Oxford 3000 Words Starting with D – Complete List with Meanings & Quizzes

dad noun

Short meaning: an informal word for father.

Example: My dad picked me up from school.

daily adjective / adverb

Short meaning: happening, done, or produced every day.

Example: Exercise is part of her daily routine.

damage noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): harm that makes something less useful or valuable. Short meaning (verb): to harm or spoil something.

Example: The storm caused serious damage.

damp adjective

Short meaning: slightly wet, often in an unpleasant way.

Example: The room felt cold and damp.

dance noun / verb

Short meaning (verb): to move your body to music. Short meaning (noun): an event or activity where people dance.

Example: They love to dance at parties.

dancer noun

Short meaning: a person who dances, especially as a job or skill.

Example: She is a professional dancer.

dancing noun

Short meaning: the activity of moving your body to music.

Example: Dancing is a fun way to stay active.

danger noun

Short meaning: the possibility of harm or injury.

Example: The sign warns of danger ahead.

dangerous adjective

Short meaning: likely to cause harm or injury; not safe.

Example: It is dangerous to drive fast on wet roads.

dare verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to have the courage to do something risky. Short meaning (noun): a challenge to do something bold.

Example: She didn’t dare to speak up.

dark adjective / noun

Short meaning (adj.): without light or with very little light. Short meaning (noun): the absence of light.

Example: It gets dark early in winter.

data noun

Short meaning: information or facts that are collected and used for analysis or decisions.

Example: The report is based on data from 500 students.

date noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a particular day of the month or year; a meeting with someone you are interested in. Short meaning (verb): to write or mark the date on something; to have a romantic relationship with someone.

Example: What’s today’s date?

date back phrasal verb

Short meaning: to have started or existed since a particular time in the past.

Example: The building dates back to the 18th century.

daughter noun

Short meaning: a person’s female child.

Example: They have one son and one daughter.

day noun

Short meaning: a period of 24 hours, or the time when it is light outside.

Example: She works all day and studies at night.

dead adjective

Short meaning: no longer alive; not working or not active.

Example: The battery is dead; it needs to be charged.

deaf adjective

Short meaning: unable to hear, or unable to hear well.

Example: He was born deaf and uses sign language.

deal noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): an agreement or arrangement, especially in business. Short meaning (verb): to take action to manage or handle a situation.

Example: They finally reached a deal with the company.

dear adjective

Short meaning: loved or important to you; sometimes used to address someone in letters.

Example: She is a very dear friend of mine.

death noun

Short meaning: the end of life; the fact of someone dying.

Example: The death of the leader shocked the nation.

debate noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a formal discussion where people express different opinions. Short meaning (verb): to discuss a subject in detail, often with different views.

Example: There was a long debate about the new law.

debt noun

Short meaning: money that you owe to someone.

Example: He is trying to pay off his student debt.

decade noun

Short meaning: a period of ten years.

Example: The city changed a lot over the past decade.

decay noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): slow destruction or rotting. Short meaning (verb): to slowly break down or rot.

Example: Tooth decay is common among children.

December noun

Short meaning: the twelfth and last month of the year.

Example: The event will be held in December.

decent adjective

Short meaning: good, acceptable, or behaving in a polite and honest way.

Example: They found a decent place to stay.

decide verb

Short meaning: to choose something after thinking about it.

Example: She decided to start a new project.

decision noun

Short meaning: a choice that you make after thinking about something.

Example: It was a difficult decision to leave the job.

declare verb

Short meaning: to announce something clearly and officially.

Example: They declared the results on TV.

decline noun / verb

Short meaning (verb): to become weaker or lower; to politely refuse something. Short meaning (noun): a gradual decrease.

Example: She declined the invitation politely.

decorate verb

Short meaning: to make something look more attractive by adding items or colors.

Example: They decorated the hall for the wedding.

decoration noun

Short meaning: something added to make a place or object look more attractive.

