A1 (Basic)

funny

funny [funny funnies funnier funniest]   [ˈfʌni]    [ˈfʌni]  adjective (fun·nier, fun·ni·est)

AMUSING
1. making you laugh; amusing
• a funny story
• That's the funniest thing I've ever heard.
• It's not funny! Someone could have been hurt.
• I was really embarrassed, but then I saw the funny side of it.
• (ironic) Oh very funny! You expect me to believe that?
• ‘ What's so funny?’ she demanded.  Note that funny does not mean ‘enjoyable’
• The party was great fun.

• The party was very funny.  

STRANGE

2. difficult to explain or understand
Syn:  strange, Syn: peculiar
• A funny thing happened to me today.
• It's funny how things never happen the way you expect them to.
• That's funny — he was here a moment ago and now he's gone.
• The funny thing is it never happened again after that.
• The engine's making a very funny noise.

• I'm pleased I didn't get that job, in a funny sort of way.  

SUSPICIOUS/ILLEGAL

3. (informal) suspicious and probably illegal or dishonest
• I suspect there may be something funny going on.

• If there has been any funny business, we'll soon find out.  

WITHOUT RESPECT

4. (BrE) humorous in a way that shows a lack of respect for sb
Syn:  cheeky

• Don't you get funny with me!  

ILL/SICK

5. (informal) slightly ill/sick

• I feel a bit funny today— I don't think I'll go to work.  

CRAZY

6. (BrE, informal) slightly crazy; not like other people
Syn:  strange, Syn: peculiar
• That Dave's a funny chap, isn't he?

• She went a bit funny after her husband died.  

MACHINE

7. (informal) not working as it should
• My computer keeps going funny.
Idioms: funny ha-ha ▪ funny peculiar
See also: funny weird  
Thesaurus:
funny adj.
1.
• It's the funniest story you ever heard.
amusing • • witty • • humorous • • comic • • hilarious • • light-hearted • • entertaining •
a/an funny/amusing/witty/humorous/comic/light-hearted/entertaining story
a/an funny/amusing/witty/humorous/light-hearted/entertaining speech
a/an funny/amusing/witty guy/man/woman
Which word? Amusing is the most general of these words and can be used to describe events, activities and occasions. Funny can describe people, jokes and stories, things that happen or anything that makes people laugh. Comic is used especially to talk about writing and drama. Humorous is not quite as strong as funny or comic.
2. (especially spoken)
• The engine's making a very funny noise.
strange • • odd • • bizarre • • mysterious • • uncanny • • unusual • • curious • |especially spoken weird • |BrE formal peculiar •
funny/strange/odd/bizarre/uncanny/unusual/curious/weird/peculiar that…
funny/strange/odd/uncanny/curious/weird/peculiar how/what…
a/an funny/strange/odd/bizarre/mysterious/unusual/curious/weird/peculiar thing
a/an funny/strange/odd/bizarre/uncanny/unusual/curious/weird/peculiar feeling  
Synonyms:
funny
amusing • entertaining • witty • humorous • comic • hilarious
These words all describe sb/sth that makes you laugh or smile.
funny • that makes you laugh: ▪ a funny story ◊ ▪ He was a very funny guy.
amusing • funny and enjoyable: ▪ It's a very amusing game to play.
entertaining • amusing and interesting: ▪ It was a very entertaining evening.
witty • clever and amusing; able to say or write clever and amusing things: ▪ a witty remark ◊ ▪ a witty public speaker
humorous • funny and entertaining; showing a sense of humour: ▪ a humorous look at the world of fashion
comic • that makes you laugh: ▪ Many of the scenes in the book are richly comic.
hilarious • extremely funny
funny, amusing, humorous or comic?
Amusing is the most general of these words because it includes the idea of being enjoyable as well as making people laugh and can be used to describe events, activities and occasions: ▪ an amusing party/game/evening ◊ a funny/humorous/comic party/game/evening. Humorous is more about showing that you see the humour in a situation, than actually making people laugh out loud. Comic is used especially to talk about writing and drama or things that are funny in a deliberate and theatrical way. It is not used to describe people (except for comic writers). Funny can describe people, jokes and stories, things that happen, or anything that makes people laugh.
a(n) funny/amusing/entertaining/witty/humorous/comic story
a(n) funny/amusing/entertaining/witty/humorous speech
a(n) funny/entertaining/witty/humorous/comic writer
a(n) funny/amusing/hilarious joke
to find sth funny/amusing/entertaining/witty/humorous/hilarious 
Example Bank:
• Didn't it strike you as funny that Adam wasn't there?
• Don't you find it a bit funny that she never mentions her husband?
• He's a funny little man.
• He's not even remotely funny.
• Helen gave me a rather funny look.
• His performance was hilariously funny.
• It's a funny old world, isn't it?
• The movie gets funnier nearer the end.
• This wine tastes funny.
• You should have seen it— it was terribly funny!
• ‘What's so funny?’ she demanded.
• He told us a funny story about his time in the army.
• He was a very funny guy as well as a kind person.
• I was really embarrassed, but then I saw the funny side of it.
• I'm pleased I didn't get that job, in a funny sort of way.
• It's funny how things never happen the way you expect them to.
• It's not funny! Someone could have been hurt.
• That's funny— he was here a moment ago and now he's gone.
• That's the funniest thing I've ever heard.
• The engine's making a very funny noise.

