Foundational/Elementary words that begin with K

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with K

Ready to kickstart your vocabulary journey? Today, we’re focusing on words that begin with the letter K. These words are key building blocks for strong reading and writing skills. Let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of K words together!

List of Elementary words that begin with K

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with K with meanings and example

Kale – A type of leafy green vegetable.

• Example: She added kale to her smoothie for extra nutrients.

Kangaroo – A large marsupial from Australia.

• Example: The kangaroo hopped across the field.

Karate – A martial art developed in Japan.

• Example: He earned a black belt in karate.

Keen – Having a sharp edge or being enthusiastic or eager.

• Example: She has a keen interest in photography.

Keep – To hold or retain something.

• Example: Please keep this document safe.

Kettle – A container for boiling water.

• Example: She put the kettle on to make tea.

Key – A device used to unlock locks or an essential piece of information.

• Example: He found the key to the front door.

Keyboard – A set of keys used for typing or playing musical instruments.

• Example: She bought a new keyboard for her computer.

Kick – To strike with the foot.

• Example: He kicked the ball into the net.

Kid – A child or young person.

• Example: The kid was excited to go to the amusement park.

Kidney – An organ that filters waste from the blood.

• Example: She donated a kidney to her brother.

Kill – To cause the death of a living being.

• Example: The lioness killed its prey swiftly.

Kiln – A furnace for firing pottery or bricks.

• Example: The potter placed the clay pot in the kiln.

Kilo – Short for kilogram, a unit of mass.

• Example: She bought a kilo of apples.

Kilogram – A metric unit of mass equal to 1,000 grams.

• Example: The bag of rice weighs five kilograms.

Kilometer – A metric unit of distance equal to 1,000 meters.

• Example: They hiked five kilometers through the forest.

Kin – Relatives or family members.

• Example: She invited all her kin to the family reunion.

Kind – Being gentle and considerate or a category/type.

• Example: He is always kind to animals.

Kindle – To start a fire or to inspire.

• Example: She used dry leaves to kindle the fire.

Kindness – The quality of being friendly and considerate.

• Example: Her kindness to strangers is well-known.

Kingdom – A country or territory ruled by a king or queen.

• Example: The kingdom celebrated the coronation of the new king.

King – A male monarch.

• Example: The king addressed his subjects from the throne.

Kiss – To touch with the lips as a sign of affection.

• Example: She gave her child a goodnight kiss.

Kit – A set of tools or equipment.

• Example: He brought his fishing kit on the trip.

Kitchen – A room for cooking.

• Example: She spent the afternoon baking in the kitchen.

Kite – A lightweight frame covered with paper or cloth, flown in the wind at the end of a string.

• Example: The children flew their kite in the park.

Kitten – A young cat.

• Example: The kitten played with a ball of yarn.

Knead – To work dough or clay into a uniform mixture by pressing, folding, and stretching.

• Example: She kneaded the dough for ten minutes.

Knee – The joint between the thigh and the lower leg.

• Example: He injured his knee while playing soccer.

Kneel – To go down on one’s knees.

• Example: She knelt to tie her shoelaces.

Knelt – Past tense of kneel.

• Example: He knelt before the altar.

Knife – A cutting instrument with a blade.

• Example: She used a knife to slice the bread.

Knight – A man granted an honorary title of knighthood by a monarch or other leader.

• Example: The knight rode his horse into battle.

Knit – To make a fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.

• Example: She likes to knit scarves during the winter.

Knob – A round handle.

• Example: She turned the knob to open the door.

Knock – To strike a surface noisily to attract attention.

• Example: He knocked on the door before entering.

Knot – A fastening made by tying a piece of string, rope, or something similar.

• Example: She tied a knot in the rope to secure it.

Know – To be aware of or familiar with.

• Example: She knows the answer to the question.

Knowledge – Information and skills acquired through experience or education.

• Example: He has a lot of knowledge about history.

Known – Recognized, familiar, or within the scope of one’s knowledge.

• Example: She is a known expert in her field.

Knuckle – The joint of a finger.

• Example: He cracked his knuckles nervously.

Kaleidoscope – A toy consisting of a tube containing mirrors and pieces of colored glass.

