Oxford 3000™ Words Starting with T

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

Browse all Oxford 3000 words starting with T in this clean and organized list. These T-words are part of Oxford’s essential vocabulary set—high-frequency terms that boost academic reading, exam performance, and everyday English fluency. Each entry includes a short, clear meaning to support fast learning and effective revision.

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Total Words 182 core words
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Why Learning the Oxford 3000™ Gives You a Competitive Edge

The Oxford 3000™ is a structured list of the most important English words, selected by specialists at Oxford University Press. Since these words repeatedly appear in textbooks, major exams, journalism, and everyday dialogue, they are recommended as the first vocabulary to learn.

This page compiles the full set of Oxford 3000 words beginning with T. These words appear widely across textbooks, essays, analytical writing, news commentary, and major standardized exams—making them especially valuable for vocabulary building. Review the concise meanings below, and reinforce your learning by pairing these T-words with LVF’s quizzes, flashcards, and themed vocabulary lists.

Oxford 3000 Words Starting with T

Browse all T-words from the Oxford 3000 list with short meanings.

table noun

Short meaning: a piece of furniture with a flat top and legs.

Example: They sat around the table for dinner.

tablet noun

Short meaning: a small portable computer; also, a small solid piece of medicine.

Example: She takes notes on her tablet.

tackle verb

Short meaning: to try to deal with a difficult problem or situation.

Example: We need to tackle climate issues seriously.

tail noun

Short meaning: the long, narrow part at the back of an animal’s body.

Example: The dog wagged its tail.

take verb

Short meaning: to get or receive something; to pick something up or move it.

Example: Please take a seat.

tale noun

Short meaning: a story, especially one that is not true or is imaginary.

Example: The book is full of interesting tales.

talent noun

Short meaning: a natural ability to do something well.

Example: She has a talent for music.

talk verb / noun

Short meaning: (verb) to speak with someone; (noun) a conversation or discussion.

Example: They talked for hours.

tall adjective

Short meaning: having greater than average height.

Example: He is tall for his age.

tank noun

Short meaning: a large container for holding liquid; also a heavy military vehicle.

Example: The water tank is full.

tap noun / verb

Short meaning: (noun) a device that controls the flow of liquid; (verb) to hit lightly.

Example: Turn off the tap after use.

tape noun

Short meaning: a long narrow strip used for sticking things or for recording sound/video.

Example: Use tape to seal the box.

target noun / verb

Short meaning: (noun) a goal or result you try to achieve; (verb) to aim something at someone or something.

Example: The company met its sales target.

task noun

Short meaning: a piece of work that needs to be done.

Example: Finishing the report was a difficult task.

taste noun / verb

Short meaning: (noun) the flavor of something; (verb) to try a small amount of food or drink.

Example: This dish has a sweet taste.

tax noun

Short meaning: money that you must pay to the government.

Example: Income tax is deducted from salaries.

taxi noun

Short meaning: a car that you pay to take you somewhere.

Example: We took a taxi to the airport.

tea noun

Short meaning: a hot drink made by pouring boiling water over tea leaves.

Example: She drinks tea every morning.

teach verb

Short meaning: to help someone learn or to give knowledge or skills.

Example: She teaches English at a school.

teacher noun

Short meaning: a person whose job is to teach others.

Example: The teacher explained the lesson clearly.

teaching noun

Short meaning: the job, skill, or activity of helping others learn.

Example: Teaching requires patience and clarity.

team noun

Short meaning: a group of people who work or play together.

Example: Our team won the match.

tear verb / noun

Short meaning: (verb) to pull something apart or rip it; (noun) a drop of liquid that comes from the eye when crying.

Example: Be careful not to tear the paper.

tear verb / noun

Short meaning: (verb) to pull something apart or rip it; (noun) a drop of liquid that comes from the eye when crying.

Example: Don’t tear the paper while opening it.

technical adjective

Short meaning: related to skills, science, technology, or detailed processes.

Example: The project required strong technical knowledge.

technique noun

Short meaning: a particular method or way of doing something.