• The funny thing is it never happened again after that.

money

money [money moneys monies]   [ˈmʌni]    [ˈmʌni]  noun

1. uncountable what you earn by working or selling things, and use to buy things
• to borrow/save/spend/earn money
• How much money is there in my account?
• The money is much better in my new job.
• If the item is not satisfactory, you will get your money back.
• We'll need to raise more money (= collect or borrow it) next year.
• Can you lend me some money until tomorrow?

• Be careful with that — it cost a lot of money.

2. uncountable coins or paper notes
• I counted the money carefully.
• Where can I change my money into dollars?

see also  funny money, paper money, ready money

3. uncountable a person's wealth including their property
• He lost all his money.

• The family made their money in the 18th century.

4. moneys or monies plural (law or old use) sums of money
• a statement of all monies paid into your account  You will find other compounds ending in money at their place in the alphabet.
more at the best that money can buy at  best  _n., careful with money at  careful, coining money at  coin  _v., see the colour of sb's money at  colour  _n., easy money at  easy  _adj., a fool and his money are soon parted at  fool  _n., it/money doesn't grow on trees at  grow, a licence to print money at  licence  _n., not for love or/nor money at  love  _n., marry money at  marry, expense, money, etc. is no object at  object, pay good money for sthyou pays your money and you takes your choice at  pay  _v., pots of money at  pot  _n., be rolling in money/it at  roll  _v., give sb a (good) run for their money at  run  _n., time is money at  time  _n.
Idioms: for my money ▪ get your money's worth ▪ good money ▪ have money to burn ▪ in the money ▪ made of money ▪ make money ▪ make money hand over fist ▪ money for jam rope ▪ money is no object ▪ money talks ▪ on the money ▪ put money into something ▪ put your money on somebody ▪ put your money where your mouth is ▪ throw good money after bad ▪ throw money at something ▪ throw your money about  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French moneie, from Latin moneta ‘mint, money’, originally a title of the goddess Juno, in whose temple in Rome money was minted.  
Culture:
money
The US dollar is made up of 100 cents. The Department of the Treasury prints bills (= paper money) in various denominations (= values): $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. US bills are all the same size, whatever their value, and measure about 2×6 inches/6.5×15.5 centimetres. All are green and are sometimes called greenbacks. On the front, each has a picture of a famous American. The dollar bill, for instance, shows George Washington, the first US president. An informal name for dollars is bucks, because in the early period of US history people traded the skins of bucks (= deer) and prices would sometimes be given as a number of buckskins. Buck refers to the dollar itself, and not to the bill. So although you can say ‘He earns 500 bucks a week’, you have to say ‘If I give you four quarters could you give me a dollar bill?’
The Treasury also makes US coins: pennies which are worth.01 of a dollar, nickels (.05), dimes (.10) and quarters (.25). There are also half dollars (.50) and silver dollars but these are not often seen. Pennies have a dark brown colour; all the other coins have a silver appearance.
When you write an amount in figures the dollar sign ($) goes to the left of the amount and a decimal point (.) is placed between the dollars and the cents (= hundredths of a dollar). If the amount is less than one dollar, the cent sign (¢) is put after the numbers. So you write $5, $5.62 and 62¢.
Britain’s currency is the pound sterling, written as £ before a figure. A pound consists of 100 pence, written as p with figures. Pound coins are round and gold-coloured. They have the Queen’s head on one side and one of four designs, English, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish, on the other. The £2 coin is silver-coloured with a gold edge. Coins of lower value are the silver-coloured 50p, 20p, 10p and 5p pieces, and the copper-coloured 2p and 1p pieces. All are round, except for the 50p and 20p pieces which have seven curved sides. Coins are made at the Royal Mint. Paper notes (not bills), which have the Queen’s head on one side and a famous person, e.g. Charles Dickens, on the other, are worth £5, £10, £20 or £50.
A pound is informally called a quid, a £5 note is a fiver, a £10 note is a tenner. Scottish banknotes have their own designs. They can be used anywhere in Britain, though shops can legally refuse to accept them. To prevent people forging (= making their own) paper money, designs are complicated and difficult to copy. To check that a note is genuine, a shop assistant may hold it up to the light to see if it has a narrow silver thread running through it.
The decimal system now in use in Britain replaced the old pounds, shilling and pence, or LSD system in 1971. Formerly British money was in pounds, shillings and pence. There were 12 pence or pennies in a shilling, and 20 shillings in a pound. The old coins included the farthing (= a quarter of a penny) and the half-crown (= two shillings and sixpence). There were notes for 10 shillings, £1 and £5.
Gold guinea coins were used in the 18th century and were worth 21 shillings. Until 1971 prices were often set in guineas instead of pounds for luxury items, such as antiques and jewellery, for the fees of doctors, lawyers, etc, and at auctions, though the guinea coin had long since gone out of circulation. Some racehorses are still auctioned in guineas.
On 1 January 1999 the euro system was introduced in 11 countries of the European Union. Britain chose not to be part of this first group and no date was fixed for Britain to start using the euro. However, many British businesses have euro bank accounts so as to be able to pay for goods and be paid in euros and many shops in Britain accept payment in euros. 
Thesaurus:
money noun
1. U
• The hospital is raising money for a new kidney machine.
funds • • finance • • capital • • means • |informal cash •
government/public money/funds/finance/capital/cash
have/lack the money/funds/finance/capital/means/cash (to do sth)
be short of money/funds/capital/cash
2. U
• I counted the money carefully.
cash • • change •
draw out/get out/take out/withdraw money/cash
ready money/cash (= money that you have available to spend immediately)
Money or cash? If it is important to contrast money in the form of coins and notes with money in other forms, use cash:
• Payments can be made by cheque or in cash.
 ¤ Payments can be made by cheque or in money.
3. U
• He lost all his money on the stock market in 2008.
wealth • • fortune • |often approving prosperity • |sometimes disapproving affluence • |literary riches •
have/possess/accumulate/acquire/inherit money/wealth/a fortune/riches
bring money/wealth/prosperity/affluence/riches
make money/a fortune (on/out of sth) 