Example: The decorations were simple but beautiful.

decorative adjective

Short meaning: used mainly to make something look attractive rather than useful.

Example: The vase is decorative and not meant for daily use.

decrease verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to become smaller in amount or number. Short meaning (noun): a reduction or drop.

Example: Sales decreased by 10% last month.

deep adjective

Short meaning: going far down from the top or surface.

Example: The lake is very deep in the middle.

deeply adverb

Short meaning: very strongly or seriously.

Example: She was deeply moved by the story.

defeat verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to win against someone. Short meaning (noun): the act of losing.

Example: The team was defeated in the final match.

defend verb

Short meaning: to protect someone or something from attack or harm.

Example: Soldiers defend their country.

defense noun

Short meaning: the act of protecting something from harm or attack.

Example: The country improved its defense system.

define verb

Short meaning: to explain the meaning of a word or idea.

Example: The teacher asked students to define the term.

definite adjective

Short meaning: clear and certain; not likely to change.

Example: We don’t have a definite date yet.

definitely adverb

Short meaning: without any doubt; certainly.

Example: I definitely want to join the trip.

definition noun

Short meaning: a statement that explains the meaning of a word or idea.

Example: Look up the definition in a dictionary.

degree noun

Short meaning: 1) a unit for measuring temperature or angles; 2) a university qualification.

Example: She earned a degree in engineering.

delay noun / verb

Short meaning (verb): to make something happen later than planned. Short meaning (noun): a period of waiting because something is late.

Example: The flight was delayed due to bad weather.

deliberate adjective

Short meaning: done on purpose; intentional and carefully planned.

Example: It was a deliberate attempt to change the result.

deliberately adverb

Short meaning: in a way that is planned or done on purpose.

Example: He deliberately ignored the warning signs.

delicate adjective

Short meaning: easily damaged or needing careful handling.

Example: These flowers are very delicate.

delight noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): great pleasure or joy. Short meaning (verb): to make someone very happy.

Example: The news was a delight to everyone.

deliver verb

Short meaning: to bring or send something to a person or place.

Example: The courier will deliver the parcel tomorrow.

delivery noun

Short meaning: the act of taking goods, letters, or food to someone.

Example: Your delivery should arrive by noon.

demand noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a strong request for something. Short meaning (verb): to ask for something firmly.

Example: There is high demand for skilled workers.

democracy noun

Short meaning: a system of government where people choose their leaders by voting.

Example: Elections are a key part of democracy.

democratic adjective

Short meaning: based on the idea that all people should have equal rights and be able to vote.

Example: The country holds democratic elections every four years.

demonstrate verb

Short meaning: to show or explain how something works; to prove something clearly.

Example: The teacher demonstrated the experiment.

demonstration noun

Short meaning: 1) the act of showing or explaining something; 2) a public protest.

Example: Thousands joined the demonstration in the city center.

dentist noun

Short meaning: a doctor who treats problems with teeth and gums.

Example: I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow.

deny verb

Short meaning: to say that something is not true; to refuse to accept something.

Example: She denied breaking the rules.

department noun

Short meaning: a division of a company, school, or government specializing in one area.

Example: She works in the marketing department.

departure noun

Short meaning: the act of leaving a place, especially to start a journey.

Example: The train’s departure was delayed.

depend verb

Short meaning: to be decided by something; to rely on something for support.

Example: Whether we go depends on the weather.

depend on phrasal verb

Short meaning: to need someone or something in order to function or succeed.

Example: You can depend on her for honest advice.

deposit noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): money placed in a bank or paid in advance. Short meaning (verb): to put money into a bank account.

Example: You must pay a deposit to reserve the room.

depress verb

Short meaning: to make someone feel very sad; or to reduce the level of something.

Example: Constant rain can depress your mood.

depressed adjective

Short meaning: very unhappy or without hope.

