A1 (Basic)

holiday

holiday [noun]

[C or U] UK (UK informal holidays , UK informal hols , US vacation ) a time, often one or two weeks, when someone does not go to work or school but is free to do what they want, such as travel or relax

US /ˈhɑː.lə.deɪ/ 
UK /ˈhɒl.ə.deɪ/ 

تعطيلى‌، (روز) تعطيل‌

Example: 

summer holidays

تعطيلات‌ تابستان‌

Oxford Essential Dictionary

holiday

 noun

1 (British) (American vacation) a time when you do not go to work or school, and often go and stay away from home:
The school holidays start next week.
We're going to the coast for our summer holiday.
Mrs Smith isn't here this week. She's on holiday.

2 a day when most people do not go to work or school, especially because of a religious or national celebration:
Next Monday is a holiday.

culture
A day when everybody has a holiday is called a public holiday in Britain and the US. In Britain it is also called a bank holiday.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

holiday

I. holiday1 S1 W2 /ˈhɒlədi, ˈhɒlɪdi, -deɪ $ ˈhɑːlədeɪ/ BrE AmE noun
[Language: Old English; Origin: haligdæg 'holy day']
1. [uncountable and countable] British English (also holidays) a time of rest from work, school etc SYN vacation American English:
The school holidays start tomorrow.
on holiday
I’m away on holiday until the 1st of June.
in the holidays
He came to stay with us in the school holidays.
holiday from
a holiday from her usual responsibilities
REGISTER
In everyday British English, when someone is temporarily away from their work or studies, people often say they are off, rather than on holiday. Note, however, that off can also mean that someone is away from their work or studies because they are sick:
▪ ‘Where’s Kate?’ ‘She’s off this week.’
2. [uncountable and countable] British English (also holidays) a period of time when you travel to another place for pleasure SYN vacation American English:
We’re going to Spain for our holidays.
on holiday
He caught malaria while on holiday in Africa.
I haven’t had a proper holiday for two years.
3. [countable] a day fixed by law on which people do not have to go to work or school:
The 4th of July is a national holiday in the US.
4. the holiday season (also the holidays)
a) American English the period between Thanksgiving and New Year
b) British English the period in the summer when most people take a holiday
⇨ ↑bank holiday, ↑public holiday
• • •
GRAMMAR
Holidays is usually used after 'the', 'my', 'your' etc when it refers to a single period when you are travelling or are not working or studying:
▪ Soon it will be the holidays.
▪ Where do you want to go for your holidays?
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ verbs
go on holiday The children were excited about going on holiday.
have/take a holiday Teachers cannot take holidays during term time.
book a holiday I booked the holiday online.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + holiday
a skiing/camping/walking etc holiday They went on a camping holiday in France.
a package holiday (=a holiday in which you pay a price that includes travel, room, and food) The company organizes package holidays to Spain and Greece.
a summer holiday They were going to a house on the coast for their summer holidays.
a winter holiday Why not try a winter holiday for a change?
a family holiday I first visited Orkney on a family holiday when I was a boy.
an annual holiday (=a holiday you take every year) We were getting ready for our annual holiday in Cornwall.
your dream holiday (=the best holiday you can imagine) They won a dream holiday for two to the Caribbean.
■ holiday + NOUN
a holiday resort (=a place with many hotels where a lot of people go on holiday) a holiday resort in Spain
a holiday destination (=a town or country where a lot of people go on holiday) Marmaris is one of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations.
a holiday brochure (=a magazine that shows what holidays you can take) We were looking through holiday brochures thinking about the summer.
holiday photos (also holiday snaps informal) (=photographs that you take when you are on holiday) Do you want to see our holiday snaps?
a holiday romance (=a brief romantic relationship with someone you meet on holiday) It was just a holiday romance; I never saw him again.
a holiday abroad (=a holiday in a country other than the one you live in) They were planning a holiday abroad that year.
■ phrases
the holiday of a lifetime (=a very good or expensive holiday that you will only take once) We took the family on a holiday of a lifetime to Orlando, Florida.
• • •
THESAURUS
vacation especially American English, holiday especially British English time you spend away from school or work: Are you taking a vacation this summer? | We met on holiday in Cyprus. | What are you doing in the school holidays?
holiday a day that is set by law, when no one has to go to work or school: the Thanksgiving holiday | New Year's Day is a national holiday. | In 2002, there was an extra public holiday to mark the Queen's golden jubilee. | the August bank holiday (=day when all the banks and shops are closed – used in British English)
break a time when you stop working or studying in order to rest, or a short vacation from school: a ten-minute coffee break | Lots of college kids come to the beaches during the spring break.
leave a time when you are allowed not to work: We get four weeks' annual leave (=paid time off work each year). | He has been taking a lot of sick leave (=time off work because you are ill) recently. | Angela is on maternity leave (= time off work when having a baby). | He was given compassionate leave (=time off work because someone close to you has died, is very ill etc) to go to his father's funeral.
sabbatical [usually singular] a period when someone, especially a teacher, stops doing their usual work in order to study or travel: She was on sabbatical for six months. | I'm thinking of taking a sabbatical.
furlough a period of time when a soldier or someone working in another country can return to their own country as a holiday: While on furlough, he and his girlfriend got married.
R & R (rest and relaxation) a holiday, especially one given to people in the army, navy etc after a long period of hard work or during a war: Soldiers in Vietnam were taken to Hawaii for R & R.
II. holiday2 BrE AmE verb [intransitive]
British English to spend your holiday in a place – used especially in news reports SYN vacation American English
holiday in/at
They’re holidaying in Majorca.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

holiday

 

 

holi·day [holiday holidays holidayed holidaying] noun, verb   [ˈhɒlədeɪ]    [ˈhɒlədi]    [ˈhɑːlədeɪ] 

 

noun
1. uncountable (also holidays plural) (both BrE) (NAmE vac·ation) a period of time when you are not at work or school
the school/summer/Christmas, etc. holidays
I'm afraid Mr Walsh is away on holiday this week.
The package includes 20 days' paid holiday a year.
holiday pay

• a holiday job (= done by students during the school holidays)

2. countable (BrE) (NAmE vac·ation) a period of time spent travelling or resting away from home
a camping/skiing/walking, etc. holiday
an adventure holiday
a family holiday
a foreign holiday
a holiday cottage/home/resort
the holiday industry
a holiday romance
Where are you going for your holidays this year?
a two-week holiday in the sun
They met while on holiday in Greece.
We went on holiday together last summer.
• I haven't had a decent holiday for years.

see also  busman's holiday, package tour

3. countable a day when most people do not go to work or school, especially because of a religious or national celebration
a national holiday
• Today is a holiday in Wales.

see also  bank holiday, public holiday

4. holidays plural (NAmE) the time in December and early January that includes Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year
Happy Holidays!  
Word Origin:
Old English hāligdæg ‘holy day’.  
Culture:
holidays and vacations
Holiday in American English means a day that is special for some reason. Most people do not go to work on an important holiday, but may do so on a minor one. Few people have to work on federal (= national) holidays such as New Year's Day or Independence Day, though they may celebrate St Valentine's Day or Groundhog Day but still go to work or school. Apart from the main federal holidays each state decides its own holidays. The period from Thanksgiving to the end of the year when there are several important holidays is called the holiday season or simply the holidays (e.g. Stores are getting ready for the holiday season.). In British English, special days like New Year’s Day are called bank holidays or public holidays.
Holiday in British English also means a period of time spent away from work or school, usually of a week or longer. This is called a vacation in American English. So, the period of several weeks around Christmas when schools are closed is called the Christmas holiday in Britain and the Christmas vacation in the US.
Holiday and vacation are also used to refer to the period when people go away for a time to a beach resort or to the country, or go travelling. British people have about four weeks’ paid leave from their jobs. Most take their main holiday in the summer. People without children of school age often go on holiday in the off season when prices are lower and there are fewer other holidaymakers. Some people stay in Britain for their holiday, but many rent a cottage in the country or go to beach resorts in Europe for one or two weeks. Some travel to the US or visit India, the Far East and other parts of the world. Many British people going abroad buy package holidays sold on the Internet or through high-street travel agents, which include transport, accommodation and sometimes excursions in the price. Some people see their holidays as an opportunity to relax in the sun, but others prefer activity holidays during which they can visit famous buildings or go walking in the countryside. A few go to a holiday centre, often called a holiday village, which provides entertainment for all the family. People often arrange their holiday a long time in advance and look forward to it through the winter. Many people also have a short break, usually three or four days, e.g. at a country cottage in Britain or in a European city.
Americans have less paid vacation, typically two weeks. People with important jobs or who have worked in their company for many years may have longer vacations. People with low-paid jobs in shops, fast food restaurants, etc, often have no paid vacation at all.
The typical family vacation in the US involves driving to a destination within the country. Some people visit relatives or go sightseeing in cities like Washington, DC, or New York. The national parks, like Yellowstone National Park or the Grand Canyon, are also popular, and people sometimes rent a cabin (BrE cottage) in the country. Families often go to amusement parks like Disney World in Florida. People who do not drive usually fly to a place as air fares are relatively cheap. Package tours are not very common and most Americans arrange their transport and accommodation separately.
Many Americans have not been on vacation outside North America. However, Europe has always been a popular destination for people wanting to travel further, and trips to South America and the Far East are increasingly common, especially with younger travellers. Cruises (= journeys by ship, visiting different places) to the Caribbean or Alaska have also become very popular. 
Thesaurus:
holiday noun
1. U
She's on holiday this week.
leavebreaktime offday off|BrE holidays|AmE vacation
during the holidays/break/vacation
be on holiday/leave/vacation
(the) summer/Christmas holiday/vacation
2. C (BrE)
The neighbours are away on holiday.
break|AmE vacation|informal getaway
a great/relaxing holiday/break/vacation/getaway
go/be on holiday/vacation
a week's/three-day, etc. holiday/break/vacation 
British/American:
holiday / vacation
You use holiday (or holidays) in BrE and vacation in NAmE to describe the regular periods of time when you are not at work or school, or time that you spend travelling or resting away from home: I get four weeks’ holiday/vacation a year. He’s on holiday/vacation this week. I like to take my holiday/vacation in the winter. the summer holidays/vacation.
In NAmE a holiday (or a public holiday) is a single day when government offices, schools, banks and businesses are closed: The school will be closed Monday because it’s a holiday. This is called a bank holiday in BrE.
The holidays is used in NAmE to refer to the time in late December and early January that includes Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year.
Vacation in BrE is used mainly to mean one of the periods when universities are officially closed for the students. 
Collocations:
Travel and tourism
Holidays/vacations
have/take (BrE) a holiday/(NAmE) a vacation/a break/a day off/(BrE) a gap year
go on/be on holiday/vacation/leave/honeymoon/safari/a trip/a tour/a cruise/a pilgrimage
go backpacking/camping/hitchhiking/sightseeing
plan a trip/a holiday/a vacation/your itinerary
book accommodation/a hotel room/a flight/tickets
have/make/cancel a reservation/(especially BrE) booking
rent a villa/(both BrE) a holiday home/a holiday cottage
(especially BrE) hire/ (especially NAmE) rent a car/bicycle/moped
stay in a hotel/a bed and breakfast/a youth hostel/a villa/(both BrE) a holiday home/a caravan
cost/charge $100 a/per night for a single/double/twin/standard/(BrE) en suite room
check into/out of a hotel/a motel/your room
pack/unpack your suitcase/bags
call/order room service
cancel/cut short a trip/holiday/vacation
Foreign travel
apply for/get/renew a/your passport
take out/buy/get travel insurance
catch/miss your plane/train/ferry/connecting flight
fly (in)/travel in business/economy class
make/have a brief/two-day/twelve-hour stopover/(NAmE also) layover in Hong Kong
experience/cause/lead to delays
check (in)/collect/get/lose (your) (especially BrE) luggage/(especially NAmE) baggage
be charged for/pay excess baggage
board/get on/leave/get off the aircraft/plane/ship/ferry
taxi down/leave/approach/hit/overshoot the runway
experience/hit/encounter severe turbulence
suffer from/recover from/get over your jet lag/travel sickness
The tourist industry
attract/draw/bring tourists/visitors
encourage/promote/hurt tourism
promote/develop ecotourism
build/develop/visit a tourist/holiday/(especially BrE) seaside/beach/ski resort
work for/be operated by a major hotel chain
be served by/compete with low-cost/(especially NAmE) low-fare/budget airlines
book sth through/make a booking through/use a travel agent
contact/check with your travel agent/tour operator
book/be on/go on a package deal/holiday/tour
buy/bring back (tacky/overpriced) souvenirs 
Example Bank:
Have you booked your summer holiday yet?
I go back a couple of times a year to celebrate the holidays with my family.
I got ill and had to cancel my holiday.
I have three weeks' holiday a year.
I learned to windsurf on an activity holiday.
I really need a holiday!
I'm afraid Mr Adamek is on holiday this week.
I'm just trying to spread a little holiday cheer.
I'm taking the rest of my holiday in October.
It can be difficult to keep children occupied during the long summer holidays.
My aunt's coming to stay in the holidays.
She had a holiday job as a gardener when she was a student.
She spent her holiday decorating the flat.
The centre is now closed for the Christmas holidays.
The pool is open throughout the holiday season.
The recession hit the package holiday business hard.
The roads will be busy on Monday as it's a holiday weekend.
Their holiday romance turned into a lasting relationship.
They also have a holiday home at the seaside.
They met while on holiday in Spain.
This holiday season was the worst in 25 years for retailers.
This is your chance to win the holiday of a lifetime.
We always spend the holidays together.
We had a disastrous camping holiday.
We're going on holiday to France this summer.
What would be your dream holiday?
You are entitled to 24 days' paid holiday per year.
You should take out holiday insurance before you leave.
a popular seaside holiday resort
All we could afford was a week's holiday at my parents' place.
Book your winter holiday now.
Choose from over 200 great holiday destinations!
Have a fantastic holiday!
Have you ever been on a camping holiday?
He's never had a holiday abroad.
How do you usually spend your holiday?
How many days' holiday do you get a year?
I picked up a few holiday brochures on the way home.
I've never been one for holiday romances.
If you win, we'll send you on a holiday of a lifetime!
It's a popular holiday destination.
It's the school holidays at the moment.
Let's have a look at your holiday photos.
Make sure you have holiday insurance.
More and more people are taking foreign holidays.
My assistant is on holiday this week.
Package holidays are generally becoming less popular.
She doesn't get any paid holiday.
She works as a holiday rep.
She works for a holiday company.
The neighbours are away on holiday.
The president's birthday was declared a national holiday.
The town is now a bustling holiday resort.
Today is a holiday in Scotland.
Try us first for your best family holiday ever!
We had to cancel our holiday at the last minute.
We supply everything you will need for your adventure holiday.
We're going away over the Christmas holidays.
We're going on a skiing holiday in Austria.
What are you going to do during the summer holidays?
Win a dream holiday to the Bahamas.
• You are entitled to four weeks' annual holiday.

• Your holiday entitlement is 25 days a year.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

holiday / ˈhɒl.ɪ.deɪ /   / ˈhɑː.lɪ- / noun

A1 [ C or U ] UK ( UK informal holidays , UK informal hols , US vacation ) a time, often one or two weeks, when someone does not go to work or school but is free to do what they want, such as travel or relax:

a camping/skiing holiday

Have you decided where you're going for your holiday(s) this year?

Patricia is on holiday next week.

How many days' holiday do you get with your new job?

We thought we'd go to France for our summer holiday.

Surely the school holidays start soon.

B1 [ C ] an official day when you do not have to go to work or school:

a public holiday

St Patrick's Day is a holiday in Ireland.

Word partners for holiday

book / go on / have / take a holiday • a summer holiday • a lovely / wonderful holiday • be on holiday

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

holiday

[hɒ̱lɪdei]
 ♦♦
 holidays, holidaying, holidayed

 1) N-COUNT: also on/from N A holiday is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. People sometimes refer to their holiday as their holidays. [BRIT]
  I've just come back from a holiday in the United States...
  We rang Duncan to ask where he was going on holiday...
  Ischia is a popular seaside holiday resort...
  We're going to Scotland for our holidays.(in AM, use vacation)
 2) N-COUNT: usu with supp A holiday is a day when people do not go to work or school because of a religious or national festival.
 → See also bank holiday
  New Year's Day is a public holiday throughout Britain...
  He invited her to spend the Fourth of July holiday at his summer home on Fire Island...
  Bad weather has caused dozens of flight cancellations over the holiday weekend.
 3) N-PLURAL: usu the N, oft n N The holidays are the time when children do not have to go to school. [BRIT]
  ...the first day of the school holidays.(in AM, use vacation)
 4) N-UNCOUNT If you have a particular number of days' or weeks' holiday, you do not have to go to work for that number of days or weeks. [BRIT]
  Every worker will be entitled to four weeks' paid holiday a year.(in AM, use vacation)
 5) VERB: oft cont If you are holidaying in a place away from home, you are on holiday there. [BRIT]
  [V prep/adv] Sampling the local cuisine is one of the delights of holidaying abroad...
  [V-ing] Vacant rooms on the campus were being used by holidaying families.(in AM, use vacation)

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1hol·i·day /ˈhɑːləˌdeɪ, Brit ˈh{scriptainv}lədi/ noun, pl -days
1 [count] : a special day of celebration
• a religious holiday : a day when most people do not have to work
• July 4 is a national holiday in the U.S.
• The stock market is closed tomorrow because it's a holiday.
- often used before another noun
holiday gifts/parties
• Do you have any plans for the holiday weekend? [=a weekend that is preceded or followed by a holiday]
✦In U.S. English, the holiday season and the holidays refer to the time from November until the beginning of January during which many holidays are celebrated.
• How are you celebrating the holiday season?
• I'm looking forward to going home for the holidays.
- see also bank holiday, legal holiday
2 Brit : vacation

[noncount]

• She'll have four weeks' holiday next year.
• She spent two weeks on holiday [=(US) on vacation] in Italy.

[count]

• We're planning on taking a holiday in the Caribbean.
- often plural
• She went to the Caribbean for her holidays.
• He spent the summer holidays in Spain.

remember

remember [verb]

To be able to bring back a piece of information into your mind, or to keep a piece of information in your memory

US /rɪˈmem.bɚ/ 
UK /rɪˈmem.bər/ 

به یاد آوردن ، به خاطر آوردن

Example: 

 

I don't remember my first day at school.

روز اول مدرسه ام را به یاد نمی آورم.

آهنگ وترانه: 
You Are The Reason - Chris De Burgh

Oxford Essential Dictionary

remember

 verb (remembers, remembering, remembered )
to keep something in your mind or bring something back into your mind:
Can you remember his name?
I remember posting the letter.
Did you remember to go to the bank?
 opposite forget

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

remember

remember S1 W1 /rɪˈmembə $ -ər/ BrE AmE verb
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: remembrer, from Late Latin rememorari, from Latin memor; ⇨ ↑memory]
1. THE PAST [intransitive and transitive] to have a picture or idea in your mind of people, events, places etc from the past ⇨ forget:
Do you remember Rosa Davies?
I can’t remember her exact words.
remember (that)
I remember you two couldn’t stand each other at first!
remember (somebody) doing something
I remember meeting her at a party once.
I remember my father bringing home a huge Christmas tree.
I remember it well; I’d never seen my mother so angry.
She clearly remembers the excitement as they boarded the train.
I vaguely remember reading something about it in the paper.
They had three children, if I remember rightly.
They’ve lived here for as long as I can remember.
No one got drunk as far as I can remember.
2. INFORMATION/FACTS [intransitive and transitive] to bring information or facts that you know into your mind ⇨ forget:
You left your keys on the table, remember?
I can’t remember her phone number.
remember (that)
I suddenly remembered that I’d left the stove on.
remember what/how/why etc
I called the office, but I don’t remember who I spoke to.
3. TO DO/GET SOMETHING [intransitive and transitive] to not forget something that you must do, get, or bring:
I hope he remembers the wine.
remember to do something
Remember to take your P.E. clothes to school.
4. KEEP SOMETHING IN MIND [transitive] to keep a particular fact about a situation in your mind:
Remember, processed food is usually full of salt and sugar.
remember that
Remember that not everyone has as much money as you.
it should/must be remembered (that)
It should be remembered that a lot of work went into this event.
5. HONOUR THE DEAD [transitive] to think with respect about someone who has died, often in a ceremony:
On this day we remember the dead of two world wars.
6. be remembered for/as something to be famous for something important that you did in the past:
He is best remembered for his travel books.
Johnson wanted to be remembered as ‘the education president.’
7. GIVE SOMEBODY A PRESENT [transitive] to give someone a present on a particular occasion:
Lilian always remembers me at Christmas.
remember somebody in your will (=arrange for someone to have something of yours after you die)
8. remember me to somebody spoken used to ask someone to give a greeting from you to someone else
• • •
GRAMMAR
If you remember doing something, you have a picture in your mind of the time when you did it:
▪ I remember playing there when I was little.
If you remember to do something, you do not forget to do what you had intended:
▪ We must remember to close that window.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
remember well (=thoroughly and completely) I remember so well my first day there.
remember clearly/vividly/distinctly (=well, with a lot of detail) I remember clearly how I used to feel as a child in church on Sundays.
remember vaguely/dimly (=not well) He could vaguely remember his mother’s face.
remember fondly (=in a way that shows you liked someone or something a lot) The restaurant is fondly remembered by many.
remember rightly/correctly You were still at school, if I remember rightly.
hardly/barely remember (=almost not at all) I can hardly remember him.
• • •
THESAURUS
remember to form an idea in your mind of people, events, places etc from the past: I remember Janine – she lived in that house on the corner. | I can’t remember how the film ends. | He remembered meeting her at a party once.
recall to remember a particular fact, event, or situation, especially in order to tell someone about it: Can you recall where your husband was that night? | She recalled that he had seemed a strange, lonely man.
recollect formal to remember an event or situation: Harry smiled as he recollected the scene. | She tried to recollect what had happened next in her dream.
memorize to learn facts, a piece of writing or music etc, so that you can remember them later: He’s trying to memorize his speech. | Don’t write down your PIN number, memorize it.
think back/look back to think about something that happened in the past: I thought back to when I was his age. | Looking back, I should have been more patient with her. | We need to stop looking back and start thinking about the future.
reminisce /ˌreməˈnɪs, ˌremɪˈnɪs/ to talk about pleasant events, people, experiences etc from the past, because you want to remember them or enjoy talking about them: They were reminiscing about old times. | I used to spend hours listening to my grandfather reminisce.
bear something in mind to remember something important when you are doing something, because it could affect what you do: Bear in mind that this is the first time he’s done this.
something is on the tip of your tongue used to say that you know a word or a name but that you have difficulty remembering it at this exact moment: His name’s on the tip of my tongue. I’ll think of it in a minute.
remind somebody of something to make you think of another person, thing, or time, because they are similar: It reminds me of the time when I first started teaching. | The taste reminded him of school dinners.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

remember

re·mem·ber [remember remembers remembered remembering]   [rɪˈmembə(r)]    [rɪˈmembər]  verb

(not usually used in the progressive tenses

SB/STH FROM THE PAST
1. transitive, intransitive to have or keep an image in your memory of an event, a person, a place, etc. from the past
~ (sb/sth) This is Carla. Do you remember her?
I don't remember my first day at school.
He still remembered her as the lively teenager he'd known years before.
As far as I can remember, this is the third time we've met.
~ doing sth Do you remember switching the lights off before we came out?
I vaguely remember hearing him come in.
~ sb/sth doing sth I can still vividly remember my grandfather teaching me to play cards.
(formal) I can't remember his taking a single day off work.

~ (that)… I remember (that) we used to go and see them most weekends.  

FACT/INFORMATION

2. transitive, intransitive to bring back to your mind a fact, piece of information, etc. that you knew
~ (sth) I'm sorry— I can't remember your name.
You were going to help me with this. Remember?
~ how, what, etc… Can you remember how much money we spent?

~ (that)… Remember that we're going out tonight.

3. transitive to keep an important fact in your mind
~ (that)… Remember (that) you may feel sleepy after taking the pills.

it is remembered that… It should be remembered that the majority of accidents happen in the home.  

STH YOU HAVE TO DO

4. transitive to not forget to do sth; to actually do what you have to do
~ to do sth Remember to call me when you arrive!
~ sth Did you remember your homework (= to bring it)?  Notice the difference between remember doing sth and remember to do sth

• I remember posting the letter means ‘I have an image in my memory of doing it’; I remembered to post the letter means ‘I didn't forget to do it.’  

