Foundational/Elementary words that begin with D

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with D

Words that begin with the letter “D” are fundamental in building a strong vocabulary foundation for early learners. These words span a range of categories, including common objects, basic actions, and everyday concepts, making them essential for effective communication and comprehension. By mastering these words, students can better express themselves, understand others, and engage with a variety of texts and contexts.

List of Elementary words that begin with D

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with D with meaning and example

Dog
Meaning: A domesticated carnivorous mammal.
Example: My dog loves to play fetch in the park.

Door
Meaning: A hinged, sliding, or revolving barrier at the entrance to a building or room.
Example: She knocked on the door before entering the house.

Duck
Meaning: A waterbird with a short neck and legs, known for its webbed feet.
Example: The duck swam across the pond, quacking loudly.

Doll
Meaning: A small model of a human figure, often used as a child’s toy.
Example: She hugged her favorite doll before bedtime.

Desk
Meaning: A piece of furniture with a flat top and typically with drawers, used for writing or working.
Example: He organized his books on the desk in his study.

Dish
Meaning: A shallow container used for cooking or serving food.
Example: The chef prepared a delicious dish for the guests.

Drum
Meaning: A musical instrument with a hollow body and a membrane stretched over one or both ends.
Example: The drummer played a lively beat on his drum.

Dress
Meaning: A garment for women or girls that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
Example: She wore a beautiful red dress to the party.

Dust
Meaning: Fine, dry particles of earth or other material.
Example: The shelf was covered in a thick layer of dust.

Drop
Meaning: To let something fall.
Example: Be careful not to drop the vase; it’s very fragile.

Dig
Meaning: To break up and move soil or earth.
Example: The children enjoyed digging holes in the sandbox.

Drumstick
Meaning: A stick used to play drums, or the lower part of a chicken leg.
Example: He played the drumstick with a steady rhythm.

Dirt
Meaning: A term for soil or earth.
Example: The kids were covered in dirt after playing outside.

Driver
Meaning: A person who drives a vehicle.
Example: The driver carefully navigated through the busy traffic.

Dark
Meaning: Lacking light or brightness.
Example: It gets dark early in winter.

Dime
Meaning: A small coin worth ten cents.
Example: She found a dime on the sidewalk.

Dolphin
Meaning: A marine mammal known for its intelligence and playful behavior.
Example: We saw a dolphin jumping out of the water during our boat trip.

Deer
Meaning: A hoofed grazing animal with antlers, usually found in forests.
Example: A deer wandered into the backyard looking for food.

Daisy
Meaning: A type of flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center.
Example: She picked a daisy from the garden and put it in her hair.

Dancer
Meaning: A person who dances, especially professionally.
Example: The dancer performed a beautiful ballet routine.

Doctor
Meaning: A person qualified to treat the sick or injured.
Example: The doctor gave her some medicine to help with the cough.

Donkey
Meaning: A domesticated animal used as a beast of burden.
Example: The donkey carried supplies up the mountain.

Drawer
Meaning: A box-shaped container in furniture that slides open and closed.
Example: She kept her pens and pencils in the top drawer of her desk.

Dinosaur
Meaning: A prehistoric reptile that lived millions of years ago.
Example: The museum had a huge dinosaur skeleton on display.

Diamond
Meaning: A precious stone with a high value, often used in jewelry.
Example: She wore a beautiful diamond ring on her finger.

Dice
Meaning: Small cubes used in games, each with six sides marked with dots.
Example: We rolled the dice to see who would go first in the game.

Dough
Meaning: A mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients used for baking.
Example: The baker kneaded the dough before making the bread.

Diary
Meaning: A book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences.
Example: She wrote about her vacation in her diary.

Dance
Meaning: To move rhythmically to music.
Example: They learned how to dance the tango in their class.

Dozen
Meaning: A group of twelve items.
Example: She bought a dozen eggs from the grocery store.

Dragon
Meaning: A mythical creature often depicted as a large, winged reptile.
Example: The storybook was about a brave knight fighting a dragon.

Dusk
Meaning: The time of day just before it gets dark.
Example: The sky turned orange at dusk as the sun set.