Collocations:
Finance
Income
earn money/cash/(informal) a fortune
make money/a fortune/(informal) a killing on the stock market
acquire/inherit/amass wealth/a fortune
build up funds/savings
get/receive/leave (sb) an inheritance/a legacy
live on a low wage/a fixed income/a pension
get/receive/draw/collect a pension
depend/be dependent on (BrE) benefits/(NAmE) welfare/social security
Expenditure
spend money/your savings/(informal) a fortune on…
invest/put your savings in…
throw away/waste/ (informal) shell out money on…
lose your money/inheritance/pension
use up/ (informal) wipe out all your savings
pay (in) cash
use/pay by a credit/debit card
pay by/make out a/write sb a/accept a (BrE) cheque/(US) check
change/exchange money/currency (BrE) traveller's cheques/(US) traveler's checks
give/pay/leave (sb) a deposit
Banks
have/hold/open/close/freeze a bank account/an account
credit/debit/pay sth into/take money out of your account
deposit money/funds in your account
withdraw money/cash/£30 from an ATM, etc.
(formal) make a deposit/withdrawal
find/go to/use (especially NAmE) an ATM/(BrE) a cash machine/dispenser
be in credit/in debit/in the black/in the red/overdrawn
Personal finance
manage/handle/plan/run/ (especially BrE) sort out your finances
plan/manage/work out/stick to a budget
offer/extend credit (to sb)
arrange/take out a loan/an overdraft
pay back/repay money/a loan/a debt
pay for sth in (especially BrE) instalments/(NAmE usually) installments
Financial difficulties
get into debt/financial difficulties
be short of/ (informal) be strapped for cash
run out of/owe money
face/get/ (informal) be landed with a bill for £…
can't afford the cost of…/payments/rent
fall behind with/ (especially NAmE) fall behind on the mortgage/repayments/rent
incur/run up/accumulate debts
tackle/reduce/settle your debts 
Synonyms:
money
cash • change
These are all words for money in the form of coins or paper notes.
money • money in the form of coins or paper notes: ▪ I counted the money carefully. ◊ ▪ Where can I change my money into dollars? ◊ ▪ paper money ▪ ▪ (= money that is made of paper, not coins)
cash • money in the form of coins or paper notes: ▪ How much cash do you have on you? ◊ ▪ Payments can be made by cheque or ▪ in cash ▪.
money or cash?
If it is important to contrast money in the form of coins and notes and money in other forms, use cash: ▪ How much money/cash do you have on you? ◊ Payments can be made by cheque or in money. ◊ Customers are offered a discount if they pay money.
change • the money that you get back when you have paid for sth giving more money than the amount it costs; coins rather than paper money: ▪ The ticket machine doesn't give change. ◊ ▪ I don't have any ▪ small change ▪ ▪ (= coins of low value) ▪.
to draw out/get out/take out/withdraw money/cash
ready money/cash (= money that you have available to spend immediately) 
Example Bank:
• All his money went on women.
• All their money was tied up in long-term investments.
• All these improvements will cost money.
• Did your parents give you pocket money when you were little?
• Government officials were siphoning off money for personal gain.
• Half the money raised was donated to charity.
• He contributed $180 000 in soft money= unregulated political donationsto the party committee.
• He felt sorry for her and took some money off her bill.
• He hoped the plan would bring in quite a bit of money.
• He made a fortune dealing on the money markets.
• He managed to persuade his friend to put up the money for the venture.
• He sank most of his money into his struggling business.
• He spent their rent money on beer.
• He squandered his money on gambling and drink.
• He started stealing as a way of making easy money.
• He stopped at the betting shop to put money on a horse.
• He thinks he can make friends by throwing his money around.
• He was charged with laundering money.
• He'll do anything for money!
• He's going to leave. I'd bet money on it.
• His prediction was right on the money.
• How much money did he earn last year?
• I don't have any money left.
• I don't know how much spending money to take on holiday.
• I don't know where all the money goes!
• I don't think they'll accept French money on the plane.
• I need to pay this money in today.
• I pay my money into the bank as soon as I get paid.
• I spent all the money on clothes.
• I'll have to get some more money from somewhere.
• I'll pay the money back next week, I promise.
• Investors were pouring money into Internet start-ups.
• Is this a good way to spend taxpayers' money?
• Money for the extension to the gallery came from the sale of old exhibits.
• Most of the money went to pay for food.
• Most of the money went to pay for the food and drink.
• She gave him $5 lunch money.
• She had two children to support and no money coming in.
• She lost a lot of money at the casino.
• She stashed the money away in the bank.
• Some of this money was funneled to secret CIA programs.
• Some people were in the street collecting money for charity.
• That painting is worth a lot of money.
• The Senate recognized the need to put more money in the pockets of dairy farmers.
• The boat trip lasts three hours, so you certainly get your money's worth.
• The bookmaker was quite happy to take his money.
• The collection box was full of coins and paper money.
• The company paid hush money to the victims to keep them quiet.
• The friends pooled their money to buy tickets.
• The hotel gives value for money.
• The manager was unwilling to refund my money.
• The money was transferred into an offshore bank account.
• The new airport terminal was built with oil money.
• The quality of public health care depends on the amount of money allocated to it.
• The smart money is on Brazil to win.
• The solution to inflation lies in the control of the money supply.
• The stallholders bank their money at the end of the day.
• The stores were very happy to take his money.
• There is big money in golf for the top players.
• These cars cost a lot of money.
• They demanded $1 million in ransom money.
• They owe lots of people money.
• They sensibly invested their prize money rather than spending it.
• They tend to throw money at problems without trying to work out the best solution.
• This money has been earmarked for public projects.
• We changed our money into dollars at the airport.
• We ran out of money and had to come home early.
• We're trying to set some money aside for a new car.
• Whenever I have a little extra money, I buy clothes.
• Where's the money for the milk?
• You could consider hiring a professional money manager.
• You might get some money off the price if it's an old model.
• an old miser who hoarded his money
• the best car that money can buy
• the large sums of money we handle in this store
• He hoped the project would make money.
• He lost all his money in the 1929 stock market crash.
• He returned the new TV to the store and got his money back.
• It has often been said that money is the root of all evil.

