a silver medal . □ The British sprinter won silver in the women's 100m.
6 born with a silver spoon in your mouth → see spoon
si l|ver bi rch (silver birches or silver birch ) N‑VAR A silver birch is a tree with a greyish-white trunk and branches.
sil|vered /s I lvə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe something as silvered when it has become silver in colour. [LITERARY ] □ He had a magnificent head of silvered hair.
si l|ver ju |bi|lee (silver jubilees ) N‑COUNT A silver jubilee is the 25th anniversary of an important event such as a person becoming king or queen, or an organization being started. □ Channel 4's silver jubilee is celebrated with a brace of quizzes.
si l|ver li n|ing
1 PHRASE If you say that every cloud has a silver lining , you mean that every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it. □ As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. We have drawn lessons from the decisions taken.
2 N‑SING If you talk about a silver lining , you are talking about something positive that comes out of a sad or unpleasant situation. □ [+ of ] The fall in inflation is the silver lining of the prolonged recession.
si l|ver me d|al (silver medals ) N‑COUNT If you win a silver medal , you come second in a competition, especially a sports contest, and are given a medal made of silver as a prize. □ Gillingham won the silver medal in the 200 metres at Seoul.
si l|ver pla te
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Silver plate is metal that has been coated with a thin layer of silver. □ …silver-plate cutlery.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Silver plate is dishes, bowls, and cups that are made of silver. [BRIT ] □ …gold and silver plate, jewellery, and roomfuls of antique furniture. in AM, use silver , solid silver
si lver-pla ted ADJ Something that is silver-plated is covered with a very thin layer of silver. □ …silver-plated cutlery.
si l|ver scree n N‑SING People sometimes refer to the films that are shown in cinemas as the silver screen . □ Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, and James Dean are now legends of the silver screen.
silver|smith /s I lvə r sm I θ/ (silversmiths ) N‑COUNT A silversmith is a person who makes things out of silver.
si lver-to ngued ADJ [usu ADJ n] A silver-tongued person is very skilful at persuading people to believe what they say or to do what they want them to do. □ …a silver-tongued lawyer.
silver|ware /s I lvə r weə r /
1 N‑UNCOUNT You can use silverware to refer to all the things in a house that are made of silver, especially the cutlery and dishes. □ There was a serving spoon missing when Nina put the silverware back in its box.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Journalists sometimes use silverware to refer to silver cups and other prizes won by sports teams or players. □ Everton paraded their recently acquired silverware.
si l|ver we d|ding (silver weddings ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] A married couple's silver wedding or silver wedding anniversary is the 25th anniversary of their wedding. □ He and Helen celebrated their silver wedding last year.
sil|very /s I lvəri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Silvery things look like silver or are the colour of silver. □ …a small, intense man with silvery hair.
sim /s I m/ (sims ) N‑COUNT A sim is a computer game that simulates an activity such as playing a sport or flying an aircraft. [COMPUTING ] □ The game is a simple sports sim.
SIM card /s I m kɑː r d/ (SIM cards ) N‑COUNT A SIM card is a microchip in a mobile phone that connects it to a particular phone network. SIM is an abbreviation for 'Subscriber Identity Module'.
sim|ian /s I miən/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a simian face, they look rather like a monkey. [FORMAL ] □ Ada had a wrinkled, simian face.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Simian is used to describe things relating to monkeys or apes. [TECHNICAL ] □ …a simian virus.
simi|lar ◆◆◇ /s I m I lə r / ADJ If one thing is similar to another, or if two things are similar , they have features that are the same. □ [+ to ] …a savoury cake with a texture similar to that of carrot cake. □ [+ to ] The accident was similar to one that happened in 1973. □ …a group of similar pictures. SYNONYMS similar ADJ
comparable: In other comparable countries real wages increased much more rapidly.
alike: We looked very alike.
simi|lar|ity /s I m I læ r I ti/ (similarities )
1 N‑UNCOUNT If there is a similarity between two or more things, they are similar to each other. □ [+ between ] The astonishing similarity between my brother and my first-born son. □ She is also 25 and a native of Birmingham, but the similarity ends there. [Also + in/with ]
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Similarities are features that things have which make them similar to each other. □ [+ between ] There were significant similarities between mother and son. [Also + in/with ]
simi|lar|ly /s I m I lə r li/
1 ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV with v] You use similarly to say that something is similar to something else. □ Most of the men who now gathered round him again were similarly dressed.
2 ADV You use similarly when mentioning a fact or situation that is similar to the one you have just mentioned. □ A mother recognises the feel of her child's skin when blindfolded. Similarly, she can instantly identify her baby's cry.
simi|le /s I m I li/ (similes ) N‑COUNT A simile is an expression which describes a person or thing as being similar to someone or something else. For example, the sentences 'She runs like a deer' and 'He's as white as a sheet' contain similes.
sim|mer /s I mə r / (simmers , simmering , simmered )
1 VERB When you simmer food or when it simmers , you cook it by keeping it at boiling point or just below boiling point. □ [V n] Make an infusion by boiling and simmering the rhubarb and camomile together. □ [V ] Turn the heat down so the sauce simmers gently. ● N‑SING Simmer is also a noun. □ Combine the stock, whole onion and peppercorns in a pan and bring to a simmer.
2 VERB If a conflict or a quarrel simmers , it does not actually happen for a period of time, but eventually builds up to the point where it does. □ [V ] …bitter divisions that have simmered for more than half a century. □ [V -ing] The province was attacked a month ago after weeks of simmering tension.
sim|per /s I mpə r / (simpers , simpering , simpered ) VERB When someone simpers , they smile in a rather silly way. □ [V ] The maid lowered her chin and simpered. ● N‑COUNT Simper is also a noun. □ 'Thank you doctor,' said the nurse with a simper.
sim|ple ◆◆◇ /s I mp ə l/ (simpler , simplest )
1 ADJ If you describe something as simple , you mean that it is not complicated, and is therefore easy to understand. □ …simple pictures and diagrams. □ …pages of simple advice on filling in your tax form. □ Buddhist ethics are simple but its practices are very complex to a western mind. ● simp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ When applying for a visa, state simply and clearly the reasons why you need it.
2 ADJ If you describe people or things as simple , you mean that they have all the basic or necessary things they require, but nothing extra. □ He ate a simple dinner of rice and beans. □ …the simple pleasures of childhood. □ Nothing is simpler than a cool white shirt. ● simp|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ The living room is furnished simply with wicker furniture.
3 ADJ If a problem is simple or if its solution is simple , the problem can be solved easily. □ Some puzzles look difficult but once the solution is known are actually quite simple. □ I cut my purchases dramatically by the simple expedient of destroying my credit cards.
4 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] A simple task is easy to do. □ The simplest way to install a shower is to fit one over the bath. ● simp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Simply dial the number and tell us your area.
5 ADJ If you say that someone is simple , you mean that they are not very intelligent and have difficulty learning things. □ He was simple as a child.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use simple to emphasize that the thing you are referring to is the only important or relevant reason for something. [EMPHASIS ] □ His refusal to talk was simple stubbornness.
7 ADJ In grammar, simple tenses are ones which are formed without an auxiliary verb 'be', for example 'I dressed and went for a walk' and 'This tastes nice'. Simple verb groups are used especially to refer to completed actions, regular actions, and situations. Compare continuous .
8 ADJ In English grammar, a simple sentence consists of one main clause. Compare compound , complex .
9 → see also simply SYNONYMS simple ADJ 1
uncomplicated: …good, fresh British cooking with its uncomplicated, direct flavours.
clear: The book is clear, readable and adequately illustrated.
plain: It was a plain, grey stone house.
straightforward: …simple straightforward language.
si m|ple i n|ter|est N‑UNCOUNT Simple interest is interest that is calculated on an original sum of money and not also on interest which has previously been added to the sum. Compare compound interest . [BUSINESS ]
si mple-mi nded ADJ If you describe someone as simple-minded , you believe that they interpret things in a way that is too simple and do not understand how complicated things are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Sylvie was a simple-minded romantic.
sim|ple|ton /s I mp ə ltən/ (simpletons ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a simpleton , you think they are easily deceived or not very intelligent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ 'But Ian's such a simpleton', she laughed.
sim|plic|ity /s I mpl I s I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT The simplicity of something is the fact that it is not complicated and can be understood or done easily. □ [+ of ] The apparent simplicity of his plot is deceptive.
2 N‑UNCOUNT When you talk about something's simplicity , you approve of it because it has no unnecessary parts or complicated details. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] …fussy details that ruin the simplicity of the design.
sim|pli|fi|ca|tion /s I mpl I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (simplifications )
1 N‑COUNT You can use simplification to refer to the thing that is produced when you make something simpler or when you reduce it to its basic elements. □ Like any such diagram, it is a simplification.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Simplification is the act or process of making something simpler. □ [+ of ] Everyone favours the simplification of court procedures.
sim|pli|fy /s I mpl I fa I / (simplifies , simplifying , simplified ) VERB If you simplify something, you make it easier to understand or you remove the things which make it complex. □ [V n] …a plan to simplify the complex social security system.
sim|plis|tic /s I mpl I st I k/ ADJ A simplistic view or interpretation of something makes it seem much simpler than it really is. □ He has a simplistic view of the treatment of eczema.
simp|ly ◆◆◇ /s I mpli/
1 ADV [ADV before v] You use simply to emphasize that something consists of only one thing, happens for only one reason, or is done in only one way. [EMPHASIS ] □ The table is simply a chipboard circle on a base. □ Most of the damage that's occurred was simply because of fallen trees.