 

 

IN PRAYERS

5. transitive ~ sb to think about sb with respect, especially when saying a prayer
Syn:  commemorate

• a church service to remember the war dead  

GIVE PRESENT

6. transitive ~ sb/sth to give money, a present, etc. to sb/sth
My aunt always remembers my birthday (= by sending a card or present).
His grandfather remembered him (= left him money) in his will.
Idioms: remembered as something  remembered for something
Derived: remember me to somebody
 
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French remembrer, from late Latin rememorari ‘call to mind’, from re- (expressing intensive force) + Latin memor ‘mindful’.  
Thesaurus:
remember verb T, I (not usually used in the progressive tenses)
This is Carla. Do you remember her?
bear sb/sth in mindlook backthink backreminisce|formal recallrecollect
Opp: forget
remember/bear in mind/recall/recollect that…
remember/bear in mind/recall/recollect how/what/where/when…
remember/bear in mind/recall the facts  
Example Bank:
I can't remember exactly what happened.
I can't remember her name.
I distinctly remember Jane saying that the show started at eight.
I don't exactly remember what she said.
I mostly remember the art nouveau decor of her living room.
I remember Miss Scott very well.
I remembered back to the time I saw her last.
I specifically remember her saying she would be visiting today.
I'll always remember this holiday.
If I remember correctly, you were supposed to collect the keys on your way here.
Julia belatedly remembered what else she was supposed to do.
She finally remembered what she was going to say.
She fondly remembered her early years in India.
She is best remembered for her first book, ‘In the Ditch’.
This is an experience that the kids will enjoy and remember forever.
To this day, people can easily remember the show.
As far as I can remember, this is the third time we've met.
Did you remember your homework?
He still remembered her as the lively teenager he'd known years before.
I can't remember his taking a single day off work.
I don't remember my first day at school.
I remember posting the letter.
I remembered to post the letter.
I'm sorry— I can't remember your name.
• It should be remembered that the majority of accidents happen in the home.

• Remember that we're going out tonight.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

remember / rɪˈmem.bə r /   / -bɚ / verb

A1 [ I or T ] to be able to bring back a piece of information into your mind, or to keep a piece of information in your memory:

"Where did you park the car?" "I can't remember."

I can remember people's faces, but not their names.

[ + (that) ] She suddenly remembered (that) her keys were in her other bag.

[ + -ing verb ] I don't remember sign ing a contract.

[ + question word ] Can you remember wh at her phone number is?

I remember him as (= I thought he was) a rather annoying man.

remember to do sth A2 to not forget to do something:

Did you remember to do the shopping?

be remembered for sth to be kept in people's memories because of a particular action or quality:

She will be remembered for her courage.

you remember informal said when you are talking to someone about something that they used to know but may have forgotten:

We went and had tea in that little café - you remember, the one next to the bookshop.

[ T ] to hold a special ceremony to honour a past event or someone who has died:

On 11 November , the British remember those who died in the two World Wars.

[ T ] to give a present or money to someone you love or who has provided good service to you:

My Granny always remembers me (= sends me a present) on my birthday.

My cousin remembered me in her will.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

remember

/rɪmembə(r)/
(remembers, remembering, remembered)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
If you remember people or events from the past, you still have an idea of them in your mind and you are able to think about them.
You wouldn’t remember me. I was in another group...
I certainly don’t remember talking to you at all...
I remembered that we had drunk the last of the coffee the week before...
I can remember where and when I bought each one...
I used to do that when you were a little girl, remember?
VERB: V n/-ing, V n/-ing, V that, V wh, V

2.
If you remember that something is the case, you become aware of it again after a time when you did not think about it.
She remembered that she was going to the social club that evening...
Then I remembered the cheque, which cheered me up.
VERB: V that, V n

3.
If you cannot remember something, you are not able to bring it back into your mind when you make an effort to do so.
If you can’t remember your number, write it in code in a diary...
I can’t remember what I said...
Don’t tell me you can’t remember.
VERB: usu with brd-neg, V n/-ing, V wh, V

4.
If you remember to do something, you do it when you intend to.
Please remember to enclose a stamped addressed envelope when writing.
forget
VERB: V to-inf

5.
You tell someone to remember that something is the case when you want to emphasize its importance. It may be something that they already know about or a new piece of information.
It is important to remember that each person reacts differently...
It should be remembered that this loss of control can never be regained.
VERB: V that, it modal be V-ed that [emphasis]

6.
If you say that someone will be remembered for something that they have done, you mean that people will think of this whenever they think about the person.
At his grammar school he is remembered for being bad at games...
He will always be remembered as one of the great Chancellors of the Exchequer.
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed for n/-ing, be V-ed as n

7.
If you ask someone to remember you to a person who you have not seen for a long time, you are asking them to pass your greetings on to that person.
‘Remember me to Lyle, won’t you?’ I said...
VERB: no cont, usu imper, V n to n

8.
If you make a celebration an occasion to remember, you make it very enjoyable for all the people involved.
We’ll give everyone a night to remember...
VERB: only to-inf, V

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

remember

re·mem·ber /rɪˈmɛmbɚ/ verb -bers; -bered; -ber·ing
1 : to have or keep an image or idea in your mind of (something or someone from the past) : to think of (something or someone from the past) again

[+ obj]

• I remember my first day of school like it was yesterday.
• Do you remember me? I used to work with you many years ago.
Remember when we went hiking last summer?
• I remember telling him not to do it, but he did it anyway.
• I remember what that felt like.
• It was a day to remember. [=it was a special/memorable day]

[no obj]

As far as I can remember, I've never been late to a meeting.
• My family has lived in New York for as long as I can remember. [=for a very long time]
2 : to cause (something) to come back into your mind

[+ obj]

• I couldn't remember how to spell her name.
• I can't remember where I put that book.
• I remembered that I had left my wallet at home.
• Sorry, I don't remember your name. [=I have forgotten your name]

[no obj]

• What was it that I was going to ask him? I can't remember.
3 : to keep (information) in your mind : to not forget (something)

[+ obj]

Remember the dates for the test.
• Thank you for remembering my birthday.
• I remembered to feed the cat.
Remember, the trains stop running at 12:30 a.m.
• Please remember to take out the trash tomorrow.
• (formal) It should be remembered [=it is important to keep in mind] that he made many important contributions to the campaign.

[no obj]

• I don't need to write it down, I'll remember.
- see also remember your manners at manner
4 [+ obj] : to think about (someone who has died) in a respectful way
• On this day, let us remember our nation's veterans.
• We should remember the victims of the tragedy.
• She is remembered for her contributions to physics.
5 [+ obj] : to give money or a gift to (someone)
• Her brother was remembered in her will. [=she wrote in her will that her brother should receive some of her things after her death]
• They remembered him on his birthday.
remember me to old-fashioned
- used to ask someone to give your greetings to another person
Remember me to your aunt when you see her today.

warm

warm [adjective] (TEMPERATURE)

Having or producing a comfortably high temperature, although not hot

US /wɔːrm/ 
UK /wɔːm/ 

گرم

Example: 

This sleeping bag is very warm.

این کیسه خواب خیلی گرم است. 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

adjective (warmer, warmest)

pronunciation
The word warm sounds like storm.

1 having a pleasant temperature that is fairly high, between cool and hot:
It's warm by the fire.
Look at the note at hot.

2 Warm clothes are clothes that stop you feeling cold:
It's cold in the mountains, so take some warm clothes with you.

3 friendly and kind:
Martha is a very warm person.
 opposite cold

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

warm

I. warm1 S2 W2 /wɔːm $ wɔːrm/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑warmth, the warm, ↑warmer, ↑warming; adverb: ↑warmly, ↑warm; adjective: ↑warm, ↑warming; verb: ↑warm]
[Language: Old English; Origin: wearm]
1. BE WARM slightly hot, especially in a pleasant way OPP coolwarmth:
The house was lovely and warm.
I hope we get some warm weather soon.
I’ve put your dinner in the oven to keep it warm.
warm water
2. FEEL WARM if you are warm, your body is at a comfortable temperature:
Are you warm enough?
keep/stay warm (=wear enough clothes not to feel cold)
Make sure you keep warm!
You’ll be as warm as toast in that sleeping bag.
3. CLOTHES/BUILDINGS clothes or buildings that are warm can keep in heat or keep out cold:
Here, put on your nice warm coat.
4. FRIENDLY friendly or making someone feel comfortable and relaxed:
a warm, reassuring smile
Please give a warm welcome to our special guest.
a warm glow of satisfaction
The Hungarian people are warm and friendly.
5. COLOUR warm colours contain the colours red, yellow, and orange, which make you feel comfortable and happy OPP cool
6. CORRECT [not before noun] used especially in games to say that someone is near to guessing the correct answer or finding a hidden object OPP cold:
You’re getting warmer.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

warm

warm [warm warms warmed warming warmer warmest] adjective, verb, noun, adverb   [wɔːm]    [wɔːrm] 

adjective (warm·er, warm·est

AT PLEASANT TEMPERATURE
1. at a fairly high temperature in a way that is pleasant, rather than being hot or cold
a warm breeze
Wash the blouse in warm soapy water.
It's nice and warm in here.
Are you warm enough?
The children jumped up and down to keep warm.
You'll be as warm as toast in here.
Heat the bread until it is warm to the touch.
Wait for the warmer weather before putting the plants in the garden.
• The sun felt warm on his skin.

• I can't seem to get warm.  

CLOTHES/BUILDINGS

2. keeping you warm or staying warm in cold weather
a warm pair of socks
• This sleeping bag is very warm.

• a warm house  

FRIENDLY

3. showing enthusiasm and/or affection; friendly
His smile was warm and friendly.
The speaker was given a warm welcome/reception.
• Please send her my warmest congratulations.

• Her comments were greeted with warm applause.  

COLOURS

4. (of colours) containing red, orange or yellow, which creates a pleasant, comfortable and relaxed feeling or atmosphere

• The room was decorated in warm shades of red and orange.  

IN GAME

5. not before noun used to say that sb has almost guessed the answer to sth or that they have almost found sb/sth that has been hidden
Keep guessing— you're getting warmer.
see also  warmth  
Word Origin:
Old English wearm (adjective), werman, wearmian (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German warm, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin formus ‘warm’ and Greek thermos ‘hot’.  
Example Bank:
Add the soured cream and cook, stirring, until just warm.
Are you sure you'll be warm enough dressed like that?
Bake for 15 minutes and serve warm with Greek yogurt.
Come and have a nice warm drink by the fire.
How can we get warm?
I slid further down into the pleasantly warm bed
It was a mild day, almost warm.
She felt her face grow warm at his remarks.
She tries to keep warm by sitting right next to the fire.
That jacket looks nice and warm.
The bread should stay warm for at least half an hour.
The machine may feel warm to the touch.
The night air was soft and unseasonably warm.
The room seemed uncomfortably warm.
The weather had turned warm.
These will keep your feet warm.
an extremely warm and friendly person
His comments were greeted with warm applause.
I wish I had a warm house to go back to.
It's nice and warm in here.
Make sure you pack some warm clothes.
Reds and yellows are warm colours that attract attention.
The house is decorated in warm shades of red and orange.
The leaves swayed slowly in the soft, warm breeze.
The speaker was given a warm welcome.
They stood on the corner, stamping their feet to keep warm.
This plant will only grow in a warm climate.
This sleeping bag is really warm.
You'll be as warm as toast in here.
Idiom: warm the cockles
Derived Word: warmly

Derived: warm down  warm somebody up  warm something up  warm to somebody  warm to something  warm up 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

warm / wɔːm /   / wɔːrm / adjective (TEMPERATURE)

A1 having or producing a comfortably high temperature, although not hot:

Are you warm enough or do you want the fire on?

I've got my hands in my pockets to keep them warm.

A2 describes clothes and covers made of a material that keeps you warm:

I don't have a warm winter coat.

Those gloves look nice and warm.

A warm colour is one that is based on or contains a colour such as red, yellow, or orange that suggests warmth. the warm UK a warm place:

It's cold standing out there - come into the warm.

 

warmly / ˈwɔːm.li /   / ˈwɔːrm- / adverb

B2

He shook my hand warmly.

You're not dressed warmly enough - put a sweater on.

 

warmth / wɔːmθ /   / wɔːrmθ / noun [ U ]

B2

I've put a T-shirt on under my sweater for extra warmth.
 

warm / wɔːm /   / wɔːrm / adjective (FRIENDLY)

B1 friendly and loving:

They're a very warm family.

He has a lovely warm smile.

I'd like to give a warm welcome to our guests this evening.

 

warmly / ˈwɔːm.li /   / ˈwɔːrm- / adverb

B2

He shook my hand warmly.

You're not dressed warmly enough - put a sweater on.

 

warmth / wɔːmθ /   / wɔːrmθ / noun [ U ]

B2

I've put a T-shirt on under my sweater for extra warmth.
 

warm / wɔːm /   / wɔːrm / adjective [ after verb ] informal (NEAR)

(especially in children's games) near to guessing a correct answer or to discovering a hidden object:

You're getting warmer!

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

warm

/wɔ:(r)m/
(warmer, warmest, warms, warming, warmed)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.
Something that is warm has some heat but not enough to be hot.
Because it was warm, David wore only a white cotton shirt...
Dissolve the salt in the warm water.
cool
ADJ: oft it v-link ADJ

2.
Warm clothes and blankets are made of a material such as wool which protects you from the cold.
They have been forced to sleep in the open without food or warm clothing...
cool
ADJ
warm‧ly
Remember to wrap up warmly on cold days.
...warmly dressed.
ADV: ADV after v, ADV -ed

3.
Warm colours have red or yellow in them rather than blue or green, and make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
The basement hallway is painted a warm yellow.
ADJ: usu ADJ n

4.
A warm person is friendly and shows a lot of affection or enthusiasm in their behaviour.
She was a warm and loving mother...
I would like to express my warmest thanks to the doctors.
ADJ
warm‧ly
New members are warmly welcomed...
He greeted me warmly.
ADV: ADV with v

5.
If you warm a part of your body or if something hot warms it, it stops feeling cold and starts to feel hotter.
The sun had come out to warm his back...
She went to warm her hands by the log fire.
VERB: V n, V n

6.
If you warm to a person or an idea, you become fonder of the person or more interested in the idea.
Those who got to know him better warmed to his openness and honesty...
VERB: V to n

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1warm /ˈwoɚm/ adj warm·er; -est
1 a : somewhat hot : not cool or cold
• Be sure to keep warm when you go outside.
warm weather
• a warm fire/radiator
• I'm feeling warm.
• We sat by the fire to stay warm.
• It's too warm in here. We should open a window.
b : causing or allowing you to feel warm
• This sweater is warm.
warm clothing
• The sunshine was warm on my face.
2 : feeling or showing friendship and affection
• We were met with a warm welcome.
• She has a warm and friendly nature.
• The letter was signed, “warmest regards.”
• She gave us each a long, warm hug.
3 : close to finding something, solving a puzzle, etc.
• Keep going; you're getting warm.
4 a : having a yellow, orange, or red color
• a room decorated in warm colors/shades
b of sound : rich and full : not thin or harsh
• the warm sound of the cello
(as) warm as toast informal : comfortably or pleasantly warm
• The room was cold but I was as warm as toast lying under the covers in bed.
- warm·ness /ˈwoɚmnəs/ noun [noncount]
• the warmness of a summer's day
• She welcomed us with warmness.

sad

sad [adjective] (NOT HAPPY)

Unhappy or sorry

US /sæd/ 
UK /sæd/ 

ناراحت، غمگین

Example: 

 

.We are very sad to hear that you are leaving

خیلی ناراحتیم که شنیدیم داری میری.

آهنگ وترانه: 
You Are The Reason - Chris De Burgh

Oxford Essential Dictionary

sad

 adjective (sadder, saddest)
unhappy or making you feel unhappy:
We are very sad to hear that you are leaving.
a sad story

>> sadly adverb:
She looked sadly at the empty house.

>> sadness noun (no plural):
Thoughts of him filled her with sadness.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

sad

sad S2 W3 /sæd/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative sadder, superlative saddest)
[Word Family: noun: ↑sadness, ↑saddo; adjective: ↑sad, ↑saddening; verb: ↑sadden; adverb: ↑sadly]
[Language: Old English; Origin: sæd 'having had enough']
1. FEELING UNHAPPY not happy, especially because something unpleasant has happened OPP happy
feel/look/sound sad
Dad looked sad and worried as he read the letter.
be sad to hear/see/read etc something
I was very sad to hear that he had died.
sad that
Lilly felt sad that Christmas was over.
sad about
I was sad about the friends I was leaving behind.
sad smile/face/expression etc
There was such a sad look in her eyes.
2. MAKING YOU UNHAPPY a sad event, situation etc makes you feel unhappy:
Sorry to hear the sad news.
It was a sad case. The boy ended up in prison.
sad story/song/film etc
a story with a sad ending
it is sad to see/hear etc something
It was sad to see them arguing.
sad time/day/moment etc
This is a sad day for us all.
3. NOT SATISFACTORY very bad or unacceptable:
There aren’t enough teachers, which is a sad state of affairs (=bad situation).
it’s sad that/when/if ...
It’s sad if people are too afraid to go out alone at night.
the sad fact is (that) spoken:
The sad fact is that prejudice still exists.
Sad to say (=unfortunately), the country is heading towards civil war.
4. LONELY a sad person has a dull, unhappy, or lonely life:
She’s a sad character – without any friends at all.
5. BORING informal boring or not deserving any respect:
Stay in on Saturday night? What a sad idea!
6. sadder and/but wiser having learned something from an unpleasant experience:
He came out of the relationship sadder but wiser.
⇨ ↑sadness
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ nouns
a sad story/song/film He had listened patiently to his client’s sad story about her awful life.
sad news It was with great shock that we heard the sad news that he had died.
a sad fact It’s a sad fact that a significant amount of crime is committed by young people.
the sad truth The sad truth is that the new law will not deter criminals.
a sad day/time I’m really disappointed that this happened. It’s a sad day for football.
a sad case Take the sad case of Gary Marsh, who was badly injured during a match.
a sad ending The film has a sad ending.
the sad thing (=the sad part of a situation) The sad thing is that there’s little we can do about the situation now.
• • •
THESAURUS
sad not happy: She felt sad as she waved goodbye. | a sad and lonely figure | a sad face | a sad film
unhappy sad, especially for a long time – used about people and periods of time: I was unhappy at school. | an unhappy childhood | He’s obviously a deeply unhappy person.
homesick [not before noun] sad because you are away from your home, family, and friends: She sometimes felt homesick when she first arrived in Japan.
down [not before noun] informal feeling sad for a few hours or days, often for no reason: Whenever I’m feeling down, I go out and buy myself some new clothes. | She’s been kind of down since that argument with Jack.
gloomy looking or sounding sad and without hope – used about people, places, and weather: Why are you all looking so gloomy? | the gloomy immigration office | a gloomy afternoon in February
dejected/downcast looking sad and disappointed because something you hoped for did not happen: ‘I didn’t pass,’ he said, looking dejected. | a downcast expression | He was understandably downcast after the team’s loss.
mournful especially literary looking or sounding sad: the dog’s big mournful eyes | the mournful sound of the church bell | a mournful expression
glum looking sad and disappointed: Don’t look so glum! Maybe you’ll win next time. | They sat in glum silence.
wistful especially literary looking a little sad and thoughtful, because you wish that the situation was different: She looked at him with a wistful smile.
■ very sad
miserable very sad, especially because you are lonely, cold, ill, or upset – used about people and periods of time: I felt miserable and blamed myself for what had happened. | Her life was miserable. | I had a miserable time at college.
depressed very sad and without hope for a long time, because things are wrong in your life or because of a medical condition: After his wife left him, he became depressed and refused to talk to anyone.
heartbroken extremely sad because of something that has happened to someone or something that you care about very much: She was heartbroken when her dog died.
distressed/distraught very upset because of something bad that has happened, so that you cannot think clearly: She was very distressed when he left her. | The boy’s hospital bed was surrounded by distraught relatives.
devastated [not before noun] extremely sad and shocked, because something very bad has happened: The whole town was devastated by the tragedy.
■ COLLOCATIONS CHECK
sad person/expression/story/song/film
unhappy person/expression/childhood/marriage
gloomy person/expression/place/weather
dejected/downcast person/expression
mournful sound/eyes/expression

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

sad

sad [sad sadder saddest]   [sæd]    [sæd]  adjective (sad·der, sad·dest)

 
UNHAPPY
1. unhappy or showing unhappiness
~ (to do sth) We are very sad to hear that you are leaving.
~ (that…) I was sad that she had to go.
~ (about sth) I felt terribly sad about it.
She looked sad and tired.
• He gave a slight, sad smile.

• The divorce left him sadder and wiser (= having learned from the unpleasant experience).

2. that makes you feel unhappy
a sad story
~ (to do sth) It was sad to see them go.
~ (that…) It is sad that so many of his paintings have been lost.
We had some sad news yesterday.
He's a sad case— his wife died last year and he can't seem to manage without her.
It will be a sad day for all of us if the theatre is forced to close.

Sad to say (= unfortunately) the house has now been demolished.  

UNACCEPTABLE

3. unacceptable; deserving blame or criticism
Syn:  deplorable
a sad state of affairs
It's a sad fact that many of those killed were children.

It's a sad reflection on life that it takes danger and suffering to bring people closer together.  

BORING

4. (informal) boring or not fashionable
• You sad old man.

• You'd have to be sad to wear a shirt like that.  

IN POOR CONDITION

5. in poor condition
The salad consisted of a few leaves of sad-looking lettuce.
see also  sadly, sadness  
Word Origin:
Old English sæd ‘sated, weary’, also ‘weighty, dense’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zat and German satt, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin satis ‘enough’. The original meaning was replaced in Middle English by the senses ‘steadfast, firm’ and ‘serious, sober’, and later ‘sorrowful’.  
Thesaurus:
sad adj.
1.
I felt so sad that she had to go.
unhappymiserablegloomyglumdepressedheartbroken|informal down|especially written mournfuldespondent|literary melancholy
Opp: happy
sad/unhappy/miserable/gloomy/glum/depressed/heartbroken/despondent about sth
sad/unhappy/miserable/depressed/heartbroken when/that…
feel sad/unhappy/miserable/gloomy/depressed/despondent
look sad/unhappy/miserable/mournful/gloomy/glum/depressed
Sad or unhappy? You usually feel unhappy about sth that has happened to you; you feel sad about sth that has happened to sb else. A period of your life can be unhappy; sth that you see or hear can be sad
an unhappy childhood
sad news
2.
The sad truth is, he never loved her.
patheticpainfulupsettingdistressingtragicheartbreaking
sad/painful/upsetting/distressing/tragic/heartbreaking for sb
sad/painful/upsetting/heartbreaking to do sth
a sad/pathetic/tragic/heartbreaking story  
Example Bank:
I called Mum, sounding all sad and pathetic.
It would be a pretty sad individual who didn't feel that they were unique.
She was still feeling very sad about her father's death.
This music always makes me sad.
a deeply sad occasion
a rather sad story
an extremely sad story
He's a sad case— his wife died last year and he can't seem to manage without her.
I find it sad that our open spaces are disappearing.
It is sad that so many of his paintings have been lost.
It was sad to see them go.
It's a sad fact that many of those killed were children.
It's a sad reflection on life that it takes danger and suffering to bring people closer together.
It's a terribly sad story.
Sad to say the house has now been demolished.
The divorce left him sadder and wiser.
The sad truth is, he never loved her.
• This sad state of affairs does not have to continue.

• We are sad to hear that you are leaving.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

sad / sæd / adjective ( sadder , saddest ) (NOT HAPPY)

A1 unhappy or sorry:

I've just received some very sad news.

She gave a rather sad smile.

[ + (that) ] It's sad (that) the trip had to be cancelled.

I'm so sad (that) you can't come.

[ + to infinitive ] It's sad to see so many failures this year.

I was sad to hear that they'd split up.

informal If something looks sad, it looks worse than it should because it is not being cared for:

Give those flowers some water - they're looking a bit sad.

 

sadness / ˈsæd.nəs / noun [ U ]

B2

Her sadness at her grandfather's death was obvious.
 

sad / sæd / adjective ( sadder , saddest ) (UNPLEASANT)

[ before noun ] not satisfactory or pleasant:

The sad fact/truth is we can't afford to provide homes for all.

a very sad state of affairs

sad to say C1 something you say when you are telling someone about something bad that happened:

Sad to say, the ring was never found.
 

sad / sæd / adjective ( sadder , saddest ) UK slang (BORING)

showing that you are not fashionable or interesting or have no friends:

You enjoy reading timetables? You sad man!

