Foundational/Elementary words that begin with N

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with N

Expanding your vocabulary is an essential part of mastering any language. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply a language enthusiast, having a strong foundation in elementary words can significantly enhance your communication skills. Today, we’re diving into a selection of foundational and elementary words that begin with the letter N. From common nouns to interesting adjectives, each word is accompanied by its meaning and an example sentence to help you grasp its usage in context. Let’s embark on this linguistic journey and enrich our vocabulary with some valuable N words!

List of Elementary words that begin with N

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with N with Meanings and example

Nail: A small metal spike used to fasten pieces of wood or other materials together.

• Example: She hammered a nail into the wall to hang the picture.

Name: A word by which a person or thing is known.

• Example: Her name is Emily.

Nanny: A person, typically a woman, employed to care for a child in its own home.

• Example: The nanny took the children to the park.

Nap: A short sleep, especially during the day.

• Example: He took a nap after lunch.

Narrow: Having a small width in relation to length.

• Example: The narrow path led to the garden.

Nasty: Very bad or unpleasant.

• Example: The weather turned nasty in the afternoon.

Nation: A large group of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, living in a particular country or territory.

• Example: Canada is a nation with a diverse culture.

Native: Associated with the place or circumstances of a person’s birth.

• Example: She is a native of Australia.

Natural: Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.

• Example: The park is known for its natural beauty.

Navy: The branch of a nation’s armed services that conducts military operations at sea.

• Example: He served in the navy for ten years.

Near: Close to someone or something in distance.

• Example: The school is near the library.

Neat: Arranged in an orderly, tidy way.

• Example: Her handwriting is very neat.

Neck: The part of a person’s or animal’s body connecting the head to the rest of the body.

• Example: He wore a scarf around his neck.

Need: Require something because it is essential or very important.

• Example: We need more time to finish the project.

Needle: A small, slender, pointed tool used for sewing.

• Example: She used a needle and thread to fix the tear.

Negative: Consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the presence of something.

• Example: The test results were negative.

Neighbor: A person living near or next door to the speaker or person referred to.

• Example: Our new neighbor is very friendly.

Night: The period of darkness in each twenty-four hours; the time from sunset to sunrise.

• Example: She couldn’t sleep well last night.

Nine: The number equivalent to the product of three and three; one more than eight.

• Example: The school day starts at nine o’clock.

No: Used to give a negative response.

• Example: No, I don’t want any more coffee.

Nod: To lower and raise one’s head slightly and briefly, especially in greeting, assent, or understanding.

• Example: She nodded in agreement.

Noise: A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance.

• Example: The noise from the construction site was very loud.

None: Not any.

• Example: None of the answers were correct.

Noon: Twelve o’clock in the day; midday.

• Example: Let’s meet for lunch at noon.

North: The direction in which a compass needle normally points, towards the horizon on the left-hand side of a person facing east.

• Example: They traveled north for the holidays.

Nose: The part of the face or head through which a person or animal breathes and smells.

• Example: He has a cold and his nose is blocked.

Not: Used with an auxiliary verb or “be” to form the negative.

• Example: She is not coming to the party.

Nothing: Not anything; no single thing.

• Example: There was nothing left to say.

Notice: To become aware of.

• Example: Did you notice the new painting on the wall?

Novel: A long written story, usually about imaginary characters and events.

• Example: She is reading a science fiction novel.

Now: At the present moment.

• Example: You need to leave now to catch the train.

Numb: Deprived of the power of sensation.

• Example: Her fingers were numb from the cold.

Number: An arithmetical value, expressed by a word, symbol, or figure, representing a particular quantity.

• Example: Write your phone number here.

Nurture: To care for and encourage the growth or development of.

• Example: Parents nurture their children.

New: Not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time.

• Example: She bought a new dress.

News: Newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent events.

• Example: He watched the news every evening.

Naked: Without clothes.

• Example: The baby was naked after his bath.

Noodle: A strip, ring, or tube of pasta or a similar dough, typically made with egg and usually eaten with a sauce or in a soup.