Dart
Meaning: A small pointed missile that can be thrown or shot.
Example: He threw the dart and it landed in the bullseye.

Dome
Meaning: A rounded roof or ceiling structure.
Example: The cathedral’s dome could be seen from miles away.

Dream
Meaning: Thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep.
Example: She had a dream about flying over a beautiful landscape.

Drain
Meaning: A pipe or channel that removes water or waste.
Example: The sink has a drain to let the water out.

Day
Meaning: A period of 24 hours; the time from sunrise to sunset.
Example: We went to the park to enjoy the sunny day.

Dock
Meaning: A platform where ships load and unload cargo.
Example: The boat was moored at the dock.

Drive
Meaning: To operate a vehicle.
Example: She learned how to drive last summer.

Doorbell
Meaning: A bell at a door that rings when pressed.
Example: He rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer.

Doughnut
Meaning: A sweet fried cake, often with a hole in the middle.
Example: She enjoyed a chocolate doughnut with her coffee.

Dustpan
Meaning: A flat container used to collect dust and dirt.
Example: He used a dustpan to clean up the spilled crumbs.

Date
Meaning: A sweet fruit or a specific day of the month.
Example: They went on a date to the movies last weekend.

Daffodil
Meaning: A spring flower with a trumpet-shaped bloom.
Example: The garden was filled with blooming daffodils.

Dove
Meaning: A white or light-colored bird often symbolizing peace.
Example: The dove flew gracefully over the park.

Dial
Meaning: A face of a clock or a device used to select numbers.
Example: She turned the dial to set the alarm clock.

Dairy
Meaning: Products made from milk, such as cheese and butter.
Example: He bought some dairy products like milk and cheese.

Danger
Meaning: The possibility of harm or injury.
Example: The sign warned of the danger of falling rocks.

Damage
Meaning: Harm that reduces value or usability.
Example: The storm caused significant damage to the roof.

Dessert
Meaning: A sweet course usually eaten at the end of a meal.
Example: For dessert, they had chocolate cake.

Diver
Meaning: A person who swims underwater using special equipment.
Example: The diver explored the coral reef in the ocean.

Den
Meaning: A small, cozy room or a wild animal’s lair.
Example: The children made a fort in the den.

Ditch
Meaning: A long, narrow excavation used to drain water.
Example: The farmers dug a ditch to help irrigate the fields.

Delight
Meaning: Great pleasure or joy.
Example: Her smile was a delight to see.

Dorm
Meaning: A building providing sleeping quarters for students or workers.
Example: She lived in a dorm while attending college.

Donut
Meaning: A variant spelling of doughnut.
Example: He had a glazed donut with his coffee.

Drift
Meaning: To be carried along by currents or wind.
Example: The leaves drifted across the lawn in the breeze.

Drape
Meaning: To cover or hang over something.
Example: She draped the blanket over the couch.

Draft
Meaning: A preliminary version of a written work or a current of air.
Example: He reviewed the draft of his report before submission.

Diaper
Meaning: An absorbent garment worn by babies.
Example: She changed the baby’s diaper before putting him to bed.

Decade
Meaning: A period of ten years.
Example: The museum exhibited artifacts from the last decade.

Dollar
Meaning: The currency of the United States, worth 100 cents.
Example: He paid ten dollars for the ticket.

Disk
Meaning: A flat, circular object, such as a computer storage device.
Example: He saved the file on a floppy disk.

Doorway
Meaning: The space where a door is located.
Example: She stood in the doorway, waiting for her friend.

Dash
Meaning: To run or move quickly, or a small amount of something added to food.
Example: She made a dash for the bus and barely caught it.

Dune
Meaning: A hill of sand formed by the wind.
Example: They climbed to the top of the sand dune.

Drink
Meaning: A liquid that can be consumed.
Example: He ordered a cold drink to quench his thirst.

Dormitory
Meaning: A large room providing sleeping quarters for many people.
Example: The students stayed in the dormitory during their trip.

Dreamer
Meaning: A person who dreams or has imaginative ideas.
Example: She was a dreamer with many creative ideas.

Donation
Meaning: A gift or contribution, usually for a charitable cause.
Example: They made a donation to the animal shelter.