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

sad

/sæd/
(sadder, saddest)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.
If you are sad, you feel unhappy, usually because something has happened that you do not like.
The relationship had been important to me and its loss left me feeling sad and empty...
I’m sad that Julie’s marriage is on the verge of splitting up...
I’d grown fond of our little house and felt sad to leave it...
I’m sad about my toys getting burned in the fire.
happy
ADJ: oft ADJ that/to-inf, ADJ about n
sad‧ly
Judy said sadly, ‘He has abandoned me.’
ADV: usu ADV with v
sad‧ness
It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I say farewell.
happiness
N-UNCOUNT

2.
Sad stories and sad news make you feel sad.
I received the sad news that he had been killed in a motor-cycle accident.
ADJ: usu ADJ n

3.
A sad event or situation is unfortunate or undesirable.
It’s a sad truth that children are the biggest victims of passive smoking.
ADJ
sad‧ly
Sadly, bamboo plants die after flowering...
ADV: usu ADV adj, ADV with cl

4.
If you describe someone as sad, you do not have any respect for them and think their behaviour or ideas are ridiculous. (INFORMAL)
...sad old bikers and youngsters who think that Jim Morrison is God.
= pathetic
ADJ: usu ADJ n [disapproval]
 

seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder is a feeling of tiredness and sadness that some people have during the autumn and winter when there is very little sunshine. The abbreviation SAD is often used.

N-UNCOUNT

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

sad
sad /ˈsæd/ adj sad·der; -dest [also more ~; most ~]
1 : not happy : feeling or showing grief or unhappiness
• He's feeling sad because his pet died.
• People were sad that he was leaving.
• The experience left her sadder but wiser.
• big sad eyes
2 : causing a feeling of grief or unhappiness
• Have you heard the sad news about his wife's illness?
• It'll be a sad day when you leave us.
• a sad love song
• a sad poem
• a movie with a sad ending
• He lived a sad life.
3 : causing feelings of disappointment or pity
• The sad fact/truth of the matter is that they are right.
• I live a pretty sad [=pathetic] life. I never go out on the weekend.
• The government is in sad [=bad] shape.
• The new version is a sad imitation of the original movie.
• He's a sad excuse for a father. [=he's not a good father]
• a sad-looking birthday cake
• We needed more money but, sad to say, there wasn't any.
Sad but true, we couldn't afford to go away for even a weekend at the beach.
- see also sad sack
- sad·ness noun

[noncount]

• His leaving caused much sadness.

[singular]

• I felt a deep sadness upon hearing the news.

talk

talk [verb] (SAY WORDS)

To say words aloud; to speak to someone

US /tɑːk/ 
UK /tɔːk/ 

 

حرف زدن، صحبت کردن

Example: 

We talked on the phone for over an hour. 

ما با تلفن بیشتر از یک ساعت صحبت کردیم. 

آهنگ وترانه: 
You Are The Reason - Chris De Burgh

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (talks, talking, talked )
to speak to somebody; to say words:
She is talking to her friend on the telephone.
We talked about our holiday.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

talk

I. talk1 S1 W1 /tɔːk $ tɒːk/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑talk, talks, ↑talker; verb: ↑talk; adjective: ↑talkative]
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: Probably from Old English talian 'to count, consider, tell']
1. CONVERSATION [intransitive] to say things to someone as part of a conversation:
I could hear Sarah and Andy talking in the next room.
talk about
English people love to talk about the weather.
All through the afternoon, they sat and talked about their trip.
talk to
She spent a long time talking to him.
She’s very easy to talk to.
talk with
I got the truth from talking with Elena.
talk together
They were talking together in the hall.
Sue and Bob still aren’t talking (=are refusing to talk to each other).
talk in a low voice/a whisper etc
They were talking in low voices, and I couldn’t catch what they were saying.
talk of (=used especially in formal or literary contexts)
We talked of old times.
2. SERIOUS SUBJECT [intransitive] to discuss something serious or important with someone:
Joe, we need to talk.
Is there somewhere we can talk in private?
talk to
You should talk to a lawyer.
talk about
We’ve been talking about getting married.
talk with
Parents should talk with their children about drug abuse.
talk sport/politics/business etc
‘Let’s not talk politics now,’ said Hugh impatiently.
REGISTER
In written English, people usually say that they are going to discuss, deal with, or address a subject rather than talk about it:
▪ In this essay I will discuss the problem of over-population.
3. SAY WORDS [intransitive] to produce words and express thoughts, opinions, ideas etc:
She was talking so fast I could hardly understand her.
How do babies learn to talk?
Some residents were frightened to talk publicly.
talk (in) French/German etc
They started talking in Spanish.
Don’t let Dad hear you talking like that (=expressing things in a particular way).
4. A SPEECH [intransitive] to give a speech
talk on/about
Professor Davis will talk about ‘Trends in Network Computing’.
5. SECRET INFORMATION [intransitive] if someone who has secret information talks, they tell someone else about it:
Even under torture, Maskell refused to talk.
He tried to stop his ex-wife from talking on live TV.
We should stop meeting like this. People will talk.
6. talk sense/rubbish/nonsense etc especially British English spoken used to say that you think someone is saying something sensible, something stupid etc:
You do talk rubbish sometimes, Jules.
7. talk (some) sense into somebody to persuade someone to behave sensibly:
She hoped Father McCormack would be able to talk some sense into her son.
8. talk to yourself to say your thoughts out loud:
‘What did you say?’ ‘Sorry, I was just talking to myself.’
9. know what you are talking about spoken to know a lot about a particular subject:
I worked in hotels for years, so I know what I’m talking about.
10. talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey informal to talk a lot, especially about unimportant things
11. talk about lazy/cheap/hungry etc spoken used to emphasize that someone or something is very lazy, cheap, hungry etc:
Talk about lucky. That’s the second time he’s won this week!
12. talking of/about something spoken used to say more about a subject that someone has just mentioned:
Talking of Venice, have you seen the masks I bought there last year?
13. what are you talking about? spoken used when you think what someone has said is stupid or wrong:
What are you talking about? We got there in plenty of time.
14. I’m talking to you! spoken used when you are angry that the person you are talking to is not paying attention:
Rob! I’m talking to you!
15. be like talking to a brick wall spoken used to say that it is annoying to speak to someone because they do not pay attention to you
16. talk sb’s ear off American English spoken to talk too much to someone
17. talk trash American English informal to say rude or offensive things to or about someone, especially to opponents in a sports competition:
Both teams were talking trash on the court.
18. talk the talk American English informal to say the things that people expect or think are necessary in a particular situation:
She didn’t talk the talk of feminism, but her career was the most important thing in her life. ⇨ walk the walk at ↑walk1(12)
19. I’m/we’re/you’re talking (about) something spoken used in conversation to emphasize a fact or remind someone of it:
I’m not talking about ancient history, I’m talking about last season’s performance.
20. now you’re talking spoken used to say that you think someone’s suggestion is a good idea:
‘Fancy an ice cream?’ ‘Now you’re talking.’
21. look who’s talking, you’re a fine one to talk, you can talk spoken used to tell someone they should not criticize someone else’s behaviour because their own behaviour is just as bad:
‘Peggy shouldn’t smoke so much.’ ‘Look who’s talking!’
22. we’re/you’re talking £500/three days etc spoken used to tell someone how much something will cost, how long something will take to do etc:
To do a proper job, you’re talking £750 minimum.
23. talk your way out of something informal to escape from a bad or embarrassing situation by giving explanations, excuses etc:
She’s good at talking her way out of trouble.
24. talk nineteen to the dozen British English informal, talk a blue streak American English informal to talk very quickly without stopping
25. talk in riddles to deliberately talk in a strange and confusing way:
Stop talking in riddles and explain what’s going on.
26. talk tough (on something) informal to give people your opinions very strongly:
The President is talking tough on crime.
27. talk shop if people talk shop, they talk about their work when there are people present who are not interested or involved in it – used to show disapproval:
Are you two going to talk shop all night?
28. talk dirty (to somebody) informal to talk in a sexual way to someone in order to make them feel sexually excited
29. be talking through your hat British English informal if someone is talking through their hat, they say stupid things about something that they do not understand
30. talk smack American English informal to criticize someone or something in an unpleasant way
31. talk to the hand spoken informal used to tell someone rudely that you do not want to listen to anything he or she is going to say to you. When people use this expression, they also usually turn their face away from the other person and hold the ↑palm of their hand out towards them.
• • •
THESAURUS
talk to use words to communicate with someone about something: I need to talk to you about your work. | She always enjoyed talking to Jim. | Can we talk?
speak to talk. Speak is a little more formal than talk. You often use it when saying that someone speaks in a particular way, or that you will speak to someone in order to try to get something done. You only use speak when saying that someone speaks a language: He spoke with confidence and authority. | She was speaking quietly so she didn’t disturb anyone. | I’d like to speak to the manager. | Do you speak German?
go on/drone on/ramble to talk too much or for too long about something, in a way that makes people bored: He went on about how great the team was. | I’d better stop rambling and let you get on with your work.
waffle /ˈwɒfəl $ ˈwɑː-/ British English disapproving informal to talk using a lot of words but without saying anything important: I wish he would stop waffling and get to the point!
prattle on disapproving informal to talk continuously about silly and unimportant things: She prattled on about her boyfriend for the entire journey. | What’s he prattling on about now?
■ to talk about everyday things
have a conversation to talk to someone for a long time about everyday things: She was having a conversation with one of her friends. | When I arrived, Joe and Jane were deep in conversation (=very involved in a conversation). | I can order food in a restaurant in French, but not have a conversation.
chat/have a chat informal to have a friendly informal conversation about things that are not very important: The girls were chatting outside the house. | It’s been nice having a chat with you.
gossip to talk about other people’s private lives when they are not there, especially about things that you have heard, which are not completely true: What are you two gossiping about?
visit with somebody American English informal to have a conversation with someone: I visited with him last week.
converse formal to have a conversation with someone: We met once and conversed briefly.
■ to talk seriously
discuss to talk seriously about problems, ideas, or plans: They met to discuss how the building should be designed. | She refuses to discuss the matter.
talk something over to discuss something with someone because it will affect them, especially someone close to you: Before you accept the job, talk it over with your family. | You two need to sit down and talk things over.
debate to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem: The issue will be debated on Tuesday. | The UN Security Council debated whether to impose sanctions.
talk around/round phrasal verb British English
1. talk somebody around/round to persuade someone to change their opinion about something:
Leave Betty to me. I’ll soon talk her round.
2. talk around/round something to discuss a problem without really dealing with the important parts of it:
They had spent half the night talking round the subject.
talk back phrasal verb
to answer someone in authority such as a teacher or parent in a rude or impolite way
talk somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb
1. British English to make something seem less successful, interesting, good etc than it really is:
the pessimists who are talking down Britain
2. to help a ↑pilot land an aircraft by giving them instructions from the ground by radio
talk down to somebody phrasal verb
to talk to someone as if they are stupid, although they are not SYN patronize:
The students felt that they were talked down to as though they were children.
talk somebody into something phrasal verb
to persuade someone to do something
talk somebody into doing something
My husband talked me into going skiing.
talk something ↔ out phrasal verb informal
1. to discuss a problem thoroughly in order to solve it:
We need to spend a little time talking this out.
talk something ↔ out with
It might help if you talked it out with Dad.
2. British English if politicians talk out a proposal, they talk about it for a long time deliberately so that there will not be enough time to vote on it SYN filibuster:
The Land Protection Bill was talked out by MPs from rural areas.
talk somebody out of something phrasal verb
to persuade someone not to do something
talk somebody out of doing something
Can’t you talk them out of selling the house?
talk something ↔ over phrasal verb
to discuss a problem with someone before deciding what to do
talk something ↔ over with
Talk over any worries with your GP.
talk through something phrasal verb
1. talk something ↔ through to discuss something thoroughly so that you are sure you understand it:
Allow time to talk through any areas of difficulty.
2. talk somebody through something to help someone understand a process, method etc by explaining it to them carefully before they use it:
Trevor talked me through loading the software.
talk something ↔ up phrasal verb
to make something appear more important, interesting, successful etc than it really is:
Jones talked up the idea at the meeting.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

talk

talk [talk talks talked talking] verb, noun   [tɔːk]    [tɔːk]

verb  

SPEAK TO SB
1. intransitive, transitive to say things; to speak in order to give information or to express feelings, ideas, etc
Stop talking and listen!
We talked on the phone for over an hour.
~ (to/with sb) (about sb/sth) Who were you talking to just now?
We looked around the school and talked with the principal.
Ann and Joe aren't talking to each other right now (= they refuse to speak to each other because they have argued).
When they get together, all they talk about is football.
What are you talking about? (= used when you are surprised, annoyed and/or worried by sth that sb has just said)
I don't know what you're talking about (= used to say that you did not do sth that sb has accused you of).
~ of sth Mary is talking of looking for another job.

~ yourself + adj. We talked ourselves hoarse, catching up on all the news.  

DISCUSS

2. intransitive, transitive to discuss sth, usually sth serious or important
This situation can't go on. We need to talk.
The two sides in the dispute say they are ready to talk.
~ (to/with sb) (about sth) Talk to your doctor if you're still worried.

~ sth to talk business  

SAY WORDS

3. intransitive, transitive to say words in a language
The baby is just starting to talk.
~ in sth We couldn't understand them because they were talking in Chinese.

~ sth Are they talking Swedish or Danish?  

SENSE/NONSENSE

4. transitive ~ sth to say things that are/are not sensible
She talks a lot of sense.
(BrE) You're talking rubbish!

• See if you can talk some sense into him (= persuade him to be sensible).  

FOR EMPHASIS

5. transitive be talking sth (informal) used to emphasize an amount of money, how serious sth is, etc.
• We're talking £500 for three hours' work.

• Do you know what this will cost? We're talking megabucks here.  

ABOUT PRIVATE LIFE

6. intransitive to talk about a person's private life
Syn:  gossip

• Don't phone me at work— people will talk.  

GIVE INFORMATION

7. intransitive to give information to sb, especially unwillingly
The police questioned him but he refused to talk.
more at speak/talk of the devil at  devil, know what you're talking about at  know  v., speak/talk the same language at  language, money talks at  money, knock/talk some sense into sb at  sense  n., speak/talk out of turn at  turn  n.
 
Word Origin:
Middle English: frequentative verb from the Germanic base of tale  or tell.  
Synonyms:
talk
discuss speak communicate debate consult
These words all mean to share news, information, ideas or feelings with another person or other people, especially by talking with them.
talkto speak in order to give information, express feelings or share ideas: We talked on the phone for over an hour.
discuss(rather formal) to talk and share ideas on a subject or problem with other people, especially in order to decide sth: Have you discussed the problem with anyone?
You cannot say ‘discuss about sth’: I'm not prepared to discuss about this on the phone.
speakto talk to sb about sth; to have a conversation with sb: I've spoken to the manager about it. ‘Can I speak to Susan?’ ‘Speaking.’ (= at the beginning of a telephone conversation)
talk or speak?
Speak can suggest a more formal level of communication than talk. You speak to sb about sth to try to achieve a particular goal or to tell them to do sth. You talk to sb in order to be friendly or to ask their advice: Have you talked to your parents about the problems you're having? I've spoken to Ed about it and he's promised not to let it happen again.
communicate(rather formal) to exchange information or ideas with sb: We only communicate by email. Dolphins use sound to communicate with each other.
Communicate is often used when the speaker wants to draw attention to the means of communication used.
debateto discuss sth, especially formally, before making a decisionor finding a solution: Politicians will be debating the bill later this week.
consult(rather formal) to discuss sth with sb in order to get their permission for sth, or to help you make a decision: You shouldn't have done it without consulting me.
to talk/discuss sth/speak/communicate/debate/consult with sb
to talk/speak to sb
to talk/speak to sb/consult sb about sth
to talk/speak of sth 
Example Bank:
All they talk about is clothes.
Bruce Springsteen has agreed to talk exclusively to our reporter about his life.
He had talked vaguely of going to work abroad.
He was so easy to talk to.
I can't talk about it just now.
I loved to hear him talk about the old days.
I need to talk to you.
I think you'd better talk directly to my manager.
I'll talk to John this afternoon.
I've talked with him on the telephone.
Just shut up and let me talk for a minute.
Let's talk sensibly about this.
She talked quite freely about her work.
Talking of Joe, I met his new boyfriend last week.
The police questioned him for four hours, trying to make him talk.
The senior managers talk a good game about customer relations, but really they don't care about the customer.
We often talked of the war.
You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?
a group of students talking earnestly
talking about their new clothes
Alex can't talk yet— he's only just one year old.
Ann and Joe aren't talking to each other right now.
He talked excitedly of his plans.
Talk to your doctor if you're still worried.
They spent the whole evening talking business.
This situation can't go on. We need to talk.
When they get together, all they talk about is football
You're talking nonsense!
Idioms: look who's talking  now you're talking  talk a good game  talk about …  talk dirty  talk of something  talk shop  talk the hind leg off a donkey  talk the talk  talk through your hat  talk tough  talk turkey  talk your way out of of doing something  talking of somebody  you can talk  you're a fine one to talk

Derived: talk at somebody  talk back  talk down to somebody  talk round something  talk somebody down  talk somebody out of something  talk somebody round  talk somebody through something  talk somebody up  talk something down  talk something out  talk something over  talk something through 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

talk / tɔːk /   / tɑːk / verb [ I ] (SAY WORDS)

A1 to say words aloud; to speak to someone:

We were just talking about Simon's new girlfriend.

My little girl has just started to talk.

She talks to her mother on the phone every week.
 

talk / tɔːk /   / tɑːk / verb [ I ] (DISCUSS)

B2 to discuss something with someone, often to try to find a solution to a disagreement:

The two sides have agreed to talk.

talk business, politics, etc. C1 to discuss a particular subject:

Whenever they're together, they talk politics.
 

talk / tɔːk /   / tɑːk / verb [ I ] (LECTURE)

B2 to give a lecture on a subject:

The next speaker will be talking about endangered insects.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

talk

/tɔ:k/
(talks, talking, talked)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
When you talk, you use spoken language to express your thoughts, ideas, or feelings.
He was too distressed to talk...
The boys all began to talk at once...
VERB: V, V

Talk is also a noun.
That’s not the kind of talk one usually hears from accountants.
N-UNCOUNT

2.
If you talk to someone, you have a conversation with them. You can also say that two people talk.
We talked and laughed a great deal...
I talked to him yesterday...
When she came back, they were talking about American food...
Can’t you see I’m talking? Don’t interrupt.
V-RECIP: pl-n V, V to/with n, pl-n V about n, V (non-recip), also V to n about n

Talk is also a noun.
We had a long talk about her father, Tony, who was a friend of mine.
= conversation
N-COUNT

3.
If you talk to someone, you tell them about the things that are worrying you. You can also say that two people talk.
Your first step should be to talk to a teacher or school counselor...
We need to talk alone...
Do ring if you want to talk about it...
I have to sort some things out. We really needed to talk.
V-RECIP: V to n, pl-n V, V about n (non-recip), V (non-recip)

Talk is also a noun.
I think it’s time we had a talk.
N-COUNT

4.
If you talk on or about something, you make an informal speech telling people what you know or think about it.
She will talk on the issues she cares passionately about including education and nursery care...
He intends to talk to young people about the dangers of AIDS.
= speak
VERB: V on/about n, V to n

Talk is also a noun.
A guide gives a brief talk on the history of the site...
N-COUNT: oft N on/about n

5.
Talks are formal discussions intended to produce an agreement, usually between different countries or between employers and employees.
Talks between striking railway workers and the Polish government have broken down...
N-PLURAL: oft N with/between n, N on/about n

6.
If one group of people talks to another, or if two groups talk, they have formal discussions in order to do a deal or produce an agreement.
We’re talking to some people about opening an office in London...
The company talked with many potential investors...
It triggered broad speculation that GM and Jaguar might be talking.
V-RECIP: V to n about n/-ing, V with/to n, pl-n V

7.
When different countries or different sides in a dispute talk, or talk to each other, they discuss their differences in order to try and settle the dispute.
The Foreign Minister said he was ready to talk to any country that had no hostile intentions...
They are collecting information in preparation for the day when the two sides sit down and talk...
John Reid has to find a way to make both sides talk to each other...
The speed with which the two sides came to the negotiating table shows that they are ready to talk.
V-RECIP: V to n, pl-n V, V to/with pron-recip, V (non-recip)

8.
If people are talking about another person or are talking, they are discussing that person.
Everyone is talking about him...
People will talk, but you have to get on with your life.
VERB: V about/of n, V

Talk is also a noun.
There has been a lot of talk about me getting married...
N-UNCOUNT: usu N about/of n/-ing, N that

9.
If someone talks when they are being held by police or soldiers, they reveal important or secret information, usually unwillingly.
They’ll talk, they’ll implicate me.
VERB: V

10.
If you talk a particular language or talk with a particular accent, you use that language or have that accent when you speak.
You don’t sound like a foreigner talking English...
They were amazed that I was talking in an Irish accent.
VERB: no passive, V n, V prep/adv

11.
If you talk something such as politics or sport, you discuss it.
The guests were mostly middle-aged men talking business.
VERB: no passive, V n

12.
You can use talk to say what you think of the ideas that someone is expressing. For example, if you say that someone is talking sense, you mean that you think the opinions they are expressing are sensible.
You must admit George, you’re talking absolute rubbish.
VERB: V n

13.
You can say that you are talking a particular thing to draw attention to your topic or to point out a characteristic of what you are discussing. (SPOKEN)
We’re talking megabucks this time.
VERB: no passive, V n

14.
If you say that something such as an idea or threat is just talk, or all talk, you mean that it does not mean or matter much, because people are exaggerating about it or do not really intend to do anything about it.
Has much of this actually been tried here? Or is it just talk?...
N-UNCOUNT

15.
You can say talk about before mentioning a particular expression or situation, when you mean that something is a very striking or clear example of that expression or situation. (INFORMAL)
Took us quite a while to get here, didn’t it? Talk about Fate moving in a mysterious way!...
PHRASE: PHR n/-ing [emphasis]

16.
You can use the expression talking of to introduce a new topic that you want to discuss, and to link it to something that has already been mentioned.
Belvoir Farms produce a delicious elderflower tea. Talking of elderflower, you might wish to try Elderflower Champagne.
PHRASE: PHR n/-ing

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1talk /ˈtɑːk/ verb talks; talked; talk·ing
1 a : to say words in order to express your thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc., to someone

[no obj]

• She never talks at the meetings.
• He did most of the talking during dinner.
• He loves to hear himself talk.
- often + to
• You shouldn't talk to your mother that way.
- often + about
• She still talks about your wedding and how perfect it was.