Example: She learned a new technique for solving the problem.

technology noun

Short meaning: the machines, tools, and methods used to solve problems or improve life.

Example: Technology is changing rapidly.

telephone noun

Short meaning: a device used for talking to someone far away.

Example: Please answer the telephone.

television noun

Short meaning: a device for watching programmes, movies, or news.

Example: They watched the news on television.

tell verb

Short meaning: to say something to someone; to give information.

Example: Please tell me the truth.

tell off phrasal verb

Short meaning: to speak angrily to someone because they did something wrong.

Example: The teacher told him off for being late.

temperature noun

Short meaning: a measurement of how hot or cold something is.

Example: The temperature dropped below zero.

temporary adjective

Short meaning: lasting for a short time; not permanent.

Example: She found a temporary job during the holidays.

tend verb

Short meaning: to usually do something or to be likely to behave in a certain way.

Example: People tend to eat more in winter.

tendency noun

Short meaning: the way someone usually behaves; a pattern or habit.

Example: She has a tendency to worry too much.

tension noun

Short meaning: a feeling of stress, pressure, or emotional strain; tightness between people or groups.

Example: There was tension in the room during the discussion.

tent noun

Short meaning: a temporary shelter made of cloth, used for camping.

Example: They slept in a tent by the lake.

term noun

Short meaning: a word or expression; also a fixed period of time (like in school).

Example: ‘Photosynthesis’ is a scientific term.

terrible adjective

Short meaning: very bad or unpleasant.

Example: The weather was terrible yesterday.

terribly adverb

Short meaning: very badly; extremely.

Example: He felt terribly sick last night.

territory noun

Short meaning: an area of land controlled by a country, group, or animal.

Example: Wolves protect their territory from intruders.

terror noun

Short meaning: extreme fear; intense panic.

Example: The loud explosion filled everyone with terror.

terrorism noun

Short meaning: the use of violence to achieve political goals.

Example: Governments work together to fight terrorism.

terrorist noun

Short meaning: a person who uses violence for political purposes.

Example: The police arrested a suspected terrorist.

test noun / verb

Short meaning: (noun) an exam or check; (verb) to check quality, ability, or performance.

Example: She passed the driving test.

text noun

Short meaning: written words; also a written message on a phone.

Example: Please read the text carefully.

than conjunction

Short meaning: used to compare two things.

Example: She is taller than her brother.

thank verb

Short meaning: to express gratitude to someone.

Example: I want to thank you for your help.

thanks exclamation / noun

Short meaning: an informal way to express gratitude.

Example: Thanks for the information!

thank you phrase

Short meaning: a polite phrase used to show appreciation.

Example: Thank you for coming today.

that determiner / pronoun / conjunction

Short meaning: used to refer to something mentioned earlier; also used to introduce clauses.

Example: I remember that day clearly.

the definite article

Short meaning: used before a noun when referring to something specific.

Example: The book on the table is mine.

theater noun

Short meaning: a building where plays, shows, or movies are performed.

Example: We went to the theater to see a play.

their determiner

Short meaning: belonging to them.

Example: Their house is near the park.

theirs pronoun

Short meaning: the one that belongs to them.

Example: The blue car is theirs.

them pronoun

Short meaning: used to refer to people or things previously mentioned.

Example: I saw them at the station.

theme noun

Short meaning: the main idea or subject of something.

Example: The theme of the story is friendship.

themselves pronoun (reflexive)

Short meaning: used to show that the people mentioned act on their own.

Example: They cooked the dinner themselves.

then adverb

Short meaning: at that time; next in order; afterwards.

Example: Finish your homework, then you can play.

theory noun

Short meaning: an idea or set of ideas that explain how something works.

Example: The theory explains why the planet moves this way.

there adverb / pronoun

Short meaning: in or at that place; also used to introduce a statement.

Example: Your bag is over there.

therefore adverb

Short meaning: as a result; for that reason.

Example: She worked hard; therefore, she succeeded.

they pronoun

Short meaning: used to refer to people, animals, or things already mentioned.

Example: They are coming to the meeting.

thick adjective

Short meaning: having a large distance between two opposite sides.