2 ADV [ADV before v, ADV adj] You use simply to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □ This sort of increase simply cannot be justified. □ So many of these questions simply don't have answers.
3 → see also simple SYNONYMS simply ADV 1
just: It's just a suggestion.
merely: Michael is now merely a good friend.
purely: It is a racing machine, designed purely for speed.
only: At the moment it is only a theory.
simu|late /s I mjʊle I t/ (simulates , simulating , simulated )
1 VERB If you simulate an action or a feeling, you pretend that you are doing it or feeling it. □ [V n] They rolled about on the Gilligan Road, simulating a bloodthirsty fight. □ [V -ed] He performed a simulated striptease.
2 VERB If you simulate an object, a substance, or a noise, you produce something that looks or sounds like it. □ [V n] The wood had been painted to simulate stone.
3 VERB If you simulate a set of conditions, you create them artificially, for example in order to conduct an experiment. □ [V n] The scientist developed one model to simulate a full year of the globe's climate. □ [V -ed] Cars are tested to see how much damage they suffer in simulated crashes.
simu|la|tion /s I mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (simulations ) N‑VAR Simulation is the process of simulating something or the result of simulating it. □ [+ of ] Training includes realistic simulation of casualty procedures.
simu|la|tor /s I mjʊle I tə r / (simulators ) N‑COUNT A simulator is a device which artificially creates the effect of being in conditions of some kind. Simulators are used in training people such as pilots or astronauts. □ …pilots practising a difficult landing in a flight simulator.
sim|ul|cast /s I məlkɑːst, -kæst/ (simulcasts , simulcasting ) The form simulcast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. 1 N‑COUNT A simulcast is a programme which is broadcast at the same time on radio and television, or on more than one channel. □ [+ of ] …tonight's simulcast of Verdi's Aida.
2 VERB To simulcast a programme means to broadcast it at the same time on radio and television, or on more than one channel. □ [be V -ed] The show will be simulcast on NBC, Fox and a number of cable networks. [Also V n]
sim|ul|ta|neous /s I məlte I niəs, [AM ] sa I m-/ ADJ Things which are simultaneous happen or exist at the same time. □ …the simultaneous release of the book and the album. □ The theatre will provide simultaneous translation in both English and Chinese. ● sim|ul|ta|neous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The two guns fired almost simultaneously.
sin /s I n/ (sins , sinning , sinned )
1 N‑VAR Sin or a sin is an action or type of behaviour which is believed to break the laws of God. □ The Vatican's teaching on abortion is clear: it is a sin.
2 → see also cardinal sin , mortal sin
3 VERB If you sin , you do something that is believed to break the laws of God. □ [V + against ] The Spanish Inquisition charged him with sinning against God and man. □ [V ] You have sinned and must repent your ways. ● sin|ner /s I nə r / (sinners ) N‑COUNT □ I am a sinner and I need to repent of my sins.
4 N‑COUNT A sin is any action or behaviour that people disapprove of or consider morally wrong. □ The ultimate sin was not infidelity, but public mention which led to scandal.
5 PHRASE If you say that a man and a woman are living in sin , you mean that they are living together as a couple although they are not married. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ She was living in sin with her boyfriend.
6 a multitude of sins → see multitude
si n-bin also sin bin N‑SING In the sports of ice hockey and rugby league, if a player is sent to the sin-bin , they are ordered to leave the playing area for a short period of time because they have done something that is against the rules.
since ◆◆◆ /s I ns/
1 PREP You use since when you are mentioning a time or event in the past and indicating that a situation has continued from then until now. □ Jacques Arnold has been a Member of Parliament since 1987. □ She had a sort of breakdown some years ago, and since then she has been very shy. □ I've been here since the end of June. ● ADV [ADV with v] Since is also an adverb. □ When we first met, we had a row, and we have rowed frequently ever since. ● CONJ Since is also a conjunction. □ I've earned my own living since I was seven, doing all kinds of jobs.
2 PREP You use since to mention a time or event in the past when you are describing an event or situation that has happened after that time. □ The percentage increase in reported crime in England and Wales this year is the highest since the war. □ They were the first band since the Beatles to reach No 1 with each of their first four albums. ● CONJ Since is also a conjunction. □ So much has changed in the sport since I was a teenager. □ Since I have become a mother, the sound of children's voices has lost its charm.
3 ADV [ADV with v] When you are talking about an event or situation in the past, you use since to indicate that another event happened at some point later in time. □ About six thousand people were arrested, several hundred of whom have since been released.
4 PHRASE If you say that something has long since happened, you mean that it happened a long time ago. □ Even though her parents have long since died, she still talks about them in the present tense.
5 CONJ You use since to introduce reasons or explanations. □ I'm forever on a diet, since I put on weight easily.
sin|cere /s I ns I ə r / ADJ If you say that someone is sincere , you approve of them because they really mean the things they say. You can also describe someone's behaviour and beliefs as sincere . [APPROVAL ] □ [+ in ] He's sincere in his views. □ There was a sincere expression of friendliness on both their faces. ● sin|cer|ity /s I nse r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ I was impressed with his deep sincerity.
sin|cere|ly /s I ns I ə r li/
1 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you say or feel something sincerely , you really mean or feel it, and are not pretending. □ 'Congratulations,' he said sincerely. □ 'I sincerely hope we shall meet again', he said. □ He sincerely believed he was acting in both women's best interests.
2 CONVENTION In Britain, people write ' Yours sincerely ' before their signature at the end of a formal letter when they have addressed it to someone by name. In the United States, people usually write ' Sincerely yours ' or ' Sincerely ' instead. □ Yours sincerely, James Brown.
si|necure /s I n I kjʊə r , sa I n-/ (sinecures ) N‑COUNT A sinecure is a job for which you receive payment but which does not involve much work or responsibility. □ She found him an exalted sinecure as a Fellow of the Library of Congress.
sine qua non /s I ni kwɑː noʊ n, [AM ] - nɑː n/ N‑SING A sine qua non is something that is essential if you want to achieve a particular thing. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Successful agricultural reform is also a sine qua non of Mexico's modernisation.
sin|ew /s I njuː/ (sinews ) N‑COUNT A sinew is a cord in your body that connects a muscle to a bone. □ [+ of ] …the sinews of the neck.
sin|ewy /s I njuːi/ ADJ Someone who is sinewy has a lean body with strong muscles. □ A short, sinewy young man.
sin|ful /s I nfʊl/ ADJ If you describe someone or something as sinful , you mean that they are wicked or immoral. □ 'I am a sinful man,' he said. ● sin|ful|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the sinfulness of apartheid.
sing ◆◆◇ /s I ŋ/ (sings , singing , sang , sung )
1 VERB When you sing , you make musical sounds with your voice, usually producing words that fit a tune. □ [V ] I can't sing. □ [V + about ] I sing about love most of the time. □ [V n] They were all singing the same song. □ [V n n] Go on, then, sing us a song! □ [V with quote] 'You're getting to be a habit with me,' sang Eddie.
2 VERB When birds or insects sing , they make pleasant high-pitched sounds. □ [V ] Birds were already singing in the garden.
3 → see also singing
▸ sing along
1 PHRASAL VERB If you sing along with a piece of music, you sing it while you are listening to someone else perform it. □ [V P + with ] We listen to children's shows on the radio, and my little girl can sing along with all the tunes. □ [V P + to ] You can sing along to your favourite Elvis hits. □ [V P ] …fifteen hundred people all singing along and dancing.
2 → see also singalong
sing. Sing. is a written abbreviation for singular .
sing|along /s I nəlɒŋ, [AM ] -lɔːŋ/ (singalongs ) also sing-along N‑COUNT A singalong is an occasion when a group of people sing songs together for pleasure. □ How about a nice sing-along around the piano?
Sin|ga|po|rean /s I ŋgəpɔː riən/ (Singaporeans )
1 ADJ Singaporean means belonging or relating to Singapore, or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT A Singaporean is a person who comes from Singapore.
singe /s I ndʒ/ (singes , singeing , singed ) VERB If you singe something or if it singes , it burns very slightly and changes colour but does not catch fire. □ [V n] The electric fire had begun to singe the bottoms of his trousers. □ [V ] Toast the dried chillies in a hot pan until they start to singe.
sing|er ◆◇◇ /s I ŋə r / (singers ) N‑COUNT A singer is a person who sings, especially as a job. □ My mother was a singer in a dance band. □ She was one of the great opera singers of the century.
si nger-so ngwriter (singer-songwriters ) N‑COUNT A singer-songwriter is someone who writes and performs their own songs, especially popular songs. □ Twenty years ago this singer-songwriter released his first album.
sing|ing /s I ŋ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Singing is the activity of making musical sounds with your voice. □ …a people's carnival, with singing and dancing in the streets. □ [+ of ] …the singing of a traditional hymn. □ She's having singing lessons.
sin|gle ◆◆◆ /s I ŋg ə l/ (singles , singling , singled )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use single to emphasize that you are referring to one thing, and no more than one thing. [EMPHASIS ] □ A single shot rang out. □ Over six hundred people were wounded in a single day. □ She hadn't uttered a single word.