• Example: She made chicken noodle soup for dinner.

Nudge: To prod someone gently, typically with one’s elbow, in order to draw their attention to something.

• Example: He nudged her to get her attention.

Nut: A fruit consisting of a hard or tough shell around an edible kernel.

• Example: She ate a handful of nuts for a snack.

Napkin: A piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to wipe the fingers or lips and to protect garments.

• Example: He wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Nailbrush: A small brush used for cleaning the fingernails.

• Example: She used a nailbrush to scrub her nails.

Nibble: To take small bites out of.

• Example: The mouse nibbled on the cheese.

Nimbus: A luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint.

• Example: The painting depicted an angel with a nimbus around its head.

Nostalgia: A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

• Example: He felt a wave of nostalgia when he visited his old school.

Nectar: A sugary fluid secreted by plants, especially within flowers to encourage pollination by insects and other animals.

• Example: Bees collect nectar from flowers.

Nickel: A silvery-white metal, the chemical element of atomic number 28.

• Example: The coin was made of nickel.

Niece: A daughter of one’s brother or sister, or of one’s brother-in-law or sister-in-law.

• Example: She bought a gift for her niece’s birthday.

Nimble: Quick and light in movement or action; agile.

• Example: The gymnast was nimble and graceful.

Nurtured: Cared for and encouraged the growth or development of.

• Example: The teacher nurtured her students’ talents.

Nurturing: Providing care and nourishment.

• Example: The nurturing environment helped the children thrive.

Nautical: Of or concerning sailors or navigation; maritime.

• Example: He collected nautical memorabilia.

Napping: Taking a short sleep, especially during the day.

• Example: The cat was napping in the sun.

Navigational: Relating to the process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route.

• Example: The navigational system helped them find their way.

Neighborly: Friendly and helpful to one’s neighbors.

• Example: She has a very neighborly attitude.

Narrative: A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.

• Example: The narrative of the novel was captivating.

Necklace: An ornamental chain or string of beads, jewels, or links worn around the neck.

• Example: She wore a beautiful necklace to the party.

Nominate: To propose or formally enter as a candidate for election or for an honor or award.

• Example: She was nominated for the award.

Notepad: A pad of blank or ruled pages for writing notes on.

• Example: He jotted down the address in his notepad.

Nostalgic: Characterized by or exhibiting feelings of nostalgia.

• Example: Listening to the old songs made her feel nostalgic.

Nausea: A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.

• Example: She felt nausea after the boat ride.

Nudist: A person who engages in the practice of going naked wherever possible.

• Example: The beach had a designated area for nudists.

Numbered: Having numbers to show order or position.

• Example: The seats in the theater are numbered.

Nutrient: A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

• Example: Fruits and vegetables are full of essential nutrients.

Noteworthy: Worth paying attention to; interesting or significant.

• Example: The scientist made a noteworthy discovery.

Nationality: The status of belonging to a particular nation.

• Example: She has dual nationality, French and Canadian.

Newborn: Recently or just born.

• Example: The newborn baby was sleeping peacefully.

Nonsense: Spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense.

• Example: His explanation was pure nonsense.

Nonstop: Continuing without stopping or pausing.

• Example: The train offers a nonstop service to the city center.

Nutrition: The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.

• Example: Good nutrition is essential for a healthy life.

Naturalize: To admit (a foreigner) to the citizenship of a country.

• Example: He was naturalized as an American citizen.

Neatly: In a tidy or orderly way.

• Example: She folded the clothes neatly.

Nightly: Happening or done every night.

• Example: He takes a nightly walk around the neighborhood.

Newcomer: A person who has recently arrived in a place or joined a group.

• Example: The newcomer quickly made friends at school.

Nominal: Existing in name only; not real or actual.

• Example: He is the nominal head of the organization, but others make the decisions.

Nanosecond: One billionth of a second.

• Example: It only took a nanosecond for the computer to process the data.

Network: A group or system of interconnected people or things.

• Example: She has a strong network of professional contacts.

