Foundation/Elementary words that begin with S

Foundation/Elementary words that begin with S

When learning new vocabulary, starting with foundational words is key to building a strong language base. Here’s a collection of elementary words that begin with the letter “S,” complete with meanings and examples to help young learners and beginners expand their vocabulary.

List of Elementary words that begin with S

Foundation/Elementary words that begin with S with meanings and example

Sun

Meaning: The star at the center of our solar system that provides light and warmth.
Example: The sun is shining brightly today.

Sea

Meaning: A large body of saltwater smaller than an ocean.
Example: They went swimming in the sea during their vacation.

Sand

Meaning: Small, loose grains found on beaches or deserts.
Example: The children built a sandcastle on the beach.

School

Meaning: An institution for educating children.
Example: She goes to school every weekday.

Sky

Meaning: The expanse above the Earth where clouds and stars appear.
Example: The sky was clear and blue today.

Shoes

Meaning: Footwear worn to protect and comfort the feet.
Example: He wore new shoes to school.

Sleep

Meaning: The state of rest where one’s body and mind are inactive.
Example: She needs at least eight hours of sleep each night.

Sing

Meaning: To produce musical sounds with the voice.
Example: They like to sing songs at school.

Sunflower

Meaning: A tall plant with large yellow flowers that face the sun.
Example: The garden was full of blooming sunflowers.

Shirt

Meaning: A piece of clothing worn on the upper body.
Example: He wore a red shirt to the party.

Sit

Meaning: To rest on the buttocks with the back upright.
Example: Please sit down and start your work.

Sock

Meaning: A garment worn on the foot.
Example: She wore warm socks in the winter.

Star

Meaning: A celestial body that emits light.
Example: They saw many stars in the night sky.

Snack

Meaning: A small amount of food eaten between meals.
Example: She had an apple as a snack.

Sweet

Meaning: Having a taste similar to sugar or honey.
Example: The candy was very sweet.

Soup

Meaning: A liquid food made by boiling meat, vegetables, etc.
Example: She enjoyed a hot bowl of soup.

Street

Meaning: A public road in a city or town.
Example: They live on Maple Street.

Sheep

Meaning: A domesticated animal raised for its wool and meat.
Example: The sheep grazed in the meadow.

Slide

Meaning: A structure for children to slide down.
Example: The kids had fun on the playground slide.

Snow

Meaning: Frozen water vapor that falls in flakes.
Example: The ground was covered in snow after the storm.

Snowman

Meaning: A figure made of snow, typically shaped like a person.
Example: They built a snowman in the backyard.

Scissors

Meaning: A tool used for cutting.
Example: She used scissors to cut the paper.

Sandcastle

Meaning: A structure made of sand, often built by children.
Example: They built an elaborate sandcastle on the beach.

Story

Meaning: A narrative or account of events.
Example: She read a bedtime story to her children.

Soft

Meaning: Pleasantly smooth or gentle to the touch.
Example: The blanket was soft and warm.

Shape

Meaning: The external form or appearance of something.
Example: The cookie was in the shape of a star.

Seal

Meaning: A marine mammal or a device used to close something tightly.
Example: The seal clapped its flippers at the zoo.

Stick

Meaning: A thin piece of wood or similar material.
Example: He used a stick to draw in the sand.

Soap

Meaning: A substance used for cleaning.
Example: She washed her hands with soap.

Skate

Meaning: A shoe with wheels or a blade used for gliding.
Example: He learned to skate at the roller rink.

Salt

Meaning: A white crystalline substance used to season food.
Example: She added a pinch of salt to the soup.

Squirrel

Meaning: A small rodent with a bushy tail.
Example: The squirrel gathered nuts for the winter.

Starfish

Meaning: A marine animal with a star-shaped body.
Example: They found a starfish while exploring the tide pools.

Stair

Meaning: A step or a set of steps leading from one level to another.
Example: They climbed the stairs to the second floor.

Sunbathe

Meaning: To lie in the sun to get a tan.
Example: She likes to sunbathe at the beach.

Shiny

Meaning: Reflecting light; bright.
Example: The new car had a shiny paint job.

Scooter

Meaning: A small vehicle with two wheels and a footboard.
Example: He rode his scooter to the park.

Spider

Meaning: An arachnid with eight legs.
Example: A spider spun a web in the corner of the room.