2 ADJ You use single to indicate that you are considering something on its own and separately from other things like it. [EMPHASIS ] □ Every single house in town had been damaged. □ The Middle East is the world's single most important source of oil.
3 ADJ Someone who is single is not married. You can also use single to describe someone who does not have a girlfriend or boyfriend. □ Is it difficult being a single mother? □ Gay men are now eligible to become foster parents whether they are single or have partners.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A single room is a room intended for one person to stay or live in. □ A single room at the Astir Hotel costs £56 a night. ● N‑COUNT Single is also a noun. □ It's £65 for a single, £98 for a double and £120 for an entire suite.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] A single bed is wide enough for one person to sleep in.
6 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A single ticket is a ticket for a journey from one place to another but not back again. [BRIT ] □ The price of a single ticket is thirty-nine pounds. ● N‑COUNT Single is also a noun. □ [+ to ] …a Club Class single to Los Angeles. [in AM, use one-way ]
7 N‑COUNT A single or a CD single is a CD which has a few short songs on it. You can also refer to the main song on a CD as a single . □ The winners will get a chance to release their own single.
8 N‑UNCOUNT Singles is a game of tennis or badminton in which one player plays another. The plural singles can be used to refer to one or more of these matches. □ The British player won the men's singles.
9 → see also single-
10 in single file → see file
▸ single out PHRASAL VERB If you single someone out from a group, you choose them and give them special attention or treatment. □ [V n P ] The gunman had singled Debilly out and waited for him. □ [V n P + for ] His immediate superior has singled him out for a special mention. □ [V P n] We wanted to single out the main threat to civilisation. [Also V P n (not pron) for/as n] [Also V n P + as ] SYNONYMS single ADJ 1
sole: Their sole aim is to destabilize the government.
solitary: …the occasional solitary figure making a study of wildflowers.
lone: He was shot by a lone gunman.
single- /s I ŋg ə l-/ COMB single- is used to form words which describe something that has one part or feature, rather than having two or more of them. □ The single-engine plane landed in western Arizona. □ …a single-track road.
si ngle-brea sted ADJ A single-breasted coat, jacket, or suit fastens in the centre of the chest and has only one row of buttons.
si n|gle crea m N‑UNCOUNT Single cream is thin cream that does not have a lot of fat in it. [BRIT ] in AM, use light cream
si ngle-de cker (single-deckers ) N‑COUNT A single-decker or a single-decker bus is a bus with only one deck. [BRIT ]
si ngle-ha nded ADV [ADV after v] If you do something single-handed , you do it on your own, without help from anyone else. □ I brought up my seven children single-handed.
si ngle-mi nded ADJ Someone who is single-minded has only one aim or purpose and is determined to achieve it. □ …a single-minded determination to win.
si n|gle pa r|ent (single parents ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A single parent is someone who is bringing up a child on their own, because the other parent is not living with them. □ I was bringing up my three children as a single parent. □ …a single-parent household.
si n|gles bar (singles bars ) N‑COUNT In North America, a singles bar is a bar where single people can go in order to drink and meet other single people.
si ngle-se x ADJ [usu ADJ n] At a single-sex school, the pupils are either all boys or all girls. □ Is single-sex education good for girls?
si n|gle su p|plement (single supplements ) also single person supplement N‑COUNT A single supplement is an additional sum of money that a hotel charges for one person to stay in a room meant for two people. □ You can avoid the single supplement by agreeing to share a twin room.
sin|glet /s I ŋglət/ (singlets )
1 N‑COUNT A singlet is a sleeveless sports shirt worn by athletes and boxers. [BRIT ] □ …a grubby running singlet.
2 N‑COUNT A singlet is a plain sleeveless piece of underwear which is worn on the upper half of the body. [BRIT ] □ He was wearing a blue silk singlet and boxer shorts.
sin|gle|ton /s I ŋg ə ltən/ (singletons ) N‑COUNT A singleton is someone who is neither married nor in a long-term relationship. □ Bank is a 38-year-old singleton who grew up in Philadelphia.
sin|gly /s I ŋgli/ ADV [ADV with v] If people do something singly , they each do it on their own, or do it one by one. □ They marched out singly or in pairs.
si ng-song (sing-songs ) also singsong
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A sing-song voice repeatedly rises and falls in pitch. □ He started to speak in a nasal sing-song voice.
2 N‑COUNT A sing-song is an occasion on which a group of people sing songs together for pleasure. [BRIT ]
sin|gu|lar /s I ŋgjʊlə r /
1 ADJ The singular form of a word is the form that is used when referring to one person or thing. □ …the fifteen case endings of the singular form of the Finnish noun. □ The word 'you' can be singular or plural.
2 N‑SING The singular of a noun is the form of it that is used to refer to one person or thing. □ [+ of ] The singular of Inuit is Inuk.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Singular means very great and remarkable. [FORMAL ] □ …a smile of singular sweetness. ● sin|gu|lar|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv] □ It seemed a singularly ill-judged enterprise for him to undertake.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as singular , you mean that they are strange or unusual. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ Cardinal Meschia was without doubt a singular character. □ Where he got that singular notion I just can't think. ● sin|gu|lar|ity /s I ŋgjʊlæ r I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …his abrupt, turbulent style and the singularity of his appearance.
si n|gu|lar nou n (singular nouns ) N‑COUNT A singular noun is a noun such as 'standstill' or 'vicinity' that does not have a plural form and always has a determiner such as 'a' or 'the' in front of it.
sin|is|ter /s I n I stə r / ADJ Something that is sinister seems evil or harmful. □ There was something sinister about him that she found disturbing. WORD HISTORY sinister
In Latin sinister means 'left' or 'on the left-hand side'. The word came to have its 'sinister' meaning because the left side was considered unlucky.
sink ◆◇◇ /s I ŋk/ (sinks , sinking , sank , sunk )
1 N‑COUNT A sink is a large fixed container in a kitchen, with taps to supply water. It is mainly used for washing dishes. □ The sink was full of dirty dishes. □ …the kitchen sink.
2 N‑COUNT A sink is the same as a washbasin or basin . □ The bathroom is furnished with 2 toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks.
3 VERB If a boat sinks or if someone or something sinks it, it disappears below the surface of a mass of water. □ [V n] In a naval battle your aim is to sink the enemy's ship. □ [V ] The boat was beginning to sink fast. □ [V -ing] The lifeboat crashed against the side of the sinking ship. ● sink|ing (sinkings ) N‑COUNT □ [+ of ] …the sinking of the Titanic.
4 VERB If something sinks , it disappears below the surface of a mass of water. □ [V ] A fresh egg will sink and an old egg will float.
5 VERB If something sinks , it moves slowly downwards. □ [V ] Far off to the west the sun was sinking.
6 VERB If something sinks to a lower level or standard, it falls to that level or standard. □ [V ] Share prices would have sunk–hurting small and big investors. □ [V + to/from/by ] Pay increases have sunk to around seven per cent. □ [V amount] The pound sank by nearly one per cent against the US dollar.
7 ADJ [ADJ n] People use sink school or sink estate to refer to a school or housing estate that is in a very poor area with few resources. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ …unemployed teenagers from sink estates.
8 VERB If your heart or your spirits sink , you become depressed or lose hope. □ [V ] My heart sank because I thought he was going to dump me for another girl.
9 VERB If something sharp sinks or is sunk into something solid, it goes deeply into it. □ [V n + into ] I sank my teeth into a peppermint cream. □ [V + into ] The spade sank into a clump of overgrown bushes.
10 VERB If someone sinks a well, mine, or other large hole, they make a deep hole in the ground, usually by digging or drilling. □ [V n] …the site where Stephenson sank his first mineshaft.
11 VERB If you sink money into a business or project, you spend money on it in the hope of making more money. □ [V n + into ] He has already sunk $25million into the project.
12 → see also sinking , sunk
13 PHRASE If you say that someone will have to sink or swim , you mean that they will have to succeed through their own efforts, or fail. □ The government doesn't want to force inefficient firms to sink or swim too quickly.
14 to sink without trace → see trace
▸ sink in PHRASAL VERB When a statement or fact sinks in , you finally understand or realize it fully. □ [V P ] The implication took a while to sink in.
sink|er /s I ŋkə r / PHRASE You can use hook, line, and sinker to emphasize that someone is tricked or forced into a situation completely. [EMPHASIS ] □ We fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
sink|ing /s I ŋk I ŋ/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] If you have a sinking feeling, you suddenly become depressed or lose hope. □ I began to have a sinking feeling that I was not going to get rid of her.