Nurturer: Someone who cares for and encourages the growth or development of someone or something.

• Example: She is a natural nurturer and takes good care of her plants.

Nominee: A person who is proposed or formally entered as a candidate for an office or as the recipient of a grant or award.

• Example: She was a nominee for the best actress award.

Neurons: Nerve cells that transmit information throughout the body.

• Example: Neurons are essential for brain function.

Novelty: The quality of being new, original, or unusual.

• Example: The novelty of the situation wore off quickly.

Navigated: Planned and directed the course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transport.

• Example: They navigated the boat through the narrow canal.

Noticed: Became aware of.

• Example: She noticed the error in the report.

Notion: A conception of or belief about something.

• Example: He had a strange notion that the house was haunted.

Neon: A type of very bright light in which the gas neon is used.

• Example: The neon sign lit up the street.

Newscaster: A person who reads broadcast news stories.

• Example: The newscaster reported the latest updates.

Needy: Lacking the necessities of life; very poor.

• Example: The charity helps needy families.

Nonfiction: Prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people.

• Example: She prefers reading nonfiction books.

Nudging: Gently persuading or encouraging.

• Example: She kept nudging him to start his homework.

Nonprofit: Not making or conducted primarily to make a profit.

• Example: The organization is a nonprofit that helps the homeless.

Nearer: Closer in distance.

• Example: The supermarket is nearer than the mall.

Nighttime: The time of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

• Example: He enjoys the quiet of nighttime.

Nightfall: The onset of night; dusk.

• Example: They planned to reach the campsite by nightfall.

Nondescript: Lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics.

• Example: The building was nondescript and unremarkable.

Needles: Small, slender, pointed tools used for sewing.

• Example: She carefully threaded the needles.

Narrate: To give a spoken or written account of.

• Example: He was asked to narrate the documentary.

Neckline: The edge of a piece of clothing at or near the neck, especially the shape of this edge.

• Example: She wore a dress with a high neckline.

Nonsensical: Having no meaning; making no sense.

• Example: His explanation was completely nonsensical.

Narrowing: Becoming or making less wide.

• Example: The road was narrowing as they approached the bridge.

Nomads: People who move from place to place rather than settling permanently.

• Example: The nomads traveled across the desert in search of water.

Nautilus: A marine mollusk with a spiral shell.

• Example: The nautilus shell was a beautiful addition to her collection.

Newfound: Recently discovered or acquired.

• Example: She enjoyed her newfound freedom after graduating.

Nutrients: Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and life.

• Example: Vegetables are rich in essential nutrients.

Nonsmoking: Not allowing smoking.

• Example: This is a nonsmoking area.

Nominations: The act of formally choosing someone as a candidate for a job, position, or honor.

• Example: The actor received multiple nominations for his performance.

Naturalism: A style and theory of representation based on the accurate depiction of detail.

• Example: The painter was known for his naturalism in landscapes.

Notary: An official authorized to perform certain legal formalities.

• Example: The documents were signed in front of a notary.

Nonessential: Not absolutely necessary.

• Example: The company cut nonessential expenses.

Notation: A system of marks, signs, figures, or characters used to represent information.

• Example: The teacher explained the musical notation on the sheet.

Nurtures: Cares for and encourages the growth or development of.

• Example: She nurtures her garden with great care.

Neonate: A newborn child.

• Example: The hospital has a special unit for neonates.

Needlework: The art or practice of sewing or embroidery.

• Example: Her grandmother taught her needlework.

Negotiate: To discuss something in order to reach an agreement.

• Example: They need to negotiate a new contract.

Networked: Connected to a network.

• Example: The computers in the office are networked.

Narration: The action or process of narrating a story.

• Example: The film’s narration was done by a famous actor.

Nomadic: Living the life of a nomad; wandering.

• Example: The nomadic tribes moved with the seasons.

Neatness: The quality of being neat; tidiness.

• Example: Her neatness was evident in her perfectly organized desk.

Necessary: Required to be done, achieved, or present; needed.