Example: The book has very thick pages.

thickly adverb

Short meaning: in a way that is dense or heavy.

Example: The ground was thickly covered with snow.

thickness noun

Short meaning: the distance between two opposite sides of something.

Example: Measure the thickness of the wood.

thief noun

Short meaning: a person who steals things.

Example: The thief took her wallet.

thin adjective

Short meaning: having little width; not thick.

Example: She sliced the bread into thin pieces.

thing noun

Short meaning: an object, idea, or situation when no specific word is used.

Example: What’s that thing on your desk?

think verb

Short meaning: to use your mind to form ideas or make decisions.

Example: I think it will rain today.

thinking noun / adjective

Short meaning: the process of using your mind; also describes someone thoughtful or intelligent.

Example: His way of thinking is very logical.

thirsty adjective

Short meaning: needing or wanting to drink something.

Example: After the long walk, I felt very thirsty.

this determiner / pronoun

Short meaning: used to refer to a person, thing, or idea that is near you.

Example: This book is interesting.

thorough adjective

Short meaning: done carefully and with great attention to detail.

Example: She did a thorough check of the report.

thoroughly adverb

Short meaning: completely and carefully.

Example: Make sure to clean the room thoroughly.

though conjunction / adverb

Short meaning: used to show contrast or a surprising fact.

Example: I liked the movie, though it was long.

thought noun

Short meaning: an idea or opinion produced by thinking.

Example: That thought never crossed my mind.

thread noun

Short meaning: a thin string used for sewing or a line of connected ideas.

Example: She used black thread to mend the shirt.

threat noun

Short meaning: a statement or situation that suggests possible danger or harm.

Example: The storm is a serious threat to the area.

threaten verb

Short meaning: to say or act like you will cause harm or trouble.

Example: They threatened to cancel the agreement.

threatening adjective

Short meaning: showing that someone may harm you or something bad may happen.

Example: He gave me a threatening look.

throat noun

Short meaning: the inside part of your neck through which food and air pass.

Example: My throat hurts when I swallow.

through preposition / adverb

Short meaning: moving from one side to the other; from beginning to end.

Example: We walked through the park.

throughout preposition / adverb

Short meaning: in every part of something; during the whole period.

Example: The festival is celebrated throughout the country.

throw verb

Short meaning: to send something through the air using your hand.

Example: She can throw a ball very far.

thumb noun

Short meaning: the short, thick finger on the side of your hand.

Example: He cut his thumb while cooking.

Thursday noun

Short meaning: the day of the week between Wednesday and Friday.

Example: The meeting is on Thursday.

thus adverb

Short meaning: as a result; therefore.

Example: Prices were high; thus, many people couldn’t buy it.

ticket noun

Short meaning: a printed or electronic document that gives you permission to enter or travel.

Example: I bought a ticket for the concert.

tie verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to fasten or connect with a string or rope.
Short meaning (noun): a long, thin piece of cloth worn around the neck; also a situation with equal score.

Example: Tie your shoes tightly before running.

tight adjective

Short meaning: held firmly; not loose.

Example: The lid is too tight to open.

tightly adverb

Short meaning: in a firm or secure way.

Example: She held the baby tightly.

till preposition / conjunction

Short meaning: until a particular time.

Example: Wait here till I come back.

time noun

Short meaning: the measured or measurable period in which events happen.

Example: What time is the meeting?

timetable noun

Short meaning: a schedule showing when events or activities happen.

Example: The bus timetable has changed.

tin noun

Short meaning: a light metal, or a container made of this metal, often used for food.

Example: She opened a tin of soup for lunch.

tiny adjective

Short meaning: extremely small in size.

Example: They live in a tiny apartment.

tip noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the pointed end of something; also a helpful piece of advice or extra money given for service.
Short meaning (verb): to move something so that one side is higher than the other.

Example: He gave me a useful tip for learning new words.

tire verb

Short meaning: to become tired or to make someone feel tired.

Example: Long meetings really tire me.

tired adjective

Short meaning: feeling that you need rest or sleep.