2 → see also sink
Sino- /sa I noʊ-/ COMB [ADJ n] Sino- is added to adjectives indicating nationality to form adjectives which describe relations between China and another country. □ …Sino-Vietnamese friendship.
sinu|ous /s I njʊəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is sinuous moves with smooth twists and turns. [LITERARY ] □ …the silent, sinuous approach of a snake through the long grass.
si|nus /sa I nəs/ (sinuses ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Your sinuses are the spaces in the bone behind your nose. □ I still suffer from catarrh and sinus problems.
si|nusi|tis /sa I nəsa I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT If you have sinusitis , the layer of flesh inside your sinuses is swollen and painful, which can cause headaches and a blocked nose.
SUFFIX -sion
forms nouns that refer to a state or process, or to an instance of that process. For example, expansion is the process of expanding.
sip /s I p/ (sips , sipping , sipped )
1 VERB If you sip a drink or sip at it, you drink by taking just a small amount at a time. □ [V n] Jessica sipped her drink thoughtfully. □ [V + at/from ] He sipped at the glass and then put it down. □ [V ] He lifted the water-bottle to his lips and sipped.
2 N‑COUNT A sip is a small amount of drink that you take into your mouth. □ [+ of ] Harry took a sip of bourbon.
si|phon /sa I f ə n/ (siphons , siphoning , siphoned ) also syphon
1 VERB If you siphon liquid from a container, you make it come out through a tube and down into a lower container by enabling gravity to push it out. □ [V n prep] She puts a piece of plastic tubing in her mouth and starts siphoning gas from a huge metal drum. [Also V n] ● PHRASAL VERB Siphon off means the same as siphon . □ [V P n] Surgeons siphoned off fluid from his left lung. [Also V n P ]
2 N‑COUNT A siphon is a tube that you use for siphoning liquid.
3 VERB If you siphon money or resources from something, you cause them to be used for a purpose for which they were not intended. □ [V n prep] He had siphoned thousands of pounds a week from the failing business. ● PHRASAL VERB Siphon off means the same as siphon . □ [V P n] He had siphoned off a small fortune in aid money from the United Nations. [Also V n P ]
sir ◆◆◇ /sɜː r / (sirs )
1 N‑COUNT People sometimes say sir as a very formal and polite way of addressing a man whose name they do not know or a man of superior rank. For example, a shop assistant might address a male customer as sir . [POLITENESS ] □ Excuse me sir, but would you mind telling me what sort of car that is? □ Good afternoon to you, sir.
2 N‑TITLE Sir is the title used in front of the name of a knight or baronet. □ She introduced me to Sir Tobias and Lady Clarke.
3 CONVENTION You use the expression Dear sir at the beginning of a formal letter or a business letter when you are writing to a man. You use Dear sirs when you are writing to an organization. □ Dear Sir, Your letter of the 9th October has been referred to us.
sire /sa I ə r / (sires , siring , sired ) VERB When a male animal, especially a horse, sires a young animal, he makes a female pregnant so that she gives birth to it. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] Comet also sired the champion foal out of Spinway Harvest.
si|ren /sa I ə rən/ (sirens )
1 N‑COUNT A siren is a warning device which makes a long, loud noise. Most fire engines, ambulances, and police cars have sirens. □ It sounds like an air raid siren.
2 N‑COUNT Some people refer to a woman as a siren when they think that she is attractive to men but dangerous in some way. [LITERARY ] □ He depicts her as a siren who has drawn him to his ruin. WORD HISTORY siren
The Sirens in Greek mythology were female sea spirits with beautiful voices who sang to tempt sailors to their deaths on the rocks where they lived.
sir|loin /sɜː r lɔ I n/ (sirloins ) N‑VAR A sirloin is a piece of beef which is cut from the bottom and side parts of a cow's back. □ …sirloin steaks.
si|sal /sa I z ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Sisal is the fibre from the leaves of a plant that is grown in the West Indies, South America, and Africa. Sisal is used to make rope, cord, and mats.
sis|sy /s I si/ (sissies ) also cissy N‑COUNT Some people, especially men, describe a boy as a sissy when they disapprove of him because he does not like rough, physical activities or is afraid to do things which might be dangerous. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ They were rough kids, and thought we were sissies.
sis|ter ◆◆◆ /s I stə r / (sisters )
1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Your sister is a girl or woman who has the same parents as you. □ His sister Sarah helped him. □ [+ of ] …Vanessa Bell, the sister of Virginia Woolf. □ I didn't know you had a sister.
2 → see also half-sister , stepsister
3 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Sister is a title given to a woman who belongs to a religious community. □ Sister Francesca entered the chapel. □ [+ of ] …the Hospice of the Sisters of Charity at Lourdes.
4 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A sister is a senior female nurse who supervises part of a hospital. [BRIT ] □ Ask to speak to the sister on the ward. □ Sister Middleton followed the coffee trolley.
5 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] You can describe a woman as your sister if you feel a connection with her, for example because she belongs to the same race, religion, country, or profession. □ Modern woman has been freed from many of the duties that befell her sisters in times past.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use sister to describe something that is of the same type or is connected in some way to another thing you have mentioned. For example, if a company has a sister company, they are connected. □ …the International Monetary Fund and its sister organisation, the World Bank.
sis|ter|hood /s I stə r hʊd/ N‑UNCOUNT Sisterhood is the affection and loyalty that women feel for other women who they have something in common with. □ There was a degree of solidarity and sisterhood among the women.
si ster-in-law (sisters-in-law ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's sister-in-law is the sister of their husband or wife, or the woman who is married to one of their siblings.
sis|ter|ly /s I stə r li/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A woman's sisterly feelings are the feelings of love and loyalty which you expect a sister to show. □ Bernadette gave him a shy, sisterly kiss.
sit ◆◆◆ /s I t/ (sits , sitting , sat )
1 VERB If you are sitting somewhere, for example in a chair, your bottom is resting on the chair and the upper part of your body is upright. □ [V prep/adv] Mother was sitting in her chair in the kitchen. □ [V prep/adv] They sat there in shock and disbelief. □ [V ] They had been sitting watching television. □ [V adj] He was unable to sit still for longer than a few minutes. [Also V ]
2 VERB When you sit somewhere, you lower your body until you are sitting on something. □ [V prep/adv] He set the cases against a wall and sat on them. □ [V ] When you stand, they stand; when you sit, they sit. ● PHRASAL VERB Sit down means the same as sit . □ [V P ] I sat down, stunned. □ [V P prep/adv] Hughes beckoned him to sit down on the sofa.
3 VERB If you sit someone somewhere, you tell them to sit there or put them in a sitting position. □ [V n prep/adv] He used to sit me on his lap. ● PHRASAL VERB To sit someone down somewhere means to sit them there. □ [V n P prep/adv] She helped him out of the water and sat him down on the rock. □ [V n P ] They sat me down and had a serious discussion about sex. [Also V P n (not pron)]
4 VERB If you sit an examination, you do it. [BRIT ] □ [V n] June and July are the traditional months for sitting exams. in AM, use take 5 VERB [no cont] If you sit on a committee or other official group, you are a member of it. □ [V + on ] He was asked to sit on numerous committees.
6 VERB When a parliament, legislature, court, or other official body sits , it officially carries out its work. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] Parliament sits for only 28 weeks out of 52.
7 VERB If a building or object sits in a particular place, it is in that place. [WRITTEN ] □ [V prep/adv] Our new house sat next to a stream. □ [V prep/adv] On the table sat a box decorated with little pearl triangles.
8 → see also sitting
9 PHRASE If you sit tight , you remain in the same place or situation and do not take any action, usually because you are waiting for something to happen. □ Sit tight. I'll be right back.
10 to sit on the fence → see fence
▸ sit around in BRIT, also use sit about PHRASAL VERB If you sit around or sit about , you spend time doing nothing useful or interesting. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] Eve isn't the type to sit around doing nothing.
▸ sit back PHRASAL VERB If you sit back while something is happening, you relax and do not become involved in it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] They didn't have to do anything except sit back and enjoy life.
▸ sit by PHRASAL VERB If you sit by while something wrong or illegal is happening, you allow it to happen and do not do anything about it. □ [V P ] We can't just sit by and watch you throw your life away.
▸ sit down
1 → see sit 2 , sit 3
2 PHRASAL VERB If you sit down and do something, you spend time and effort doing it in order to try to achieve something. □ [V P ] Have you both sat down and worked out a budget together?
3 → see also sit-down
▸ sit in on PHRASAL VERB If you sit in on a lesson, meeting, or discussion, you are present while it is taking place but do not take part in it. □ [V P P n] Will they permit you to sit in on a few classes?
▸ sit on PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone is sitting on something, you mean that they are delaying dealing with it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] He had been sitting on the document for at least two months.