Dollhouse
Meaning: A miniature house used as a toy for dolls.
Example: The little girl played with her dollhouse for hours.

Disguise
Meaning: An appearance that hides someone’s true identity.
Example: He wore a costume as a disguise for the masquerade ball.

Diploma
Meaning: A certificate awarded to students after completing a course of study.
Example: She proudly displayed her diploma on the wall.

Drama
Meaning: A play or performance involving conflict and emotion.
Example: The drama club performed a new play last week.

Dresser
Meaning: A piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothes.
Example: She organized her clothes in the dresser.

Division
Meaning: The act of dividing or separating something.
Example: The company underwent a division to form two separate departments.

Database
Meaning: An organized collection of data, usually stored electronically.
Example: The librarian used a database to find the book.

Diner
Meaning: A small restaurant or a person eating in a restaurant.
Example: We went to a local diner for breakfast.

Deck
Meaning: A flat platform on a ship or a collection of cards used in games.
Example: They played cards on the deck of the cruise ship.

Desert
Meaning: A barren, sandy area with little precipitation.
Example: The camel walked through the hot desert.

Doorknob
Meaning: A handle used to open or close a door.
Example: She turned the doorknob and entered the room.

Driveway
Meaning: A private road leading from the street to a house or garage.
Example: He parked the car in the driveway.

Decision
Meaning: A choice made after consideration.
Example: She made the decision to move to a new city.

Detail
Meaning: An individual feature or aspect of something.
Example: The artist paid attention to every detail of the painting.

Dawn
Meaning: The time of day when the sun rises.
Example: They watched the sunrise at dawn.

Doormat
Meaning: A mat placed outside a door to wipe feet on.
Example: They left their shoes on the doormat before entering the house.

Donor
Meaning: A person who gives something, especially for charity.
Example: The donor contributed a large sum to the hospital.

Device
Meaning: A piece of equipment designed for a particular use.
Example: She used a new device to help with her work.

Dragonfly
Meaning: A predatory insect with large eyes and transparent wings.
Example: A dragonfly landed on the pond’s surface.

Disturbance
Meaning: A disruption or interruption of normal activity.
Example: The loud noise was a disturbance to the peaceful evening.

Drought
Meaning: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall.
Example: The drought caused the crops to wither.

Distinction
Meaning: A difference or contrast between similar things.
Example: There was a clear distinction between the two brands.

Duration
Meaning: The length of time something lasts.
Example: The movie had a duration of two hours.

Defend
Meaning: To protect from harm or danger.
Example: The knight was ready to defend the castle.

Defeat
Meaning: To win a victory over someone in a contest or battle.
Example: The team celebrated their victory after the defeat of their rivals.

Dinner
Meaning: The main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening.
Example: They enjoyed a hearty dinner at the restaurant.

Darkness
Meaning: The absence of light.
Example: The room was filled with darkness after the lights went out.

Diagram
Meaning: A simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of something.
Example: The teacher used a diagram to explain the process.

Demonstration
Meaning: A public display of feelings or opinions, or an exhibition of how something works.
Example: The engineer gave a demonstration of the new machine.

Disappointment
Meaning: The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.
Example: She felt a deep disappointment when her vacation was canceled.

Duckling
Meaning: A young duck.
Example: The mother duck led her ducklings to the pond.

Director
Meaning: A person who supervises the making of a film, play, or other performance.
Example: The director gave clear instructions to the actors.

Duty
Meaning: A moral or legal obligation; responsibility.
Example: It’s my duty to ensure that the report is completed on time.

Distribute
Meaning: To give out or spread something among a group of people.
Example: They will distribute the flyers to all the houses in the neighborhood.

Drainage
Meaning: The process of removing excess water from an area.
Example: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent flooding in the garden.

Diet
Meaning: The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats.
Example: She follows a vegetarian diet for health reasons.

Drill
Meaning: A tool or machine used for making holes or a practice session for emergencies.
Example: They practiced a fire drill to prepare for emergencies.

Degree
Meaning: A unit of measurement for angles or temperature, or a level of rank in education.
Example: She earned a degree in biology from the university.