[+ obj]

• I think she's talking a lot of nonsense/rubbish/drivel.
• You should listen to her; she's talking (good) sense. [=she's saying sensible things]
b [no obj] : to have a conversation or discussion with someone
• We need to talk.
• I can't talk right now. I'm running late.
• They were talking in Spanish.
• We talked on the phone until midnight.
• Both sides in the dispute are now willing to talk.
- often + to
• They talked to each other in a whisper.
• Who were you talking to on the phone?
• I could hear her talking to herself as she studied.
- often + with
• The coach refused to talk with the reporters.
• May I talk with you privately?
- often + about
• You might feel better if you talked to someone about your problems.
• The teacher talked with him about his poor grades.
• When they get together, all they do is talk about sports.
c [+ obj] : to have a conversation about (something)
• They are in the conference room talking business.
• They were talking baseball/politics.
• They like to talk shop [=to talk about work] during lunch. synonyms seespeak
2 [no obj] : to use your voice to say words : speak
• She had laryngitis and couldn't talk.
• I can't understand you. You're talking too fast.
• No talking during the performance, please!
• Would you please stop talking. I'm trying to watch the movie.
• She talks very loud.
• He is teaching the parrot to talk.
• She started talking when she was only eight months old.
3 [no obj] : to be willing to talk to someone after having an argument, disagreement, fight, etc., with that person - always used as (be) talking
• It's been two weeks and they're still not talking (to each other).
4 [no obj] : to talk about the personal lives of other people
• It's rude to talk [=gossip] about people behind their back(s).
• If you continue behaving like that, people are bound to talk.
5 [no obj] : to tell secret information to someone
• The police forced him to talk.
6 [no obj] : to give information without speaking : to communicate with signs, numbers, etc.
• They were talking to each other in sign language.
• When she gets excited, she talks with her hands. [=she moves her hands when she talks]
• The computer is talking to the printer.
7 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to talk until (someone or something) is in a specified state
• He talked himself hoarse. [=he talked so much that his voice became hoarse]
• She talked herself into a corner. [=she put herself in a bad position by talking too much]
• We talked the night away. [=we talked throughout the night]
- see also sweet-talk
8 [no obj] : to criticize someone
✦This sense of talk is often used in phrases like look who's talking, you're one to talk, and you should talk to say that someone should not criticize another person because he or she has the same faults as that other person.
• “She's way too skinny.” “You're one to talk. You need to gain some weight, too.”
9 [+ obj] informal
- used to describe or suggest the size or amount of something; always used as (be) talking
• To fix the car, you're talking at least $500. [=it will cost at least $500 to fix the car]
• The heat was awful. I'm talking 100-degree weather and no air-conditioning.
know what you are talking about
- see 1know
money talks
- see money
now you're talking informal
- used to say that someone has said or suggested something that you think is good, worth doing, etc.
• “You don't want hamburgers. Well, how about steak?” “Yeah, now you're talking.”
talk a blue streak
- see 1blue
talk about
1
✦The phrase what are you talking about? can be used to show that you are confused, worried, upset, etc., about something that someone has just said.
What are you talking about? I did what you told me to do.
2 informal
- used to emphasize the size, amount, or extent of something
Talk about rain! I've never seen it rain like this in my entire life!
Talk about having a bad day. I had the worst day ever!
Talk about short. She's only four feet tall!
- see also 1talk 1a, b (above)
talk a good game informal : to say things that make people believe that you can do something or that something is true about you even though it is not true
• They talk a good game, but they're not really ready for the championship.
• She talks a good game about protecting the environment, but she doesn't even recycle.
talk around also chiefly Brit talk round [phrasal verb]
1 talk around/round (something) : to avoid talking about (a particular subject) especially because it is difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing
• They've been talking around the real issue rather than addressing it directly.
2 talk (someone) around/round : to cause (someone) to accept and support something (such as an idea) after opposing it
• She says she doesn't agree with it, but we'll talk her around eventually. [=we'll eventually convince/persuade her to support it]
- often + to
• We can talk her round to our way of thinking.
talk at [phrasal verb] informal talk at (someone) : to speak to (someone) without listening to what he or she says to you in reply
• My dad is always talking at me.
• You need to talk to your children, not talk at them.
talk back [phrasal verb] : to answer (someone) in a rude way that does not show proper respect
• Don't talk back!
- often + to
• She was punished for talking back to her parents.
talk down [phrasal verb]
1 talk down to (someone) : to talk to (someone) in an overly simple way which suggests that he or she is not intelligent
• Many politicians are guilty of talking down to voters.
• Don't talk down to me. I'm not stupid.
2 talk down (something or someone) or talk (something or someone) down
a : to describe (something or someone) as unimportant
• He talked down [=downplayed] his accomplishments.
b : to cause (the price of something) to be lower by talking to someone
• She managed to talk down his asking price for the car. : to convince (someone) to lower the price of something
• She talked him down 500 dollars.
3 talk (someone) down : to convince (someone who is standing on a high place and threatening to jump) to come down and not to commit suicide
• He tried to talk her down from the ledge. [=to convince her to not jump from the ledge]
- sometimes used figuratively
• He was about to quit his job in anger, but she managed to talk him down. [=to convince him not to do it]
talk into [phrasal verb] talk (someone) into (something) : to get (someone) to do something by talking about the good reasons for doing it : to convince or persuade (someone) to do something
• The salesman talked us into buying the car.
• Her friends couldn't talk her into going on the trip.
talk nineteen to the dozen Brit informal : to speak rapidly and without stopping
• He showed us around the house while talking nineteen to the dozen. [=(US) talking a blue streak]
talk of [phrasal verb] talk of (someone or something) : to speak or write about (someone or something) : to mention (a subject) in speech or writing
• It was the first time she talked of going to law school.
• She never talks of [=talks about, speaks of] her suffering during the war.
• In the letter, he talked of feeling ill.
• (Brit) Talking of [=speaking of] Jill, where is she?
talk of the devil
- see devil
talk out [phrasal verb] talk out (something) or talk (something) out : to talk about (something) in order to find a solution
• The teacher told him to talk out the problem.
talk out of [phrasal verb]
1 talk (someone) out of (something) : to prevent (someone) from doing (something) by talking about the good reasons for not doing it : to persuade or convince (someone) not to do (something)
• He talked her out of quitting school.
2 talk (yourself) out of (something) or talk your way out of (something) : to avoid (something unpleasant or undesirable) by saying things to make other people forgive or excuse you
• She talked herself out of trouble. = She talked her way out of trouble. [=she got herself out of trouble by talking]
• He talked his way out of staying to clean up after the party.
talk over [phrasal verb] talk (something) over or talk over (something) : to discuss (something) with someone in order to make a decision or reach an agreement
• We need some time to talk over the offer.
- usually + with
• I need to talk it over with my wife, first.
talk someone's ear off US informal : to talk to someone for a very long period of time
• He talks my ear off every time I call him.
talk (some) sense into/to
- see 1sense
talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey Brit informal : to talk for a long time
• She rarely spoke, but her brother could talk the hind legs off a donkey. [=he was very talkative]
talk the same language
- see language
talk the talk : to say that you will do things
• Sure, she talks the talk, but can she walk the walk? [=she says that she will do things, but will she actually do them?]
talk through [phrasal verb]
1 talk (someone) through (something) : to help (someone) understand or do something by explaining its steps in a careful way
• The woman on the phone talked me through the procedure.
2 talk (something) through : to discuss (something) with someone in order to make a decision or reach an agreement
• Have you talked this through with your family?
3 informal + old-fashioned
✦If you are talking through your hat, you are saying incorrect, foolish, or illogical things.
• If he says that there's no problem, he's talking through his hat.
talk tough : to say that you will act in a forceful and aggressive way
• When the subject is national security, all the candidates talk tough. [=they say that they will act aggressively to support national security]
- often + on
• The new mayor talks tough on crime.
talk trash
- see 1trash
talk turkey
- see turkey
talk up [phrasal verb] talk up (someone or something) or talk (someone or something) up : to describe (someone or something) in a favorable way
• The salesperson talked up the car's safety features.
• He's being talked up as the next big pop star.

close

close [verb] (NOT OPEN)

To (cause something to) change from being open to not being open

US /kloʊz/ 
UK /kləʊz/ 

بستن

Example: 

Hardy closed the gate behind her.

هاردی دروازه را پشت سر او بست.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

verb (closes, closing, closed )

pronunciation
When the word close is a verb, it has a sound as in grows or nose. When the word close is an adjective, it has an sound as in dose.

1 to shut:
Please close the window.
Close your eyes!
The door closed quietly.

2 to stop being open, so that people cannot go there:
What time does the bank close?
 opposite open

close down, close something down to stop all business at a shop, factory, etc.:
The shop closed down when the owner died.
Health inspectors have closed the restaurant down.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

close

I. close1 S1 W1 /kləʊz $ kloʊz/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: close, ↑closure, ↑closing; adjective: ↑closed, ↑closing; verb: ↑close]
[Word Family: adverb: ↑close, ↑closely; verb: ↑close; noun: ↑closeness; adjective: ↑close]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: clos, past participle of clore 'to close', from Latin claudere]
1. SHUT [intransitive and transitive] to shut something in order to cover an opening, or to become shut in this way SYN shut OPP openclosed:
Would you mind if I closed the window?
She closed the curtains.
Let me do the car door – it won’t close properly.
Beth closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
She heard the door close behind her.
2. MOVE PARTS TOGETHER [intransitive and transitive] to move the parts of something together so that there is no longer a space between them:
Anne closed her book and stood up.
3. SHUT FOR PERIOD OF TIME [intransitive and transitive] (also close up) if a shop or building closes, or you close it, it stops being open to the public for a period of time OPP open SYN shut British Englishclosed:
The shops close at six.
Harry usually closes the store completely when he goes on vacation.
4. STOP OPERATING [intransitive and transitive] (also close down) if a company, shop etc closes, or you close it, it stops operating permanently SYN shut downclosed:
We have reluctantly decided to close the factory.
The shop closed down some time last year.
5. END [intransitive and transitive] to end or to make something end, especially in a particular way
close something with/by etc
I will now close the meeting by asking you to join me in a final toast.
close with
The movie closes with an emotional reunion in Prague.
closing remarks (=something you say at the end of a speech)
In her closing remarks, the judge urged the jury to consider the facts only.
6. close an account to stop having and using a bank account or other financial account:
My husband closed all my credit card accounts without even asking me.
7. IN MONEY MARKETS [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to be worth a particular amount of money at the end of a day’s ↑trading (=the buying and selling of shares) on the ↑stock exchange
close at
The dollar closed at 64p against the pound.close up/down
Their shares closed 27p up (=worth 27p more).
8. close a deal/sale/contract etc to successfully agree a business deal, sale etc
9. OFFER FINISHES [intransitive] to finish on a particular date SYN end:
Our special offer closes on June 3.
10. MAKE DISTANCE/DIFFERENCE SMALLER [intransitive and transitive] to make the distance or difference between two things smaller:
an attempt to close the gap between the rich and poor
close on
The other car was closing on us fast.
11. MAKE SOMETHING UNAVAILABLE [intransitive and transitive] to make taking part in an activity or using an opportunity no longer possible ⇨ closed:
Bidding for the painting will close on Friday.
The country has now closed its borders to all foreign nationals (=will not let foreigners in).
The legislation aims to close a lot of legal loopholes.
12. be closed if a subject is closed, you are no longer willing to discuss it:
It was a regrettable incident but I now consider the matter closed.
13. close your doors (to somebody) to stop operating permanently:
In 1977 the Skyfame Aircraft Museum closed its doors to the public for the last time.
14. close your mind to/against something to refuse to think about something:
She wanted to close her mind to the outside world.
15. HOLD SOMETHING [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] if someone’s hands, arms etc close around something, or are closed around something, they hold it firmly
close (something) around/round/over etc something
Her left hand closed over his arm.
She closed her hand tightly around her bag.
16. WOUND [intransitive and transitive] (also close up) if a wound closes, or if someone closes it, the edges grow together again or are sewn together:
The surgeon closed the incision neatly.
17. close ranks
a) if people close ranks, they join together to protect each other, especially because their group, organization etc is being criticized
b) if soldiers close ranks, they stand closer together
18. close the book on something to stop working on something, especially a police operation, because it is not making any progress:
Detectives had closed the book on the Hornsey Murders case three years previously.
⇨ ↑closing date, ↑closing time, ⇨ close/shut the door on something at ↑door(9), ⇨ close your eyes to something at ↑eye1(16)
• • •
THESAURUS
close to stop being open, or to make something stop being open. You use close and shut especially about your eyes, your mouth, a door, a window, or a container: Can I close the window? | Her eyes slowly closed. | He closed the door gently, so as not to wake the children.
shut to close something . Shut sometimes has a feeling of doing something quickly and firmly, whereas close sounds more careful: He shut the door with a loud bang. | Shut your eyes and go to sleep.
slam to close a door or lid quickly and noisily, especially because you are angry: She left the room, slamming the door behind her.
draw the curtains to close curtains by pulling them across a window: The curtains were still drawn at ten o'clock in the morning.
put the lid on something to close a container by putting a lid onto it: Did you put the lid on the cookie jar?
seal to close something so that no air or water can get in or out: In this experiment, the chamber must be completely sealed.
close down phrasal verb
1. close something ↔ down if a company, shop etc closes down or is closed down, it stops operating permanently:
Paramount closed down its London office in 1968.
2. British English to stop broadcasting radio or television programmes at the end of the day:
BBC 2 closes down at 12:45 tonight.
close in phrasal verb
1. to move closer to someone or something, especially in order to attack them:
The snake closed in for the kill.
close in on/around/upon etc
enemy soldiers closing in on them from all sides
2. if the night, bad weather etc closes in, it becomes darker or gets worse:
The sun had set and dusk was closing in.
3. if the days close in, they become shorter because it is autumn
close something ↔ off phrasal verb
to separate a road, room etc from the area around it so that people cannot go there or use it:
The roads into the docks were closed off by iron gates.
close on somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to get nearer to someone or something that is moving in front or ahead of you:
The patrol car was rapidly closing on us.
2. American English to successfully arrange a ↑loan, especially in order to buy a house
close something ↔ out phrasal verb American English
1. to finish in a particular way:
The bond market closed out the week on a strong note.
2. if a store closes out a type of goods, they sell all of them cheaply:
We’re closing out this line of swimwear.
close up phrasal verb
1. close something ↔ up if a shop or building closes up or is closed up, it stops being open to the public for a period of time:
The resorts are all closed up for the season.
2. close up shop to stop doing something for a period of time or permanently:
When it rains, there is no alternative but to close up shop.
3. if a group of people close up, they move closer together
4. close something ↔ up if a wound closes up or if someone closes it up, the edges grow together again or are sewn together:
The scar is closing up nicely – it’ll soon be time to take the stitches out.
5. to become narrower or to shut:
The flowers close up at night.
Occasionally the channel widened then closed up tight again.
6. to refuse to talk to someone about something:
The moment I said I was a police officer, everyone would close up like a clam.
close with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to agree a business deal with someone:
It was such a good offer that I closed with him on the spot.
2. literary to move towards someone in order to fight with them

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

close

I. close 1 [close closes closed closing] verb, noun   [kləʊz]    [kloʊz] 

verb  
WINDOW/DOOR, ETC.
1. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) to put sth into a position so that it covers an opening; to get into this position
Syn:  shut
Would anyone mind if I closed the window?
She closed the gate behind her.
It's dark now— let's close the curtains.
I closed my eyes against the bright light.
• The doors open and close automatically.

Opp:  open  

BOOK/UMBRELLA, ETC.

2. transitive ~ sth (up) to move the parts of sth together so that it is no longer open
Syn:  shut
• to close a book/an umbrella

Opp:  open  

SHOP/STORE/BUSINESS, ETC.

3. transitive, often passive, intransitive to make the work of a shop/store, etc. stop for a period of time; to not be open for people to use
~ sth (for sth) The museum has been closed for renovation.
~ sth (to sb/sth) The road was closed to traffic for two days.
~ (for sth) What time does the bank close?
• We close for lunch between twelve and two.

Opp:  open

4. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (also ˌclose ˈdown, ˌclose sthˈdown) if a company, shop/store, etc. closes, or if you close it, it stops operating as a business
The club was closed by the police.
The hospital closed at the end of last year.
• The play closed after just three nights.

Opp:  open  

END

5. transitive, intransitive to end or make sth end
The meeting will close at 10.00 p.m.
The offer closes at the end of the week.
~ sth to close a meeting/debate
to close a case/an investigation
to close an account (= to stop keeping money in a bank account)
The subject is now closed (= we will not discuss it again).

Opp:  open  

FINANCE

6. intransitive ~ (at sth) to be worth a particular amount at the end of the day's business
• Shares in the company closed at 265p.

• closing prices  

DISTANCE/DIFFERENCE

7. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) to make the distance or difference between two people or things smaller; to become smaller or narrower
These measures are aimed at closing the gap between rich and poor.

• The gap between the two top teams is closing all the time.  

HOLD FIRMLY

8. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) about/around/over sb/sth to hold sth/sb firmly
She closed her hand over his.
Her hand closed over his.
more at close/shut the door on sth at  door, shut/close your ears to sth at  ear, shut/close your eyes to sthwith your eyes shut/closed at  eye  n.
 
Word Origin:
Middle English Old French clos- clore Latin claudere ‘to shut’
 
Thesaurus:
close verb
1. T, I
She closed the gate behind her.
shutdrawslamlockbolt
Opp: open
close/shut/slam/lock/bolt a door/gate
close/shut/lock a window/drawer/case/suitcase
close/shut a/an/your box/lid/eyes/mouth/flap/valve/book/umbrella
close/draw the curtains/blinds
Close or shut? Close often suggests a more slow or gentle action than shut
Close your eyes and go to sleep.
2. I, T
It was a pity the business closed.
close (sth) downfailcollapsego bankruptfoldcrash|informal go bustflop|formal, business cease trading
Opp: open
a firm/company closes/closes down/fails/collapses/goes bankrupt/folds/crashes/goes bust/ceases trading
an industry closes down/collapses
an factory/newspaper/operation/shop closes/closes down
a play/show closes/folds/flops
Close or close down? Both these two words can be used to talk about a business or service, but only close can be used to talk about a play or show:
The play closed after just two nights.
 ¤ The play closed down after just two nights
3. T, I
The offer closes at the end of the week.
endfinishwind (sth) up|formal conclude
Opp: open
close/end/finish/wind up/conclude a meeting  
Which Word?:
close / shut
You can close and shut doors, windows, your eyes, mouth, etc.
Shut can suggest more noise and is often found in phrases such as slammed shut, banged shut, snapped shut.
Shut is also usually used for containers such as boxes, suitcases, etc.
To talk about the time when shops, offices, etc. are not open, use close or shut: What time do the banks close/shut? A strike has shut the factory. You can also use closed or shut (NAmE usually closed): The store is closed/shut today. Especially in NAmE, shut can sound less polite.
Closed is used in front of a noun, but shut is not: a closed window.
We usually use closed about roads, airports, etc: The road is closed because of the snow.
Close is also used in formal English to talk about ending a meeting or conversation. 
Example Bank:
He closed the door firmly.
She gently closed the door behind her.
That factory's been closed down now.
The museum has been temporarily closed to the public.
Tomorrow college officially closes for the vacation.
A police spokesman said that the case was now closed.
Can you help me close this umbrella?
It was a pity the business closed.
It's dark now— let's close the curtains.
Mr Hunt then closed the debate for the government.
She closed her eyes and fell asleep immediately.
The meeting will close at 10 p.m.
The subject is now closed.
They are closing their Liverpool factory.
Idioms: close its doors  close ranks  close the book on something  close your mind to something

Derived: close down  close in  close out something  close over somebody  close something down  close something off  close something up  close up 

noun singular (formal)
the end of a period of time or an activity
at the close of the 17th century
His life was drawing to a close.
Can we bring this meeting to a close?
By the close of London trading, Wall Street was up 9.78 points.
The West Indies were 98 for 3 at the close of play (= at the end of the day's play in a cricket  match).  
Word Origin:
Middle English Old French clos- clore Latin claudere ‘to shut’
 
Example Bank:
At the close of trading, he had lost thousands of pounds on the stock market.
The chairperson brought the meeting to a close.
The decade drew to a close with the threat of war hanging over Europe.
At the close of play, the scores were almost level.
• At the close of the first day, things were looking good for the home team.

• Can we bring this meeting to a close?

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

close / kləʊz /   / kloʊz / verb (NOT OPEN)

A1 [ I or T ] to (cause something to) change from being open to not being open:

Could you close the door/window please?

Close your eyes - I've got a surprise for you.

A2 [ I ] When a shop, restaurant, or public place closes, people cannot go into it:

The banks had closed ( to customers) so I couldn't get any money out.

The museum closes at 5.30.

We can't get a drink! It's after ( pub ) closing time .
 

close / kləʊz /   / kloʊz / verb (END)

C2 [ I or T ] to (cause something to) end:

The play closed with the tragic death of both hero and heroine.

She closed the meeting with a short speech.

The pound closed at (= was worth) $1.47 at the end of the day's trading.

B2 [ I or T ] to (cause a business, organization, or business arrangement to) stop operating:

I closed that bank account when I came to London.

The factory closed over ten years ago.

close a deal to make a successful business arrangement with someone:

We closed a deal with a major supermarket.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

close

I. SHUTTING OR COMPLETING

/kloʊz/

(closes, closing, closed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Please look at category 12 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1.
When you close something such as a door or lid or when it closes, it moves so that a hole, gap, or opening is covered.
If you are cold, close the window...
Zacharias heard the door close...
Keep the curtains closed.
= shut
open
VERB: V n, V, V-ed
2.
When you close something such as an open book or umbrella, you move the different parts of it together.
Slowly he closed the book.
VERB: V n
3.
If you close something such as a computer file or window, you give the computer an instruction to remove it from the screen. (COMPUTING)
To close your document, press CTRL+W on your keyboard.
VERB: V n
4.
When you close your eyes or your eyes close, your eyelids move downwards, so that you can no longer see.
Bess closed her eyes and fell asleep...
When we sneeze, our eyes close.
VERB: V n, V
5.
When a place closes or is closed, work or activity stops there for a short period.
Shops close only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day...
It was Saturday; they could close the office early...
Government troops closed the airport...
The restaurant was closed for the night.
= shut
open
VERB: V, V n, V n, V-ed
6.
If a place such as a factory, shop, or school closes, or if it is closed, all work or activity stops there permanently.
Many enterprises will be forced to close...
If they do close the local college I’ll have to go to Worcester.
VERB: V, V n

Close down means the same as close.
Minford closed down the business and went into politics...
Many of the smaller stores have closed down.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P
clos‧ing
...since the closing of the steelworks in nearby Duquesne in 1984.
= closure
N-SING
7.
To close a road or border means to block it in order to prevent people from using it.
They were cut off from the West in 1948 when their government closed that border crossing.
VERB: V n
8.
To close a conversation, event, or matter means to bring it to an end or to complete it.
Judge Isabel Oliva said last night: ‘I have closed the case. There was no foul play.’...
The Prime Minister is said to now consider the matter closed.
...the closing ceremony of the National Political Conference.
VERB: V n, V-ed, V-ing
9.
If you close a bank account, you take all your money out of it and inform the bank that you will no longer be using the account.
He had closed his account with the bank five years earlier.
open
VERB: V n
10.
On the stock market or the currency markets, if a share price or a currency closes at a particular value, that is its value at the end of the day’s business. (BUSINESS)
Dawson shares closed at 219p, up 5p...
The US dollar closed higher in Tokyo today.
open
VERB: V prep/adv, V adj-compar
11.
The close of a period of time or an activity is the end of it. To bring or draw something to a close means to end it.
By the close of business last night, most of the big firms were hailing yesterday’s actions as a success...
Brian’s retirement brings to a close a glorious chapter in British football history...
= end
N-SING: oft the N of n, to a N
12.
to close the door on something: see door
to close your eyes to something: see eye
to close ranks: see rank
see also closed, closing

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1close /ˈkloʊz/ verb clos·es; closed; clos·ing
✦The opposite of close is open in every sense except senses 3b and 9.
1 : to move (a door, window, etc.) so that things cannot pass through an opening : shut

[+ obj]

• Please close the door.
• We had better close the windows; it looks like it's going to rain.
• I forgot to close the gate.
• She was having trouble closing the drawer.
Close the lid on the box tightly.

[no obj]

• The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room.
• The box's lid closed with a bang.
2 [+ obj] : to cover the opening of (something) : shut
• Remember to close the box of cereal when you're done.
3 a : to bring together the parts or edges of (something open)

[+ obj]

• Please close your books and put them under your desks.
Close your mouth.
Close your eyes and go to sleep.
• I closed my fists and got ready to fight.
close an umbrella

[no obj]

• This suitcase just won't close!
• Her eyes closed, and she drifted off to sleep.
• My throat closed and I felt like I couldn't breathe.
b : to bring together the edges of (a wound) so that it can heal

[+ obj]

• It took 10 stitches to close the wound on his head.

[no obj]

• The cut eventually closed [=closed up, healed over] on its own.
4 : to not allow (a road, park, etc.) to be used for a period of time

[+ obj]

• The city closed [=closed off] the beach during the storm.
• They closed the bridge to traffic. [=they did not allow cars to use the bridge]

[no obj]

• The park closes every evening at dusk.
5 a : to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) for a period of time

[+ obj]

• They closed the school today because of the storm.
• We'll be closing the theater while we make the necessary repairs.

[no obj]

• The store closes for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.
• The airport closed for two hours yesterday due to icy conditions.
• The bank closes at noon on Saturdays.
• What time does the library close?
b : to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) permanently

[+ obj]

• They closed [=closed down, shut down] the school/factory/office last year.

[no obj]

• The restaurant has closed for lack of business.
• The play closed [=it stopped being performed] after 112 performances.
6 : to end (something)

[+ obj]

• The minister closed [=concluded] the services with a short prayer.
• She closed the meeting by thanking everyone for their help.
• Investigators closed the case after concluding that his death was an accident.

[no obj]

• The services closed [=concluded] with a short prayer.
• I'd like to close by thanking you all for your help.
7 [+ obj] : to stop keeping money in (an account at a bank)
• I closed [=closed out] my savings account and opened up a new one at another bank.
8 [+ obj] : to end the use of (a file, document, or program) on a computer
• Remember to save the file before closing it.
9 [+ obj] : to formally accept (an agreement)
• They just closed a deal to take ownership of a new restaurant.
• the custom of closing a deal by shaking hands
- see also close on (below)
10 [no obj] : to reach a specified price or level at the end of the day
• The stock opened at $19 a share and closed at $22.
• Stocks opened weak but closed strong.
11 : to reduce the amount of distance or difference between two things, people, or groups

[+ obj]

• The challenger has closed [=narrowed] the champion's lead to within two points.
closing the distance to the lead runner
• These changes will help close the gap between the richest and the poorest countries.