▸ sit out PHRASAL VERB If you sit something out , you wait for it to finish, without taking any action. □ [V n P ] The only thing I can do is keep quiet and sit this one out. □ [V P n] He can afford to sit out the property slump.
▸ sit through PHRASAL VERB If you sit through something such as a film, lecture, or meeting, you stay until it is finished although you are not enjoying it. □ [V P n] …movies so bad you can hardly bear to sit through them.
▸ sit up
1 PHRASAL VERB If you sit up , you move into a sitting position when you have been leaning back or lying down. □ [V P ] Her head spins dizzily as soon as she sits up.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you sit someone up , you move them into a sitting position when they have been leaning back or lying down. □ [V n P ] She sat him up and made him comfortable. [Also V P n (not pron)]
3 PHRASAL VERB If you sit up , you do not go to bed although it is very late. □ [V P ] We sat up drinking and talking.
4 → see also sit-up COLLOCATIONS sit VERB 1
sit + adverb : comfortably, idly, patiently, quietly; uneasily
si|tar /s I tɑː r / (sitars ) N‑VAR A sitar is an Indian musical instrument with two layers of strings, a long neck, and a round body.
sit|com /s I tkɒm/ (sitcoms ) N‑COUNT A sitcom is an amusing television drama series about a set of characters. Sitcom is an abbreviation for 'situation comedy'.
si t-down
1 N‑SING If you have a sit-down , you sit down and rest for a short time. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ All he wanted was a cup of tea and a sit-down.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A sit-down meal is served to people sitting at tables. □ A sit-down dinner was followed by a disco.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] In a sit-down protest, people refuse to leave a place until they get what they want. □ Teachers staged a sit-down protest in front of the president's office.
site ◆◆◇ /sa I t/ (sites , siting , sited )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A site is a piece of ground that is used for a particular purpose or where a particular thing happens. □ He became a hod carrier on a building site. □ …a bat sanctuary with special nesting sites.
2 N‑COUNT The site of an important event is the place where it happened. □ [+ of ] …the site of the worst ecological disaster on Earth.
3 N‑COUNT A site is a piece of ground where something such as a statue or building stands or used to stand. □ [+ of ] …the site of Moses' tomb.
4 N‑COUNT A site is the same as a website .
5 VERB [usu passive] If something is sited in a particular place or position, it is put there or built there. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] He said chemical weapons had never been sited in this country. □ [V -ed] …a damp, old castle, romantically sited on a river estuary. ● sit|ing N‑SING □ [+ of ] …controls on the siting of gas storage vessels.
6 PHRASE If someone or something is on site , they are in a particular area or group of buildings where people work, study, or stay. □ It is cheaper to have extra building work done when the builder is on site.
7 PHRASE If someone or something is off site , they are away from a particular area or group of buildings where people work, study, or stay. □ There is ample car parking off site. SYNONYMS site NOUN
1
area: …a picnic area.
plot: I thought I'd buy myself a small plot of land and build a house on it.
ground: …a stretch of waste ground.
patch: …a patch of land covered in forest.
2
location: The first thing he looked at was his office's location.
place: …Temple Mount, the place where the Temple actually stood.
setting: The house is in a lovely setting in the Malvern hills.
spot: They stayed at several of the island's top tourist spots.
si te map (site maps ) N‑COUNT A site map is a plan of a website showing what is on it and providing links to the different sections. [COMPUTING ]
si t-in (sit-ins ) N‑COUNT A sit-in is a protest in which people go to a public place and stay there for a long time. [BUSINESS ] □ The campaigners held a sit-in outside the Supreme Court.
sit|ter /s I tə r / (sitters ) N‑COUNT A sitter is the same as a babysit .
sit|ting /s I t I ŋ/ (sittings )
1 N‑COUNT A sitting is one of the periods when a meal is served when there is not enough space for everyone to eat at the same time. □ Dinner was in two sittings.
2 N‑COUNT A sitting of a parliament, legislature, court, or other official body is one of the occasions when it meets in order to carry out its work. □ [+ of ] …the recent emergency sittings of the U.N. Security Council.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] A sitting president or member of parliament is a present one, not a future or past one. □ …the greatest clash in our history between a sitting president and an ex-president.
4 → see also sit
si t|ting du ck (sitting ducks ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a sitting duck , you mean that they are easy to attack, cheat, or take advantage of. [INFORMAL ] □ Nancy knew she'd be a sitting duck when she raised the trap door.
si t|ting room (sitting rooms ) also sitting-room N‑COUNT A sitting room is a room in a house where people sit and relax. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use living room
si t|ting ta r|get (sitting targets ) N‑COUNT A sitting target is the same as a sitting duck . □ [+ for ] They know they are a sitting target for the press.
si t|ting te n|ant (sitting tenants ) N‑COUNT A sitting tenant is a person who rents a house or flat as their home and has a legal right to live there. [BRIT ] □ 1.4 million council homes have been sold, mostly to sitting tenants.
situ|ate /s I tʃue I t/ (situates , situating , situated ) VERB If you situate something such as an idea or fact in a particular context, you relate it to that context, especially in order to understand it better. [FORMAL ] □ [V n adv/prep] She situates Autumn Sequel in the context of post-war disillusionment.
situ|at|ed /s I tʃue I t I d/ ADJ [adv ADJ ] If something is situated in a particular place or position, it is in that place or position. □ [+ in ] His hotel is situated in one of the loveliest places on the Loire.
situa|tion ◆◆◆ /s I tʃue I ʃ ə n/ (situations )
1 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] You use situation to refer generally to what is happening in a particular place at a particular time, or to refer to what is happening to you. □ Army officers said the situation was under control. □ She's in a hopeless situation.
2 N‑COUNT The situation of a building or town is the kind of surroundings that it has. [FORMAL ] □ The garden is in a beautiful situation.
3 PHRASE Situations Vacant is the title of a column or page in a newspaper where jobs are advertised. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use Employment
si tua|tion co m|edy (situation comedies ) N‑VAR A situation comedy is an amusing television drama series about a set of characters. The abbreviation sitcom is also used. □ …a situation comedy that was set in an acupuncture clinic.
si t-up (sit-ups ) in AM, also use situp N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sit-ups are exercises that you do to strengthen your stomach muscles. They involve sitting up from a lying position while keeping your legs straight on the floor.
six ◆◆◆ /s I ks/ (sixes ) NUM Six is the number 6. □ …a glorious career spanning more than six decades.
si x-foo ter (six-footers ) N‑COUNT Someone who is six foot tall can be called a six-footer . [INFORMAL ]
si x-pack (six-packs )
1 N‑COUNT A six-pack is a pack containing six bottles or cans sold together. □ [+ of ] He picked up a six-pack of Coke.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] If a man has a six-pack , his stomach muscles are very well developed. □ He has a six-pack stomach and is extremely well-proportioned.
six|pence /s I kspəns/ (sixpences ) N‑COUNT A sixpence is a small silver coin which was used in Britain before the decimal money system was introduced in 1971. It was the equivalent of 2.5 pence. [BRIT ]
si x-shooter (six-shooters ) N‑COUNT A six-shooter is a small gun that holds six bullets.
six|teen ◆◆◆ /s I kstiː n/ (sixteens ) NUM Sixteen is the number 16. □ …exams taken at the age of sixteen. □ He worked sixteen hours a day.
six|teenth ◆◆◇ /s I kstiː nθ/ (sixteenths )
1 ORD The sixteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number sixteen. □ …the sixteenth century AD.
2 FRACTION A sixteenth is one of sixteen equal parts of something. □ …a sixteenth of a second.
sixth ◆◆◇ /s I ksθ/ (sixths )
1 ORD The sixth item in a series is the one that you count as number six. □ …the sixth round of the World Cup. □ …the sixth of December.
2 FRACTION A sixth is one of six equal parts of something. □ The company yesterday shed a sixth of its workforce. □ …five-sixths of a mile.
si xth form (sixth forms ) also sixth-form N‑COUNT [usu sing] The sixth form in a British school consists of the classes that pupils go to from 16 to 18 years of age, usually in order to study for A levels. □ She was offered her first modelling job while she was still in the sixth-form.
si xth for|mer (sixth formers ) also sixth-former N‑COUNT A sixth former is a pupil who is in the sixth form at a British school.
si xth se nse N‑SING If you say that someone has a sixth sense , you mean that they seem to have a natural ability to know about things before other people, or to know things that other people do not know. □ [+ for ] The interesting thing about O'Reilly is his sixth sense for finding people who have good ideas.
six|ti|eth ◆◆◇ /s I kstiəθ/ ORD The sixtieth item in a series is the one that you count as number sixty. □ He is to retire on his sixtieth birthday.
six|ty ◆◆◆ /s I ksti/ (sixties )
1 NUM Sixty is the number 60. □ …the sunniest April in Britain for more than sixty years.
2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the sixties , you are referring to numbers between 60 and 69. For example, if you are in your sixties , you are aged between 60 and 69. If the temperature is in the sixties , it is between 60 and 69 degrees. □ …a lively widow in her sixties.