Example: I’m too tired to go out tonight.

tiring adjective

Short meaning: making you feel tired.

Example: Moving house is a tiring job.

title noun

Short meaning: the name of a book, film, article, or a person’s job or position.

Example: The title of the book is on the cover.

to preposition / particle

Short meaning: used to show direction, time, or purpose; also used before the base form of a verb.

Example: I’m going to the store.

today adverb / noun

Short meaning: on or during this day; the day that is happening now.

Example: I have a lot of work to do today.

toe noun

Short meaning: one of the five small parts at the end of your foot.

Example: He hurt his big toe while playing football.

together adverb

Short meaning: with or near another person or people; in one group.

Example: We studied together for the exam.

toilet noun

Short meaning: a bowl you sit on or stand near to get rid of body waste; also the room it is in.

Example: The toilet is at the end of the hall.

tomato noun

Short meaning: a soft, round, usually red fruit used as a vegetable in salads and cooking.

Example: Add some tomato to the sandwich.

tomorrow adverb / noun

Short meaning: on the day after today; the day that comes next.

Example: The test is tomorrow morning.

ton noun

Short meaning: a unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms; also a very large amount of something.

Example: They moved a ton of supplies to the site.

tone noun

Short meaning: the quality of a sound or the attitude expressed in someone’s voice or writing.

Example: His tone made it clear he was annoyed.

tongue noun

Short meaning: the soft part in your mouth used for speaking and tasting; also used to refer to a language.

Example: English is not her mother tongue.

tonight adverb / noun

Short meaning: during the night of this day; the evening that is coming.

Example: We’re meeting for dinner tonight.

too adverb

Short meaning (also): in addition; as well.
Short meaning (excess): more than is needed or wanted.

Example: It’s too cold to go outside.

tool noun

Short meaning: an object used to do a particular job or activity.

Example: A hammer is a common tool for building.

tooth noun

Short meaning: one of the hard white structures in your mouth used for biting and chewing.

Example: I lost a tooth when I was eight.

top noun / adjective

Short meaning (noun): the highest or uppermost part of something.
Short meaning (adjective): best or most important.

Example: She climbed to the top of the hill.

topic noun

Short meaning: a subject that you talk, write, or learn about.

Example: Climate change is an important topic.

total adjective / noun

Short meaning (adjective): whole; complete.
Short meaning (noun): the full amount or number.

Example: The total cost was higher than expected.

totally adverb

Short meaning: completely; absolutely.

Example: I totally forgot about the meeting.

touch verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to put your hand or another part of your body onto something.
Short meaning (noun): an act of touching.

Example: Please don’t touch the painting.

tough adjective

Short meaning: difficult; strong enough to handle hardship; hard to deal with.

Example: It was a tough year for everyone.

tour noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a journey to visit several places for pleasure or interest.
Short meaning (verb): to travel around a place for enjoyment or work.

Example: We took a tour of the ancient city.

tourist noun

Short meaning: a person who travels to a place for pleasure.

Example: The city is crowded with tourists in summer.

toward preposition

Short meaning: in the direction of; moving closer to something.

Example: She walked toward the exit.

towel noun

Short meaning: a cloth used for drying your hands, body, or things.

Example: She grabbed a towel after swimming.

tower noun

Short meaning: a tall, narrow building or part of a building.

Example: The clock tower is a landmark of the town.

town noun

Short meaning: a place where people live that is larger than a village but smaller than a city.

Example: They moved to a small town last year.

toy noun

Short meaning: an object that children play with.

Example: The child carried his favorite toy everywhere.

trace verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to find or discover something by investigation; to copy the shape of something.
Short meaning (noun): a mark or sign showing that something existed.

Example: They were able to trace the call.

track noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a path or route, often for running or racing; a mark left by something.
Short meaning (verb): to follow or monitor something.

Example: They kept track of their progress daily.

trade noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): the buying and selling of goods and services.
Short meaning (verb): to exchange or buy and sell goods.

Example: International trade is growing rapidly.

tradition noun

Short meaning: a long-established custom or belief passed from one generation to another.