[no obj]

• She has closed to within two points of the champion.
close down [phrasal verb]
1 a : to permanently stop operating : close
• The factory closed down in the 1980s.
b Brit : to stop broadcasting from a radio or television station for the day
• We're closing down for the night: tune in again tomorrow morning!
2 close down (something) or close (something) down : to permanently stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.)
• They closed down [=closed, shut down] the school due to financial problems.
- see also closedown
close in [phrasal verb] : to come or move nearer or closer
• The storm is closing in [=approaching] fast.
• Enemy troops are closing in all around us!
• The lions closed in for the kill.
• I felt that the world was closing in around me.
• The air became colder as night/darkness closed in. [=as darkness fell, as the night became dark]
- often + on
• The fire was closing in on their neighborhood.
• The camera slowly closed in on the actor's face.
• Police were closing in on the two men.
• Researchers are closing in on [=they are close to finding] a cure for the disease.
• She's closing in on 40. [=she is almost 40 years old]
close off [phrasal verb] close off (something) or close (something) off : to not allow (something) to be used for a period of time : close
• The city closed off the beach to tourists.
closing off a road with barriers
• Half of the museum was closed off while they made the changes.
- sometimes used figuratively
• He closes himself off to new experiences. [=he does not allow himself to have new experiences]
close on [phrasal verb] close on (something) US : to formally and legally agree to and complete (an important financial arrangement, such as the purchase of a house)
• We're going to close on our house next Friday.
• They closed on the deal.
- see also 1close 9 (above)
close out [phrasal verb] close out (something)
1 US : to quickly sell (all of a particular type of product in a store) at a lower price
• We're closing out our entire stock of children's clothing! Come and pick up some bargains!
- see also closeout
2 : to stop keeping money in (a bank account)
• She withdrew all her money and closed out [=closed] her account.
3 : to end (something) in a specified way
• The team closed out the series with a 2–1 win over New York.
• She closed out her remarkable career with a final grand performance.
close ranks
- see 1rank
close the door on
- see door
close up [phrasal verb]
1 a : to close and lock all the doors of a building usually for a short period of time
• Businesses closed up [=closed] early so employees could attend the parade.
• We've closed up for the day. Please come back tomorrow.
b close (something) up or close up (something) : to close and lock all the doors of (a house, store, etc.)
• They closed up the house and left town.
✦To close up shop is to go out of business forever or stop performing all services or activities for a period of time.
• Rather than closing up shop entirely, the company laid off half of its workers.
• The restaurant has already closed up shop for the winter.
2 : to move closer together
• The troops closed up and prepared to begin the attack.
3 of a wound : to become completely healed
• The cut eventually closed up [=closed] on its own.
4 : to become quiet : to stop talking about your thoughts or emotions with other people
• She closes up when people ask her about her parents.
5 close (something) up or close up (something) : to bring (people or things) closer together
Close up the spaces between the lines.

night

night [noun] (DARK PERIOD)

The part of every 24-hour period when it is dark because there is very little light from the sun

US /naɪt/ 
UK /naɪt/ 

شب

Example: 

These animals only come out at night.

این حیوانات فقط شبها بیرون می آیند.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

night

 noun

1 the part of the day when it is dark and most people sleep:
These animals come out at night.
The baby cried all night.
She stayed at my house last night.

2 the part of the day between the afternoon and when you go to bed:
We went to a party on Saturday night.
He doesn't get home until 8 o'clock at night.
Tonight means the night or evening of today.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

night

night S1 W1 /naɪt/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑night, ↑midnight, ↑nightie; adverb: ↑overnight, ↑nightly; adjective: ↑nightly, ↑overnight]
[Language: Old English; Origin: niht]
1. WHEN IT IS DARK the dark part of each 24-hour period when the sun cannot be seen and when most people sleep OPP day:
It was a cold moonlit night.
I didn’t sleep too well last night.
at night
At night the temperature drops below zero.
in/during the night
He woke up twice during the night.
by night
Many animals hunt by night.
(on) Friday night/that night etc
There was a storm on Friday night.
GRAMMAR
Use at night when talking about what generally or regularly happens then:
▪ The noise of the traffic keeps me awake at night.
Use in the night when talking about an event that happens at some time during the night:
▪ There had been heavy rain in the night.
Use by night to say what a person or animal does at night:
▪ We travelled by night.
When you are mentioning a time before midnight, use at night:
▪ ten o'clock at night
When you are mentioning a time after midnight, use in the morning:
▪ four in the morning
2. EVENING the time during the evening until you go to bed:
We had a really good meal last night.
They stay in and watch television every night.
She recognised him from the night before (=the previous evening).
My parents are coming for dinner tomorrow night.
Friday/Saturday etc night
There’s a party at Ben’s place on Saturday night.
We were on our way back from a night out (=an evening when you go to a party, restaurant, theatre etc) at the theatre.
Anna doesn’t like him walking home late at night.
quiz night/student night etc (=an evening when a particular event happens, especially at a bar, club etc)
3. nights if you do something nights, you do it regularly or often at night:
I work nights, so I’m usually asleep during the day.
4. night! spoken used to say goodbye to someone when it is late in the evening or when they are going to bed SYN good night:
Night! See you tomorrow!
5. night night! spoken used to say goodbye to someone, especially a child, when they are going to bed
6. night and day/day and night all the time:
The store is guarded day and night.
We had to work night and day to get it finished.
7. night or day/day or night at any time:
You can call me any time, night or day.
8. night after night every night for a long period:
He’s out drinking night after night.
9. first night/opening night the first performance of a play or show ⇨ premiere:
We saw ‘Riverdance’ on its opening night.
10. spend the night with somebody/spend the night together to sleep with someone and have sex with them:
And you thought we spent the night together?
11. a good night’s sleep a night when you sleep well:
You’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.
12. (have a) late/early night to go to bed later or earlier than usual:
I think I’ll have an early night. ⇨ ↑late-night
13. last thing at night at the end of the day, just before you go to bed:
You should water plants either first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
⇨ ↑nightly
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + night
last night It rained last night.
tomorrow night I should be back by tomorrow night.
Friday/Saturday etc night I haven't seen him since Thursday night.
an early night (=when you go to bed early) I'm really tired - I need an early night.
a late night (=when you go to bed late) We had a late night last night.
a long night (=a night when you do not sleep or you work hard) Everyone was tired and grumpy. It had been a long night.
a sleepless night She had spent a sleepless night wondering what to do.
■ verbs
spend a night somewhere (=sleep somewhere) We spent two nights at the Grand Hotel.
stay the night (=sleep at someone's house) You're welcome to stay the night if you like.
have a bad night (=not sleep well, especially when you are ill) I had a bad night last night.
night falls written (=it starts to become dark) It grew colder as night fell.
the night wears on (=continues) The pain gradually got better as the night wore on.
■ night + NOUN
the night sky We looked up at the stars in the night sky.
the night air The night air was scented with pine wood.
a night train/bus/flight I took the night train to Fort William.
■ phrases
all night He looked as if he'd been up all night.
all night long (=used to emphasize that something continues for the whole night) The noise continued all night long!
late at night We often get to bed very late at night.
at this time of night (=used when something happens very late at night, and you are surprised) Why are you calling me at this time of night?
late/far into the night (=until very late at night) Staff worked late into the night to make necessary repairs.
in the middle of the night She woke up suddenly in the middle of the night.
in/at the dead of night literary (=in the middle of the night when it is quiet) He drove through the countryside in the dead of night.
day and night/night and day (=all the time) The phones rang day and night.
morning, noon, and night (=all the time) She nagged at him morning, noon, and night.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

night

night [night nights]   [naɪt]    [naɪt]  noun uncountable, countable
1. the time between one day and the next when it is dark, when people usually sleep
These animals only come out at night.
They sleep by day and hunt by night.
The accident happened on Friday night.
on the night of 10 January/January 10
Did you hear the storm last night?
I lay awake all night.
Where did you spend the night?
You're welcome to stay the night here.
What is he doing calling at this time of night?
You'll feel better after you've had a good night's sleep.
The trip was for ten nights.
The hotel costs €65 per person per night.
the night train/boat/flight

Night fell (= it became dark).

2. the evening until you go to bed
Let's go out on Saturday night.
Bill's parents came for dinner last night.
She doesn't like to walk home late at night.
I saw her in town the other night (= a few nights ago).
I'm working late tomorrow night.

see also  goodnight

3. an evening when a special event happens
the first/opening night (= of a play, film/movie, etc.)
a karaoke night
an Irish/a Scottish, etc. night (= with Irish/Scottish music, entertainment, etc.)
see also  stag night 
more at it'll be all right on the night at  all right  adj., dance the night away at  dance  v., in the/at dead of night at  dead  n., morning, noon and night at  morning, spend the night togetherspend the night with sb at  spend  v., the still of the night at  still  n., things that go bump in the night at  thing
Idioms: day and night  have a bad night  have a night on the tiles  have an a late night  night and day  night night  night out
Derived Word: nights  
Word Origin:
Old English neaht, niht, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nacht and German Nacht, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin nox and Greek nux.  
Thesaurus:
night noun
1. U, C
Where did you spend the night?
night-timethe middle of the nightmidnightthe early hours|informal the small hours
Opp: day
in the night/night-time/middle of the night/early hours/small hours
at night/night-time/midnight
(well) into the night/early hours/small hours
Night, night-time or the middle of the night? A night can be seen as either a completed or a continuing period of time; night-time is seen as a continuing, not a completed period; the middle of the night is a point in time during the night:
I lay awake all night.
during the night/night-time
 ¤ during the middle of the night
2. U, C
She came round for dinner last night.
eveningdusktwilightsunset|especially AmE, especially written sundown|literary nightfall
Opp: morning
at night/dusk/twilight/sunset/sundown/nightfall
tomorrow/yesterday/Monday night/evening
night/evening/dusk falls
Night or evening? Evening emphasizes the earlier hours, from about 6 pm onwards; night emphasizes the later part of the evening and can include the early hours of the next day
We were up late last night and didn't get to bed till 2 am.
Night can also mean the whole time till it gets light
I'm going to my sister's for the evening (= and coming back later in the evening).
I'm going to my sister's for the night (= and not coming back until the morning).
 
Example Bank:
Ask your Mum if you can stay the night.
Fancy a night out?
He had plans to spend a quiet night at home.
He spent another lonely night in front of the television.
I lie awake at night worrying.
I saw her the other night.
I think I'll have an early night.
I was getting myself ready for a night out.
I woke in the night.
One fateful night he was involved in an accident that changed his life forever.
Paris by night
She doesn't like to walk home late at night.
She kissed him good night.
The hotel costs €265 per person per night.
The night fell quickly.
They decided to make a night of it and went on to a club.
They spent the night in Bristol.
a drunken night of partying
the last night of the play's run
Did you hear the storm last night?
I lay awake all night.
I'm taking the night train.
I'm working late tomorrow night.
My mother-in-law came for dinner last night.
Some nights he comes home late.
These animals only come out at night.
They sleep by day and hunt by night.
What is he doing calling at this time of night?
Where did you spend the night?
Where were you on the night of 10 January?
You'll feel better after a good night's sleep.
You're welcome to stay the night here.
 
Example Bank:

• She works nights.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

night / naɪt / noun [ C or U ] (DARK PERIOD)

A1 the part of every 24-hour period when it is dark because there is very little light from the sun:

It gets cold at night.

I slept really badly last night.

I spent the night at Ted's.

He took the night ferry/train.

 

night / naɪt / noun (EVENING)

A1 [ C or U ] the period of time between the late afternoon and going to bed; the evening:

Shall we go dancing on Saturday night?

We've been out every night this week.

She's a singer in a bar by night and a secretary by day.

[ S ] the evening on which a special event happens:

When's the last night of your show?

The first/opening night of her new film was a great success.

night-night child's expression

used as another way of saying good night, usually by or to children

the other night on one evening recently:

I saw Naomi at the club the other night.

a night out an evening spent at a restaurant, theatre, etc. rather than staying at home:

Let's have a night out together on Saturday - we could go dancing.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

night

/naɪt/
(nights)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
The night is the part of each day when the sun has set and it is dark outside, especially the time when people are sleeping.
He didn’t sleep a wink all night...
The fighting began in the late afternoon and continued all night...
Our reporter spent the night crossing the border from Austria into Slovenia...
Finally night fell.
N-VAR

2.
The night is the period of time between the end of the afternoon and the time that you go to bed, especially the time when you relax before going to bed.
So whose party was it last night?...
Demiris took Catherine to dinner the following night.
N-COUNT

3.
A particular night is a particular evening when a special event takes place, such as a show or a play.
The first night crowd packed the building.
...election night.
N-COUNT: supp N

4.
If it is a particular time at night, it is during the time when it is dark and is before midnight.
It’s eleven o’clock at night in Moscow...
He works obsessively from 7.15 am to 9 or 10 at night.
PHRASE: num PHR

5.
If something happens at night, it happens regularly during the evening or night.
He was going to college at night, in order to become an accountant...
The veranda was equipped with heavy wooden rain doors that were kept closed at night.
PHRASE: PHR after v

6.
If something happens day and night or night and day, it happens all the time without stopping.
Dozens of doctors and nurses have been working day and night for weeks...
He was at my door night and day, demanding my attention.
PHRASE: usu PHR after v

7.
If you have an early night, you go to bed early. If you have a late night, you go to bed late.
I’ve had a hell of a day, and all I want is an early night...
In spite of the travelling and the late night, she did not feel tired.
PHRASE: N inflects

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1night /ˈnaɪt/ noun, pl nights
1 : the time of darkness between one day and the next : the part of the day when no light from the sun can be seen and most people and animals sleep

[noncount]

• Who are you calling at this time of night?
• It's eleven o'clock at night.
• She and her husband both work at night and sleep during the day.
• The store's open all night.
• They were up all night long playing video games.
• People keep coming back night after night. [=every night for a period of time]

[count]

• Let's stop for the night and get a hotel.
• a cold, rainy night in the city
• Where were you (on) the night of June 20th?
• The room costs $100 a/per night. = The room costs $100 for one night.
• I stayed up late five nights in a row.
• We were woken up in the middle of the night by a loud crash. = (less commonly) We were woken up in the dead of night by a loud crash.
• Did you have a good night's sleep? [=did you sleep well during the night?]
Last night, I had the strangest dream.
• I had a late night [=I stayed up very late] last night.
• Let's call it an early night. = Let's make an early night of it. [=let's go home or go to bed early tonight]
• Let's call it a night. [=let's go home or go to bed now]
• She'll have to spend/stay the night in the hospital. [=she will have to sleep overnight in the hospital]
• He spent many sleepless nights worrying about his children. [=he lay awake at night worrying about his children]
Spend six nights and seven days on a tropical island in the Caribbean!
• He spent the night with [=had sex with and slept with] her.
• They decided to spend the night together. [=they decided to have sex and sleep together]
2 [noncount] : the darkness that occurs during the nighttime
• They walked out into the night.
• Her eyes were as black/dark as (the) night.
• animals that hunt by night [=in darkness]
• When night fell [=when the sky became dark for the night; at nightfall], we walked back to our car.
3 [count] : the final part of the day that is usually after work, school, etc., and before you go to bed : the early part of the night : evening
• They go bowling every Tuesday night.
• Friday nights, we play cards with the neighbors.
• What did you have for dinner last night?
• He planned a night of dinner and dancing.
• We've planned a night out. [=an evening that you spend outside of your home doing something fun]
4 [count]
a : an evening or night that has a special event
• Poetry night [=the night when people read poetry aloud] at the café is every Saturday at eight o'clock.
• Wednesday night is our family night. [=the night that our family does things together]
• Tuesday night is ladies' night at the ballpark/bar. [=on Tuesday evening, women get a special benefit at the ballpark/bar, such as paying only half price for something]
• Tomorrow is the play's opening night. [=the play will be performed in front of an audience for the first time tomorrow night]
b : the part of a special day that occurs during the nighttime
• Christmas night
• They spent their wedding night in a hotel.
- compare eve 2
day and night or night and day
- see day
night night or nighty night
- used by a child or when speaking to a child as a way of saying “good night”
• “Night night, dear.” “Nighty night, Mommy.”
the still of the night

hot

hot [adjective] (VERY WARM)

Having a high temperature

US /hɑːt/ 
UK /hɒt/ 

گرم

Example: 

Please drink this tea while it's hot. 

لطفاً این چای رو تا گرم هست بنوش.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

hot

 adjective (hotter, hottest)

1 having a high temperature:
I'm hot. Can you open the window?
It's hot today, isn't it?
hot water
 opposite cold

word building
Warm, hot or boiling? Warm means quite hot, especially in a pleasant way: Sit by the fire. You'll soon be warm. Boiling means extremely hot, often in an unpleasant way: Turn the heating down – it's boiling in here!

2 Hot food has a strong, burning taste. same meaning spicy:
a hot curry

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

hot

I. hot1 S1 W2 /hɒt $ hɑːt/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative hotter, superlative hottest)
[Language: Old English; Origin: hat]
1. HIGH TEMPERATURE
a) something that is hot has a high temperature – used about weather, places, food, drink, or objects OPP cold:
a hot day in July
It’s so hot in here. Can I open the window?
Be careful, the water’s very hot.
The bar serves hot and cold food.
people who live in hot countries (=where the weather is usually hot)
scorching/baking/roasting hot (also boiling/broiling hot )American English (=used about weather that is very hot)
a scorching hot week in August
stifling/sweltering/unbearably hot (=used about weather that is very hot and uncomfortable)
The office gets unbearably hot in summer.
boiling/scalding/steaming hot (=used about liquid that is extremely hot)
The coffee was scalding hot.
piping hot (=used about food that is nice and hot)
Serve the soup piping hot.
red hot (=used to describe an object or surface that is very hot)
The handle was red hot.
white hot (=used to describe metal that is extremely hot)
He held the metal in the flame until it became white hot.
b) if you feel hot, your body feels hot in a way that is uncomfortable:
I was hot and tired after the journey.
The wine made her feel hot.
c) if clothes are hot, they make you feel too hot in a way that is uncomfortable:
This sweater’s too hot to wear inside.
2. SPICY food that tastes hot has a burning taste because it contains strong spices OPP mild:
a hot curry
3. VERY POPULAR/FASHIONABLE informal something or someone that is hot is very popular or fashionable, and everyone wants to use them, see them, buy them etc:
one of the hottest young directors in Hollywood
Michael Owen is already one of soccer’s hottest properties (=actors or sports players who are very popular).
The movie is going to be this summer’s hot ticket (=an event that is very popular or fashionable, and that everyone wants to go and see).
be the hottest thing since (sliced bread) (=used about someone or something that is very good and popular, so that everyone wants them)
4. GOOD informal very good, especially in a way that is exciting:
a hot young guitar player
a hot piece of software
His new film is hot stuff (=very good).
be hot at doing something
She’s pretty hot at swimming, too.
not so hot/not very hot informal (=not very good)
Some of the tracks on the record are great, but others are not so hot.
be hot shit American English informal not polite (=used about someone or something that people think is very good)
5. SEXY
a) informal someone who is hot is very attractive sexually:
The girls all think he’s hot stuff.
b) informal a film, book, photograph etc that is hot is sexually exciting:
his hot and steamy first novel
c) a hot date informal a meeting with someone who you feel very attracted to sexually:
She has a hot date with Michel.
d) be hot on/for somebody informal to be sexually attracted to someone
6. DIFFICULT/DANGEROUS [not before noun] informal difficult or dangerous to deal with:
If things get too hot (=a situation becomes too difficult or dangerous to deal with), I can always leave.
Wilkinson found his opponent a little too hot to handle (=too difficult to deal with or beat).
The climate was too hot politically to make such radical changes.
7. a hot issue/topic etc a subject that a lot of people are discussing, especially one that causes a lot of disagreement:
The affair was a hot topic of conversation.
one of the hottest issues facing medical science
8. in the hot seat in an important position and responsible for making difficult decisions
9. in hot water if someone is in hot water, they are in trouble because they have done something wrong:
The finance minister found himself in hot water over his business interests.
land/get yourself in hot water
She got herself in hot water with the authorities.
10. ANGRY
a) get hot under the collar spoken to become angry – used especially when people get angry in an unreasonable way about something that is not important:
I don’t understand why people are getting so hot under the collar about it.
b) have a hot temper someone who has a hot temper becomes angry very easily ⇨ ↑hot-tempered
11. hot and bothered informal upset and confused because you have too much to think about or because you are in a hurry:
People were struggling with bags and cases, looking hot and bothered.
12. have/hold something in your hot little hand informal used to emphasize that you have something:
You’ll have the report in your hot little hands by Monday.
13. RECENT/EXCITING NEWS hot news is about very recent events and therefore interesting or exciting:
Do you want to hear about all the latest hot gossip?
14. be hot off the press if news or a newspaper is hot off the press, it has just recently been printed
15. CHASING SOMEBODY/SOMETHING CLOSELY
a) in hot pursuit following someone quickly and closely because you want to catch them:
The car sped away, with the police in hot pursuit.
b) hot on sb’s trail/tail close to and likely to catch someone you have been chasing:
The other car was hot on his tail.
c) hot on sb’s heels following very close behind someone:
Mrs Bass’s dog was already hot on his heels.
16. come/follow hot on the heels of something to happen or be done very soon after something else:
The news came hot on the heels of another plane crash.
17. hot on the trail of something very close to finding something:
journalists hot on the trail of a news story
18. blow/go hot and cold to keep changing your mind about whether you like or want to do something:
She keeps blowing hot and cold about the wedding.
19. go hot and cold to experience a strange feeling in which your body temperature suddenly changes, because you are very frightened, worried, or shocked
20. I don’t feel too hot/so hot/very hot spoken informal I feel slightly ill:
I’m not feeling too hot today.
21. be hot on something informal
a) to know a lot about something:
He’s pretty hot on aircraft.
b) British English to be very strict about something SYN tight:
The company is very hot on security.
22. be hot for something informal to be ready for something and want it very much:
Europe is hot for a product like this.
He was hot for revenge.
23. be hot to trot informal
a) to be ready to do something or be involved with something
b) to feel sexually excited and want to have sex with someone
24. hot competition if the competition between people or companies is hot, they are all trying very hard to win or succeed:
Competition for the best jobs is getting hotter all the time.
25. hot favourite the person, team, horse etc that people think is most likely to win
26. hot tip a good piece of advice about the likely result of a race, business deal etc:
a hot tip on the stock market
27. STOLEN GOODS informal goods that are hot have been stolen
28. MUSIC informal music that is hot has a strong exciting ↑rhythm
29. more something than you’ve had hot dinners British English spoken humorous used to say that someone has had a lot of experience of something and has done it many times:
She’s delivered more babies than you’ve had hot dinners.
30. hot money money that is frequently moved from one country to another in order to make a profit
⇨ ↑hotly, ↑hots
• • •
THESAURUS
■ person
hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: I feel really hot. | The travellers were hot, tired, and thirsty.
warm a little hot, especially in a way that feels comfortable: Are you warm enough? | We had to keep moving in order to keep warm.
boiling (hot) spoken very hot: You must be boiling in that sweater! | ‘I’m going for a swim,' said Gary. ’I’m boiling.' | I felt boiling hot and tried to open one of the windows.
feverish feeling very hot because you are ill: His head ached and he felt feverish. | Hannah was slightly feverish, so we decided to call the doctor.
■ weather
hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: a hot day | It’s too hot to do any work.
warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: a warm summer’s evening | It’s supposed to be a bit warmer tomorrow.
boiling (hot) spoken very hot: The weather was boiling hot. | a boiling hot day | It was absolutely boiling this lunchtime.
baking (hot) British English very hot and dry: a baking hot afternoon | The weather was baking hot and conditions at the camp became unbearable. | It’s baking out there in the garden – I need a drink.
scorching (hot) very hot: It was another scorching hot July day. | When we got there, the weather was scorching. | Arizona is scorching hot every day.
humid/muggy hot and damp: This week sees a return to more humid conditions. | Hong Kong gets very humid at this time of year. | In June the weather was often muggy in the evenings. | It was a warm muggy afternoon, and it looked like it would rain.
■ room
hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: The office was uncomfortably hot. | The meeting was in a tiny hot room with no air conditioning.
warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: It’s nice and warm by the fire. | They were all sitting in the warm kitchen, sipping mugs of cocoa.
boiling (hot) spoken very hot: It’s boiling in here. Can I open the window? | a boiling hot New York recording studio
like an oven much too hot in a way that is uncomfortable – used about rooms and buildings: The inside of the shed was like an oven.
■ food/liquid/something you touch
hot: a hot drink | hot meals | Eat your food while it’s hot.
warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: The bread was still warm from the oven. | the warm waters of the Caribbean
boiling (hot) spoken very hot: The water’s boiling hot. | Boiling-hot steam shoots out from underground. | The mud in the pools is boiling.
lukewarm /ˌluːkˈwɔːm◂ $ -ˈwɔːrm◂/ slightly warm, but not hot enough – used about liquids: a cup of lukewarm coffee | The bath water was lukewarm.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

hot

hot [hot hotter hottest hots hotted hotting] adjective, verb   [hɒt]    [hɑːt]

adjective (hot·ter, hot·test

TEMPERATURE
1. having a high temperature; producing heat
Do you like this hot weather?
It's hot today, isn't it?
It was hot and getting hotter.
It was the hottest July on record.
a hot dry summer
Be careful— the plates are hot.
All rooms have hot and cold water.
a hot bath
a hot meal (= one that has been cooked)
I couldn't live in a hot country (= one which has high average temperatures).
Cook in a very hot oven.
Eat it while it's hot.
• I touched his forehead. He felt hot and feverish.

see also  baking hot, boiling hot, piping hot, red-hot, white-hot

2. (of a person) feeling heat in an unpleasant or uncomfortable way
Is anyone too hot?
• I feel hot.