• Example: It is necessary to wear a helmet when riding a bike.

Nicknamed: Gave a familiar or humorous name to someone or something.

• Example: He was nicknamed “Speedy” for his fast running.

Nebula: A cloud of gas and dust in outer space.

• Example: The telescope captured images of a distant nebula.

Nice: Pleasant, enjoyable, or satisfactory.

• Example: She is a nice person to work with.

Nuisance: A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance.

• Example: The loud noise from the construction site was a nuisance.

Negligible: So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.

• Example: The difference in price was negligible.

Nutritious: Nourishing; efficient as food.

• Example: She prepared a nutritious meal for her family.

Navigable: Able to be sailed on by ships or boats.

• Example: The river is navigable for large vessels.

Nationhood: The state of being a nation.

• Example: The country celebrated its nationhood.

Nonexistent: Not existing or not real.

• Example: The problem he mentioned was nonexistent.

Newborns: Babies that have just been born.

• Example: The hospital has a special care unit for newborns.

Newscasts: Broadcasts of news reports.

• Example: The evening newscasts covered the latest developments.

Noble: Having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles.

• Example: The knight was known for his noble deeds.

Noisy: Making a lot of noise.

• Example: The noisy crowd cheered for their team.

Needing: Requiring something because it is essential or very important.

• Example: The plants were needing water.

Naturally: In a natural manner.

• Example: She handled the situation naturally.

Navigates: Plans and directs the course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transport.

• Example: The captain navigates the ship through rough waters.

Nutritionally: In a way that relates to the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.

• Example: The food was nutritionally balanced.

Nitrate: A salt or ester of nitric acid.

• Example: Nitrate levels in the water were tested for safety.

Nightshade: A plant of the nightshade family, typically having poisonous or medicinal properties.

• Example: The nightshade plant was used in traditional medicine.

Notebooks: Books of blank paper for writing notes in.

• Example: She bought new notebooks for school.

Nightcap: An alcoholic drink taken late in the evening.

• Example: They had a nightcap before going to bed.

Nicer: More pleasant, agreeable, or satisfactory.

• Example: The weather today is nicer than yesterday.

Nonprofits: Organizations not making or conducted primarily to make a profit.

• Example: She works for several nonprofits that help the homeless.

Necklaces: Pieces of jewelry worn around the neck.

• Example: She wore beautiful necklaces to the party.

Nutritional: Relating to the process of providing or obtaining food necessary for health and growth.

• Example: She studied the nutritional benefits of different foods.

Neighbors: People living near or next door to each other.

• Example: The neighbors are very friendly and often visit each other.

Nitrogen: A chemical element with symbol N and atomic number 7.

• Example: Nitrogen is a major component of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Neglect: Fail to care for properly.

• Example: The garden looked untidy due to neglect.

Nostalgias: Feelings of nostalgia, sentimental longing for the past.

• Example: He often spoke about his nostalgias from childhood.

Networker: A person who interacts with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

• Example: She is a skilled networker and has many connections in the industry.

Nocturnal: Active at night.

• Example: Owls are nocturnal birds.

Nautically: In a way that relates to ships and navigation.

• Example: He dressed nautically for the sailing trip.

Nomination: The act of nominating or state of being nominated.

• Example: Her nomination for the award was a surprise.

Narratives: Spoken or written accounts of connected events; stories.

• Example: The book is filled with interesting narratives.

Navigators: People who navigate, especially in a ship or aircraft.

• Example: The navigators plotted a course across the ocean.

Narrowed: Made or became less wide.

• Example: The road narrowed as it approached the village.

Nodules: Small swellings or lumps.

• Example: The doctor examined the nodules on his skin.

Nonmetal: An element not having the character of a metal.

• Example: Carbon is an example of a nonmetal.

Nauseous: Affected with nausea; feeling inclined to vomit.

• Example: The smell of the garbage made her feel nauseous.

Narcotics: Drugs that affect mood or behavior and are used for non-medical purposes, especially illegal ones.

• Example: The police seized a large quantity of narcotics.