Example: She felt depressed after hearing the news.

depressing adjective

Short meaning: making you feel very sad or without hope.

Example: The movie was too depressing to finish.

depth noun

Short meaning: the distance from the top to the bottom of something; deepness.

Example: The depth of the pool is two meters.

derive verb

Short meaning: to get something from a source.

Example: Many English words derive from Latin.

derive from phrasal verb

Short meaning: to originate from or develop from something.

Example: The word ‘biology’ derives from Greek.

describe verb

Short meaning: to explain what someone or something is like.

Example: Can you describe the man you saw?

description noun

Short meaning: a spoken or written account explaining what something is like.

Example: The police asked for a detailed description.

desert noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a dry area of land with little rainfall. Short meaning (verb): to leave someone or something without help.

Example: Few plants survive in the desert.

deserve verb

Short meaning: to be worthy of something because of your actions.

Example: She deserves recognition for her hard work.

design noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a plan or drawing showing how something will look. Short meaning (verb): to create or plan something.

Example: They hired her to design the new logo.

designer noun

Short meaning: a person who plans or creates how something should look.

Example: She is a well-known fashion designer.

desire noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a strong wish or longing for something. Short meaning (verb): to strongly want something.

Example: He had a strong desire to travel.

desk noun

Short meaning: a piece of furniture with a flat surface for writing or working.

Example: She keeps her desk clean and organized.

desperate adjective

Short meaning: feeling or showing great need, hopelessness, or urgency.

Example: They were in desperate need of help.

despite preposition

Short meaning: without being affected by something; in spite of.

Example: Despite the rain, the event continued.

destroy verb

Short meaning: to damage something so badly that it no longer exists or works.

Example: The storm destroyed several houses.

destruction noun

Short meaning: the act of destroying something; great damage or ruin.

Example: The fire caused massive destruction.

detail noun

Short meaning: a single piece of information or a small part of something larger.

Example: Please check every detail before submitting.

detailed adjective

Short meaning: including many facts or small parts; very thorough.

Example: The report gives a detailed analysis of the issue.

determination noun

Short meaning: the quality of trying hard and not giving up.

Example: Her determination helped her achieve her goals.

determine verb

Short meaning: to decide or find out something after careful thought.

Example: Tests help determine the level of a student’s progress.

determined adjective

Short meaning: having a strong desire to do something and not letting anything stop you.

Example: She is determined to improve her English this year.

develop verb

Short meaning: to grow or change into something better or more advanced.

Example: The company plans to develop new products.

development noun

Short meaning: the process of growth or improvement.

Example: There have been major developments in technology.

device noun

Short meaning: a machine or tool designed for a particular purpose.

Example: Smartphones are useful electronic devices.

devote verb

Short meaning: to give time, effort, or attention to something important.

Example: He devotes hours daily to practicing piano.

devoted adjective

Short meaning: very loving, loyal, or committed to someone or something.

Example: She is devoted to her family and work.

diagram noun

Short meaning: a simple drawing or plan that shows how something works or is organized.

Example: The diagram explains the parts of the machine.

dialogue noun

Short meaning: a conversation between two or more people.

Example: The movie had realistic dialogue.

diamond noun

Short meaning: a very hard, valuable, and shiny jewel.

Example: Her ring has a small diamond.

diary noun

Short meaning: a book where you write daily events or personal thoughts.

Example: She writes in her diary every night.

dictionary noun

Short meaning: a book or online tool that explains the meanings of words.

Example: Use a dictionary to check the correct definition.

die verb

Short meaning: to stop living.

Example: Plants die without water.

diet noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the food a person usually eats. Short meaning (verb): to eat less food to lose weight.

Example: She is on a healthy diet.

difference noun

Short meaning: the way in which people or things are not the same.

Example: Can you see the difference between the two pictures?

different adjective

Short meaning: not the same as another person or thing.

Example: These two opinions are completely different.

difficult adjective

Short meaning: not easy; needing a lot of effort or skill.