3 N‑PLURAL The sixties is the decade between 1960 and 1969. □ Fewer couples marry now than did in the Sixties and early Seventies.
si x-ya rd bo x N‑SING On a football pitch, the six-yard box is the rectangular area marked in front of the goal.
siz|able /sa I zəb ə l/ → see sizeable
size ◆◆◇ /sa I z/ (sizes , sizing , sized )
1 N‑VAR The size of something is how big or small it is. Something's size is determined by comparing it to other things, counting it, or measuring it. □ [+ of ] Scientists have found the bones of a hoofed grazing animal about the size of a small horse. □ [+ of ] In 1970 the average size of a French farm was 19 hectares. □ …shelves containing books of various sizes.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The size of something is the fact that it is very large. □ [+ of ] He knows the size of the task. □ Jack walked around the hotel and was mesmerized by its sheer size.
3 N‑COUNT A size is one of a series of graded measurements, especially for things such as clothes or shoes. □ My sister is the same height but only a size 12. □ I tried them on and they were the right size.
▸ size up PHRASAL VERB If you size up a person or situation, you carefully look at the person or think about the situation, so that you can decide how to act. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Some U.S. manufacturers have been sizing up the U.K. as a possible market for their clothes. □ [V n P ] He spent the evening sizing me up intellectually.
-size /-sa I z/ or -sized
1 COMB You can use -size or -sized in combination with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something is the same size as something else. □ …golfball-sized lumps of coarse black rock.
2 COMB You can use -size or -sized in combination with adjectives to form adjectives which describe the size of something. □ …full-size gymnasiums. □ …a medium-sized college.
3 COMB You can use -size or -sized in combination with nouns to form adjectives which indicate that something is big enough or small enough to be suitable for a particular job or purpose. □ …a small passport-size photograph. □ …a child-sized knife.
size|able /sa I zəb ə l/ also sizable ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sizeable means fairly large. □ Harry inherited the house and a sizeable chunk of land.
-sized /-sa I zd/ → see -size
siz|zle /s I z ə l/ (sizzles , sizzling , sizzled ) VERB If something such as hot oil or fat sizzles , it makes hissing sounds. □ [V ] The sausages and burgers sizzled on the barbecue. □ [V -ing] …a frying pan of sizzling oil.
skate /ske I t/ (skates , skating , skated )
1 N‑COUNT Skates are ice-skates.
2 N‑COUNT Skates are roller-skates.
3 VERB If you skate , you move about wearing ice-skates or roller-skates. □ [V ] I actually skated, and despite some teetering I did not fall on the ice. □ [V adv/prep] Dan skated up to him. [Also V n] ● skat|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ They all went skating together in the winter. ● skat|er (skaters ) N‑COUNT □ West Lake, an outdoor ice-skating rink, attracts skaters during the day and night.
4 N‑COUNT A skate is a kind of flat sea fish. □ Boats had plenty of mackerel and a few skate. ● N‑UNCOUNT Skate is this fish eaten as food.
5 VERB If you skate over or round a difficult subject, you avoid discussing it. □ [V + over ] Scientists have tended to skate over the difficulties of explaining dreams. □ [V + round/around ] When pressed, he skates around the subject of those women who he met as a 19-year-old.
skate|board /ske I tbɔː r d/ (skateboards ) N‑COUNT A skateboard is a narrow board with wheels at each end, which people stand on and ride for pleasure.
skate|board|er /ske I tbɔː r də r / (skateboarders ) N‑COUNT A skateboarder is someone who rides on a skateboard.
skate|board|ing /ske I tbɔː r d I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Skateboarding is the activity of riding on a skateboard.
skate|park /ske I tpɑː r k/ (skateparks ) N‑COUNT A skatepark is an area that is designed for people to practise skateboarding.
ska t|ing rink (skating rinks ) N‑COUNT A skating rink is the same as a rink .
skein /ske I n/ (skeins ) N‑COUNT A skein is a length of thread, especially wool or silk, wound loosely round on itself. □ [+ of ] …a skein of wool.
skel|etal /ske l I t ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Skeletal means relating to the bones in your body. □ …the skeletal remains of seven adults. □ …the skeletal system.
2 ADJ A skeletal person is so thin that you can see their bones through their skin. □ …a hospital filled with skeletal children.
3 ADJ Something that is skeletal has been reduced to its basic structure. □ Passenger services can best be described as skeletal.
skel|eton /ske l I t ə n/ (skeletons )
1 N‑COUNT Your skeleton is the framework of bones in your body. □ …a human skeleton.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A skeleton staff is the smallest number of staff necessary in order to run an organization or service. □ Only a skeleton staff remains to show anyone interested around the site.
3 N‑COUNT The skeleton of something such as a building or a plan is its basic framework. □ [+ of ] Only skeletons of buildings remained.
4 PHRASE If you say that someone has a skeleton in the closet , or in British English a skeleton in the cupboard , you mean that they are keeping secret a bad or embarrassing fact about themselves. □ On accepting the job, Maya assured her employers that she had no skeletons in the cupboard.
ske l|eton key (skeleton keys ) N‑COUNT A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.
skep|tic /ske pt I k/ → see sceptic
skep|ti|cal /ske pt I k ə l/ → see sceptical
skep|ti|cism /ske pt I s I zəm/ → see scepticism
sketch /ske tʃ/ (sketches , sketching , sketched )
1 N‑COUNT A sketch is a drawing that is done quickly without a lot of details. Artists often use sketches as a preparation for a more detailed painting or drawing. □ [+ of ] …a sketch of a soldier by Orpen.
2 VERB If you sketch something, you make a quick, rough drawing of it. □ [V n] Clare and David Astor are sketching a view of far Spanish hills. □ [V ] I always sketch with pen and paper.
3 N‑COUNT A sketch of a situation, person, or incident is a brief description of it without many details. □ [+ of ] …thumbnail sketches of heads of state and political figures.
4 VERB If you sketch a situation or incident, you give a short description of it, including only the most important facts. □ [V n] Cross sketched the story briefly, telling the facts just as they had happened. ● PHRASAL VERB Sketch out means the same as sketch . □ [V P n] Initially you only need to submit a proposal which briefly sketches out your ideas.
5 N‑COUNT A sketch is a short humorous piece of acting, usually forming part of a comedy show. □ [+ about ] …a five-minute sketch about a folk singer.
sketch|book /ske tʃbʊk/ (sketchbooks ) also sketch-book N‑COUNT A sketchbook is a book of plain paper for drawing on.
sketch|pad /ske tʃpæd/ (sketchpads ) also sketch-pad N‑COUNT A sketchpad is the same as a sketchbook .
sketchy /ske tʃi/ (sketchier , sketchiest ) ADJ Sketchy information about something does not include many details and is therefore incomplete or inadequate. □ Details of what actually happened are still sketchy.
skew /skjuː / (skews , skewing , skewed ) VERB If something is skewed , it is changed or affected to some extent by a new or unusual factor, and so is not correct or normal. □ [be V -ed] The arithmetic of nuclear running costs has been skewed by the fall in the cost of other fuels. □ [V n] Today's election will skew the results in favor of the northern end of the county.
skew|er /skjuː ə r / (skewers , skewering , skewered )
1 N‑COUNT A skewer is a long metal pin which is used to hold pieces of food together during cooking.
2 VERB If you skewer something, you push a long, thin, pointed object through it. □ [V n prep] He skewered his victim through the neck. □ [V -ed] …skewered chicken with vegetables.
ski ◆◇◇ /skiː / (skis , skiing , skied )
1 N‑COUNT Skis are long, flat, narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic that are fastened to boots so that you can move easily on snow or water. □ …a pair of skis.
2 VERB When people ski , they move over snow or water on skis. □ [V ] They surf, ski and ride. □ [V adv/prep] The whole party then skied off. ● ski|er /skiː ə r / (skiers ) N‑COUNT □ He is an enthusiastic skier. ● ski|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □ My hobbies were skiing and scuba diving. □ …a skiing holiday.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ski to refer to things that are concerned with skiing. □ …the Swiss ski resort of Klosters. □ …a private ski instructor.