• The money is great in my new job.

sleep

sleep [sleep sleeps slept sleeping] verb, noun   [sliːp]    [sliːp] 

verb (slept, slept   [slept]  ;   [slept]  )
1. intransitive (+ adv./prep.) to rest with your eyes closed and your mind and body not active
• to sleep well/deeply/soundly/badly
• I couldn't sleep because of the noise.
• I had to sleep on the sofa.
• He slept solidly for ten hours.
• I slept at my sister's house last night (= stayed the night there).
• We both slept right through (= were not woken up by) the storm.
• She only sleeps for four hours a night.
• We sometimes sleep late at the weekends (= until late in the morning).
• I put the sleeping baby down gently.
• What are our sleeping arrangements here (= where shall we sleep)?  It is more common to say that somebody is asleep than to say that somebody is sleeping. Sleep can only be used in the passive with a preposition such as in or on

• It was clear her bed hadn't been slept in.

2. transitive, no passive ~ sb to have enough beds for a particular number of people
• The apartment sleeps six.
• The hotel sleeps 120 guests.
more at live/sleep rough at  rough  _adv., not sleep a ˈwink at  wink  _n.
 
Word Origin:
Old English slēp, slǣp (noun), slēpan, slǣpan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch slapen and German schlafen.  
Thesaurus:
sleep verb I
• Try not to sleep during the day.
doze • • nap • |informal snooze • |literary slumber •
sleep/doze lightly/fitfully  
Synonyms:
sleep
doze • nap • snooze
These words all mean to rest with your eyes closed and your mind and body not active.
sleep • to rest with your eyes shut and your mind and body not active: ▪ Did you sleep well? ◊ ▪ I couldn't sleep last night.
It is more usual to say that sb is asleep than that they are sleeping; but if you use an adverb to say how they are sleeping, use sleeping: ▪ ‘What's Ashley doing?’ ‘Sh! She's asleep.’ ◊ ▪ The baby was sleeping peacefully. ◊ The baby was asleep peacefully.
doze • to sleep lightly, waking up easily, often when you are not in bed: ▪ He was dozing in front of the TV.
nap • to sleep for a short time, especially during the day.
snooze • (informal) to sleep lightly for a short time, especially during the day and usually not in bed: ▪ My brother was snoozing on the sofa.
to sleep/doze lightly/fitfully
to doze/snooze gently  
Example Bank:
• Did you sleep well last night?
• He was exhausted and slept deeply.
• I couldn't sleep so I got up and went downstairs.
• I had to sleep on my back for the first few days after the accident.
• I haven't slept properly for weeks.
• I only slept for four hours that night.
• I've been having trouble sleeping lately.
• Let them sleep late on Saturday morning if they want to.
• She always slept very lightly so I had to be careful not to wake her.
• She felt as if she had hardly slept.
• She scolded him for sleeping so long.
• She slept right through the storm.
• The children were all sleeping soundly.
• Very few babies sleep through the night.
• We can at least sleep easy at night, knowing that we are safe.
• We had to have our dog put to sleep.
• We slept overnight at the beach.
• When the murderer is caught we can all sleep easier in our beds at night.
• You must be very tired. Try to sleep a little.
• You should always put babies to sleep on their backs.
• the problem of young people who sleep rough in the streets
• Be quiet— I'm trying to sleep!
• Good night, sleep tight.
• He ended up sleeping rough on the streets of London.
• He had to sleep on the sofa.
• He lay there for hours, sleeping fitfully.
• He slept soundly that night.
• Her bed hadn't been slept in.
• I slept late, and didn't hear the news till midday.
• I usually sleep like a log.
• Jody was sleeping like a baby.
• John slept deeply that night and woke up refreshed.
• Let her sleep— it'll do her good.
• No, I slept pretty badly.
• She couldn't sleep a wink.
• She hardly slept at all the following night.
• She slept at her sister's house last night.
• She slept solidly for ten hours.
• She usually sleeps lightly.
• The baby was sleeping peacefully.
• We can all sleep more easily now.
Idioms: able to do something in your sleep ▪ go to sleep ▪ let sleeping dogs lie ▪ not lose lose no sleep over something ▪ put somebody to sleep ▪ put something to sleep ▪ sleep like a log ▪ sleep tight