Example: The test was more difficult than expected.

difficulty noun

Short meaning: a problem or situation that makes something hard to do.

Example: He had difficulty understanding the instructions.

dig verb

Short meaning: to break up and move earth using hands or a tool.

Example: They used a shovel to dig a hole.

digital adjective

Short meaning: using or relating to computer technology or electronic systems.

Example: Many people now prefer digital books.

dinner noun

Short meaning: the main meal of the day, usually eaten in the evening.

Example: They invited us for dinner on Friday.

direct adjective / verb

Short meaning (adj): going straight to something without changing direction. Short meaning (verb): to guide or control something or someone.

Example: There is a direct train to the city.

direction noun

Short meaning: the way something or someone moves or points; instructions on how to do something.

Example: Follow the directions carefully.

directly adverb

Short meaning: immediately or without anything in between.

Example: Please contact me directly with any questions.

director noun

Short meaning: a person who manages, leads, or supervises an organization or project.

Example: The film’s director is known worldwide.

dirt noun

Short meaning: loose soil or anything that makes something unclean.

Example: The kids tracked dirt into the house.

dirty adjective

Short meaning: not clean; covered with dirt.

Example: Your shoes are dirty after the walk.

disability noun

Short meaning: a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s abilities or activities.

Example: The building provides access for people with disabilities.

disadvantage noun

Short meaning: a condition that makes something harder, less effective, or less successful.

Example: Living far from school can be a disadvantage.

disagree verb

Short meaning: to have a different opinion from someone else; not agree.

Example: They often disagree about politics.

disagreement noun

Short meaning: a situation where people have different opinions; a dispute.

Example: A small disagreement turned into a big argument.

disagree with doing phrase

Short meaning: a grammar pattern used to say you think an action or behavior is wrong.

Example: She disagrees with working late every day.

disappear verb

Short meaning: to go out of sight or stop existing.

Example: The sun disappeared behind the clouds.

disappoint verb

Short meaning: to make someone feel unhappy because something was not as good as expected.

Example: The results disappointed many fans.

disappointed adjective

Short meaning: unhappy because something did not happen as expected.

Example: She felt disappointed with her exam score.

disappointing adjective

Short meaning: not as good as expected; causing disappointment.

Example: The movie was disappointing.

disappointment noun

Short meaning: the feeling of sadness when something is not as good as expected.

Example: Losing the final was a huge disappointment.

disapproval noun

Short meaning: the feeling of having a negative opinion about something.

Example: His choices met with strong disapproval.

verb disapprove

Short meaning: to think that something is wrong or bad; to not approve of it.

Example: They disapprove of smoking indoors.

disapproving adjective

Short meaning: showing that you do not approve of something.

Example: She gave him a disapproving look.

disaster noun

Short meaning: a sudden event that causes great harm, damage, or loss.

Example: The storm was a major disaster for the town.

disc noun

Short meaning: a flat, round object such as a CD or DVD.

Example: I bought a music disc yesterday.

discipline noun

Short meaning: training that teaches self-control, rules, and good behavior.

Example: Good discipline helps students focus.

discount noun / verb

Short meaning: (n.) a reduction in price; (v.) to lower the price of something.

Example: The store is offering a 20% discount.

discover verb

Short meaning: to find or learn something for the first time.

Example: She discovered a new café near her house.

discovery noun

Short meaning: the act of finding something new or learning something for the first time.

Example: The discovery of penicillin changed medicine.

discuss verb

Short meaning: to talk about something in detail.

Example: We will discuss the plan tomorrow.

discussion noun

Short meaning: a conversation where people share ideas or opinions.

Example: The discussion lasted over an hour.

disease noun

Short meaning: an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant.

Example: Heart disease is a major health issue.

disgust noun / verb

Short meaning: (n.) a strong feeling of dislike; (v.) to make someone feel sick or upset.