Salad

Meaning: A dish made with mixed vegetables.
Example: She made a fresh salad for lunch.

Swing

Meaning: A seat suspended from ropes or chains for swinging.
Example: The children played on the swing set.

Scarf

Meaning: A piece of cloth worn around the neck for warmth.
Example: He wrapped a scarf around his neck to stay warm.

Sunlight

Meaning: The light of the sun.
Example: The room was filled with warm sunlight.

Seat

Meaning: A place to sit.
Example: She took a seat at the table.

Scream

Meaning: A loud, high-pitched cry.
Example: She let out a scream when she saw the spider.

Sandwich

Meaning: Two slices of bread with filling in between.
Example: He ate a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.

Sponge

Meaning: A porous material used for cleaning or absorbing.
Example: She used a sponge to wash the dishes.

Space

Meaning: The expanse beyond Earth’s atmosphere or an empty area.
Example: They looked up at the stars in space.

Sandal

Meaning: A type of open-toed footwear.
Example: She wore sandals to the beach.

Schoolbag

Meaning: A bag used by students to carry books and supplies.
Example: She packed her schoolbag with textbooks and lunch.

Schoolyard

Meaning: The outdoor area of a school where children play.
Example: The children played games in the schoolyard.

Swinging

Meaning: Moving back and forth or side to side.
Example: The children enjoyed swinging on the swings.

Smooth

Meaning: Having an even surface; not rough.
Example: The silk felt smooth against her skin.

Surface

Meaning: The outermost layer of something.
Example: The surface of the water was calm.

Sunset

Meaning: The time in the evening when the sun disappears below the horizon.
Example: They watched the beautiful sunset from the beach.

Saucer

Meaning: A small dish used to hold a cup.
Example: She placed the cup on the saucer.

Sled

Meaning: A vehicle of various forms used for sliding on snow or ice.
Example: The kids enjoyed riding the sled down the hill.

Shrub

Meaning: A small to medium-sized plant with multiple woody stems.
Example: They planted a row of shrubs along the driveway.

Suit

Meaning: A set of clothes consisting of a jacket and trousers or skirt.
Example: He wore a suit to the formal event.

Sidewalk

Meaning: A paved path for pedestrians beside a street.
Example: They walked on the sidewalk to the park.

Skateboard

Meaning: A board mounted on wheels used for riding and tricks.
Example: He practiced tricks on his skateboard.

Softly

Meaning: In a gentle or quiet manner.
Example: She spoke softly to avoid waking the baby.

Skirt

Meaning: A piece of clothing that hangs from the waist.
Example: She wore a blue skirt to the party.

Smile

Meaning: To make a facial expression showing happiness.
Example: She had a big smile on her face.

Spoon

Meaning: A utensil used for eating or stirring food.
Example: He used a spoon to eat his soup.

Shopping

Meaning: The activity of buying goods.
Example: They went shopping for groceries.

Spade

Meaning: A tool used for digging.
Example: He used a spade to dig a hole in the garden.

Shelf

Meaning: A flat surface used for storing items.
Example: She placed the books on the shelf.

Server

Meaning: A person who serves food in a restaurant or a device providing services in computing.
Example: The server brought their meals to the table.

Straw

Meaning: A thin, hollow tube used for drinking.
Example: She drank her juice through a straw.

Sunburn

Meaning: Redness and pain in the skin caused by too much sun exposure.
Example: He got a sunburn after spending all day at the beach.

Steak

Meaning: A slice of meat, typically beef, cooked by grilling or frying.
Example: She ordered a medium-rare steak for dinner.

Seatbelt

Meaning: A strap in a car used to secure the passenger.
Example: He fastened his seatbelt before the car started moving.

Shake

Meaning: To move back and forth or up and down quickly.
Example: He gave her a firm handshake.

Studio

Meaning: A room where an artist works or where music or films are produced.
Example: The artist painted in her studio.

Storm

Meaning: A disturbance in the atmosphere with strong winds, rain, or snow.
Example: They stayed inside during the storm.

Sandpaper

Meaning: A rough paper used for smoothing surfaces.
Example: He used sandpaper to smooth the wooden chair.

Shell

Meaning: The hard, protective outer case of a mollusk or crustacean.
Example: She found a beautiful seashell on the beach.