Derived: sleep around ▪ sleep in ▪ sleep on something ▪ sleep over ▪ sleep something off ▪ sleep together ▪ sleep with somebody 

noun  

LOW TEMPERATURE
1. uncountable a lack of heat or warmth; a low temperature, especially in the atmosphere
• He shivered with cold.
• Don't stand outside in the cold.
• She doesn't seem to feel the cold.

• You'll catch your death of cold (= used to warn sb they could become ill if they do not keep warm in cold weather).  

ILLNESS

2. countable (also less frequent the ˌcommon ˈcold) a common illness that affects the nose and/or throat, making you cough, sneeze, etc
• I've got a cold.
• a bad/heavy/slight cold
• to catch a cold
more at catch your death (of cold) at  catch  _v.  
Word Origin:
Old English cald, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch koud and German kalt, also to Latin gelu ‘frost’.  
Collocations:
Illnesses
Becoming ill
catch a cold/an infectious disease/the flu/(BrE) flu/pneumonia/a virus/(informal) a bug
get (BrE) ill/(NAmE) sick/a disease/AIDS/breast cancer/a cold/the flu/(BrE) flu/a migraine
come down with a cold/the flu/(BrE) flu
contract a deadly disease/a serious illness/HIV/AIDS
be infected with a virus/a parasite/HIV
develop cancer/diabetes/a rash/an ulcer/symptoms of hepatitis
have a heart attack/a stroke
provoke/trigger/produce an allergic reaction
block/burst/rupture a blood vessel
damage/sever a nerve/an artery/a tendon
Being ill
feel (BrE) ill/sick/nauseous/queasy
be running (BrE) a temperature/(NAmE) a fever
have a head cold/diabetes/heart disease/lung cancer/a headache/(BrE) a high temperature/(NAmE) a fever
suffer from asthma/malnutrition/frequent headaches/bouts of depression/a mental disorder
be laid up with/ (BrE) be in bed with a cold/the flu/(BrE) flu/a migraine
nurse a cold/a headache/a hangover
battle/fight cancer/depression/addiction/alcoholism
Treatments
examine a patient
diagnose a condition/disease/disorder
be diagnosed with cancer/diabetes/schizophrenia
prescribe/be given/be on/take drugs/medicine/medication/pills/painkillers/antibiotics
treat sb for cancer/depression/shock
have/undergo an examination/an operation/surgery/a kidney transplant/therapy/chemotherapy/treatment for cancer
have/be given an injection/(BrE) a flu jab/(NAmE) a flu shot/a blood transfusion/a scan/an X-ray
cure a disease/an ailment/cancer/a headache/a patient
prevent the spread of disease/further outbreaks/damage to the lungs
be vaccinated against the flu/(BrE) flu/the measles/(BrE) measles/polio/smallpox
enhance/boost/confer/build immunity to a disease 
Example Bank:
• He stood out in the cold and waited.
• He took cold, developed pneumonia, and that was the end of him.
• I don't feel the cold as badly as many people.
• I must have caught a cold on the bus.
• If you stay out in the rain you'll catch cold!
• Jim stayed at home because he was nursing a cold.
• Millions of ordinary workers feel left out in the cold by the shift to digital technology.
• My hands were blue with cold.
• She won her match despite suffering from a heavy cold.
• The house has double glazing to keep out the cold.
• We were well wrapped up against the cold.
• When the coalition was formed the Liberals were left out in the cold.
• When will they find a cure for the common cold?
• Don't stand outside in the cold.