Example: The smell filled him with disgust.

disgusted adjective

Short meaning: feeling very upset or sick because something is unpleasant.

Example: She felt disgusted by the rude comments.

disgusting adjective

Short meaning: extremely unpleasant and causing disgust.

Example: The kitchen was in a disgusting condition.

dish noun

Short meaning: a container for serving food, or a particular kind of food.

Example: Pasta is my favorite dish.

dishonest adjective

Short meaning: not honest; likely to lie or cheat.

Example: It was dishonest to take money from the wallet.

disk noun

Short meaning: a flat, round object used for storing computer data.

Example: Save the file to your hard disk.

dislike verb / noun

Short meaning: (v.) to not like something; (n.) a feeling of not liking something.

Example: I dislike waking up early.

dismiss verb

Short meaning: to send someone away or decide something is not important.

Example: The teacher dismissed the class early.

display verb / noun

Short meaning: (v.) to show something so people can see it; (n.) a public showing or a screen.

Example: The store displayed new products in the window.

dissolve verb

Short meaning: to mix with a liquid so that it becomes part of it.

Example: The sugar dissolved in the tea.

distance noun

Short meaning: the space between two points or places.

Example: The distance from my house to school is 3 km.

distant adjective

Short meaning: far away in space or time.

Example: She heard a distant sound of music.

distinguish verb

Short meaning: to see or show the difference between two things.

Example: It's hard to distinguish the twins.

distribute verb

Short meaning: to give or deliver things to many people.

Example: They distributed food to the families.

distribution noun

Short meaning: the process of delivering or sharing things among people or places.

Example: The distribution of supplies started early.

district noun

Short meaning: a specific area of a town, city, or country.

Example: She lives in the business district.

disturb verb

Short meaning: to interrupt someone or stop them from doing something.

Example: Don’t disturb me while I’m studying.

disturbing adjective

Short meaning: causing worry, fear, or discomfort.

Example: The report contained disturbing details.

divide verb

Short meaning: to separate something into parts or groups.

Example: Divide the class into two teams.

division noun

Short meaning: the act of separating something into parts, or a part of an organization.

Example: The company has a research division.

divorce noun / verb

Short meaning: (n.) the legal ending of a marriage; (v.) to legally end a marriage.

Example: They got a divorce last year.

divorced adjective

Short meaning: no longer married because the marriage has legally ended.

Example: Her parents are divorced.

do verb (auxiliary / main)

Main meaning: to perform an action or activity; also used as an auxiliary verb in questions and negatives.

Example: I do my homework every day.

doctor noun

Short meaning: a medical professional who treats illnesses or injuries.

Example: She visited the doctor for a check-up.

document noun

Short meaning: an official written or printed paper that gives information.

Example: Please sign this document.

dog noun

Short meaning: a common pet and domestic animal known for loyalty.

Example: Their dog loves playing outside.

dollar noun

Short meaning: the unit of money used in the United States and some other countries.

Example: The book costs ten dollars.

domestic adjective

Short meaning: relating to the home or happening within one country (not international).

Example: Domestic flights are usually cheaper.

dominate verb

Short meaning: to control or have strong influence over something or someone.

Example: One company now dominates the industry.

door noun

Short meaning: a movable structure used to open or close an entrance.

Example: Please close the door when you leave.

dot noun

Short meaning: a very small round mark.

Example: Write an 'i' with a dot on top.

double adjective / verb / noun

Short meaning: (adj.) twice as much; (v.) to become twice as large; (n.) an amount twice as big.

Example: Sales doubled last year.

doubt noun / verb

Short meaning: (n.) a feeling of being unsure; (v.) to feel uncertain about something.

Example: I doubt that he will come today.

down adverb / preposition / adjective

Short meaning: towards a lower place or level; in a reduced or lower position.

Example: She walked down the stairs.

downstairs adverb

Short meaning: on or to a lower floor of a building.