Strawberry

Meaning: A sweet, red fruit with tiny seeds on its surface.
Example: She enjoyed a bowl of fresh strawberries.

Sign

Meaning: A symbol or indication of something.
Example: They followed the signs to the playground.

Schoolhouse

Meaning: A building where classes are held.
Example: The old schoolhouse was used for community events.

Shovel

Meaning: A tool with a broad blade used for digging or lifting.
Example: He used a shovel to clear the snow.

Sack

Meaning: A large bag made of cloth or paper.
Example: He carried his groceries in a sack.

Sneeze

Meaning: To expel air from the nose and mouth suddenly.
Example: She sneezed after sniffing pepper.

Socks

Meaning: Garments worn on the feet.
Example: He wore warm socks to keep his feet cozy.

Sink

Meaning: A basin with a drain used for washing.
Example: She washed the dishes in the kitchen sink.

Shade

Meaning: An area of darkness caused by an object blocking light.
Example: They sat under the tree for some shade from the sun.

Swimsuit

Meaning: Clothing worn for swimming.
Example: She wore a swimsuit to the pool.

Smell

Meaning: The sensation of scent detected by the nose.
Example: The smell of cookies baking filled the kitchen.

Snowball

Meaning: A ball made of snow.
Example: The kids had a snowball fight in the yard.

Sprinkler

Meaning: A device that sprays water for irrigation or cooling.
Example: They ran through the sprinkler on a hot day.

Soak

Meaning: To make something wet by immersing it in liquid.
Example: He soaked his feet in the warm water.

Sauce

Meaning: A liquid or semi-liquid used to add flavor to food.
Example: She poured tomato sauce over her pasta.

Spray

Meaning: A liquid sent out in fine droplets.
Example: She used a spray bottle to water the plants.

Safari

Meaning: An expedition to observe or hunt wildlife in their natural habitat.
Example: They went on a safari to see lions and elephants.

Soccer

Meaning: A sport where two teams try to score goals by kicking a ball.
Example: He played soccer with his friends on the weekend.

Steam

Meaning: The vapor into which water is converted when heated.
Example: The steam rose from the hot cup of tea.

Sound

Meaning: Vibrations that travel through the air and can be heard.
Example: The sound of the bell rang through the school.

Stuff

Meaning: Things or objects, often unspecified.
Example: She packed all her stuff into a suitcase.

Stretch

Meaning: To extend or lengthen something.
Example: He did some exercises to stretch his muscles.

Steep

Meaning: Having a sharp incline or slope.
Example: The hill was too steep to climb easily.

Spiderweb

Meaning: The network of silk threads spun by a spider.
Example: She saw a spiderweb glistening in the morning dew.

Sweep

Meaning: To clean a surface using a broom.
Example: He used a broom to sweep the floor.

Silent

Meaning: Free from noise; quiet.
Example: The classroom was silent during the test.

Sweetheart

Meaning: A term of endearment for someone loved.
Example: He called her his sweetheart on their anniversary.

Schoolroom

Meaning: A room where students are taught.
Example: The schoolroom was decorated with colorful posters.

Snowflake

Meaning: A single, small crystal of snow.
Example: Each snowflake is unique and has a different pattern.

Shine

Meaning: To emit light or glow.
Example: The sun will shine brightly this afternoon.

Scold

Meaning: To reprimand or criticize angrily.
Example: The teacher scolded the students for being noisy.

Sailboat

Meaning: A boat powered by sails.
Example: They sailed their sailboat on the lake.

Shrink

Meaning: To become smaller or contract.
Example: The sweater will shrink if you wash it in hot water.

Smart

Meaning: Intelligent or clever.
Example: She is a smart student who always gets good grades.

Skating

Meaning: Moving on skates or a skateboard.
Example: They enjoyed skating at the park.

Spaghetti

Meaning: A type of long, thin pasta.
Example: They had spaghetti for dinner with tomato sauce.

Stairs

Meaning: Steps that lead from one level to another.
Example: They climbed the stairs to reach the top floor.

Salami

Meaning: A type of cured sausage.
Example: He made a sandwich with salami and cheese.

Scrub

Meaning: To clean by rubbing hard.
Example: She used a brush to scrub the dirty dishes.

Sunny

Meaning: Bright with sunlight.
Example: It was a sunny day perfect for a picnic.