Daylight
Meaning: The natural light of the day.
Example: The room was filled with daylight from the large windows.

Department
Meaning: A distinct part of an organization or a division within a larger institution.
Example: She works in the accounting department of the company.

Dot
Meaning: A small round mark or spot.
Example: The painting had a pattern of colorful dots.

Dishcloth
Meaning: A cloth used for washing dishes.
Example: She used a dishcloth to dry the plates after washing them.

Designer
Meaning: A person who creates plans for the design of something.
Example: The fashion designer showcased her latest collection at the show.

District
Meaning: An area of a city or country defined for administrative or other purposes.
Example: The school is located in the downtown district.

Debate
Meaning: A formal discussion on a particular topic.
Example: The candidates engaged in a heated debate about healthcare.

Determination
Meaning: The quality of being resolute or firm in one’s purpose.
Example: Her determination helped her finish the marathon.

Developer
Meaning: A person or company that creates or improves products or projects, especially in technology.
Example: The software developer released a new app for smartphones.

Deadline
Meaning: The latest time or date by which something should be completed.
Example: The project has a deadline of next Friday.

Density
Meaning: The degree of compactness of a substance.
Example: The density of the material determines its strength.

Detour
Meaning: A longer route taken to avoid something or to get around an obstacle.
Example: We had to take a detour because of road construction.

Distribution
Meaning: The action of sharing something out among a group or spreading it over an area.
Example: The distribution of the charity funds was done fairly.

Detergent
Meaning: A substance used for cleaning.
Example: She added detergent to the washing machine for the laundry.

Detective
Meaning: A person who investigates and solves crimes.
Example: The detective worked late into the night solving the case.

Declaration
Meaning: A formal announcement or statement.
Example: The president made a declaration about the new policy.

Demand
Meaning: A strong request or need for something.
Example: There is a high demand for fresh produce at the market.

Decimal
Meaning: A number system based on ten, including fractions expressed with a decimal point.
Example: The price was $4.75, which is written in decimal form.

Driftwood
Meaning: Wood that has been washed ashore by the sea.
Example: They collected driftwood for a bonfire on the beach.

Discard
Meaning: To get rid of something that is no longer useful.
Example: He decided to discard the old newspapers.

Deficit
Meaning: The amount by which something, especially a sum of money, is too small.
Example: The company reported a budget deficit at the end of the year.

Descend
Meaning: To move or fall downward.
Example: The hikers began to descend the mountain as the sun set.

Dazzle
Meaning: To impress or surprise someone greatly with beauty or skill.
Example: The magician’s performance dazzled the audience.

Duct
Meaning: A tube or channel used to convey fluids or air.
Example: The air conditioning duct was installed in the ceiling.

Dignity
Meaning: The state of being worthy of honor or respect.
Example: She handled the situation with grace and dignity.

Double
Meaning: Consisting of two equal, identical, or similar parts or things.
Example: They ordered a double burger for lunch.

Duplicate
Meaning: To make an exact copy of something.
Example: She needed to duplicate the report for the meeting.

Diagonal
Meaning: A line or plane that is at an angle, not vertical or horizontal.
Example: The diagonals of the rectangle intersect at right angles.

Derive
Meaning: To obtain something from a specified source.
Example: The word “philosophy” derives from Greek.

Dustbin
Meaning: A container for household waste.
Example: He threw the trash into the dustbin.

Dispatch
Meaning: To send off to a destination or for a purpose.
Example: The company will dispatch the goods by next week.

Design
Meaning: To create or plan something in a detailed manner.
Example: She worked on the design of the new building.

Disc
Meaning: A flat, circular object, often used for storing data or as part of a device.
Example: The computer reads the data from a disc.

Donate
Meaning: To give money or goods to help others.
Example: They decided to donate their old clothes to charity.

Decay
Meaning: To rot or decompose over time.
Example: The old wood began to decay after being exposed to the rain.

Distance
Meaning: The amount of space between two points.
Example: The distance between the two cities is about 200 miles.

Dishwashing
Meaning: The act of cleaning dishes after a meal.
Example: She spent the evening doing the dishwashing.

Divert
Meaning: To change the direction or use of something.
Example: The road was closed, so we had to divert to another route.