• Her cheeks were hot with embarrassment.

3. making you feel hot
• London was hot and dusty.

• a long hot journey  

FOOD WITH SPICES

4. containing pepper and spices and producing a burning feeling in your mouth
hot spicy food
You can make a curry hotter simply by adding chillies.
• hot mustard

Opp:  mild  

CAUSING STRONG FEELINGS

5. involving a lot of activity, argument or strong feelings
Today we enter the hottest phase of the election campaign.
• The environment has become a very hot issue.

• Competition is getting hotter day by day.  

DIFFICULT/DANGEROUS

6. difficult or dangerous to deal with and making you feel worried or uncomfortable
• When things got too hot most journalists left the area.

• They're making life hot for her.  

POPULAR

7. (informal) new, exciting and very popular
This is one of the hottest clubs in town.
• They are one of this year's hot new bands.

• The couple are Hollywood's hottest property.  

NEWS

8. fresh, very recent and usually exciting
• I've got some hot gossip for you!

• a story that is hot off the press (= has just appeared in the newspapers)  

TIP/FAVOURITE

9. only before noun likely to be successful
She seems to be the hot favourite for the job.

• Do you have any hot tips for today's race?  

GOOD AT STH/KNOWING A LOT

10. not before noun ~ at/on sth (informal) very good at doing sth; knowing a lot about sth

• Don't ask me— I'm not too hot on British history.  

ANGER

 

11. if sb has a hot temper they become angry very easily  

SEXUAL EXCITEMENT
12. feeling or causing sexual excitement
• You were as hot for me as I was for you.

• I've got a hot date tonight.  

SHOCKING/CRITICAL

13. containing scenes, statements, etc. that are too shocking or too critical and are likely to cause anger or disapproval
Some of the nude scenes were regarded as too hot for Broadway.
• The report was highly critical of senior members of the Cabinet and was considered too hot to publish.

see also  hot stuff  

STRICT

14. not before noun ~ on sth thinking that sth is very important and making sure that it always happens or is done

• They're very hot on punctuality at work.  

MUSIC

 

15. (of music, especially jazz) having a strong and exciting rhythm  

GOODS
16. stolen and difficult to get rid of because they can easily be recognized

• I'd never have touched those CDs if I'd known they were hot.  

IN CHILDREN'S GAMES

17. not before noun used in children's games to say that the person playing is very close to finding a person or thing, or to guessing the correct answer
You're getting hot!
more at blow hot and cold at  blow  v., like a cat on hot bricks at  cat, (hard/hot) on sb's/sth's heels at  heel  n., strike while the iron is hot at  strike  v.  
Word Origin:
Old English hāt, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch heet and German heiss.  
Thesaurus:
hot adj.
1.
I'll feel better after a hot bath.
warmheatedburningboilinghumidsultryred-hot
Opp: cold
hot/warm/humid/sultry weather/conditions
hot/warm sunshine/water
hot/burning/red-hot coals
2.
a hot curry with plenty of chillies
spicystrong
Opp: mild
a hot/spicy/strong flavour
hot/strong mustard
a hot/spicy curry  
Example Bank:
Don't you feel hot so close to the fire?
His face grew hot at the memory of his embarrassment.
His forehead was burning hot.
I love really hot food.
I was boiling hot and sweaty.
It was unbearably hot in the car.
Make sure the fat is sizzling hot.
Serve hot or cold accompanied by bread and a salad.
She was beginning to get uncomfortably hot.
That was a pretty hot curry!
The containers keep the food hot for five hours.
The food should stay hot until we're ready to eat.
The ground was hot enough to fry an egg on.
The sun shone fiercely down and it grew hotter and hotter.
This weather's a bit hot for me.
Wash the tablecloth in fairly hot soapy water.
a boiling hot summer day
a bowl of piping hot soup
white-hot metal
Eat it while it's hot.
He brought out a plate of sausages covered in hot mustard.
Her cheeks grew hot with embarrassment.
I couldn't live in a hot country.
I touched his forehead. It was burning hot.
I was feeling a bit hot so I went outside for a moment.
I'll feel better after a hot bath.
It had been a long hot journey.
It's hot today, isn't it?
Leave the pie in the oven for about half an hour, until piping hot.
The canteen provides hot meals as well as salads and snacks.
The couple are Hollywood's hottest property.
They are one of this year's hot new bands on the rock scene.
Idioms: go hot and cold  go like hot cakes  hot and bothered  hot on somebody's heels  hot on somebody's trail  hot to trot  hot under the collar  in hot pursuit  in into hot water  not so hot

Derived: hot up 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (VERY WARM)

A1 having a high temperature:

a hot sunny day

hot weather

a hot drink/meal

It's too hot in here, can we turn down the heating?

Bake the cake in a hot oven, about 220°C, for 30 minutes.

The food was piping hot (= very hot) .

 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (SPICY)

B1 describes food that causes a burning feeling in the mouth:

a hot curry

hot spicy food

→  Opposite mild adjective (FOOD)

 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (CAUSING DISAGREEMENT)

C1 describes a subject that causes a lot of disagreement or discussion:

Global warming has become a very hot issue.
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (NEW/EXCITING)

C1 new and exciting:

Hollywood's hottest new actress

hot gossip

This 21-year-old actor has become Hollywood's hottest property .
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective [ after verb ] ( hotter , hottest ) informal (SKILFUL)

knowing a lot or skilful:

I'm not too hot on Russian history.
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (MOST LIKELY)

hot tip informal an accurate piece of advice about who will win a race:

Have you got any hot tips for this afternoon's race?

hot favourite the person or animal that is most likely to win a race, competition, election, etc.:

He's the hot favourite to win the election.
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (DEMANDING)

be hot on sth informal to think that a particular thing is very important and to demand that it is done well or correctly:

They're very hot on dress at work so she always looks very smart for the office.
 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) slang (STOLEN)

describes goods that have been recently stolen and are therefore difficult to sell or dangerous to deal with because the police are still looking for them

 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) informal (SEXY)

sexually attractive, or feeling sexually excited:

She's hot alright.

I'm hot for you, baby.

I've got a hot date tonight.

 

hot / hɒt /   / hɑːt / adjective ( hotter , hottest ) (ANGRY)

hot temper

If someone has a hot temper, they are easily made angry.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

hot

/hɒt/
(hotter, hottest, hots, hotting, hotted)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.
Something that is hot has a high temperature.
When the oil is hot, add the sliced onion...
What he needed was a hot bath and a good sleep...
cold, cool
ADJ

2.
Hot is used to describe the weather or the air in a room or building when the temperature is high.
It was too hot even for a gentle stroll...
It was a hot, humid summer day...
chilly, cold
ADJ

3.
If you are hot, you feel as if your body is at an unpleasantly high temperature.
I was too hot and tired to eat more than a few mouthfuls...
cold
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ

4.
You can say that food is hot when it has a strong, burning taste caused by chillies, pepper, or ginger.
...hot curries.
...a dish that’s spicy but not too hot.
= spicy
mild
ADJ

5.
A hot issue or topic is one that is very important at the present time and is receiving a lot of publicity. (JOURNALISM)
The role of women in war has been a hot topic of debate in America since the Gulf conflict.
ADJ: usu ADJ n

6.
Hot news is new, recent, and fresh. (INFORMAL)
...eight pages of the latest movies, video releases and the hot news from Tinseltown.
ADJ: usu ADJ n

7.
You can use hot to describe something that is very exciting and that many people want to see, use, obtain, or become involved with. (INFORMAL)
The hottest show in town was the Monet Exhibition at the Art Institute...
ADJ: usu ADJ n

8.
You can use hot to describe something that no one wants to deal with, often because it has been illegally obtained and is very valuable or famous. (INFORMAL)
If too much publicity is given to the theft of important works, the works will become too hot to handle and be destroyed.
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ

9.
You can describe a situation that is created by a person’s behaviour or attitude as hot when it is unpleasant and difficult to deal with. (INFORMAL)
When the streets get too hot for them, they head south in one stolen car after another.
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ

10.
A hot contest is one that is intense and involves a great deal of activity and determination. (INFORMAL)
It took hot competition from abroad, however, to show us just how good Scottish cashmere really is.
= fierce
ADJ: usu ADJ n

11.
If a person or team is the hot favourite, people think that they are the one most likely to win a race or competition.
Atlantic City is the hot favourite to stage the fight.
ADJ: ADJ n

12.
Someone who has a hot temper gets angry very quickly and easily.
His hot temper was making it increasingly difficult for others to work with him.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
see also hot-tempered

13.
If someone blows hot and cold, they keep changing their attitude towards something, sometimes being very enthusiastic and at other times expressing no interest at all.
The media, meanwhile, has blown hot and cold on the affair.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR on/over/about n

14.
If you are hot and bothered, you are so worried and anxious that you cannot think clearly or behave sensibly.
Ray was getting very hot and bothered about the idea.
PHRASE: v-link PHR, oft PHR about n

15.
If you say that one person has the hots for another, you mean that they feel a strong sexual attraction to that person. (INFORMAL)
I’ve had the hots for him ever since he came to college.
PHRASE: V inflects

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1hot /ˈhɑːt/ adj hot·ter; hot·test
1 a : having a high temperature
hot August nights
hot and humid weather
• taking a hot bath/shower
• a hot climate/country
• It is/gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
• The baked potatoes were too hot to handle with our bare hands.
• We worked all afternoon in/under the hot sun.
• The chicken was fried in hot oil.
• Your forehead feels hot. I think you might have a fever.
• a blazing/sizzling/steaming hot afternoon
• boiling/burning/fiery hot
- see also red-hot, white-hot
b : having a feeling of high body heat
• I was feeling hot and tired.
c of food or drink : heated to a hot or warm temperature : served at a hot or warm temperature
hot cereal
• a hot meal
• a selection of hot beverages
- see also piping hot
2 informal
a : currently liked or wanted by many people
• The new toys are so hot that stores can't keep them in stock.
• a hot new restaurant
• He's considered a hot [=appealing, desirable] prospect. : currently very active or strong
• Her new book is a hot seller.
• She spoke about the latest hot trends in the computer industry. : currently causing a lot of interest or discussion
• reporters pursuing a hot story
• a hot concept/idea
• His decision has been a hot topic of conversation.
✦Something or someone that is a hot commodity/item/property is currently very valuable or popular.
• Exotic mushrooms are a hot commodity.
• The success of her latest movie has made her a hot property in Hollywood.
• Computer games are a hot item in stores this year.
b : very good - usually used in negative statements
• I don't think that's such a hot idea. [=I don't think it's a good idea]
• He came home early because he wasn't feeling too hot. [=he wasn't feeling well]
• Things aren't looking so hot at this point.
c : having a period of unusual success or good luck
• The team has been hot recently. = The team has recently been on a hot streak. [=the team has been winning a lot recently]
When you're hot, you're hot. [=when you are having good luck, you keep winning or succeeding repeatedly]
3 a : marked by anger or strong feelings
• a hot [=heated] argument
• His decision has been a topic of hot debate.
• This is an area of hot dispute.
✦An issue or topic that is too hot to handle causes so much anger or controversy that people avoid discussing or dealing with it.
b always used before a noun : easily excited or angered
• He's known for his hot [=bad] temper.
c : angry
• He was starting to get pretty hot about the delays.
• You shouldn't allow these little delays to get you all hot and bothered. [=to make you angry and upset]
- see also hot under the collar (below)
4 of food : having a spicy or peppery flavor
hot chilis
hot sauce/mustard
• Do you prefer your curry hot or mild?
5 informal
a : sexually excited by or interested in someone - + for
• Everyone knows she's hot for the new guy in her office.
b : sexually attractive
• The girl he's dating is really hot.
• He was voted the hottest [=sexiest] actor in Hollywood.
c : exciting in a sexual or romantic way
• He's nervous because he has a hot date tonight.
d of sex : very intense or exciting
hot sex
e : eager
- usually followed by to + verb
• She's hot to party.
- sometimes + for
• The students are hot for reform.
6 music : having an exciting rhythm
hot jazz
7 informal : very strong or determined
• We're going to face some hot competition.
8 : newly made : fresh and warm
• bread hot from the oven
✦Something, such as a story or book, that is hot off the press has just recently been completed, published, or printed.
• His new book is hot off the press.
9 : following closely
• The police are in hot pursuit of the escaped convicts. [=the police are chasing the convicts and are close to catching them]
✦To be hot on the heels of or hot on the trail of someone is to be chasing someone very closely.
• The escaped convicts are heading south, but the police are hot on their heels.
• The police are hot on the trail of the escaped convicts. To be/follow/come hot on the heels of something is to come or happen immediately or very soon after something.
• Their second album is coming hot on the heels of the first. To be hot on the trail of something is to be very close to doing, finding, or getting something.
• The company says it is hot on the trail of a new cancer treatment.
10 : very bright
hot colors
hot pink
11 : carrying electric current
• The black wire is hot.
12 informal : recently stolen
hot jewels
13 informal : dangerous and difficult : difficult to deal with because of danger
• criminals who leave town when things get hot [=when there is too much danger that they will be caught by the police]
blow hot and cold
- see 1blow
hot and heavy informal : sexually intense, active, or exciting
• They have a very hot and heavy relationship.
hot on informal : strongly favoring or liking (something)
• The company president is very hot on [=big on] the idea of developing new products.
hot tip informal : a valuable piece of information about something (such as the stock market or a horse race) that can help someone get money or an advantage
hot to trot informal : very eager to have sex
• a movie about a couple of college students who are hot to trot
hot under the collar informal : angry or upset
• He tends to get a little hot under the collar when his wife keeps him waiting.
like a hot knife through butter
- see 1knife
strike while the iron is hot
- see 1strike
- hot·ly adv
• a hotly contested election
• a hotly debated issue
• He hotly denied any involvement in the controversy.
- hot·ness noun [noncount]
• the hotness [=spiciness] of the pepper

on

on [preposition] (ABOVE)

Used to show that something is in a position above something else and touching it, or that something is moving into such a position

US /ɑːn/ 
UK /ɒn/ 
Example: 

The book is on the table.

كتاب‌ روى ميز است‌.‏

Oxford Essential Dictionary

on

 preposition, adverb

1 used for showing where something is:
Your book is on the table.
The number is on the door.
There is a good film on TV tonight.
I've got a cut on my hand.

2 used for showing when:
My birthday is on 6 May.
I'll see you on Monday.
Look at Study Page S8.

3 used with ways of travelling and types of travel:
He got on the train.
I came here on foot (= walking).

4 used for showing that somebody or something continues:
You can't stop here – drive on.

5 working; being used:
All the lights were on.
 opposite off

6 using something:
I bought it on the Internet.
I was on the phone to Jania.
He saw it on TV.

7 about:
a book on cars

8 covering your body:
Put your coat on.

9 happening:
What's on at the cinema?

10 when something happens:
She telephoned me on her return from New York.

on and on without stopping:
He went (= talked) on and on about his girlfriend.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

on

I. on1 S1 W1 /ɒn $ ɑːn, ɒːn/ BrE AmE preposition
[Language: Old English]
1. ON A SURFACE
a) touching a surface or being supported by a surface:
Leave your things on the table over there.
People were sunbathing on the grass.
The little girl was sitting on her father’s shoulders.
b) used to say that someone or something moves so that they are then touching or supported by a surface:
snow falling on the mountainsides
He threw himself on the bed.
2. SUPPORTING YOUR BODY used to say what part of someone’s body is touching the ground or another surface and supporting their weight:
She was on her feet in no time.
He was on his hands and knees searching for something.
Can you stand on your head?
3. PART HIT/TOUCHED used to say what part of someone or something is hit or touched:
I wanted to punch him on the nose.
Matt kissed her on the cheek.
4. WRITTEN/SHOWN used to say where something is written or shown:
There’s a diagram on page 25.
He wrote his phone number on a piece of paper.
5. ATTACHED attached to or hanging from something:
She hung her coat on a hook.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
6. PLACE in a particular place:
The town is right on the border.
Is there a water supply on the island?
He grew up on a ranch in California.
a store on Fifth Avenue
7. POSITION in a particular position in relation to something else:
You’ll see the school on your left.
They live on the opposite side of the town.
8. LOOKING/POINTING looking or pointing towards something or someone:
His eyes were on the stranger standing in the doorway.
She trained her binoculars on the house.
9. DAY/DATE during a particular day:
They’ll be here on Tuesday.
I was born on July 1st.
We’ll see you on Christmas Eve.
GRAMMAR
Do not use on before 'this', 'last', or 'next' and a day of the week:
▪ The school reopened last Tuesday (NOT on last Tuesday).
10. AFFECTING/RELATING TO affecting or relating to someone or something:
a tax on cigarettes
his influence on young people
There will be new restrictions on the sale of weapons.
What effect will these changes have on the tourist industry?
11. ABOUT about a particular subject:
Do you have any books on India?
You can get information on local services by calling this number.
an international conference on global warming
12. ORDERS/ADVICE as a result of someone’s order, request, or advice:
He was killed on the King’s orders.
I accepted the offer on the advice of my lawyer.
13. EAT/DRINK used to talk about what someone usually eats or drinks:
They live mainly on beans, lentils, and rice.
Is your baby on solid food yet?
14. TRANSPORT
a) in or into a bus, train, plane etc OPP off:
Did you manage to sleep on the plane?
Tommy should be on the six o'clock train.
She got on the first bus that came along.
b) riding something:
a statue of the King on horseback
I’ll probably come on my bike.
15. MONEY receiving money for a job or as a regular payment:
He’s on quite a good salary now.
She must be on at least £50,000 a year.
the difficulties faced by families on low incomes
16. FUEL using a particular type of ↑fuel or power:
Most buses run on diesel.
Does it work on mains electricity?
17. MEDICINE/DRUGS taking a particular drug or medicine regularly OPP off:
Are you still on antibiotics?
The doctor put her on Prozac.
A lot of these kids are on heroin by the age of 12.
18. what’s somebody on? spoken used to say that someone is behaving in a very strange way, as if they are taking an illegal drug
19. USING EQUIPMENT using a machine or piece of equipment:
He’s been on the computer all afternoon.
Is Rachel still on the phone?
20. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS playing a musical instrument:
He played a short piece on the piano.
The album features Rick Wakeman on keyboards.
21. RADIO/TELEVISION being broadcast by radio or television:
What’s on TV tonight?
Did you hear that programme on the radio last night?
22. RECORDED used to say in what form information is stored or music, films etc are recorded:
The movie is now available on video and DVD.
I always keep a backup copy on disk.
23. ACTIVITY/JOURNEY taking part in an activity or travelling somewhere:
She’s on a course all this week.
I met him on vacation in Canada.
My girlfriend is often away on business trips.
24. INCLUDED included in a group or team of people or in a list:
Are you still on the management committee?
Mr Edwards is no longer on the staff here.
Whose team are you on?
There was no steak on the menu.
What’s the next item on the agenda?
25. WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS formal as soon as someone has done something or as soon as something has happened:
Couples are presented with a bottle of wine on their arrival at the hotel.
All patients are examined on admission to the hospital.
on doing something
What was your reaction on seeing him?
26. COMPARED WITH SOMETHING compared with another person or thing:
This essay is a definite improvement on your last one.
Sales are 10% up on last year.
27. CARRYING SOMETHING informal if you have something on you, you have it in your pocket, your bag etc:
I don’t have any money on me.
28. PAY be on somebody spoken used to say who is going to pay for something:
The drinks are on me!
Each table will get a bottle of champagne on the house (=paid for by the restaurant, hotel etc).
29. TELEPHONE NUMBER used to say what number you should use in order to telephone someone SYN at American English:
You can contact me on this number.
30. CAUSING SOMEBODY PROBLEMS used when something bad happens to you, for example when something you are using suddenly stops working, or someone you have a relationship with suddenly leaves you:
Suddenly the telephone went dead on me.
Dorothy’s first husband walked out on her.
• • •
THESAURUS
about used when saying what the subject of something is: She’s always talking about you. | In her novels she writes about life in South Africa. | There’s something I wanted to ask you about.
on about a particular subject: a book on English grammar | a report on poverty in rural areas
concerning/regarding formal about: Prince Saiid answered questions concerning Kuwait’s future. | The report raises a number of questions regarding food safety.
with regard to formal about – used especially when you want to start talking or writing about something: Dear Sir, I’m writing with regard to your advertisement in The Times.
re used in business letters and in emails to introduce the subject that you are going to write about: Re: Friday’s meeting

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

on

on preposition, adverb   [ɒn]    [ɑːn]    [ɔːn] 

preposition  For the special uses of on in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example turn on sb is in the phrasal verb section at turn.
1. in or into a position covering, touching or forming part of a surface
a picture on a wall
There's a mark on your skirt.
the diagram on page 5
Put it down on the table.
He had been hit on the head.
She climbed on to the bed.  This could also be written

• onto the bed

2. supported by sb/sth
She was standing on one foot.
• Try lying on your back.

• Hang your coat on that hook.

3. used to show a means of transport
He was on the plane from New York.
to travel on the bus/tube/coach
• I came on my bike.

• a woman on horseback

4. used to show a day or date
He came on Sunday.
We meet on Tuesdays.
on May the first/the first of May
on the evening of May the first
• on one occasion

• on your birthday

5. immediately after sth
On arriving home I discovered they had gone.
• Please report to reception on arrival.

• There was a letter waiting for him on his return.

6. about sth/sb
• a book on South Africa

• She tested us on irregular verbs.

7. being carried by sb; in the possession of sb

• Have you got any money on you?

8. used to show that sb belongs to a group or an organization
• to be on the committee/staff/jury/panel

• Whose side are you on (= which of two or more different views do you support)?

9. eating or drinking sth; using a drug or a medicine regularly
• He lived on a diet of junk food.

• The doctor put me on antibiotics.

10. used to show direction
• on the left/right

• He turned his back on us.

11. at or near a place
a town on the coast
• a house on the Thames

• We lived on an estate.

12. used to show the basis or reason for sth
• a story based on fact

• On their advice I applied for the job.

13. paid for by sth
to live on a pension/a student grant
to be on a low wage
• You can't feed a family on £50 a week.

• Drinks are on me (= I am paying).

14. by means of sth; using sth
She played a tune on her guitar.
The information is available on the Internet.
We spoke on the phone.
• What's on TV?

• The programme's on Channel 4.

15. used with some nouns or adjectives to say who or what is affected by sth
a ban on smoking
• He's hard on his kids.

• Go easy on the mayo! (= do not take / give me too much)

16. compared with sb/sth

• Sales are up on last year.

17. used to describe an activity or a state
• to be on business/holiday/vacation

• The book is currently on loan.

18. used when giving a telephone number
You can get me on 020 7946 0887.
She's on extension 2401.  
Word Origin:
Old English on, an, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch aan and German an, from an Indo-European root shared by Greek ana.

Idioms: it isn't on  on about something  on and on  on at somebody  on for something  what are you on?  you're on 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (ABOVE)

A1 used to show that something is in a position above something else and touching it, or that something is moving into such a position:

Look at all the books on your desk!

Ow, you're standing on my foot!

Your suitcase is on top of the wardrobe.

They live in that old farmhouse on the hill.