Swirl

Meaning: To move in a twisting or spiraling motion.
Example: She watched the leaves swirl around in the wind.

Swim

Meaning: To move through water by using the arms and legs.
Example: He learned how to swim last summer.

Stomach

Meaning: The organ where food is digested.
Example: She felt a little stomach ache after eating too much candy.

Stone

Meaning: A hard, solid mineral material.
Example: They built a path using smooth stones.

Study

Meaning: To learn or review material.
Example: She needs to study for her math test.

Switch

Meaning: A device for turning something on or off.
Example: He flipped the switch to turn on the light.

Snowy

Meaning: Covered with or having a lot of snow.
Example: The ground was snowy after the blizzard.

Sage

Meaning: A type of herb or a wise person.
Example: She added sage to the recipe for flavor.

Shop

Meaning: A place where items are sold.
Example: They went to the shop to buy groceries.

Snail

Meaning: A small, slow-moving mollusk with a shell.
Example: The snail crawled slowly across the garden.

Sunglasses

Meaning: Glasses worn to protect the eyes from the sun.
Example: He wore sunglasses to shield his eyes from the glare.

Squeeze

Meaning: To apply pressure to something.
Example: She gave the lemon a squeeze to get the juice.

Starry

Meaning: Filled with or resembling stars.
Example: They gazed at the starry sky before going to bed.

Swarm

Meaning: A large group of insects moving together.
Example: A swarm of bees flew past the garden.

Shy

Meaning: Timid or lacking confidence.
Example: The shy child hid behind his mother.

Serve

Meaning: To provide food or drinks to others.
Example: She served dinner to her guests.

Suitcase

Meaning: A large container used for carrying clothes when traveling.
Example: He packed his suitcase for the trip.

Silence

Meaning: The absence of sound.
Example: The forest was filled with deep silence.

Source

Meaning: The origin or starting point of something.
Example: The river’s source is high in the mountains.

Silk

Meaning: A smooth, shiny fabric made from silkworms.
Example: Her dress was made of soft silk.

Schoolbus

Meaning: A bus used to transport students to and from school.
Example: The schoolbus picked up the children early in the morning.

Sandwiches

Meaning: Food consisting of filling between two slices of bread.
Example: They made sandwiches for the picnic.

Sunroof

Meaning: A panel in the roof of a car that can be opened.
Example: They opened the sunroof to let in fresh air.

Spatula

Meaning: A tool used for flipping or stirring food.
Example: She used a spatula to turn the pancakes.

Speaker

Meaning: A device that emits sound or a person who speaks.
Example: The speaker at the event gave an inspiring talk.

Script

Meaning: The written text of a play or movie.
Example: She practiced her lines from the script.

Sculpture

Meaning: A three-dimensional work of art.
Example: The museum displayed a beautiful sculpture.

Salute

Meaning: A gesture of respect or greeting.
Example: The soldier gave a salute during the ceremony.

Stud

Meaning: A small, round piece of jewelry worn on the ear or a short, sturdy pin.
Example: She wore diamond studs in her ears.

Stage

Meaning: A platform where performances are given.
Example: The actors performed on the stage.

Scent

Meaning: A distinctive smell.
Example: The scent of roses filled the garden.

Spotted

Meaning: Marked with spots or patches.
Example: The dog had a spotted coat.

Smoothie

Meaning: A blended drink made from fruit and sometimes yogurt.
Example: She enjoyed a strawberry smoothie for breakfast.

Short

Meaning: Not long in length or duration.
Example: He wore shorts because it was a hot day.

Shaded

Meaning: Protected from the direct light of the sun.
Example: They sat in the shaded area under the tree.

Sagebrush

Meaning: A type of shrub found in arid regions.
Example: The desert was dotted with sagebrush.

Snowfall

Meaning: The amount of snow that falls in a particular area.
Example: The snowfall covered the town in white.

Shred

Meaning: To tear or cut into small pieces.
Example: She used a shredder to dispose of old documents.

Shield

Meaning: A protective object used to block or deflect.
Example: The knight held up his shield to block the attack.

Socket

Meaning: A receptacle in a wall where electrical plugs are inserted.
Example: He plugged the lamp into the socket.

Shuttle

Meaning: A vehicle that travels back and forth between two places.
Example: The shuttle bus took them to the airport.