4 → see also water-ski
skid /sk I d/ (skids , skidding , skidded ) VERB If a vehicle skids , it slides sideways or forwards while moving, for example when you are trying to stop it suddenly on a wet road. □ [V ] The car pulled up too fast and skidded on the dusty shoulder of the road. □ [V prep] The plane skidded off the runway while taking off in a snow storm. ● N‑COUNT Skid is also a noun. □ I slammed the brakes on and went into a skid.
skid row /sk I d roʊ / also Skid Row N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] You can refer to the poorest part of town, where drunks and homeless people live, as skid row . [mainly AM ] □ He became a skid row type of drunkard.
skiff /sk I f/ (skiffs ) N‑COUNT A skiff is a small light rowing boat or sailing boat, which usually has room for only one person.
skif|fle /sk I f ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Skiffle is a type of music, popular in the 1950s, played by a small group using household objects as well as guitars and drums.
ski jump (ski jumps ) N‑COUNT A ski jump is a specially-built steep slope covered in snow whose lower end curves upwards. People ski down it and go into the air at the end.
skil|ful /sk I lfʊl/ in AM, use skillful ADJ Someone who is skilful at something does it very well. □ He is widely regarded as Hungary's most skilful politician. ● skil|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He had a clear idea of his company's strengths and skilfully exploited them.
ski lift (ski lifts ) also ski-lift N‑COUNT A ski lift is a machine for taking people to the top of a slope so that they can ski down it. It consists of a series of seats hanging down from a moving wire.
skill ◆◆◇ /sk I l/ (skills )
1 N‑COUNT A skill is a type of work or activity which requires special training and knowledge. □ Most of us will know someone who is always learning new skills, or studying new fields.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Skill is the knowledge and ability that enables you to do something well. □ [+ of ] The cut of a diamond depends on the skill of its craftsman.
skilled /sk I ld/
1 ADJ Someone who is skilled has the knowledge and ability to do something well. □ [+ in/at ] Not all doctors are skilled in helping their patients make choices.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Skilled work can only be done by people who have had some training. □ New industries demanded skilled labour not available locally.
skil|let /sk I l I t/ (skillets ) N‑COUNT A skillet is a shallow iron pan which is used for frying.
skill|ful /sk I lfʊl/ → see skilful
skim /sk I m/ (skims , skimming , skimmed )
1 VERB If you skim something from the surface of a liquid, you remove it. □ [V n + off/from ] Rough seas today prevented specially equipped ships from skimming oil off the water's surface. □ [V n with off ] Skim off the fat.
2 VERB If something skims a surface, it moves quickly along just above it. □ [V n] …seagulls skimming the waves. □ [V + over/across ] The little boat was skimming across the sunlit surface of the bay.
3 VERB If you skim a piece of writing, you read through it quickly. □ [V n] He skimmed the pages quickly, then read them again more carefully. □ [V + through ] I only had time to skim through the script before I flew over here.
▸ skim off PHRASAL VERB If someone skims off the best part of something, or money which belongs to other people, they take it for themselves. □ [V n P n] He has been accused of skimming the cream off the economy. □ [V P n] Rich football clubs such cannot simply skim off all the big stars.
ski mmed mi lk in AM, usually use skim milk N‑UNCOUNT Skimmed milk is milk from which the cream has been removed.
skimp /sk I mp/ (skimps , skimping , skimped ) VERB If you skimp on something, you use less time, money, or material for it than you really need, so that the result is not good enough. □ [V + on ] Many families must skimp on their food and other necessities just to meet the monthly rent.
skimpy /sk I mpi/ (skimpier , skimpiest ) ADJ Something that is skimpy is too small in size or quantity. □ …skimpy underwear.
skin ◆◆◇ /sk I n/ (skins , skinning , skinned )
1 N‑VAR Your skin is the natural covering of your body. □ His skin is clear and smooth. □ There are three major types of skin cancer. □ The only difference between us is the colour of our skins.
2 N‑VAR An animal skin is skin which has been removed from a dead animal. Skins are used to make things such as coats and rugs. □ That was real crocodile skin.
3 N‑VAR The skin of a fruit or vegetable is its outer layer or covering. □ [+ of ] The outer skin of the orange is called the 'zest'. □ …banana skins.
4 N‑SING If a skin forms on the surface of a liquid, a thin, fairly solid layer forms on it. □ Stir the custard occasionally to prevent a skin forming.
5 VERB If you skin a dead animal, you remove its skin. □ [V n] …with the expertise of a chef skinning a rabbit.
6 → see also -skinned , banana skin
7 PHRASE If you do something by the skin of your teeth , you just manage to do it. □ He won, but only by the skin of his teeth.
8 PHRASE If you say that someone has a thick skin , you mean that they are able to listen to criticism about themselves without becoming offended. □ You need a thick skin to be a headmaster.
9 to make your skin crawl → see crawl
ski n care also skincare N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Skin care involves keeping your skin clean, healthy-looking, and attractive. □ …a unique range of natural skincare products.
ski n dee p also skin-deep ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is only skin deep is not a major or important feature of something, although it may appear to be. □ Beauty is only skin deep.
skin|flint /sk I nfl I nt/ (skinflints ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a skinflint , you are saying that they are a mean person who hates spending money. [DISAPPROVAL ]
skin|head /sk I nhed/ (skinheads ) N‑COUNT A skinhead is a young person whose hair is shaved or cut very short. Skinheads are usually regarded as violent and aggressive. [BRIT ]
skin|less /sk I nləs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Skinless meat has had its skin removed. □ …skinless chicken breast fillets.
-skinned /-sk I nd/ COMB -skinned is used after adjectives such as 'dark' and 'clear' to form adjectives that indicate what kind of skin someone has. □ Dark-skinned people rarely develop skin cancer. □ She was smooth-skinned and pretty.
skin|ny /sk I ni/ (skinnier , skinniest ) ADJ A skinny person is extremely thin, often in a way that you find unattractive. [INFORMAL ] □ He was quite a skinny little boy.
ski nny-dip (skinny-dips , skinny-dipping , skinny-dipped ) also skinny dip VERB If you skinny-dip , you go swimming with no clothes on. [INFORMAL ] □ [V ] They used to take off their clothes and go skinny dipping in the creek.
skint /sk I nt/ ADJ If you say that you are skint , you mean that you have no money. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ I'm skint! Lend us a tenner.
ski n-ti ght also skintight ADJ [usu ADJ n] Skin-tight clothes fit very tightly so that they show the shape of your body. □ …the youth with the slicked down hair and skin-tight trousers.
skip /sk I p/ (skips , skipping , skipped )
1 VERB If you skip along, you move almost as if you are dancing, with a series of little jumps from one foot to the other. □ [V adv/prep] They saw the man with a little girl skipping along behind him. □ [V ] She was skipping to keep up with him. ● N‑COUNT Skip is also a noun. □ The boxer gave a little skip as he came out of his corner.
2 VERB When someone skips , they jump up and down over a rope which they or two other people are holding at each end and turning round and round. In American English, you say that someone skips rope . [mainly BRIT ] □ [V ] Outside, children were skipping and singing a rhyme. □ [V n] They skip rope and play catch, waiting for the bell. ● skip|ping N‑UNCOUNT □ Skipping is one of the most enjoyable aerobic activities.
3 VERB If you skip something that you usually do or something that most people do, you decide not to do it. □ [V n] It is important not to skip meals. □ [V n] Her daughter started skipping school.
4 VERB If you skip or skip over a part of something you are reading or a story you are telling, you miss it out or pass over it quickly and move on to something else. □ [V n] You might want to skip the exercises in this chapter. □ [V + over ] Here it must be noted that Cook skips over the ravages inflicted by the conquistadors. [Also V + to ]
5 VERB If you skip from one subject or activity to another, you move quickly from one to the other although there is no obvious connection between them. □ [V from n to n] She kept up a continuous chatter, skipping from one subject to the next.
6 N‑COUNT A skip is a large, open, metal container which is used to hold and take away large unwanted items and rubbish. [BRIT ] in AM, use dumpster
skip|per /sk I pə r / (skippers , skippering , skippered )
1 N‑COUNT You can use skipper to refer to the captain of a ship or boat. □ [+ of ] …the skipper of an English fishing boat. □ Gunfire, skipper!
2 N‑COUNT You can use skipper to refer to the captain of a sports team. □ The England skipper is confident.
3 VERB To skipper a team or a boat means to be the captain of it. □ [V n] He skippered the second Rugby XV.
ski p|ping rope (skipping ropes ) in AM, use skip rope N‑COUNT A skipping rope or skip rope is a piece of rope, usually with handles at each end. You exercise or play with it by turning it round and round and jumping over it.
skir|mish /skɜː r m I ʃ/ (skirmishes , skirmishing , skirmished )
1 N‑COUNT A skirmish is a minor battle. □ [+ between ] Border skirmishes between the two countries were common. [Also + with ]
2 VERB If people skirmish , they fight. □ [V ] They were skirmishing close to the minefield now. □ [V + with ] Police skirmished with youths on the estate last Friday.
skirt /skɜː r t/ (skirts , skirting , skirted )
1 N‑COUNT A skirt is a piece of clothing worn by women and girls. It fastens at the waist and hangs down around the legs.
2 VERB Something that skirts an area is situated around the edge of it. □ [V n] We raced across a large field that skirted the slope of a hill.
3 VERB If you skirt something, you go around the edge of it. □ [V n] We shall be skirting the island on our way. □ [V + round/around ] She skirted round the edge of the room to the door.