• Example: She looked through the kaleidoscope and saw beautiful patterns.

Karaoke – Singing along to recorded music with the lyrics displayed.

• Example: They went to a karaoke bar and sang all night.

Karma – The sum of a person’s actions, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.

• Example: She believes that good karma will bring good things into her life.

Kayak – A small, narrow watercraft propelled by a double-bladed paddle.

• Example: They went kayaking on the lake.

Keenly – In an eager or enthusiastic manner.

• Example: She keenly listened to the lecture.

Keeper – A person who manages or looks after something or someone.

• Example: The zookeeper is the keeper of the animals.

Keeping – The act of holding or retaining something.

• Example: He is responsible for the keeping of the records.

Keg – A small barrel, often used for storing beer.

• Example: They brought a keg of beer to the party.

Kelvin – The base unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI).

• Example: The temperature dropped to 273 Kelvin.

Kennel – A shelter for dogs or cats.

• Example: They left their dog at the kennel while they were on vacation.

Kernel – The edible part of a seed or grain.

• Example: She ate the popcorn kernel by kernel.

Keyhole – The hole in a lock into which the key is inserted.

• Example: She peered through the keyhole to see who was outside.

Keyword – A significant or descriptive word used as a reference point for finding information.

• Example: Use keywords to search for information online.

Khaki – A light brown fabric used for military uniforms.

• Example: He wore khaki pants to the event.

Kickback – A return of a part of a sum received often because of confidential agreement or coercion.

• Example: He received a kickback for the illegal deal.

Kickoff – The start or resumption of a game or event.

• Example: The football game will kickoff at 7 PM.

Kidnap – To take someone away illegally by force, usually to obtain a ransom.

• Example: The criminals planned to kidnap the wealthy businessman.

Kidnapped – Past tense of kidnap.

• Example: The child was kidnapped and held for ransom.

Kidnapper – A person who kidnaps someone.

• Example: The police caught the kidnapper after a long chase.

Kidnapping – The act of kidnapping.

• Example: The family was devastated by the kidnapping of their child.

Kidney-shaped – Having the shape of a kidney.

• Example: The pool was designed in a kidney-shaped form.

Kinetic – Relating to or resulting from motion.

• Example: Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.

Kinetics – The study of the rates of chemical processes.

• Example: He is studying kinetics in his chemistry class.

Kingfisher – A brightly colored bird that catches fish by diving into water.

• Example: We spotted a kingfisher near the river.

Kingly – Resembling or characteristic of a king.

• Example: He had a kingly bearing that impressed everyone.

Kinsman – A male relative.

• Example: He was accompanied by his kinsman to the meeting.

Kinswoman – A female relative.

• Example: She invited her kinswoman to the family gathering.

Kiosk – A small, open-fronted hut or cubicle.

• Example: They bought snacks from the kiosk at the park.

Kipper – A fish, especially a herring, that has been cured by splitting, salting, drying, and smoking.

• Example: He had a kipper for breakfast.

Kissable – Suitable or inviting to be kissed.

• Example: She had kissable lips.

Kitbag – A long cylindrical bag for carrying a soldier’s clothes and kit.

• Example: He packed his kitbag for the trip.

Kitchenette – A small kitchen or part of a room equipped as a kitchen.

• Example: The hotel room had a kitchenette for guests to use.

Kitchenware – Utensils, cookware, and other items used in a kitchen.

• Example: She bought new kitchenware for her home.

Kith – Friends or acquaintances.

• Example: She invited her kith and kin to the wedding.

Kittenish – Playful or flirtatious.

• Example: She had a kittenish charm that was irresistible.

Kitty – A young cat or a pool of money for communal use.

• Example: The kitty played with a ball of string.

Kleenex – A brand of facial tissue.

• Example: She handed him a Kleenex to wipe his nose.

Klutz – A clumsy person.

• Example: He is such a klutz, always tripping over things.

Knack – A special skill or talent.

• Example: She has a knack for solving puzzles.

Knapsack – A bag carried on the back, typically made of canvas or other weatherproof material.

• Example: He packed his knapsack for the hike.