Negotiation: Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.

• Example: The negotiation between the two companies was successful.

Nonchalant: Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed.

• Example: He gave a nonchalant shrug.

Notoriety: The state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed.

• Example: The celebrity gained notoriety for his controversial remarks.

Nightmares: Frightening or unpleasant dreams.

• Example: She often woke up from nightmares.

Natured: Having a specified temper or disposition.

• Example: He is a good-natured person.

Nitrogenous: Containing nitrogen.

• Example: Fertilizers often contain nitrogenous compounds.

Nectarine: A smooth-skinned variety of peach.

• Example: She enjoyed eating a ripe nectarine.

Nostalgically: In a way that shows a sentimental longing for the past.

• Example: He spoke nostalgically about his childhood.

Nonconformist: A person who does not conform to prevailing ideas or practices.

• Example: The artist was known as a nonconformist.

Nutriments: Substances that provide nourishment.

• Example: Plants absorb nutriments from the soil.

Notarize: To have (a document) legalized by a notary.

• Example: They needed to notarize the agreement.

Nonbeliever: A person who does not believe in something, especially a religion.

• Example: He was a nonbeliever in supernatural phenomena.

Nominally: In name only; not really.

• Example: He is nominally the manager, but she does all the work.

Nauseated: Affected with nausea.

• Example: She felt nauseated after the roller coaster ride.

Netting: Material made of threads woven into a mesh.

• Example: The fisherman repaired the netting.

Nonfictional: Based on facts; real.

• Example: She prefers nonfictional books to novels.

Notions: Ideas or beliefs.

• Example: He had some strange notions about the world.

Nearsighted: Unable to see things clearly unless they are relatively close.

• Example: She is nearsighted and wears glasses to see distant objects.

Neurologist: A doctor specializing in the treatment of the nervous system.

• Example: She consulted a neurologist for her headaches.

Noisemakers: Devices that make noise, especially to mark a celebration.

• Example: The children played with noisemakers at the party.

Novelist: A writer of novels.

• Example: She is a well-known novelist.

Numeral: A figure, symbol, or group of figures or symbols denoting a number.

• Example: The Roman numeral for four is IV.

Nonviable: Not capable of working successfully.

• Example: The project was deemed nonviable.

Narcissist: A person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves.

• Example: He was such a narcissist that he could not stop looking at himself in the mirror.

Nestling: A bird that is too young to leave its nest.

• Example: The mother bird fed the nestling.

Nobility: The quality of being noble in character, mind, birth, or rank.

• Example: His actions showed a sense of nobility.

Notational: Relating to notation.

• Example: The notational system for the music was complex.

Nonexempt: Not exempt from something, especially from paying tax.

• Example: Nonexempt employees are entitled to overtime pay.

Nullify: To make legally null and void.

• Example: The contract was nullified by the court.

Nonperishable: Not subject to rapid deterioration or decay.

• Example: Nonperishable foods are essential for emergency supplies.

Nonchalantly: In a casually calm and relaxed manner.

• Example: She replied nonchalantly to the difficult question.

Negligibly: So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.

• Example: The cost increase was negligibly small.

Needlepoint: Embroidery worked over canvas, typically in a diagonal stitch.

• Example: She created beautiful designs with needlepoint.

Nebulizer: A device that converts liquid medicine into a mist for inhalation.

• Example: The doctor prescribed a nebulizer for her asthma.

Neurotic: Suffering from a nervous disorder.

• Example: His neurotic behavior made it difficult for him to socialize.

Neuropeptide: Any of a group of compounds that act as neurotransmitters.

• Example: Neuropeptides play a crucial role in brain function.

Navigator: A person who directs the route or course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transport.

• Example: The navigator plotted a new course.

Neighboring: Situated next to or very near.

• Example: They visited the neighboring towns.

Numerical: Relating to or expressed as a number or numbers.

• Example: The data was arranged in numerical order.

Negotiated: Discussed to reach an agreement.

• Example: They negotiated a fair price for the house.

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with N