• She doesn't seem to feel the cold.

head

head [head heads headed heading] noun, verb   [hed]    [hed]

noun  

PART OF BODY
1. countable the part of the body on top of the neck containing the eyes, nose, mouth and brain
• She nodded her head in agreement.
• He shook his head in disbelief.
• The boys hung their heads in shame.
• The driver suffered head injuries.
• She always has her head in a book (= is always reading).
• He still has a good head of hair (= a lot of hair).

see also  death's head  

MIND

2. countable the mind or brain
• I sometimes wonder what goes on in that head of yours.
• I wish you'd use your head (= think carefully before doing or saying sth).
• The thought never entered my head.
• I can't work it out in my head — I need a calculator.
• I can't get that tune out of my head.
• When will you get it into your head (= understand) that I don't want to discuss this any more!
• For some reason, she's got it into her head (= believes) that the others don't like her.
• Who's been putting such weird ideas into your head (= making you believe that)?
• Try to put the exams out of your head (= stop thinking about them) for tonight.

see also  hothead  

MEASUREMENT

3. a head singular the size of a person's or animal's head, used as a measurement of distance or height
• She's a good head taller than her sister.

• The favourite won by a short head (= a distance slightly less than the length of a horse's head).  

PAIN

4. countable, usually singular (informal) a continuous pain in your head
Syn:  headache

• I woke up with a really bad head this morning.

OF GROUP/ORGANIZATION

5. countable, uncountable the person in charge of a group of people or an organization
• the heads of government/state
• She resigned as head of department.
• the crowned heads (= the kings and queens) of Europe
• the head gardener/waiter, etc.

• (BrE) the head boy/girl (= a student who is chosen to represent the school)  

OF SCHOOL/COLLEGE

6. countable (often Head) (BrE) the person in charge of a school or college
Syn:  headmaster, Syn: headmistress, Syn: head teacher
• I've been called in to see the Head.

• the deputy head  

SIDE OF COIN

7. heads uncountable the side of a coin that has a picture of the head of a person on it, used as one choice when a coin is tossed to decide sth

compare  tails _n. (⁷) 

END OF OBJECT

8. countable, usually singular ~ (of sth) the end of a long narrow object that is larger or wider than the rest of it
• the head of a nail

see also  bedhead  

TOP

9. singular ~ of sth the top or highest part of sth
• at the head of the page

• They finished the season at the head of their league.  

OF RIVER

10. singular the ~ of the river the place where a river begins

Syn:  source  

OF TABLE

11. singular the ~ of the table the most important seat at a table

• The President sat at the head of the table.  

OF LINE OF PEOPLE

12. singular the ~ of sth the position at the front of a line of people

• The prince rode at the head of his regiment.  

OF PLANT

13. countable ~ (of sth) the mass of leaves or flowers at the end of a stem

• Remove the dead heads to encourage new growth.  

ON BEER

14. singular the mass of small bubbles on the top of a glass of beer  

OF SPOT
15. countable the part of a spot on your skin that contains a thick yellowish liquid (= pus )

see also  blackhead 

IN TAPE/VIDEO RECORDER

16. countable the part of a tape recorder or video recorder that touches the tape and changes the electrical signals into sounds and/or pictures  

NUMBER OF ANIMALS
17. ~ of sth plural used to say how many animals of a particular type are on a farm, in a herd, etc.

• 200 head of sheep  

OF STEAM

18. a ~ of steam singular the pressure produced by steam in a confined space

• The old engine still manages to build up a good head of steam.  

SEX

19. uncountable (taboo, slang)  oral sex (= using the mouth to give sb sexual pleasure)