Example: Cooking together is a family tradition.

traditional adjective

Short meaning: following old customs or beliefs; typical of a long-established practice.

Example: They wore traditional clothes for the festival.

traffic noun

Short meaning: the movement of vehicles along roads.

Example: The traffic was heavy this morning.

train noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a long vehicle that moves on railway tracks.
Short meaning (verb): to teach or prepare someone for a job or activity.

Example: She trained for months before the competition.

training noun

Short meaning: the process of learning skills for a job or activity.

Example: New employees receive two weeks of training.

transfer verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to move something or someone from one place to another.
Short meaning (noun): the act of moving or being moved.

Example: She transferred money to her savings account.

transform verb

Short meaning: to change something completely, especially to make it better.

Example: Technology has transformed the way we work.

transition noun

Short meaning: the process of changing from one state or condition to another.

Example: The company is in a period of transition.

translate verb

Short meaning: to change words from one language to another.

Example: She translated the article into Spanish.

translation noun

Short meaning: the process or result of changing something into another language.

Example: The translation took several hours to complete.

transparent adjective

Short meaning: clear enough to see through; easy to understand.

Example: The glass bowl is completely transparent.

transport verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to take goods or people from one place to another.
Short meaning (noun): the system or method of moving people or goods.

Example: Goods are transported by ship and truck.

transportation noun

Short meaning: the movement of people or goods from one place to another.

Example: Public transportation is improving in the city.

trap noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a device for catching animals.
Short meaning (verb): to catch or prevent someone/something from escaping.

Example: The animal was trapped inside the cage.

trash noun

Short meaning: waste materials that are thrown away.

Example: Please take out the trash before leaving.

travel verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to go from one place to another, especially far away.
Short meaning (noun): the act of traveling.

Example: They love to travel around the world.

traveler noun

Short meaning: a person who is traveling or often travels.

Example: Travelers should arrive two hours early.

treat verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to behave toward someone in a particular way; to give medical care.
Short meaning (noun): something pleasant given as a gift or reward.

Example: The doctor treated her injury quickly.

treatment noun

Short meaning: medical care; the way someone behaves toward another person.

Example: She is receiving treatment for her illness.

tree noun

Short meaning: a tall plant with a trunk, branches, and leaves.

Example: The tree provides shade in summer.

trend noun

Short meaning: a general direction in which something is developing or changing.

Example: There is a growing trend toward online learning.

trial noun

Short meaning: a test or experiment; a legal process in court.

Example: The new system is under trial.

triangle noun

Short meaning: a geometric shape with three sides.

Example: A triangle has three angles that add up to 180°.

trick noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a clever action or a magic act; something done to deceive someone.
Short meaning (verb): to deceive someone.

Example: He played a trick on his friend.

trip noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a journey or short travel experience.
Short meaning (verb): to fall because you hit your foot against something.

Example: We took a trip to the mountains.

troop noun

Short meaning: a group of soldiers.

Example: The troops marched across the field.

tropical adjective

Short meaning: related to the hot, humid regions near the equator.

Example: Tropical countries often have heavy rainfall.

trouble noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): problems or difficulties.
Short meaning (verb): to make someone feel worried or uncomfortable.

Example: She had trouble finding the place.

truck noun

Short meaning: a large vehicle used for carrying goods.

Example: A truck delivered the furniture today.

TRUE adjective

Short meaning: based on fact; not false.

Example: The story is true.

truly adverb

Short meaning: in a real or sincere way.

Example: She is truly a great friend.

trust noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): belief that someone is honest or reliable.
Short meaning (verb): to believe that someone will do the right thing.

Example: I trust her completely.

truth noun

Short meaning: the real facts about something.

Example: He finally told the truth.

try verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to attempt to do something.
Short meaning (noun): an attempt.

Example: Try your best; that’s enough.

try out phrasal verb

Short meaning: to test or use something to see if it works or suits you.

Example: I want to try out the new software.

tube noun

Short meaning: a long, hollow object; also the subway in London.

Example: Squeeze the toothpaste tube gently.

Tuesday noun

Short meaning: the day of the week after Monday.

