Words Starting With "B"

Our pre-recorded sounds are fast, clear, and natural, spoken by native speakers.

Belomancy

speak

Belomancy is an ancient divination practice that involves using arrows or a bow to gain insight or predict the future. The arrows are often marked with symbols or messages, and their position or direction after being shot or randomly drawn can provide answers to questions or guidance in decision-making. This method of divination has been used in various cultures throughout history, particularly in the Middle East and ancient Europe.

Belonephobia

speak

Belonephobia is a fear or aversion to needles or sharp pointed objects, such as pins or syringes. It can cause anxiety, panic attacks, or avoidance behaviors when faced with medical procedures involving needles.

Belong

speak

To belong means to be a part of or to have a connection with a particular group, place, or thing. It signifies a sense of ownership, membership, or affiliation. When someone belongs to something, they feel they are accepted, included, and have a sense of belongingness.

Belonged

speak

The word "belonged" is the past tense of the verb "belong." It means to be a part of or to belong to a particular group, place, or person. For example, "The book belonged to my grandfather," means the book was owned or associated with the speaker's grandfather in the past.

Belongers

speak

Belongers refers to people who have a sense of belonging or connection to a particular place, group, or community, often characterized by a feeling of being part of something or having a stake in it.

Belonging

speak

"Belonging" refers to the sense of being part of a group, community, or place where one feels accepted, included, and connected. It implies a sense of ownership, affiliation, or attachment to something or someone. People often seek belongingness in various aspects of their lives, such as family, friendships, social groups, or work environments. Feeling a sense of belonging contributes to one's emotional well-being and a sense of security.

Belongingness

speak

Belongingness refers to the psychological need for acceptance, affiliation, and connection with others. It is the feeling of being a part of a group or belonging to a community, which contributes to one's sense of identity, security, and well-being. This need for belongingness is fundamental to human nature and plays a significant role in social interactions, relationships, and mental health.

Belongings

speak

Belongings refer to the possessions or items that belong to a person, such as clothes, furniture, personal items, or other things that they own or have in their possession. It can also imply the sense of ownership and attachment to these items.

Belongs

speak

"Belongs" is a verb that indicates possession or membership. It shows that something or someone is a part of, belongs to, or is associated with a particular person, group, or place. For example:<br><br>1. "The book belongs to me." (The book is mine.)<br>2. "She belongs to the art club at school." (She is a member of the art club.)<br>3. "They belong to the same team." (They are part of the same team.)<br><br>In other contexts, "belongs" can also indicate a sense of right or appropriate placement:<br><br>4. "He belongs in the spotlight; he's an excellent performer." (He is suited or deserving to be in the spotlight.)<br>5. "This painting belongs in a museum." (It is fitting for the painting to be displayed in a museum.)

Beloniformes

speak

Beloniformes is an order of ray-finned fish, commonly known as needlefish or garfish. They are characterized by their long, thin bodies, pointed snouts, and large eyes. These fish are primarily marine and are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Some species are known for their ability to jump out of the water and occasionally cause injuries to humans or animals near the surface.

Belonite

speak

Belonite is a rare mineral, belonging to the zeolite group, with the chemical formula Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2·4H2O. It forms in volcanic rocks and is typically colorless or white, sometimes with shades of gray or yellow. It occurs as small crystals or granular aggregates and is used in various industrial applications, such as water purification and ion exchange processes.

Belorussia

speak

Belorussia is an outdated term used to refer to Belarus, a country located in Eastern Europe. The name "Belorussia" was commonly used during the Soviet era, but today, the preferred name for the country is "Belarus." It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes.

Belorussian

speak

Belorussian refers to the Belarusian language or someone from Belarus. Belarusian is an East Slavic language spoken primarily in Belarus. It is the official language of the country and has its own unique alphabet, called the Belarusian Cyrillic alphabet. The term "Belorussian" is an older or alternative name for Belarusian, which is now less commonly used.