• to give head  

LINGUISTICS

20. countable the central part of a phrase, which has the same grammatical function as the whole phrase. In the phrase ‘the tall man in a suit’, man is the head.
more at like a bear with a sore head at  bear  _n., put/lay your head/neck on the block at  block  _n., not bother yourself/your head with/about sth at  bother  _v., drum sth into sb/into sb's head at  drum  _v., have eyes in the back of your head at  eye  _n., hold/put a gun to sb's head at  gun  _n., not harm/touch a hair of sb's head at  hair, let your heart rule your head at  heart, hit the nail on the head at  hit  _v., put ideas into sb's head at  idea, I'll knock your block/head off! at  knock  _v., laugh your head off at  laugh  _v., need (to have) your head examined at  need  _v., (have) an old head on young shoulders at  old, a price on sb's head at  price  _n., sth rears its (ugly) head at  rear  _v., ring in your ears/head at  ring  _v., have a roof over your head at  roof  _n., scratch your head at  scratch  _v., sb's thick head at  thick  _adj., off the top of your head at  top  _n.  
Word Origin:
Old English hēafod, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoofd and German Haupt.  
Thesaurus:
head noun
1. C
• I can't get that tune out of my head.
mind • • brain •
a thought enters sb's head/mind
Head or mind? Head is slightly more informal than mind, and is used to talk about thoughts and ideas that get into or that you can't get out of your head.
2. C
• The Bishop is head of the Church in Kenya.
leader • • president • • director • • chairman • • chief executive • |BrE governor • • managing director • |informal boss • |especially journalism chief •
be appointed (as) head/leader/president/director/chairman/chief executive/governor/managing director/chief
take over as head/leader/president/chairman/chief executive/managing director
resign/stand down/step down as head/leader/president/director/chairman/chief executive/governor/managing director/chief 
Collocations:
Physical appearance
A person may be described as having:
Eyes
(bright) blue/green/(dark/light) brown/hazel eyes
deep-set/sunken/bulging/protruding eyes
small/beady/sparkling/twinkling/(informal) shifty eyes
piercing/penetrating/steely eyes
bloodshot/watery/puffy eyes
bushy/thick/dark/raised/arched eyebrows
long/dark/thick/curly/false eyelashes/lashes
Face
a flat/bulbous/pointed/sharp/snub nose
a straight/a hooked/a Roman/(formal) an aquiline nose
full/thick/thin/pouty lips
dry/chapped/cracked lips
flushed/rosy/red/ruddy/pale cheeks
soft/chubby/sunken cheeks
white/perfect/crooked/protruding teeth
a large/high/broad/wide/sloping forehead
a strong/weak/pointed/double chin
a long/full/bushy/wispy/goatee beard
a long/thin/bushy/droopy/handlebar/pencil moustache/ (especially US) mustache
Hair and skin
pale/fair/olive/dark/tanned skin
dry/oily/smooth/rough/leathery/wrinkled skin
a dark/pale/light/sallow/ruddy/olive/swarthy/clear complexion
deep/fine/little/facial wrinkles
blonde/blond/fair/(light/dark) brown/(jet-)black/auburn/red/(BrE) ginger/grey hair
straight/curly/wavy/frizzy/spiky hair
thick/thin/fine/bushy/thinning hair
dyed/bleached/soft/silky/dry/greasy/shiny hair
long/short/shoulder-length/cropped hair
a bald/balding/shaved head
a receding hairline
a bald patch/spot
a side/centre/(US) center (BrE) parting/ (NAmE) part
Body
a long/short/thick/slender/(disapproving) scrawny neck
broad/narrow/sloping/rounded/hunched shoulders
a bare/broad/muscular/small/large chest
a flat/swollen/bulging stomach
a small/tiny/narrow/slim/slender/28-inch waist
big/wide/narrow/slim hips
a straight/bent/arched/broad/hairy back
thin/slender/muscular arms
big/large/small/manicured/calloused/gloved hands
long/short/fat/slender/delicate/bony fingers
long/muscular/hairy/shapely/(both informal, often disapproving) skinny/spindly legs
muscular/chubby/(informal, disapproving) flabby thighs
big/little/small/dainty/wide/narrow/bare feet
a good/a slim/a slender/an hourglass figure
be of slim/medium/average/large/athletic/stocky build  
Example Bank:
• Don't bother your pretty little head with things like that!
• For some reason she got it into her head that the others don't like her.
• He could feel his head spinning after only one drink.
• He dived head first into the water.
• He hung his head in shame.
• He is only the nominal head of the company.
• He lay writhing on the ground, clutching his head in pain.
• He looked at me as if I needed my head examined.
• He put his head around the door.
• He put his head in his hands, exasperated.
• He scratched his head, not understanding a word.
• He scratched his head. ‘I don't understand,’ he said.
• He shaved his head and became a monk.
• He threw his head back and laughed out loud.
• He won by a head.
• Her head tilted to one side as she considered the question.
• His head drooped and tears fell into his lap.
• I called heads and it came down tails.
• I can't get that tune out of my head.
• I can't work it out in my head— I need a calculator.
• I decided to go for a walk to clear my head.
• I have a good head for figures.
• I wish you'd use your head.
• I'm normally asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
• It never entered my head that he might be lying.
• It was an accident, said a voice inside his head.
• It was the first name that popped into my head.
• Peter is a head taller than you.
• She buried her head in the pillow.
• She declined with a brief shake of the head.
• She jerked her head in the direction of the door.
• She needed to keep a clear head if she was to remain in control.
• She rested her head on his shoulder.
• She sat with bowed head.
• She shook her head in disbelief.
• She's taller by a head.
• Simply counting heads reveals that men are far better represented at senior management level than women.
• The Queen is titular head of the Church of England.
• The ambassador dismissed him with a curt nod of the head.
• The city gates were adorned with severed heads.
• The favourite was a short head in front.
• The firm opened for business with an initial head count of 20 staff.
• The meal cost £15 a head.
• The message was sent to all the crowned heads of Europe.
• The message was sent to all the crowned heads= kings and queens of Europe.
• The soldiers were ordered to fire over the heads of the crowd.
• The thunder burst with a grand crash above our heads.
• They nodded their heads in agreement.
• Try to put the exams out of your head for tonight.
• When will you get it into your head that I don't want to discuss this any more!
• When will you get it into your head= understand that I don't want to discuss this any more!
• Who's been putting such weird ideas into your head?
• a summit meeting of heads of state
• a woman with a beautiful head of chestnut hair
• I remember sitting outside the Head's office waiting to be called in.
• I've been called to see the Head.
• It is a parliamentary democracy with a president as head of state.
• She is deputy head of Greenlands Comprehensive, a struggling inner city school.
• She resigned as head of department.
• The Bishop is head of the Church in Kenya.
• The chairman's resignation finally brought matters to a head.
• The dispute finally came to a head in March that year.
• The minister has written to every secondary head in Scotland.
• The thought never entered my head.
• Things came to a head when several of the nurses made a formal complaint.
Idioms: bang your heads together ▪ banging your head against a brick wall ▪ bite somebody's head off ▪ bring something to a head ▪ bury your head in the sand ▪ can't make head nor tail of something ▪ come to a head ▪ do somebody's head in ▪ do something standing on your head ▪ from head to toe ▪ get your head down ▪ get your head round something ▪ give somebody their head ▪ go head to head ▪ go to somebody's head ▪ have a good head on your shoulders ▪ have a head for something ▪ have your head in the clouds ▪ have your head screwed on ▪ head and shoulders above somebody ▪ head first ▪ head over heels in love ▪ heads or tails? ▪ heads will roll ▪ hold up your head ▪ hold your head high ▪ in over your head ▪ keep a cool head ▪ keep your head ▪ keep your head above water ▪ laugh/scream your head off ▪ lose your head ▪ on your head be it ▪ out of your head ▪ over somebody's head ▪ put our heads together ▪ take it into your head that … ▪ take it into your head to do something ▪ turn somebody's head ▪ turn something on its head ▪ two heads are better than one