Example: The meeting is on Tuesday.

tune noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a melody or musical piece.
Short meaning (verb): to adjust something so it works well.

Example: She whistled a simple tune.

tunnel noun

Short meaning: a long passage dug through the ground or a mountain.

Example: The train passed through a dark tunnel.

turn verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to move or change direction.
Short meaning (noun): a change in direction or a chance to do something.

Example: Turn left at the next street.

turn around phrasal verb

Short meaning: to move so you face the opposite direction; also to improve a situation.

Example: Turn around and look behind you.

turn back phrasal verb

Short meaning: to go back in the direction you came from.

Example: It started raining, so we turned back.

TV noun

Short meaning: the system or device used for watching shows and programs.

Example: They watched the news on TV.

twice adverb

Short meaning: two times.

Example: She called twice but got no answer.

twin noun / adjective

Short meaning (noun): one of two children born at the same time.
Short meaning (adj): paired or matching.

Example: Her twin sister looks just like her.

twist verb / noun

Short meaning (verb): to turn something in a circular or bent shape.
Short meaning (noun): a sudden change or bend.

Example: Be careful not to twist your ankle.

twisted adjective

Short meaning: bent in an unnatural way; also describes strange or cruel ideas.

Example: The metal bar was twisted after the crash.

type noun / verb

Short meaning (noun): a category or kind of something.
Short meaning (verb): to write using a keyboard.

Example: What type of music do you like?

typical adjective

Short meaning: showing the usual qualities of a person or thing.

Example: It's typical of him to arrive early.

typically adverb

Short meaning: in a usual or expected way.

Example: She typically studies in the morning.

Oxford 3000 Words Starting with T – Interactive Practice Quiz

Test your understanding of the Oxford 3000 words starting with T using this interactive quiz. Each question is sourced directly from the T-word list above, helping you practice meanings, parts of speech, and real-world usage. Ideal for quick revision, daily vocabulary drills, and exam preparation for SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL.

Question 1 / 10 · Score: 0

Great job! Practicing Oxford 3000 words starting with T consistently strengthens your vocabulary foundation and improves performance in reading, writing, and comprehension. If any words felt challenging, review the list above—or continue exploring the next letters in the Oxford 3000 A–Z series. Keep improving your English with more vocabulary tools and quizzes on LearnVocabularyFree.com.



Oxford 3000 Words Beginning with T – FAQs

Simple explanations to help learners use the “T-words” section of the Oxford 3000 list effectively on LearnVocabularyFree.com.

What is included in the Oxford 3000 Words Starting with T?

This page contains all Oxford 3000 vocabulary items that begin with the letter T, each explained with a short, easy meaning. T-words cover a large range of everyday and academic English, making this list extremely useful for learners preparing for exams and real-life communication.

Why are T-words important for developing English vocabulary?

Many important words related to time, thinking, technology, travel, teaching, and teamwork begin with T. Understanding these T-words boosts reading comprehension and helps you express ideas with greater accuracy in writing and conversation.

Are these T-words enough for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or SAT?

These T-words represent essential Oxford 3000 vocabulary that frequently appears in exam reading and listening tasks. For top performance, pair this list with LVF’s exam-focused vocabulary sets and interactive quizzes to understand how T-words are used in real exam contexts.

How often do you update the Oxford 3000 T-words list?

We periodically refine the meanings, enhance clarity, and connect this list to new practice tools on LVF. This ensures learners always receive accurate, updated, and exam-ready vocabulary support.

What is the best way to study these T-words on LVF?

Begin by skimming the list to find unfamiliar T-words and review their meanings daily. Then reinforce your memory using LVF’s quiz modes—Word → Meaning and Meaning → Word— to build strong accuracy and long-term retention.

Official Oxford 3000 Resources

LearnVocabularyFree.com is an independent learning platform. For the original Oxford 3000™ and Oxford 5000™ wordlists—including official downloadable resources—visit the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries site:

Visit Oxford Wordlists

This LVF hub provides short meanings, filters, and exam-focused practice. For authentic definitions, pronunciation, and official PDFs, always refer to Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries .

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