Belorussians

speak

Belarusians (also spelled Belorussians) refers to an East Slavic ethnic group native to Belarus, a country in Eastern Europe. They speak the Belarusian language and have their own distinct culture, traditions, and identity. Belarusians share historical ties with Russians and Ukrainians but have preserved their unique heritage.

Belostomatid

speak

Belostomatid refers to a family of large, freshwater insects known as giant water bugs. They are also sometimes called "toe-biters" or "horsefly crushers" due to their painful bite. These insects can be found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, and they are known for their predatory behavior, feeding on other aquatic organisms such as fish, tadpoles, and insects.

Belostomatidae

speak

Belostomatidae is a family of large, aquatic insects commonly known as giant water bugs. They are often found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. These insects are predaceous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, tadpoles, insects, and even small invertebrates. Some species can deliver a painful bite to humans if handled improperly.

Belote

speak

Belote is a popular French card game typically played by four players in two partnerships. It involves trick-taking and bidding, with the objective of winning tricks and scoring points based on the value and combination of cards. The game has its own specific deck of 32 cards, consisting of Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, and Tens from each suit (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades). Points are earned by capturing high-value cards and by declaring special combinations, such as "Belote" or "Contre Belote," which involve pairing certain cards. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Beloved

speak

"Beloved" is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is deeply loved, cherished, or affectionately held dear. It often conveys a sense of great fondness and can be used to express a strong emotional attachment or endearment.

Beloveds

speak

"Beloveds" is a term used to address or refer to one's loved ones, dear ones, or people who are deeply cherished and affectionately regarded. It can be used to express endearment or to collectively refer to friends, family members, or partners.

Below-mentioned

speak

"Below-mentioned" refers to something that is mentioned or listed below, typically in a written context. It indicates that the details or items being referred to can be found in the section or part of the text that comes immediately after the phrase.

Below

speak

"Below" refers to a position under or lower than something else, either in terms of physical location or ranking. It can also indicate a temperature or value that is less than a specified standard.

Belphegor

speak

Belphegor is a demon in Jewish and Christian folklore, often associated with the seventh prince of Hell. He is known for inspiring inventions and promoting material wealth, typically appearing with a monstrous appearance, such as having a large, flowing beard and horns. In some traditions, Belphegor is also said to aid in solving problems and offering clever but deceptive solutions. The name has also been used in popular culture, particularly in horror literature and media, to refer to a demonic entity or an evil force.

Belsen

speak

Belsen is a German word that refers to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, which was a Nazi camp during World War II. It became notorious for its terrible conditions and the large number of deaths that occurred there, mostly due to disease, starvation, and neglect. The camp was liberated by British forces in 1945, and the images of emaciated survivors and piles of dead bodies served as a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Today, the site serves as a memorial and a place of reflection for visitors.

Belshazzar

speak

Belshazzar is a historical figure from ancient Babylon, known for being the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. He is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Daniel, where he hosts a grand feast and desecrates the holy vessels from the Jerusalem Temple. During the feast, a mysterious handwriting appears on the wall, which Belshazzar cannot decipher. Daniel is called to interpret the writing, foretelling Belshazzar's imminent downfall and the kingdom's conquest by the Persians. That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and Darius the Mede takes over the empire. The story has become synonymous with divine judgment and the end of a ruler's reign.

Belsize

speak

Belsize is a noun that refers to a unit of measurement for the size of a lens or an aperture, particularly in cameras and optical instruments. It is named after Belsize House, a historical location where such lenses were manufactured. The term is not commonly used today, and its usage has been largely replaced by more standardized measurements like focal length and f-stop.

Belt-drive

speak

A belt-drive is a mechanical system used to transmit power or motion from one place to another. It consists of a belt wrapped around a driving wheel and a driven wheel, where the driving wheel causes the belt to move the driven wheel. Belt-drives are commonly used in applications such as conveyor belts, motorcycles, and power tools.