Knave – A dishonest or unscrupulous man.

• Example: The story’s villain was a knave who deceived everyone.

Knavery – Dishonest or unscrupulous behavior.

• Example: His knavery was finally exposed to everyone.

Knitwear – Clothing made by knitting.

• Example: She designs her own knitwear for the winter season.

Knobbed – Having knobs or lumps.

• Example: The old tree had a knobbed trunk.

Knobbly – Having small lumps or knobs.

• Example: The road was knobbly and difficult to walk on.

Knockabout – Rough and energetic.

• Example: They had a knockabout game of soccer in the backyard.

Knockdown – Striking or intended to strike someone or something to the ground.

• Example: The boxer delivered a knockdown punch.

Knocker – A metal or wooden device on a door for knocking.

• Example: She used the knocker to alert the residents.

Knockout – An act of knocking someone out, typically in boxing.

• Example: The fighter won by a knockout in the second round.

Knoll – A small hill or mound.

• Example: They sat on a grassy knoll to watch the sunset.

Knotted – Tied or tangled in knots.

• Example: The ropes were knotted together tightly.

Knotty – Full of knots or complex and difficult.

• Example: The problem was knotty and required a lot of thought.

Knowable – Capable of being known or understood.

• Example: The mysteries of the universe are not all knowable.

Knowingly – In a way that shows awareness or intentionality.

• Example: He knowingly agreed to the risky deal.

Knowledgeable – Well-informed or educated.

• Example: She is knowledgeable about many subjects.

Knucklehead – A foolish person.

• Example: Don’t be a knucklehead and forget your keys again.

Krypton – A chemical element, a noble gas.

• Example: Krypton is used in some types of lighting.

Kaleidoscopic – Having complex patterns of colors; constantly changing.

• Example: The kaleidoscopic display of fireworks was mesmerizing.

Keypad – A small keyboard for entering data.

• Example: She entered her password on the keypad.

Kickstand – A device on a bicycle or motorcycle that props it up.

• Example: He put the kickstand down before getting off his bike.

Kidology – The art or practice of deception or trickery.

• Example: His story about winning the lottery was pure kidology.

Kickboxing – A form of martial arts that combines boxing with elements of karate.

• Example: She attends kickboxing classes every Tuesday.

Kimono – A traditional Japanese garment.

• Example: She wore a beautiful silk kimono to the festival.

Kickboard – A flotation device used for swimming.

• Example: The children used kickboards during their swimming lessons.

Kilobyte – A unit of digital information equal to 1,024 bytes.

• Example: The text file was only a few kilobytes in size.

Kindhearted – Having a kind and sympathetic nature.

• Example: The kindhearted woman helped the stray dog.

Kindergarten – A school or class for young children.

• Example: She started kindergarten when she was five years old.

Kook – A person regarded as strange or eccentric.

• Example: He’s a bit of a kook but very kind-hearted.

Kibbutz – A collective community in Israel, traditionally based on agriculture.

• Example: They spent a year living and working on a kibbutz.

Kibble – Ground meal shaped into pellets, especially for pet food.

• Example: She poured kibble into the dog’s bowl.

Kinesthetic – Relating to the sensation of movement or strain in muscles, tendons, and joints.

• Example: He has a strong kinesthetic sense, making him a great dancer.

Kippered – Fish, especially herring, that has been cured by salting and smoking.

• Example: They had kippered herring for breakfast.

Kismetic – Pertaining to fate or destiny.

• Example: Their meeting seemed kismetic, as if it was meant to be.

Kitchenmaid – A female servant in charge of the kitchen.

• Example: The kitchenmaid prepared all the meals for the household.

Kittiwake – A type of seabird.

• Example: We saw a flock of kittiwakes nesting on the cliffs.

Knacker – A person who buys and slaughters old, worn-out livestock.

• Example: The farmer sold his old horse to the knacker.

Kneecap – The bone at the front of the knee joint.

• Example: She injured her kneecap while playing soccer.

Knighthood – The rank or title of a knight.

• Example: He was awarded a knighthood for his services to literature.

Knotwork – Decorative patterns of interlacing knots.