Search

Meaning: To look carefully for something.
Example: They conducted a search for the missing keys.

Swap

Meaning: To exchange one thing for another.
Example: They decided to swap their books for a different title.

Service

Meaning: The act of helping or doing work for others.
Example: The hotel offered excellent service to its guests.

Scare

Meaning: To cause fear or fright.
Example: The loud noise made her scare.

Stork

Meaning: A large bird with long legs and a long neck.
Example: The stork flew over the marshland.

Safety

Meaning: The condition of being protected from danger.
Example: They checked the safety of the playground equipment.

Shave

Meaning: To remove hair with a razor.
Example: He needed to shave before going to work.

Swat

Meaning: To hit something with a quick, sharp motion.
Example: She tried to swat the fly away from the food.

Skillet

Meaning: A frying pan used for cooking.
Example: He cooked the eggs in a skillet.

Scale

Meaning: A device used to measure weight or a system for measuring.
Example: She weighed herself on the bathroom scale.

Shortage

Meaning: A lack or deficiency of something.
Example: There was a shortage of milk at the store.

Spool

Meaning: A cylindrical object around which thread or wire is wound.
Example: She used a spool of thread for sewing.

Swimwear

Meaning: Clothing worn for swimming.
Example: He bought new swimwear for the beach vacation.

Seashore

Meaning: The land along the edge of the sea.
Example: They collected seashells along the seashore.

State

Meaning: A particular condition or situation.
Example: The state of the house after the party was messy.

Spread

Meaning: To extend over an area or surface.
Example: She spread the blanket on the grass.

Swamp

Meaning: A wetland area with standing water and vegetation.
Example: They explored the swamp in a canoe.

Submarine

Meaning: A watercraft capable of underwater operation.
Example: The submarine was used to explore the ocean depths.

Spirit

Meaning: The non-physical part of a person; a mood or attitude.
Example: She had a cheerful spirit despite the challenges.

Scented

Meaning: Having a pleasant smell.
Example: She used scented candles to make the room smell nice.

Shimmer

Meaning: To shine with a flickering or wavering light.
Example: The lake shimmered in the sunlight.

Soapbox

Meaning: A box used as a platform for speaking; metaphorically, a platform to express opinions.
Example: He stood on a soapbox to deliver his speech.

Statue

Meaning: A three-dimensional representation of a person or animal, usually made of stone or bronze.
Example: The park had a statue of a famous historical figure.

Sour

Meaning: A taste that is acidic or tart.
Example: The lemonade tasted too sour for her liking.

System

Meaning: A set of connected things or parts working together.
Example: The computer system was down for maintenance.

Special

Meaning: Unique or different from what is usual.
Example: They planned a special surprise for her birthday.

Skatepark

Meaning: An area designed for skateboarding and other extreme sports.
Example: He spent the afternoon practicing tricks at the skatepark.

Sunshine

Meaning: The light and warmth received from the sun.
Example: They enjoyed the warm sunshine at the beach.

Showcase

Meaning: A display case or a setting for showing off something.
Example: The museum had a showcase for rare artifacts.

Saltwater

Meaning: Water from the sea or ocean, containing salt.
Example: The saltwater stung his eyes as he swam in the sea.

Syllabus

Meaning: An outline of subjects to be covered in a course.
Example: The teacher handed out the syllabus for the semester.

Station

Meaning: A place where services are provided, such as a train station or police station.
Example: They waited at the train station for their ride.

Snapshot

Meaning: A quick photograph taken without preparation.
Example: She took a snapshot of the sunset.

Survey

Meaning: To examine or collect information from a group of people.
Example: They conducted a survey to gather opinions.

Sneaker

Meaning: A type of comfortable shoe worn for sports or casual wear.
Example: He wore sneakers for his morning run.

Satellite

Meaning: An object that orbits a planet or a device used for communication.
Example: The satellite helped provide weather updates.

Scuffle

Meaning: A small, short fight or struggle.
Example: There was a scuffle between the two children over a toy.

Schoolmate

Meaning: A fellow student at the same school.
Example: She met her schoolmate at the library.

Sphinx

Meaning: A mythical creature with the body of a lion and a human head.
Example: The Sphinx is a famous statue in Egypt.

Solar

Meaning: Related to the sun.
Example: They installed solar panels to use the energy from the sun.

Foundation/Elementary words that begin with S