Belt

speak

A belt is a flexible band or strip, usually made of leather or synthetic material, worn around the waist to hold up pants or as an accessory to enhance an outfit. It can also refer to a tool or device that transmits power from a motor to another part or machine. In a figurative sense, "belt" can mean to sing loudly and with enthusiasm or to deliver a strong punch or strike.

Beltane

speak

Beltane is a traditional Gaelic May Day festival, usually celebrated on May 1st. It marks the beginning of summer and is associated with fertility, fire, and the renewal of life. The name comes from the Old Irish "Bealtaine," which translates to "bright fire." Celebrations often include lighting bonfires, dancing, feasting, and rituals to honor the gods and protect livestock. It is one of the four major Celtic seasonal festivals, along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh.

Belted

speak

"Belted" is an adjective that refers to something that has a belt or a band around it, typically used to fasten, support, or decorate. It can be used to describe clothing items like a belted jacket or a belted skirt, where a belt is part of the design. In the context of trousers or pants, "belted" means they are designed to be worn with a belt. It can also describe objects or actions involving the use of a belt, such as "belted out a song," which means someone sang forcefully or energetically.

Belting

speak

"Belting" in singing refers to a technique where a person sings with a strong, powerful, and full voice, typically in the middle or upper range of their vocal register. It involves using the chest voice dominantly, often with a mix of head voice or falsetto, to create a resonant and sustained sound. In music and theater, belting is associated with delivering a performance that is both expressive and emotionally charged. It is commonly used in genres like pop, rock, musical theater, and some forms of opera.

Belts

speak

Belts are flexible bands or straps, typically made of leather, fabric, or other materials, worn around the waist to hold up pants, secure clothing, or as an accessory to enhance an outfit. They can also have practical uses, such as those used in industrial machinery or as safety equipment in activities like rock climbing. In some contexts, "belts" can also refer to disciplinary actions, particularly in the phrase "get a belt," which colloquially means to receive physical punishment.

Beltway

speak

The term "beltway" refers to a highway or expressway that encircles a city, typically connecting major suburbs and providing a bypass around the urban center. It is often used as a synonym for a city's outer ring road or perimeter highway. The most famous example is the Capital Beltway around Washington D.C., which surrounds the capital city of the United States. The term is also sometimes used metaphorically to describe the political culture or influence associated with such a region, particularly in the context of U.S. politics.

Beluga

speak

Beluga refers to:<br><br>1. A species of whale (Cyprinus sturgeon) found in cold northern waters, particularly the Caspian and Black Seas. It is known for its large size and white coloration.<br><br>2. A type of caviar produced from the eggs of the beluga sturgeon. It is considered one of the most expensive and high-quality types of caviar.<br><br>3. In some contexts, it can also refer to a light-colored or white whale, typically a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), which is found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions and is known for its distinctive melon-shaped head.

Belugas

speak

Belugas are a species of whale known scientifically as Delphinapterus leucas. They are also commonly referred to as white whales due to their distinctive white or cream-colored skin. Found primarily in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, belugas are highly social creatures that often live in groups called pods. These marine mammals have a rounded forehead, no dorsal fin, and a flexible neck, which sets them apart from other whales. Belugas are known for their vocalizations, which include a wide range of clicks, whistles, and clangs, earning them the nickname "sea canaries." They are also relatively small compared to other whales, typically measuring around 13-20 feet (4-6 meters) in length.

Belvedere

speak

Belvedere is a noun that refers to a building or structure with a scenic view, typically a turret or a pavilion, often used as a lookout or a vantage point. It can also refer to a large ornate house or a fine residence, particularly one with a beautiful garden or lovely views.

Belvoir

speak

"Belvoir" is a French word that means "to see" or "a view." In English, it is often used as a proper noun, referring to Belvoir Castle, a stately home located in Leicestershire, England. The castle has a picturesque view, which is where its name finds its significance.