• Example: The ancient book cover featured intricate knotwork designs.

Knuckleduster – A weapon worn on the hand to increase the force of a punch.

• Example: He was arrested for carrying a knuckleduster.

Kobold – A mythical creature from German folklore, typically depicted as a mischievous sprite.

• Example: The old tales spoke of kobolds living in the mines.

Kookaburra – A large kingfisher bird native to Australia.

• Example: The kookaburra’s laugh echoed through the forest.

Kryptonite – A fictional substance that weakens Superman.

• Example: Chocolate is his kryptonite; he can’t resist it.

Kybosh – To put an end to; to squelch.

• Example: The manager put the kybosh on the team’s plans for a party.

Kumquat – A small, orange-like fruit.

• Example: She added kumquats to the salad for a citrusy flavor.

Kyphosis – Excessive outward curvature of the spine, causing hunching.

• Example: The elderly man suffered from kyphosis, affecting his posture.

Keepable – Capable of being kept.

• Example: These documents are important and definitely keepable.

Keycard – A card that uses magnetic or electronic means to provide access.

• Example: She used her keycard to enter the building.

Kickapoo – A Native American tribe or a term for their language.

• Example: The Kickapoo people have a rich cultural heritage.

Kiddie – Informal term for a child.

• Example: The kiddie pool is safe for young children to play in.

Killjoy – A person who spoils the fun of others.

• Example: Don’t be a killjoy; let’s go to the party!

Kindergartener – A child attending kindergarten.

• Example: The kindergartener proudly showed off his drawing.

Kindheartedness – The quality of being kind and sympathetic.

• Example: Her kindheartedness was evident in her charity work.

Kingmaker – A person with great influence in royal or political succession.

• Example: The powerful advisor was considered a kingmaker at court.

Kinesiology – The study of body movement.

• Example: She studied kinesiology to become a physical therapist.

Kingpin – The main or most important person in an organization or activity.

• Example: The detective aimed to capture the kingpin of the drug cartel.

Kickflip – A skateboarding trick involving flipping the board in the air.

• Example: He practiced his kickflip at the skate park.

Kinglet – A small bird or a minor king.

• Example: The tiny kinglet flitted among the branches.

Kingliness – The quality of being kingly or regal.

• Example: His kingliness was evident in the way he carried himself.

Kerfuffle – A commotion or fuss.

• Example: There was a kerfuffle in the office over the new policy.

Kenneling – The act of putting a dog in a kennel.

• Example: They opted for kenneling their dog while they were on vacation.

Kink – A twist or bend in something that is otherwise straight.

• Example: She had to work out the kink in the hose before watering the garden.

Kooky – Strange or eccentric.

• Example: His kooky behavior always makes people laugh.

Keepsake – An item kept in memory of someone or something.

• Example: She gave him a locket as a keepsake.

Keynote – The main theme or central idea.

• Example: The keynote of the conference was innovation in technology.

Kicking – The action of striking with the foot.

• Example: He practiced kicking the soccer ball into the net.

Kestrel – A small falcon.

• Example: We watched the kestrel hover in the sky before diving for its prey.

Knuckled – Having or showing prominent knuckles.

• Example: His knuckled hands gripped the handlebars tightly.

Keying – The act of entering data using a keyboard.

• Example: She was keying the information into the computer.

Kinship – A connection by blood, marriage, or adoption.

• Example: They felt a strong kinship despite not being related by blood.

Kiwifruit – A small, brown, fuzzy fruit with green flesh.

• Example: She sliced the kiwifruit for the fruit salad.

Kenned – Past tense of ken, meaning to know or recognize.

• Example: He kenned the old man from his childhood.

Kindlier – More kind or gentle.

• Example: She became kindlier with age, always ready to help others.

Kinked – Twisted or bent into a tight curve.

• Example: The garden hose was kinked, preventing water flow.

Kinless – Without relatives.

• Example: The old man was kinless and had no family to visit him.

Knobbiness – The quality of being covered in small, rounded lumps.

• Example: The knobbiness of the old tree trunk was unique.

Kindling – Small sticks or twigs used to start a fire.

• Example: He gathered kindling to build the campfire.