4 VERB If you skirt a problem or question, you avoid dealing with it. □ [V n] He skirted the hardest issues, concentrating on areas of possible agreement. □ [V + round/around ] He skirted round his main differences with her.
ski rt|ing board (skirting boards ) N‑VAR Skirting board or skirting is a narrow length of wood which goes along the bottom of a wall in a room and makes a border between the walls and the floor. [BRIT ] in AM, use baseboard
ski slope (ski slopes ) N‑COUNT A ski slope is a sloping surface which you can ski down, either on a snow-covered mountain or on a specially made structure.
skit /sk I t/ (skits ) N‑COUNT A skit is a short performance in which the actors make fun of people, events, and types of literature by imitating them. □ [+ on ] …clever skits on popular songs.
skit|ter /sk I tə r / (skitters , skittering , skittered ) VERB If something skitters , it moves about very lightly and quickly. □ [V adv/prep] The rats skittered around them in the drains and under the floorboards.
skit|tish /sk I t I ʃ/
1 ADJ If you describe a person or animal as skittish , you mean they are easily made frightened or excited. □ The declining dollar gave heart to skittish investors.
2 ADJ Someone who is skittish does not concentrate on anything or take life very seriously. □ …his relentlessly skittish sense of humour.
skit|tle /sk I t ə l/ (skittles )
1 N‑COUNT A skittle is a wooden object used as a target in the game of skittles. [mainly BRIT ]
2 N‑UNCOUNT Skittles is a game in which players try to knock over as many skittles as they can out of a group of nine by rolling a ball at them. [mainly BRIT ]
skive /ska I v/ (skives , skiving , skived ) VERB If you skive , you avoid working, especially by staying away from the place where you should be working. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V ] The company treated me as though I were skiving. ● PHRASAL VERB Skive off means the same as skive . □ [V P ] 'I absolutely hated school,' Rachel says. 'I skived off all the time.' □ [V P n] Almost everybody's kids skive off school.
skul|dug|gery /skʌldʌ gəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Skulduggery is behaviour in which someone acts in a dishonest way in order to achieve their aim. [WRITTEN ] □ …accusations of political skulduggery.
skulk /skʌ lk/ (skulks , skulking , skulked ) VERB If you skulk somewhere, you hide or move around quietly because you do not want to be seen. □ [V prep/adv] You, meanwhile, will be skulking in the safety of the car.
skull /skʌ l/ (skulls ) N‑COUNT Your skull is the bony part of your head which encloses your brain. □ Her husband was later treated for a fractured skull.
sku ll and cro ss|bones N‑SING A skull and crossbones is a picture of a human skull above a pair of crossed bones which warns of death or danger. It used to appear on the flags of pirate ships and is now sometimes found on containers holding poisonous substances. □ Skull and crossbones stickers on the drums aroused the suspicion of the customs officers.
sku ll cap (skull caps ) also skullcap N‑COUNT A skull cap is a small close-fitting cap.
skunk /skʌ ŋk/ (skunks )
1 N‑COUNT A skunk is a small black and white animal which releases an unpleasant smelling liquid if it is frightened or attacked. Skunks live in America.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Skunk is a type of powerful, strong-smelling marijuana. [INFORMAL ]
sky ◆◇◇ /ska I / (skies )
1 N‑VAR The sky is the space around the Earth which you can see when you stand outside and look upwards. □ The sun is already high in the sky. □ …warm sunshine and clear blue skies.
2 pie in the sky → see pie
sky -blue COLOUR Something that is sky-blue is a very pale blue in colour. □ Her silk shirtdress was sky-blue, the colour of her eyes.
sky|div|er /ska I da I və r / (skydivers ) also sky diver N‑COUNT A skydiver is someone who goes skydiving.
sky|div|ing /ska I da I v I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Skydiving is the sport of jumping out of an aeroplane and falling freely through the air before opening your parachute.
sky -hi gh ADJ If you say that prices or confidence are sky-high , you are emphasizing that they are at a very high level. [EMPHASIS ] □ Christie said: 'My confidence is sky high.' □ …the effect of falling house prices and sky-high interest rates. ● ADV [ADV after v] Sky high is also an adverb. □ Their prestige went sky high.
sky|lark /ska I lɑː r k/ (skylarks ) N‑COUNT A skylark is a small brown bird that sings while flying high above the ground.
sky|light /ska I la I t/ (skylights ) N‑COUNT A skylight is a window in a roof.
sky|line /ska I la I n/ (skylines ) N‑COUNT The skyline is the line or shape that is formed where the sky meets buildings or the land. □ The village church dominates the skyline.
sky mar|shal (sky marshals ) N‑COUNT A sky marshal is an armed security guard who travels on passenger flights. [mainly AM ]
Skype /ska I p/ (Skypes , Skyping , Skyped ) N‑UNCOUNT Skype is a computer program that you can use to make voice calls or video calls on the internet. [TRADEMARK ] □ Catch up with your American cousins or chat to your friend on her travels around India, on Skype. ● VERB Skype is also a verb. □ [V n] I Skyped Emma while she was in LA. □ [V with ] My parents and I Skype with my sister, who is living in the UK. □ [V ] Since then we've Skyped and emailed loads.
sky|rocket /ska I rɒk I t/ (skyrockets , skyrocketing , skyrocketed ) VERB If prices or amounts skyrocket , they suddenly increase by a very large amount. □ [V ] Production has dropped while prices and unemployment have skyrocketed. □ [V -ing] …the skyrocketing costs of health care.
sky|scraper /ska I skre I pə r / (skyscrapers ) N‑COUNT A skyscraper is a very tall building in a city.
sky|ward /ska I wə r d/ also skywards ADV [ADV after v] If you look skyward or skywards , you look up towards the sky. [LITERARY ] □ He pointed skywards.
slab /slæ b/ (slabs ) N‑COUNT A slab of something is a thick, flat piece of it. □ [+ of ] …slabs of stone. □ …huge concrete paving slabs.
slack /slæ k/ (slacker , slackest , slacks , slacking , slacked )
1 ADJ Something that is slack is loose and not firmly stretched or tightly in position. □ The boy's jaw went slack.
2 ADJ A slack period is one in which there is not much work or activity. □ The workload can be evened out, instead of the shop having busy times and slack periods.
3 ADJ Someone who is slack in their work does not do it properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Many publishers have simply become far too slack. ● slack|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He accused the government of slackness and complacency.
4 VERB [only cont] If someone is slacking , they are not working as hard as they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] He had never let a foreman see him slacking. ● PHRASAL VERB Slack off means the same as slack . □ [V P ] If someone slacks off, Bill comes down hard.
5 PHRASE To take up the slack or pick up the slack means to do or provide something that another person or organization is no longer doing or providing. □ As major airlines give up less-traveled routes, smaller planes are picking up the slack.
slack|en /slæ kən/ (slackens , slackening , slackened )
1 VERB If something slackens or if you slacken it, it becomes slower, less active, or less intense. □ [V ] Inflationary pressures continued to slacken last month. □ [V n] The Conservative government will not slacken the pace of radical reform. ● slack|en|ing N‑SING □ [+ of ] There was a slackening of western output during the 1930s.
2 VERB If your grip or a part of your body slackens or if you slacken your grip, it becomes looser or more relaxed. □ [V ] Her grip slackened on Arnold's arm. [Also V n]
▸ slacken off PHRASAL VERB [no passive] If something slackens off , it becomes slower, less active, or less intense. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V P ] At about five o'clock, business slackened off.
slack|er /slæ kə r / (slackers ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a slacker , you mean that they are lazy and do less work than they should. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He's not a slacker; he's the best worker they've got.
sla ck-jawed ADJ If you say that someone is slack-jawed , you mean that their mouth is hanging open, often because they are surprised. □ He just gazed at me slack-jawed.
slacks /slæ ks/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Slacks are casual trousers. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ She was wearing black slacks and a white sweater.
slag /slæ g/ (slags , slagging , slagged ) N‑COUNT Slag is used by some people to refer to a woman who they disapprove of because they think she is sexually immoral. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]
▸ slag off PHRASAL VERB To slag someone off means to criticize them in an unpleasant way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] All bands slag off their record companies. It's just the way it is. □ [V n P ] People have been slagging me off.
sla g heap (slag heaps ) also slagheap N‑COUNT A slag heap is a hill made from waste material, such as rock and mud, left over from mining. [mainly BRIT ]
slain /sle I n/ Slain is the past participle of slay .
slake /sle I k/ (slakes , slaking , slaked ) VERB If you slake your thirst, you drink something that stops you being thirsty.
sla|lom /slɑː ləm/ (slaloms ) N‑COUNT A slalom is a race on skis or in canoes in which the competitors have to avoid a series of obstacles in a very twisting and difficult course.
slam /slæ m/ (slams , slamming , slammed )
1 VERB If you slam a door or window or if it slams , it shuts noisily and with great force. □ [V n] She slammed the door and locked it behind her. □ [V ] I was relieved to hear the front door slam. □ [V n adj] He slammed the gate shut behind him.
2 VERB If you slam something down , you put it there quickly and with great force. □ [V n with adv] She listened in a mixture of shock and anger before slamming the phone down.
3 VERB To slam someone or something means to criticize them very severely. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] The famed film-maker slammed the claims as 'an outrageous lie'.
4 VERB If one thing slams into or against another, it crashes into it with great force. □ [V + into/against ] The plane slammed into the building after losing an engine shortly after take-off. □ [V n + into/against ] He slammed me against the ground.
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