Derived: head somebody off ▪ head something off ▪ head something up ▪ heading for something 

mouth

mouth [mouth mouths mouthed mouthing] noun, verb

noun   [maʊθ]  ;   [maʊθ]  (pl. mouths   [maʊðz]  ;   [maʊðz]  ) 

PART OF FACE
1. the opening in the face used for speaking, eating, etc; the area inside the head behind this opening
• She opened her mouth to say something.
• His mouth twisted into a wry smile.
• Their mouths fell open (= they were surprised).
• Don't talk with your mouth full (= when eating).
• The creature was foaming at the mouth.

see also  foot-and-mouth disease  

PERSON NEEDING FOOD

2. a person considered only as sb who needs to be provided with food
• Now there would be another mouth to feed.

• The world will not be able to support all these extra hungry mouths.  

ENTRANCE/OPENING

3. ~ (of sth) the entrance or opening of sth
• the mouth of a cave/pit

see also  goalmouth  

OF RIVER

4. the place where a river joins the sea

• A number of industries sprang up around the mouth of the river.  

WAY OF SPEAKING

5. a particular way of speaking
• He has a foul mouth on him!
• Watch your mouth! (= stop saying things that are rude and/or offensive)

see also  loudmouth  

-MOUTHED

6. (in adjectives) having the type or shape of mouth mentioned
• a wide-mouthed old woman
• a narrow-mouthed cave

see also  open-mouthed

7. (in adjectives) having a particular way of speaking
• a rather crude-mouthed individual
see also  foul-mouthed, mealy-mouthed 
more at have a big mouthme and my big mouth at  big  _adj., born with a silver spoon in your mouth at  born, take the bread out of sb's mouth at  bread, butter wouldn't melt in sb's mouth at  butter  _n., foam at the mouth at  foam  _v., put your foot in your mouth at  foot  _n., look a gift-horse in the mouth at  gift, sb's heart is in their mouth at  heart, (straight) from the horse's mouth at  horse  _n., live (from) hand to mouth at  live¹, melt in your mouth at  melt, put your money where your mouth is at  money, shoot your mouth off at  shoot  _v., shut your mouth/face at  shut  _v., leave a bad/nasty taste in the mouth at  taste  _n., watch your mouth/tongue at  watch  _v., by word of mouthput words into sb's mouthtake the words right out of sb's mouth at  word  _n.  
Word Origin:
Old English mūth, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch mond and German Mund, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin mentum ‘chin’.  
Example Bank:
• A cool smile played across her mouth.
• A smile played around his strong mouth.
• A tight mouth was the only sign of her nerves.
• Don't talk with your mouth full!
• Good mouth care is very important when you are having chemotherapy.
• He began to stuff his mouth with pasta.
• He coughed as the blood filled his mouth.
• He covered his mouth to hide his yawn.
• He pulled the boy from the river and gave him mouth-to-mouth.
• He wiped his greasy mouth on his sleeve.
• Her mouth curved into a smile.
• Her mouth suddenly set in a determined line.
• His mouth compressed into a thin, hard line.
• His mouth lifted in a wry smile.
• His mouth widened to a smile.
• I could taste blood in my mouth.
• I was so thirsty my tongue was sticking to the roof of my mouth.
• My mouth started watering when I smelled the food.
• Our mouths dropped open in surprise.
• She has four hungry mouths to feed.
• She put her hand over her mouth to stifle the cough.
• Suddenly a hand cupped her mouth.
• The corners of her mouth turned up in a slight smile.
• The dog was foaming at the mouth and near death.
• The hot coffee burned her mouth.
• There was blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
• There were lines of tension about his mouth.
• Twins would mean two extra mouths to feed.
• They drew nearer to the mouth of the cave.
• Up ahead was the tunnel mouth.
Idioms: all mouth ▪ down in the mouth ▪ keep your mouth shut ▪ out of the mouths of babes ▪ run off at the mouth

Derived: mouth off