Krill – Small crustaceans found in the ocean, a primary food source for many marine animals.

• Example: Whales feed on krill in the ocean.

Knocking – The act of striking a surface to attract attention.

• Example: She heard a knocking at the door late at night.

Kneeling – The act of resting on one’s knees.

• Example: He was kneeling in prayer at the altar.

Knightly – Relating to or characteristic of a knight.

• Example: His knightly conduct earned him much respect.

Knighted – Given the title of knight.

• Example: He was knighted by the queen for his services to the nation.

Knotting – The act of tying knots.

• Example: She was knotting the ends of the rope together.

Knotless – Without knots.

• Example: The sailor admired the knotless finish of the rope.

Knocked – Past tense of knock; struck a surface to attract attention.

• Example: She knocked on the door, hoping someone would answer.

Knuckles – The joints of the fingers.

• Example: His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel.

Keyed – Past tense of key; entered data using a keyboard.

• Example: She keyed in her password to log into the computer.

Keeps – Holds or retains.

• Example: She keeps her favorite books on the top shelf.

Keel – The central structure of a ship running lengthwise along the bottom.

• Example: The ship’s keel was sturdy and well-built.

Keenness – The quality of being eager or enthusiastic.

• Example: His keenness to learn new things was admirable.

Keenest – Most eager or enthusiastic.

• Example: She was the keenest student in her class.

Ken – Range of knowledge or understanding.

• Example: The complex theory was beyond his ken.

Kissed – Past tense of kiss; touched with the lips as a sign of love or greeting.

• Example: He kissed her cheek before leaving for work.

Kindly – In a kind or benevolent manner.

• Example: She spoke kindly to the nervous child.

Kindest – Most kind or benevolent.

• Example: He was known as the kindest person in the neighborhood.

Kinfolk – Family members or relatives.

• Example: She invited all her kinfolk to the family reunion.

Kicker – A person who kicks something, or a surprising twist.

• Example: The kicker scored the winning goal in the match.

Knows – Has knowledge or awareness of something.

• Example: She knows the answer to the question.

Knew – Past tense of know; had knowledge or awareness.

• Example: He knew the city well from his many visits.

Kneels – Bends the knees to rest on them.

• Example: She kneels down to tie her shoelaces.

Knees – The joints connecting the thighs and lower legs.

• Example: His knees were sore after the long hike.

Knits – Interlaces yarn to make fabric.

• Example: She knits scarves and hats for her friends.

Keys – Small metal instruments used to open locks, or the buttons on a keyboard.

• Example: She lost her keys and couldn’t get into her house.

Knobs – Rounded handles or controls.

• Example: She turned the knobs to adjust the volume on the radio.

Knives – Plural of knife; cutting tools with blades.

• Example: The chef sharpened all his knives before cooking.

Knocks – Strikes a surface to attract attention.

• Example: He knocks on the door every morning to wake his roommate.

Keyboards – Plural of keyboard; devices used for typing.

• Example: The computer lab has several keyboards for students to use.

Knowledges – Plural of knowledge; information and skills acquired through experience or education.

• Example: Different cultures contribute to our collective knowledges.

Kitchens – Plural of kitchen; rooms or areas where food is prepared and cooked.

• Example: The restaurant has two large kitchens for preparing meals.

Kettles – Plural of kettle; containers for boiling liquids.

• Example: She put the kettles on the stove to make tea for everyone.

Kickstarts – Begins or starts something quickly.

• Example: The new policy aims to kickstart economic growth.

Keynotes – Plural of keynote; main themes or central ideas.

• Example: The conference will address several keynotes on technology advancements.

Knickknacks – Small decorative objects.

• Example: Her shelves were filled with various knickknacks from her travels.

Kneecaps – Plural of kneecap; the bones at the front of the knee joints.

• Example: He fell and bruised both of his kneecaps.

Knockdowns – Plural of knockdown; acts of knocking someone or something to the ground.

• Example: The boxing match had several thrilling knockdowns.

Knowledgebases – Plural of knowledgebase; organized bodies of knowledge.

• *Example: The company uses knowledgebases to help customers troubleshoot issues.

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with K