I got on my bike and left.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (CONNECTED)

A1 covering the surface of, being held by, or connected to something:

You've got blood on your shirt.

Which finger do you wear your ring on?

Can you stand on your head?

We could hang this picture on the wall next to the door.

Dogs should be kept on their leads at all times.

UK We've just moved house and we're not on the phone (= not connected to the phone service) yet.

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (TIME)

A1 used to show when something happens:

Many shops don't open on Sundays.

What are you doing on Friday?

My birthday's on 30 May .

Would you mind telling me what you were doing on the afternoon of Friday the 13th of March?

Trains to London leave on the hour (= at exactly one o'clock, two o'clock, etc.) .

On a clear day you can see the mountains from here.

She was dead on arrival (= dead when she arrived) at the hospital.

Please hand in your keys at reception on your departure from (= when you leave) the hotel.

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (WRITING)

A2 used to show where something has been written, printed, or drawn:

Which page is that curry recipe on?

His initials were engraved on the back of his watch.

What's on the menu tonight? (= What food is available?)
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (TRAVEL)

A2 used for showing some methods of travelling:

I love travelling on trains.

She'll be arriving on the 5.30 train.

We went to France on the ferry.

It'd be quicker to get there on foot .

two figures on horseback
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (PROCESS)

used to show that a condition or process is being experienced:

He accidentally set his bed on fire .

Their flights to Paris are on special offer at the moment.

Martin's on holiday this week.

I'll be away on a training course next week.

I often feel carsick when I'm on a long journey.

Crime is on the increase (= is increasing) again.

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (RECORDING)

A2 used to show the form in which something is recorded or performed:

How much data can you store on the disk?

When's the movie coming out on DVD?

I was really embarrassed the first time I saw myself on film.

What's on television tonight?

I wish there was more jazz on the radio.

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (PAIN)

B2 used to show what causes pain or injury as a result of being touched:

I hit my head on the shelf as I was standing up.

You'll cut yourself on that knife if you're not careful.

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (TO)

A2 to or towards:

Our house is the first on the left after the post office.

The attack on the village lasted all night.

I wish you wouldn't creep up on me like that!

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (RELATING)

B1 relating to:

a book on pregnancy

Her thesis is on Italian women's literature.

The minister has refused to comment on the allegations.

Criticism has no effect on him.

Have the police got anything on you (= have they got any information about you that can be used against you) ?
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (MONEY)

A2 used to show something for which a payment is made:

He spent £80 on a hat.

I've wasted a lot of money on this car.

We made a big profit on that deal.

How much interest are you paying on the loan?
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (NECESSARY)

used to show a person or thing that is necessary for something to happen or that is the origin of something:

We're relying on you.

I might come - it depends on Andrew.

Most children remain dependent on their parents while at university.

His latest movie is based on a fairy story.

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (INVOLVEMENT)

used to show when someone is involved or taking part in something:

I'm working on a new book.

In the last lesson we were on the causes of the First World War, weren't we?

"Where had we got up to?" "We were on page 42."

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

used to show what is providing financial support or an income:

I've only got £50 a week to live on at the moment.

He retired on a generous pension from the company.

UK She's on (= earning) £25,000 a year.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (FOOD/FUEL/DRUG)

B2 used to show something that is used as food, fuel, or a drug:

What do mice live on?

Does this radio run on batteries?

Is he on drugs?
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (NEXT TO)

B1 next to or along the side of:

Cambridge is on the River Cam.

Our house was on Sturton Street.

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (MEMBER)

C1 used to show when someone is a member of a group or organization:

Have you ever served on a jury?

There are no women on the committee.

How many people are on your staff?

She's a researcher on a women's magazine.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (TOOL)

B1 used when referring to a tool, instrument, or system that is used to do something:

I do all my household accounts on computer.

Chris is on drums and Mike's on bass guitar.

I'm on (= talking on) the phone.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition literary (AGAIN)

used to show when something is repeated one or more times:

The government suffered defeat on defeat in the local elections.

Wave on wave of refugees has crossed the border to escape the fighting.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (COMPARISON)

used when making a comparison:

£950 is my final offer, and I can't improve on it.

The productivity figures are down/up on last week's.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition [ before pronoun ] (POSSESSION)

C2 used to show when someone has something with them in their pocket or in a bag that they are carrying:

Have you got a spare pen on you?

I haven't got my driving licence on me.

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (AFTER)

happening after and usually because of:

Acting on information given to them anonymously, the police arrested him.

He inherited a quarter of a million pounds on his mother's death.

On their return they discovered that their house had been burgled.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition informal (PAYMENT)

used to show who is paying for something:

This meal is on me.

She had her operation done on the National Health Service.
 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition (FAULTY)

used to show who suffers when something does not operate as it should:

The phone suddenly went dead on me.

Their car broke down on them in the middle of the motorway.

 

on / ɒn /   / ɑːn / preposition UK (POINTS)

used to show the number of points a person or team has in a competition:

Clive's team is on five points while Joan's is on seven.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

on

The preposition is pronounced /ɒn/. The adverb and the adjective are pronounced /ɒn/.

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'on' is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. 'On' is also used in phrasal verbs such as ‘keep on’, ‘cotton on’, and ‘sign on’.

1.
If someone or something is on a surface or object, the surface or object is immediately below them and is supporting their weight.
He is sitting beside her on the sofa...
On top of the cupboards are vast straw baskets which Pat uses for dried flower arrangements...
On the table were dishes piled high with sweets...
PREP

2.
If something is on a surface or object, it is stuck to it or attached to it.
I admired the peeling paint on the ceiling...
The clock on the wall showed one minute to twelve...
There was a smear of gravy on his chin.
PREP

On is also an adverb.
I know how to darn, and how to sew a button on.
ADV: ADV after v

3.
If you put, throw, or drop something on a surface, you move it or drop it so that it is then supported by the surface.
He got his winter jacket from the closet and dropped it on the sofa...
He threw a folded dollar on the counter.
= onto
PREP

4.
You use on to say what part of your body is supporting your weight.
He continued to lie on his back and look at clouds...
He raised himself on his elbows, squinting into the sun...
She was on her hands and knees in the bathroom.
PREP

5.
You use on to say that someone or something touches a part of a person’s body.
He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the mouth...
His jaw was broken after he was hit on the head.
PREP

6.
If someone has a particular expression on their face, their face has that expression.
The maid looked at him, a nervous smile on her face...
She looked at him with a hurt expression on her face.
PREP: n PREP n

7.
When you put a piece of clothing on, you place it over part of your body in order to wear it. If you have it on, you are wearing it.
He put his coat on while she opened the front door...
I had a hat on.
ADV: ADV after v

8.
You can say that you have something on you if you are carrying it in your pocket or in a bag.
I didn’t have any money on me...
PREP: PREP pron

9.
If someone’s eyes are on you, they are looking or staring at you.
Everyone’s eyes were fixed on him...
It’s as if all eyes are focused on me...
PREP

10.
If you hurt yourself on something, you accidentally hit a part of your body against it and that thing causes damage to you.
Mr Pendle hit his head on a wall as he fell...
PREP

11.
If you are on an area of land, you are there.
You lived on the farm until you came back to America?
...a tall tree on a mountain.
PREP

12.
If something is situated on a place such as a road or coast, it forms part of it or is by the side of it.
Bergdorf Goodman has opened a men’s store on Fifth Avenue...
The hotel is on the coast...
He visited relatives at their summer house on the river.
PREP

13.
If you get on a bus, train, or plane, you go into it in order to travel somewhere. If you are on it, you are travelling in it.
We waited till twelve and we finally got on the plane...
I never go on the bus into the town...
PREP

On is also an adverb.
He showed his ticket to the conductor and got on.
ADV: ADV after v

14.
If there is something on a piece of paper, it has been written or printed there.
The writing on the back of the card was cramped but scrupulously neat...
The numbers she put on the chart were 98.4, 64, and 105...
PREP

15.
If something is on a list, it is included in it.
The Queen now doesn’t even appear on the list of the 40 richest people in Britain.
...the range of topics on the agenda for their talks.
PREP

16.
Books, discussions, or ideas on a particular subject are concerned with that subject.
They offer a free counselling service which can offer help and advice on legal matters...
He declined to give any information on the Presidential election...
PREP

17.
You use on to introduce the method, principle, or system which is used to do something.
...a television that we bought on credit two months ago.
...a levelling system which acts on the same principle as a spirit level...
They want all groups to be treated on an equal basis.
PREP

18.
If something is done on an instrument or a machine, it is done using that instrument or machine.
...songs that I could just sit down and play on the piano...
I could do all my work on the computer...
PREP

19.
If information is, for example, on tape or on computer, that is the way that it is stored.
‘I thought it was a load of rubbish.’—‘Right we’ve got that on tape.’...
Descriptions of the pieces have been logged on computer by the Art Loss Register...
PREP

20.
If something is being broadcast, you can say that it is on the radio or television.
Every sporting event on television and satellite over the next seven days is listed...
Here, listen, they’re talking about it on Radio-Paris right now.
PREP

On is also an adjective.
...teenagers complaining there’s nothing good on.
ADJ: v-link ADJ

21.
When an activity is taking place, you can say that it is on.
There’s a marvellous match on at Wimbledon at the moment...
We in Berlin hardly knew a war was on during the early part of 1941.
ADJ: v-link ADJ

22.
You use on in expressions such as ‘have a lot on’ and ‘not have very much on’ to indicate how busy someone is. (SPOKEN)
I have a lot on in the next week.
ADV: ADV after v, amount ADV

23.
You use on to introduce an activity that someone is doing, particularly travelling.
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise...
Students on the full-time course of study are usually sponsored...
PREP

24.
When something such as a machine or an electric light is on, it is functioning or in use. When you switch it on, it starts functioning.
The central heating’s been turned off. I’ve turned it on again...
The light had been left on...
He didn’t bother to switch on the light.
off
ADV: be ADV, ADV after v

25.
If you are on a committee or council, you are a member of it.
Claire and Beryl were on the organizing committee...
He was on the Council of Foreign Relations.
PREP

26.
You can indicate when something happens by saying that it happens on a particular day or date.
This year’s event will take place on June 19th, a week earlier than usual...
She travels to Korea on Monday...
I was born on Christmas day...
Dr. Keen arrived about seven on Sunday morning.
PREP

27.
You use on when mentioning an event that was followed by another one.
She waited in her hotel to welcome her children on their arrival from London...
On reaching Dubai the evacuees are taken straight to Dubai international airport.
PREP: PREP n/-ing

28.
You use on to say that someone is continuing to do something.
They walked on in silence for a while...
If the examination shows your company enjoys basically good health, read on...
He happened to be in England when the war broke out and he just stayed on.
ADV: ADV after v

29.
If you say that someone goes on at you, you mean that they continually criticize you, complain to you, or ask you to do something.
She’s been on at me for weeks to show her round the stables...
He used to keep on at me about the need to win...
ADV: be ADV, ADV after v, usu ADV at n

30.
You use on in expressions such as from now on and from then on to indicate that something starts to happen at the time mentioned and continues to happen afterwards.
Perhaps it would be best not to see much of you from now on...
We can expect trouble from this moment on...
ADV: from n ADV

31.
You often use on after the adverbs ‘early’, ‘late’, ‘far’, and their comparative forms, especially at the beginning or end of a sentence, or before a preposition.
The market square is a riot of colour and animation from early on in the morning...
Later on I learned how to read music...
The pub where I had arranged to meet Nobby was a good five minutes walk further on.
ADV: adv ADV

32.
Someone who is on a drug takes it regularly.
She was on antibiotics for an eye infection that wouldn’t go away...
Many of the elderly are on medication.
PREP

33.
If you live on a particular kind of food, you eat it. If a machine runs on a particular kind of power or fuel, it uses it in order to function.
The caterpillars feed on a wide range of trees, shrubs and plants...
He lived on a diet of water and tinned fish...
...making and selling vehicles that run on batteries or fuel-cells.
= off
PREP: v PREP n

34.
If you are on a particular income, that is the income that you have.
He’s on three hundred a week...
You won’t be rich as an MP, but you’ll have enough to live on.
PREP

35.
Taxes or profits that are obtained from something are referred to as taxes or profits on it.
...a general strike to protest a tax on food and medicine last week...
The Church was to receive a cut of the profits on every record sold...
PREP: n PREP n

36.
When you buy something or pay for something, you spend money on it.
I resolved not to waste money on a hotel...
He spent more on feeding the dog than he spent on feeding himself...
More money should be spent on education and housing.
PREP: PREP n/-ing

37.
When you spend time or energy on a particular activity, you spend time or energy doing it.
People complain about how children spend so much time on computer games...
...the opportunity to concentrate more time and energy on America’s domestic agenda.
PREP: PREP n/-ing

38.
If you say that something is not on or is just not on, you mean that it is unacceptable or impossible. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)
We shouldn’t use the police in that way. It’s just not on.
PHRASE: v-link PHR

39.
If you say that something happens on and on, you mean that it continues to happen for a very long time.
...designers, builders, fitters–the list goes on and on...
Lobell drove on and on through the dense and blowing snow.
...a desert of ice stretching on and on.
PHRASE: usu PHR after v

40.
If you ask someone what they are on about or what they are going on about, you are puzzled because you cannot understand what they are talking about. (BRIT INFORMAL)
What on earth are you going on about?...
Honest, Kate, I don’t know what you’re on about.
PHRASE: V inflects

41.
If you say that someone knows what they are on about, you are confident that what they are saying is true or makes sense, for example because they are an expert. (BRIT INFORMAL)
It looks like he knows what he’s on about.
PHRASE: Vs inflect

42.
If someone has something on you, they have evidence that you have done something wrong or bad. If they have nothing on you, they cannot prove that you have done anything wrong or bad. (INFORMAL)
He may have something on her. He may have supplied her with drugs, and then threatened to tell if she didn’t do this...
You’ve got nothing on me and you know it. Your theory would never stand up in a court of law.
PHRASE: V inflects

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1on /ˈɑːn/ prep
1 a : touching and being supported by the top surface of (something)
• The book is (lying) on the table.
• There is a lot of frosting on the cake.
b : to a position that is supported by (something)
• You can get on [=onto] the horse as soon as we've put the saddle on it.
• I climbed out on [=onto] the roof.
c
- used to indicate the part or object by which someone or something is supported
• How long can you stand on one foot?
• He stood on the stool.
• He was on his hands and knees looking for her earring.
2
- used to say that something is attached to something
• He hung the painting on the wall.
• Apples hung on the branches.
3
- used to indicate where someone or something is hit or touched
• I bumped my head on a low branch.
• He slapped me on the hand.
• She kissed him on the cheek.
4 a
- used to indicate the surface or part where something is seen or located
• There are marks on the wall.
• I have a cut on my finger.
b
- used to say that something (such as jewelry) is being worn by someone
• the ring on her finger
5 : near or close to (something or someone)
• a village on [=by] the sea
6
- used to indicate the location or position of something or someone
• Our house is on the left.
• There is a garden on the side of the house.
• We saw cows and chickens on the farm.
• He lives on Main Street.
on page 102 in/of the book
• Which side is it on?
7
- used to indicate the time when something happened or will happen
• We met on July 24th.
On my way home [=while I was going home], I saw a car accident.
• (formal) On the morning of July 24th, the suspect left his house at 8:15 a.m.
• I would like the report on or before July 24th.
• The TV station gives news every hour on the hour. [=at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, etc.]
• The project was finished on schedule/time. [=when it was supposed to be finished]
8 : immediately after (something)
• What was your first reaction on hearing the news? [=when you heard the news]
• You'll be required to pay on delivery of the package. [=when the package is delivered]
9
- used to indicate the subject of something
• a book on [=about] North American birds
• a discussion on current events
• Let's reflect on [=upon] the poem for a moment.
• a test on parts of speech
10 a
- used to indicate the device or instrument that is used to do something
• He played a couple songs on the piano.
• He cut his foot on a piece of broken glass.
b
- used to say that someone is using a telephone, computer, etc.
• They talked on the phone for hours.
• She was on the phone when I went to her office.
• He has been on the computer all night.
c
- used to describe the device, system, etc., that is used for seeing something, hearing something, etc.
• It's the best show on television.
• I heard that song on the radio.
• the display on the computer screen
• a Web site on the Internet
• I have the movie on DVD.
11
- used to indicate a source of something (such as money, food, information, or energy)
• She lives on a small salary.
• The family lives on welfare.
• They make their living on [=off] tourism.
• They profited on [=from] the sale of the house.
• The animal feeds on insects.
• I lived on cereal [=I ate a lot of cereal regularly] in my college years.
• The machine runs on diesel fuel.
• The story is based on fact.
12
- used to indicate the vehicle or animal by which someone or something is moved from one place to another
• I sometimes go to work on a bus. [=I sometimes take a bus to get to work]
• Have you ever ridden on a horse?
13
- used to say that you have something in your possession at a particular time
• I only have $10 on me.
• He had a knife on him.
14
- used to indicate the state of something
• The house is on fire!
• House sales are on the rise. [=are rising]
• All shoes are on sale.
15
- used to indicate an activity that someone did or is now doing
• She did well on the exam/test.
• The band is currently on tour.
• He is off/away on a trip/vacation.
• She is on a diet.
• The officers are on duty.
16
- used to indicate something (such as a medicine or drug) that a person or animal is using
• He used to be on drugs, but he's off them now.
• (informal) What (drugs) is she on?
• They put the dog on antibiotics.
17
- used to indicate the person or thing that is responsible for something
• The drinks are on me. [=I will pay for the drinks]
• They blamed it on me. [=they said it was my fault]
18 a
- used to indicate the person or thing that something is directed toward
• The deadline was creeping up on us. [=the deadline was getting closer]
• an attack on religion
• He is working on [=at] his skiing.
• They are still working on the problem.
• They made a down payment on the house.
• He pulled a gun on me.
• He turned his back on her and walked away.
• a ban on smoking
• Her eyes were on the road. [=she was watching the road]
b
- used to say that someone has been affected by something
• The crops died on them.
• Her husband walked out on her.
19
- used after an adjective to indicate the thing that a statement relates to
• I am short on cash. [=I don't have much cash]
• Opinions are divided on this issue.
• (Brit) Sales are up on last year's but down on those of previous years.
20 : as stated or shown by (someone or something)
• I have it on good authority [=a trustworthy person has told me] that the company will be relocating.
• (Brit) On [=according to] these estimates, we'll be out of debt soon.
21
- used to indicate that someone or something is included as part of a team, list, etc.
• She served on the jury/committee/board.
• He is on the team.
• That dish is no longer on the menu.
• His name was on the list.
22
- used to say that someone or something has an advantage
• She has three inches in height on me. [=she is three inches taller than I am]
• The team has a 3-game lead on last year's champions.
• She is very talented but has nothing on [=has no advantage over] her brother who is an even better singer.
23 chiefly US
- used to say that someone is playing or performing well
• He is on his game. [=he is playing very well]
on about Brit informal + disapproving : talking about
• I haven't a clue what you're on about!
• She is always on about the importance of exercise.
on at Brit informal
1 : asking (someone) for something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
• She is always on at him for money.
2 : asking or telling (someone) to do something repeatedly and in a way that is annoying
• Mummy's always on at me about cleaning up my room!
on it : actively dealing with a problem, job, etc.
• “We need to get this paperwork done.” “Don't worry; I'm on it.” [=I am taking care of it]

start

start [verb] (BEGIN)

To begin doing something

US /stɑːrt/ 
UK /stɑːt/ 

آغاز شدن، شروع کردن

Example: 

The class begins at nine a.m.

كلاس‌ ساعت‌ نه‌ صبح‌ شروع‌ مى‌شود.‏

Oxford Essential Dictionary

 verb (starts, starting, started)

1 to begin to do something:
I start work at nine o'clock.
It started raining.
She started to cry.

2 to begin to happen; to make something begin to happen:
The film starts at 7.30.
The police do not know who started the fire.

3 to begin to work or move; to make something begin to work or move:
The engine won't start.
I can't start the car.

start off to begin:
The teacher started off by asking us our names.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

start

I. start1 S1 W1 /stɑːt $ stɑːrt/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑start, ↑starter ≠ NON-STARTER, ↑restart; verb: ↑start, ↑restart]
[Language: Old English; Origin: styrtan 'to jump']
1. BEGIN DOING SOMETHING [intransitive and transitive] to do something that you were not doing before, and continue doing it SYN begin:
There’s so much to do I don’t know where to start.
Have you started your homework?
start doing something
Then the baby started crying.
start to do something
It’s starting to rain.
He got up and started running again.
I’d better get started (=start doing something) soon.
start somebody doing something
What Kerry said started me thinking (=made me start thinking).
2. BEGIN HAPPENING [intransitive and transitive] (also start off) to begin happening, or to make something begin happening:
What time does the film start?
Lightning started a fire that burned 500 acres.
The party was just getting started when Sara arrived.
starting (from) now/tomorrow/next week etc
You have two hours to complete the test, starting now.
3. BEGIN IN A PARTICULAR WAY [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] (also start off) to begin something in a particular way, or to begin in a particular way:
A healthy breakfast is a good way to start the day.
start with
The festivities started with a huge fireworks display.
start as
The restaurant started as a small take-out place.
start badly/well/slowly etc
Any new exercise program should start slowly.
start (something) by doing something
Chao starts by explaining some basic legal concepts.
4. BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION [transitive] (also start up) to make something begin to exist
start a business/company/firm etc
She wanted to start her own catering business.
5. JOB/SCHOOL [intransitive and transitive] to begin a new job, or to begin going to school, college etc:
When can you start?
start school/college/work
I started college last week.
6. CAR/ENGINE ETC [intransitive and transitive] (also start up) if you start a car or engine, or if it starts, it begins to work:
The car wouldn’t start this morning.
get the car/engine etc started
He couldn’t get his motorbike started.
7. BEGIN GOING SOMEWHERE [intransitive] (also start off/out) to begin travelling or moving in a particular direction SYN set out:
We’ll have to start early to get there by lunchtime.
8. LIFE/PROFESSION [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] (also start off/out) to begin your life or profession in a particular way or place
start as/in
She started as a dancer in the 1950s.
It’s difficult for new lawyers to get started in private practice.
9. ROAD/RIVER/PATH ETC [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a river, road, path etc starts somewhere, it begins in that place:
The trail starts immediately behind the hotel.
start in/at
The race will start at the town hall.
10. PRICES/AMOUNTS [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if prices, amounts, or rates start at or from a particular number, that is the lowest number at which you can get or buy something
start at/from
Room prices start from £25 a night.
11. start from scratch/zero to begin doing a job or activity completely from the beginning:
There were no textbooks, so the teachers had to start from scratch.
12. DELIBERATELY BEGIN SOMETHING [transitive] to deliberately make something start happening, especially something bad:
I started a fire to warm the place up.
start a fight/argument
Oh, don’t go trying to start an argument.
Other girls were starting rumours about me.
13. to start with spoken
a) said when talking about the beginning of a situation, especially when it changes later:
I was pretty nervous to start with, but after a while I was fine.
b) said to emphasize the first of a list of facts or opinions you are stating:
There are problems. To start with, neither of us likes housework.
14. be back where you started to try to do something and fail, so that you finish in the same situation that you were in before:
A lot of people who lose weight gain it back over time, and end up back where they started.
15. SPORTS [intransitive and transitive] if a player starts in a game, or if someone starts them, they begin playing when the game begins, especially because they are one of the best players on the team
start for
Astacio started for the Dodgers on Tuesday night.
16. start a family to have your first baby:
We’re not ready to start a family yet.
17. start afresh/anew to stop doing what you are doing and begin doing it again in a better or different way:
She saw her new job as a chance to start afresh.
18. somebody started it! spoken used to say that someone else has caused an argument or problem:
‘Don’t hit her!’ ‘But she started it!’
19. start something/anything to begin causing trouble:
It looks like Jess is trying to start something.
20. MOVE SUDDENLY [intransitive] to move your body suddenly, especially because you are surprised or afraid SYN jump:
A loud knock at the door made her start.
start from
Emma started from her chair and rushed to the window.
21. start young to begin doing something when you are young, especially when it is unusual to do it:
Woods started young, and was coached by his father.
22. don’t (you) start! British English spoken used to tell someone to stop complaining, arguing, or annoying you:
‘Mum, I don’t like this ice cream.’ ‘Oh, don’t you start!’
• • •
THESAURUS
■ to start doing something
start to begin doing something: I’m starting a new job next week. | It’s time we started.
begin to start doing something. Begin is more formal than start, and is used especially in written English: He began to speak. | The orchestra began playing. | Shall we begin?
commence formal to start doing something: The company will commence drilling next week. | Work was commenced on the next power station.
get down to something to finally start doing something, especially your work: Come on, Sam – it’s time you got down to some homework. | We’d better get down to business.
set off to start a journey: What time do you have to set off in the morning? | I usually set off for work at about 8.30.
set out to start a long journey: The ship set out from Portsmouth on July 12th.
embark on something especially written to start something, especially something new, difficult, or exciting: The Law Society has embarked on a major programme of reform. | Jamaica was embarking on a decade of musical creativity.
resume formal to start doing something again after stopping it or being interrupted: Normal train services will be resumed on April 5th. | Trade was resumed after the end of the war.
get cracking informal to start doing something or going somewhere: I think we should get cracking straightaway.
■ to start happening
start/begin to begin: What time does the film start?
begin to start. Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: The trial began in March. | Work on the new bridge will begin early next year.
open to start being shown to the public – used about a play, show, or exhibition: Lloyd Webber’s new musical opened in London last week. | A major exhibition of her work will open in New York in November.
commence formal to start happening: The voting has already commenced. | The work is scheduled to commence in April.
get under way to start happening or being done – used especially about something that is likely to last a long time: Construction work is getting under way on a new train network. | Discussions concerning the plan got under way on April 2.
break out to start happening – used especially about a fire, a fight, war, or a disease: Police were called in when fighting broke out in the crowd. | The blaze broke out on the third floor of the hotel.
kick off informal to start – used especially about a football game or a meeting: The match is due to kick off this afternoon at Wembley Stadium. | What time will the celebrations kick off?
start back phrasal verb
to begin returning to the place you came from
start back to/down/up etc
I started back down the mountain to camp.
start in phrasal verb American English
1. to begin doing something, especially with a lot of effort:
I decided to just start in and see what I could do.
start in on
Lilly started in on her burger.
2. to begin criticizing someone or complaining to them about something
start in on
Mom turned away from Rose and started in on me.
start off phrasal verb
1. to begin something in a particular way, or to begin in a particular way
start something ↔ off with something/by doing something
The theater company started off their new season with a Shakespeare play.
start off with something/by doing something
I started off by drawing the flowers I had collected.
2. to be a particular thing or have a particular quality at the beginning of something, especially when this changes later:
The puppies start off white, and get their black spots later.
start off as
The games start off as a social event, but players soon become competitive.
I started off as a drummer.
3. start something ↔ off to make something begin happening:
We’re not sure what starts the process off.
4. start somebody ↔ off to help someone begin an activity
start somebody ↔ off with
He started me off with some stretching exercises.
5. to begin going somewhere:
I sat in the car for a few minutes before starting off.
start off to/towards/back etc
She started off to school in her new uniform.
6. start somebody off British English informal to make someone get angry or start laughing, by saying something:
Don’t say that; that’ll just start him off.
start somebody off doing something
He made her jump, and that started her off giggling.
start on somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to begin doing something or using something:
You’d better start on your homework.
2. start somebody on something to make someone start doing something regularly, especially because it will be good for them:
Try starting your baby on solid foods at four months old.
3. British English informal to begin criticizing someone or complaining to them about something
start on somebody/something at
Ray’s wife started on at him about spending too much time in the pub.
start out phrasal verb
1. to begin happening or existing in a particular way, especially when this changes later
start out as
‘The Star’ started out as a small weekly newspaper.
The leaves start out a pale green, and later get darker.
2. to begin your life or profession, or an important period of time:
When the band first started out, they played at small clubs.
start out as
She started out as a model.
start out on
young couples starting out on their life together
3. to begin going somewhere:
Oliver started out at five, when it was still dark.
start over phrasal verb American English
to start doing something again from the beginning, especially because you want to do it better:
If you make a mistake, just erase it and start over.
start up phrasal verb
1. if you start up a business, company etc, or it starts up, it begins to exist:
Tax breaks help new companies start up.
start something ↔ up
Jordan started up a band of his own.
2. if an engine, car etc starts up, or you start it up, it begins working:
The driver got back into the car and started up.
start something ↔ up
Rory started up the engine and got the vehicle moving.
3. if a sound, activity, or event starts up, it begins to exist or happen:
The crickets had started up now that it was evening.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