Daydream
Meaning: A series of pleasant thoughts or fantasies experienced while awake.
Example: He often has daydreams about traveling to exotic places.

Dew
Meaning: Tiny drops of water that form on surfaces in the early morning.
Example: The grass was covered in dew after the night’s chill.

Deposit
Meaning: To put or place something down, often money into a bank account.
Example: She made a deposit into her savings account.

Desire
Meaning: A strong feeling of wanting something.
Example: She had a strong desire to learn how to play the piano.

Dismay
Meaning: A sudden and complete loss of courage or resolution due to an unexpected event.
Example: She was filled with dismay when she heard the bad news.

Dictate
Meaning: To speak or read aloud so that someone else can write it down.
Example: The manager dictated the letter to his assistant.

Dropper
Meaning: A small device used to release liquids in drops.
Example: He used a dropper to add a few drops of medicine to the solution.

Dimension
Meaning: A measurable extent of some kind, such as length, breadth, depth, or height.
Example: The dimensions of the room were 10 by 12 feet.

Dedicate
Meaning: To commit time, effort, or resources to a particular task or purpose.
Example: She dedicated her book to her parents.

Digit
Meaning: A single number from 0 to 9.
Example: The password contains six digits.

Drowsy
Meaning: Feeling sleepy or lethargic.
Example: He felt drowsy after eating a heavy meal.

Departure
Meaning: The act of leaving, especially to start a journey.
Example: The departure of the flight was delayed due to weather conditions.

Deliver
Meaning: To bring goods or services to a destination.
Example: The courier will deliver the package by noon.

Desktop
Meaning: The surface of a desk or a type of computer that sits on a desk.
Example: She arranged her documents on her desktop.

Direct
Meaning: To guide or manage the course of something.
Example: He will direct the team to complete the project.

Downhill
Meaning: Moving or sloping down from a higher to a lower point.
Example: The hikers made their way downhill.

Discussion
Meaning: A conversation or debate about a specific topic.
Example: They had a discussion about the new policy at the meeting.

Dominant
Meaning: Most important, powerful, or influential.
Example: The dominant species in the ecosystem is the lion.

Dynamic
Meaning: Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
Example: The dynamic nature of the market requires adaptability.

Define
Meaning: To state or describe the nature or scope of something.
Example: She needed to define the terms before the contract was signed.

Downtime
Meaning: Periods of inactivity or rest, especially in machinery or work.
Example: The machine’s downtime was minimal due to regular maintenance.

Deserted
Meaning: Abandoned or uninhabited.
Example: The old town was deserted after the factory closed.

Decorate
Meaning: To make something look more attractive by adding items or features.
Example: They decided to decorate the room with bright colors.

Dismal
Meaning: Causing a mood of gloom or depression.
Example: The weather was dismal with rain and fog.

Dockyard
Meaning: A place where ships are built and repaired.
Example: The old dockyard was still busy with ship repairs.

Depart
Meaning: To leave, especially in order to start a journey.
Example: The train will depart from platform 3 at 10 AM.

Discreet
Meaning: Careful and circumspect in one’s speech or actions.
Example: She was discreet about the confidential information.

Determined
Meaning: Showing firmness and resoluteness.
Example: He was determined to finish the marathon despite the challenges.

Docking
Meaning: The process of bringing a ship into a dock or port.
Example: The docking of the ship was completed successfully.

Dialogue
Meaning: A conversation between two or more people.
Example: The dialogue in the play was witty and engaging.

Destination
Meaning: The place to which someone or something is going or being sent.
Example: Their destination was a beautiful island in the Mediterranean.

Download
Meaning: To transfer data from a server to a computer or device.
Example: She needs to download the latest software update.

Distributor
Meaning: A person or company that supplies goods to retailers or consumers.
Example: The distributor delivered the products to various stores.

Durable
Meaning: Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
Example: The new phone case is made from durable materials.

Doghouse
Meaning: A small shelter for a dog.
Example: The doghouse was painted red and had a cozy bed inside.

Directory
Meaning: A list or collection of names, addresses, or other information.
Example: He looked up her phone number in the company directory.

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with D