Example: The kitchen is downstairs.

downtown adverb / adjective

Short meaning: in or toward the central business area of a city.

Example: They went downtown to shop.

downward adjective / adverb

Short meaning: moving toward a lower place or level.

Example: Prices show a downward trend.

dozen noun

Short meaning: a group of twelve.

Example: I bought a dozen eggs.

Dr. abbreviation

Short meaning: title used before the name of a medical doctor.

Example: Dr. Smith will see you now.

draft noun / verb

Short meaning: (n.) an early version of a document; (v.) to write a first version.

Example: She wrote a draft of her report.

drag verb

Short meaning: to pull something along the ground with effort.

Example: He dragged the heavy bag across the floor.

drama noun

Short meaning: a play for the theatre or an exciting event full of emotion.

Example: She loves watching historical dramas.

dramatic adjective

Short meaning: sudden or exciting in a way that attracts attention.

Example: There was a dramatic increase in sales.

draw verb

Short meaning: to make a picture using a pen or pencil.

Example: She loves to draw animals.

drawer noun

Short meaning: a sliding box-shaped part of furniture used for storage.

Example: The keys are in the top drawer.

drawing noun

Short meaning: a picture made with a pen, pencil, or similar tool.

Example: His drawing was displayed in the classroom.

dream noun / verb

Short meaning: (n.) images or thoughts during sleep; (v.) to imagine or wish for something.

Example: He dreams of becoming a pilot.

dress verb / noun

Short meaning: (v.) to put clothes on; (n.) a piece of clothing worn by women or girls.

Example: She wore a red dress to the party.

dressed adjective

Short meaning: wearing clothes, especially for a particular purpose.

Example: She was already dressed when I arrived.

drink noun / verb

Short meaning: (v.) to take liquid into the body; (n.) a liquid you can drink.

Example: I need a drink of water.

drive verb / noun

Short meaning: (v.) to operate and control a vehicle; (n.) a trip in a vehicle.

Example: She drives to work every day.

driver noun

Short meaning: someone who drives a vehicle.

Example: The bus driver greeted everyone.

driving noun / adjective

Short meaning: (n.) the act of controlling a vehicle; (adj.) having strong force.

Example: Driving at night requires extra attention.

drop verb / noun

Short meaning: (v.) to let something fall; (n.) a small amount of liquid.

Example: Don’t drop the glass!

drug noun

Short meaning: a chemical used as medicine or an illegal substance.

Example: The doctor gave her a drug for the pain.

drugstore noun (US)

Short meaning: a store that sells medicine and everyday items.

Example: I need to stop by the drugstore.

drum noun

Short meaning: a musical instrument you hit to make sound.

Example: He played the drums in the band.

drunk adjective

Short meaning: having drunk too much alcohol.

Example: He was too drunk to drive.

dry adjective / verb

Short meaning: (adj.) not wet; (v.) to remove water.

Example: Leave your shoes outside to dry.

dry off phrasal verb

Short meaning: to become dry or make something dry.

Example: Dry off before coming inside.

due adjective

Short meaning: expected to happen or be ready at a certain time.

Example: The project is due tomorrow.

dull adjective

Short meaning: not interesting; not bright; not sharp.

Example: The lecture was long and dull.

dump verb / noun

Short meaning: (v.) to throw something away; (n.) a place for waste.

Example: He dumped the broken chair.

during preposition

Short meaning: throughout the time something is happening.

Example: Don’t talk during the movie.

dust noun / verb

Short meaning: (n.) tiny pieces of dirt; (v.) to remove dust from surfaces.

Example: The shelf needs dusting.

duty noun

Short meaning: something you must do because it is your job or responsibility.

Example: It is your duty to report the problem.

DVD noun

Short meaning: a disc used for storing video or data.

Example: They watched a movie on DVD.

dying adjective

Short meaning: about to die or coming to an end.

Example: The plant is dying without sunlight.