start

start [start starts started starting] verb, noun   [stɑːt]    [stɑːrt]

verb  

DOING STH
1. transitive, intransitive to begin doing or using sth
~ sth I start work at nine.
He's just started a new job.
I only started (= began to read) this book yesterday.
We need to start (= begin using) a new jar of coffee.
The kids start school next week.
~ to do sth It started to rain.
Mistakes were starting to creep in.
~ doing sth She started laughing.
~ (on sth) It's a long story. Where shall I start?
It's time you started on your homework.
Can you start (= a new job) on Monday?
~ by doing sth Let's start by reviewing what we did last week.

+ adj. The best professional musicians start young.  

HAPPENING

2. intransitive, transitive to start happening; to make sth start happening
When does the class start?
Have you any idea where the rumour started?
~ sth Who started the fire?
Do you start the day with a good breakfast?
• You're always trying to start an argument.

~ sb/sth doing sth The news started me thinking.  

MACHINE/VEHICLE

3. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) when you start a machine or a vehicle or it starts, it begins to operate
Start the engines!
• I can't get the car started.

• The car won't start.  

EXISTING

4. intransitive, transitive to begin to exist; to make sth begin to exist
~ (up) There are a lot of small businesses starting up in that area.
~ sth (up) They decided to start a catering business.

• She started a yoga class at work.  

JOURNEY

5. intransitive ~ (out) to begin a journey; to leave
Syn:  set off, Syn: set out

• What time are we starting tomorrow?  

GOING/WALKING

6. intransitive + adv./prep. to begin to move in a particular direction
I started after her (= began to follow her) to tell her the news.

• He started for the door, but I blocked his way.  

IN PARTICULAR WAY/FROM PLACE/LEVEL

7. intransitive, transitive to begin, or to begin sth such as a career, in a particular way that changed later
~ as sth She started as a secretary but ended up running the department.
~ out/off (as sth) The company started out with 30 employees.

~ sth (as sth) He started life as a teacher before turning to journalism.

8. intransitive + adv./prep. to begin from a particular place, amount or situation
The trail starts just outside the town.
• Hotel prices start at €50 a night for a double room.

• The evening started badly when the speaker failed to turn up.  

MOVE SUDDENLY

9. intransitive to move suddenly and quickly because you are surprised or afraid
Syn:  jump
The sudden noise made her start.
more at alarm bells ring/start ringing at  alarm  n., get/set/start/keep the ball rolling at  ball  n., get/start off on the right/wrong foot at  foot  n.
 
Word Origin:
Old English styrtan ‘to caper, leap’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch storten ‘push’ and German stürzen ‘fall headlong, fling’. From the sense ‘sudden movement’ arose the sense ‘initiation of movement, setting out on a journey’ and hence ‘beginning of a process, etc.’.  
Thesaurus:
start verb
1. T, I
He's just started a new job.
beginopentake sth upset about sthgo about sthset sth upset/put sth in motion|formal commenceembark on/upon sthinitiateinstitute|especially business journalism launch
Opp: finish, Opp: stop
start/begin/take up/set about/go about/commence doing sth
start/begin to do sth
start/begin/open/embark on/initiate/institute/launch a/an campaign/inquiry
start/begin/set in motion/embark on/initiate/institute/set up/launch a scheme
Start or begin? Compare:
‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he began.
 ¤ ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he started.:
Who started the fire?
I can't start the car
 ¤ Who began the fire?
 ¤ I can't begin the car.
2. I
When does the class start?
beginstart offopen|informal kick off|formal commence
Opp: finish
start/begin/start off/open/kick off/commence with sth
start/begin/start off/open/kick off/commence by doing sth
a campaign/competition/match/meeting starts/begins/starts off/opens/kicks off/commences
a film/book/chapter starts/begins/starts off/opens
3. T, I
Start the engines!
start sth upturn sth onswitch sth on
Opp: stop
start/start up/turn on/switch on a machine/motor/engine
start/turn on/switch on the ignition
Start or start up? Only start is used in the phrases get sth started and sth won't start. Use start sth up to talk about computers.
4. I
They started out early for Saigon.
set offtake offset sailleave|formal depart|especially written set out
start/set off/take off/set sail/leave/depart/set out for/from sth
start (out)/set off/take off/set sail/set out on a journey, voyage, etc.
start/set off/take off/leave/depart/set out early  
Synonyms:
start
begin start off kick off commence open
These words are all used to talk about things happening from the beginning, or people doing the first part of sth.
startto begin to happen or exist; to begin in a particular way or from a particular point: When does the class start?
beginto start to happen or exist; to start in a particular way or from a particular point; to start speaking: When does the concert begin?
start or begin?
There is not much difference in meaning between these words. Start is more frequent in spoken English and in business contexts; begin is more frequent in written English and is often used when you are describing a series of events: The story begins on the island of Corfu. Start is not used to mean ‘begin speaking’: ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he started.
start off(rather informal) to start happening or doing sth; to start by doing or being sth: The discussion started off mildly enough.
kick off(informal) to start an event or activity, especially in a particular way; (of an event, activity, etc.) to start, especially in a particular way: Tom will kick off with a few comments. The festival kicks off on Monday, September 13.
commence(formal) to start happening: The meeting is scheduled to commence at noon.
opento start an event or activity in a particular way; (of an event, film/movie or book) to start, especially in a particular way: The story opens with a murder.
to start/begin/start off/kick off/commence/open with sth
to start/begin/start off/kick off/commence/open by doing sth
to start/begin/start off/commence as sth
a campaign/season/meeting starts/begins/starts off/kicks off/commences/opens
a film/movie/book starts/begins/starts off/opens 
Which Word?:
begin / start
There is not much difference in meaning between begin and start, though start is more common in spoken English: What time does the concert start/begin? She started/began working here three months ago. Begin is often used when you are describing a series of events: The story begins on the island of Corfu. Start, but not begin, can also mean ‘to start a journey’, ‘to start something happening’ or ‘to start a machine working’: We’ll need to start at 7.00. Who do you think started the fire? The car won’t start.
You can use either an infinitive or a form with -ing after begin and start, with no difference in meaning: I didn’t start worrying/to worry until she was 2 hours late.
After the forms beginning and starting, the -ing form of the verb is not normally used: It’s starting/beginning to rain. ◊ It’s starting/beginning raining. 
Example Bank:
A new term was about to start.
At that point I just started to hate the man.
By early evening he was ready to start work.
He has just started at school.
Her heart suddenly started to race.
I'll have to start again from scratch.
I've finished decorating the bathroom, so now I can start on the bedroom.
If you want to learn about frogs, this book is an excellent place to start.
It started as a hobby and grew from there.
It's already late, so I think we should get started.
It's time to start thinking about next year.
Let's start with this first piece of music.
She started up a conversation with the woman sitting next to her.
Start from the beginning and tell me exactly what happened.
We'll just have to start all over again.
We'll start off by doing some warm-up exercises.
Work is due to start this weekend.
You'd better start packing if you're to leave early tomorrow morning.
He's just started a new job.
Hotel prices start at £65 a night for a double room.
I only started this book yesterday.
It's time you started on your homework.
We need to start a new jar of coffee.
You're always trying to start an argument.
I can't get the car started.
I should get there by the afternoon if I start early.
Make sure you've got everything before we start.
She had started out late for the meeting.
The car won't start.
They had started out from Saigon the previous day.
They started out at five o'clock in the morning.
What time do we start?
Idioms: don't start  for a start  get started  start something  start with  you/he/she started it

Derived: start back  start off  start on about something  start on at somebody  start on somebody  start out  start over  start somebody off  start something up  start up 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

start / stɑːt /   / stɑːrt / verb (BEGIN)

A1 [ I or T ] to begin doing something:

When do you start your course/your new job?

We'll be starting (the session) at six o'clock.

Can you start (= begin a new job) on Monday?

[ + -ing verb ] They started build ing the house in January.

[ + to infinitive ] I'd just started to write a letter when the phone rang.

B2 [ I or T ] ( also start up ) If a business or other organization starts, or if someone starts one, it is created and starts to operate:

She started her own software company.

A lot of new restaurants have started up in the region.

B1 [ I or T ] to begin to happen or to make something begin to happen:

A new series of wildlife programmes has started on Monday evenings.

Police believe the fire was started by arsonists.

A1 [ I or T ] to begin a set of activities with the thing or person mentioned:

The speaker started with a description of her journey to China.

Give me your answers one by one, starting with Lucy.

You could start by weed ing the flowerbeds.

He started his working life as an engineer but later became a teacher.

[ I ] informal to begin to complain or be annoying in some way:

Don't start - we're not going and that's that!

informal "It would help if Richard did some work." "Oh, don't get me started on Richard!"

get started to begin:

When can we get started?

start a family

to have your first child

start work to begin being employed:

He started work at 16 in a local bakers.

to start with B2 at the beginning, or as the first of several things:

We only knew two people in London to start with, but we soon made friends.

To start with, we need better computers - then we need more training.
 

start / stɑːt /   / stɑːrt / verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] (FIRST POINT)

to begin at one point and then move to another, in distance or range:

The bus starts at/from the main depot.

We'll need to start (off/out) early because the journey takes six hours.

Tell me what happened - start at the beginning .

Ticket prices start at/from £20 and go up to £100.
 

start / stɑːt /   / stɑːrt / verb [ I ] (MOVE SUDDENLY)

to move your body suddenly because something has surprised or frightened you:

He started at the sound of the phone.
 

start / stɑːt /   / stɑːrt / verb [ I or T ] ( also start up ) (WORK)

B2 to (cause to) begin to work or operate:

I'm having trouble starting the car.

The engine won't start.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

start

/stɑ:(r)t/
(starts, starting, started)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
If you start to do something, you do something that you were not doing before and you continue doing it.
John then unlocked the front door and I started to follow him up the stairs...
It was 1956 when Susanna started the work on the garden...
She started cleaning the kitchen.
= begin
VERB: V to-inf, V n/-ing, V n/-ing

Start is also a noun.
After several starts, she read the report properly.
N-COUNT

2.
When something starts, or if someone starts it, it takes place from a particular time.
The fire is thought to have started in an upstairs room...
The Great War started in August of that year...
All of the passengers started the day with a swim.
= begin
VERB: V prep, V prep, V n

Start is also a noun.
...1918, four years after the start of the Great War...
She demanded to know why she had not been told from the start.
= beginning
N-SING: the N

3.
If you start by doing something, or if you start with something, you do that thing first in a series of actions.
I started by asking how many day-care centers were located in the United States...
He started with a good holiday in Key West, Florida.
= begin
VERB: V by -ing, V with n

4.
You use start to say what someone’s first job was. For example, if their first job was that of a factory worker, you can say that they started as a factory worker.
Betty started as a shipping clerk at the clothes factory...
VERB: V as n

Start off means the same as start.
Mr. Dambar had started off as an assistant to Mrs. Spear’s husband.
PHRASAL VERB: V P as n

5.
When someone starts something such as a new business, they create it or cause it to begin.
Now is probably as good a time as any to start a business.
VERB: V n

Start up means the same as start.
The cost of starting up a day care center for children ranges from $150,000 to $300,000...
He said what a good idea it would be to start a community magazine up.
= set up
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P
see also start-up

6.
If you start an engine, car, or machine, or if it starts, it begins to work.
He started the car, which hummed smoothly...
We were just passing one of the parking bays when a car’s engine started.
VERB: V n, V

Start up means the same as start.
He waited until they went inside the building before starting up the car and driving off...
Put the key in the ignition and turn it to start the car up...
The engine of the seaplane started up.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V n P, V P

7.
If you start, your body suddenly moves slightly as a result of surprise or fear.
She put the bottle on the table, banging it down hard. He started at the sound...
VERB: V

Start is also a noun.
Sylvia woke with a start...
He gave a start of surprise and astonishment.
N-COUNT: usu sing

8.
see also head start, false start

9.
You use for a start or to start with to introduce the first of a number of things or reasons that you want to mention or could mention.
You must get her name and address, and that can be a problem for a start...
PHRASE: PHR with cl/group

10.
If you get off to a good start, you are successful in the early stages of doing something. If you get off to a bad start, you are not successful in the early stages of doing something.
The new Prime Minister has got off to a good start, but he still has to demonstrate what manner of leader he is going to be...
PHRASE: V inflects

11.
To start with means at the very first stage of an event or process.
To start with, the pressure on her was very heavy, but it’s eased off a bit now...
PHRASE: PHR with cl

12.
in fits and starts: see fit
to get off to a flying start: see flying

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1start /ˈstɑɚt/ verb starts; start·ed; start·ing
1 a : to do the first part of something : to begin doing something

[+ obj]

• They started clearing land for the new housing development.
• He started the speech (out) with a joke.
• He started studying music at the age of five.
• She saw her divorce as an opportunity to start a new life. = She saw her divorce as an opportunity to start life anew/afresh/over.

[no obj]

• As soon as you're ready to play, we'll start.
• Let's start with some warm-up exercises.
• He deleted what he wrote and started fresh/again/over.
• Nothing like this had ever been done before, so we had to start from scratch. [=we had to begin from a point at which nothing had been done yet]
• Olympic athletes start young and train hard.
• The tire tracks at the scene of the crime were a starting point for investigators. [=investigators used the tire tracks to start their investigation]
b [+ obj] : to begin to work on, produce, or give attention to (something)
• I started the quilt last month.
• Have you started your book report?
• Did you start (reading) the book yet?
c [+ obj] : to cause (something) to begin
• We started the meeting at 6:30. : to cause (something) to begin in a specified way
• She started the meeting with a brief review of the previous meeting.
• He starts every day with a cup of coffee.
d [+ obj] : to begin to have a feeling, thought, etc. - usually followed by to + verb
• She started to feel dizzy soon after the accident.
• I'm starting to think the oversight was intentional.
- sometimes + -ing verb
• She started feeling dizzy soon after the accident.
• He started having chest pains.
e : to begin working at a new job or going to school

[+ obj]

• I start my new job next Monday.
• When does she start school?

[no obj]

• I just got a new job. I start next week.
2 a : to begin to happen, to exist, to be done, etc.

[no obj]

• The fire started in the cellar.
• The rain will start soon and should end sometime this evening.
• The game started late.
Starting next week, all employees will be required to wear ID tags.
• The movie just started.
• What is the movie's starting time?
• When does school start?
• The game was just starting when it began to rain.

[+ obj]

- often followed by to + verb
• It started to rain.
• The leaves are starting to change colors.
- often + -ing verb
• It started raining.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to exist or happen
• He started a scholarship fund.
• The tradition was started many years ago.
• “Stop fighting, you two!” “He started it.” [=he did something to cause the fight]
• She's always starting arguments.
• They want to start a family [=begin to have children] soon.
3 a [no obj] : to begin to function or operate
• The car/engine won't start.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to begin to function or operate
• She started the car and drove away.
4 [+ obj] : to begin the use of (something)
• You'll have to start a new roll of tape. This one's empty.
5 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj]
a : to have a particular beginning : to begin at a specified place or in a specified way
• The English alphabet starts with A and ends with Z.
• The first word in a sentence should start with a capital letter.
• The parade starts at the intersection of First and Main.
• The path/trail starts here and ends at the lake.
b : to have a specified quality, identity, job, etc., at the beginning - often + as
• What started (off) as a simple idea has become an expensive and complicated project.
• She started (out) as a sales assistant but is now the marketing director.
6 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to begin to move toward a particular place or in a particular direction
• We'll start for home soon.
• We should start back to the camp before it gets dark.
• He started toward the door.
• The dog started after the squirrel.
7 [no obj]
- used to indicate the beginning of a range, series, etc.; often + at
• The rates start at $10 per hour.
• At his company, salaries start at around $30,000. [=$30,000 is the lowest salary]
• Interest rates for CDs were starting at 3.9 percent.
• What is the starting salary for the job? [=what is the salary people are paid when they start the job?]
• The starting price [=the basic price when nothing extra has been added] for the car is $18,000.
8 a : to participate in a game or contest at its beginning

[no obj]

• Despite his injury, he'll start in center field today.
• The manager removed the starting pitcher [=the pitcher who was playing at the beginning of the game] in the third inning.
• He's in the starting lineup. [=a list of the players who will be playing when the game begins]
- often + for
• Who's starting for the home team?

[+ obj]

• He'll start today's game in center field.
• a pitcher who has started five games so far this year
• She started the race but wasn't able to finish.
b [+ obj] : to put (someone or something) into a game or contest at its beginning
• The coach is starting him at quarterback for the next game.
• He plans to start [=enter] the horse in only a few races this year.
9 [+ obj]
a : to cause (someone) to begin doing something
• Her questions started me thinking. : to cause (someone) to begin a job or activity in a particular way, at a particular level, etc.
• The company started him at the same salary he had been getting at his previous job.
b : to cause (someone) to begin talking about a particular subject
• “What do you think of the new boss?” “Don't get me started. I can't stand him.”
- often + on
Don't get him started on the war: he'll never stop!
10 [no obj] : to move suddenly and quickly because you are surprised or frightened
• The loud noise made him start. [=jump]
• The horse started when the shot rang out.
11 [no obj] informal : to begin complaining, arguing, etc.
• He started with me, so I hit him.
Don't (you) start (with me). I made a mistake—that's the end of it.
get started : to begin doing or working on something
• You (had) better get started if you want to finish on time.
• newlyweds who are just getting started [=who are just starting their lives together]
start in [phrasal verb] chiefly US informal
1 : to start doing a particular activity or action
• He took a break from painting to eat lunch, then started in again.
- often + on
• She started in on another book.
2 start in on (someone) : to criticize (someone) about something
• My dad started in on me about not having a job.
start off [phrasal verb]
1 start off or start (something) off or start off (something) : to start or cause (something) to start in a specified way
• He started off by introducing himself.
• She started off (her run) at a slow jog.
• The performance started off badly.
- often + with
• I started off my speech with a joke.
• We started off the meal with shrimp cocktails.
• The team started the season off with a 10-game winning streak.
2 : to have a specified quality, identity, job, etc., at the start
• She started off as a sales assistant but is now the marketing director.
3 : to begin an important period in your life or career
• The house is perfect for a couple just starting off.
4 : to begin to move toward a particular place or in a particular direction
• She ate breakfast before starting off for work.
5 start (someone) off or start off (someone) : to cause (someone) to begin doing a particular activity or action
• He started his daughter off on the piano.
• The game-show host started her off with some easy questions.
start on [phrasal verb]
1 start on (something) : to begin doing (something)
• Did you start on your homework yet?
2 start (someone) on (something) : to cause (someone) to start doing or using (something)
• The doctor started him on [=made him start taking] antibiotics.
• When should we start the baby on solid food? [=start feeding the baby solid food]
3 start on at (someone) chiefly Brit informal : to criticize (someone) about something
• Don't start on at me again about spending money!
start out [phrasal verb]
1 : to begin in a specified way
• He started out by introducing himself.
• She started out at a slow jog.
• The day started out hot and humid.
• The story started out good, but I didn't like the ending.
• She started out wanting to be a doctor but became a midwife instead.
- often + with
• I started out with $100 but I have only $10 left.
• Let's start out with some warm-up exercises.
2 : to have a specified quality, identity, job, etc., at the start
• What started out as a simple idea has become an expensive and complicated project.
• He started out in teaching before becoming a lawyer.
3 : to begin an important period in your life or career
• The couple is just starting out.
• She started out on a career in teaching.
4 : to begin to travel
• They started out in the early morning.
5 : to have a particular place as a beginning point
• The parade starts out at the intersection of First and Main.
start over [phrasal verb] chiefly US
1 start over or start (something) over : to begin doing something again
• I'm sorry, but you'll have to start over. = I'm sorry, but you'll have to start (all) over again.
• She saw her divorce as an opportunity to start (her life) over.
2 : to begin to happen again
• In the spring, the eggs hatch, and the cycle starts over. = The cycle starts (all) over again.
start something also start anything informal : to do something that causes trouble
• She is always trying to start something.
• Don't start anything.
start the ball rolling
- see 1ball
start up [phrasal verb]
1 : to begin to happen or exist
• New businesses are starting up all over the state.
• The rain started up again.
2 start up or start (something) up or start up (something) : to begin to function or to make (something) begin to function
• The car/engine won't start up.
• He started the lawn mower up.
to start with
1
- used to introduce a statement that is the first in a series of statements
• “I don't think we should buy the car.” “Why not?” “To start with, I'm not sure we can afford it.”
2 : at the beginning : before the current time or situation
• She has lost a lot of weight, and she wasn't very heavy to start with.
• He didn't like his job to start with [=at first, initially], but he got used to it eventually.

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