noun

ceremony

cere·mony [ceremony ceremonies]   [ˈserəməni]    [ˈserəmoʊni]  noun (pl. cere·monies)
1. countable a public or religious occasion that includes a series of formal or traditional actions
• an awards/opening ceremony

• a wedding/marriage ceremony

2. uncountable formal behaviour; traditional actions and words used on particular formal occasions
• The royal guests were welcomed with pomp and ceremony.
see also  master of ceremonies
Idioms: stand on ceremony ▪ without ceremony  
Word Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French ceremonie or Latin caerimonia ‘religious worship’, (plural) ‘ritual observances’.  
Thesaurus:
ceremony noun C
• They were married in a simple ceremony.
ritual • • rite • • service • • sacrament • • liturgy •
at a ceremony/ritual/rite/service
a religious ceremony/ritual/rite/service
a/an ancient/primitive/traditional/pagan ceremony/ritual/rite
perform a ceremony/ritual/rite 
Collocations:
Marriage and divorce
Romance
fall/be (madly/deeply/hopelessly) in love (with sb)
be/believe in/fall in love at first sight
be/find true love/the love of your life
suffer (from) (the pains/pangs of) unrequited love
have/feel/show/express great/deep/genuine affection for sb/sth
meet/marry your husband/wife/partner/fiancé/fiancée/boyfriend/girlfriend
have/go on a (blind) date
be going out with/ (especially NAmE) dating a guy/girl/boy/man/woman
move in with/live with your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner
Weddings
get/be engaged/married/divorced
arrange/plan a wedding
have a big wedding/a honeymoon/a happy marriage
have/enter into an arranged marriage
call off/cancel/postpone your wedding
invite sb to/go to/attend a wedding/a wedding ceremony/a wedding reception
conduct/perform a wedding ceremony
exchange rings/wedding vows/marriage vows
congratulate/toast/raise a glass to the happy couple
be/go on honeymoon (with your wife/husband)
celebrate your first (wedding) anniversary
Separation and divorce
be unfaithful to/ (informal) cheat on your husband/wife/partner/fiancé/fiancée/boyfriend/girlfriend
have an affair (with sb)
break off/end an engagement/a relationship
break up with/split up with/ (informal) dump your boyfriend/girlfriend
separate from/be separated from/leave/divorce your husband/wife
annul/dissolve a marriage
apply for/ask for/go through/get a divorce
get/gain/be awarded/have/lose custody of the children
pay alimony/child support (to your ex-wife/husband) 
Example Bank:
• I won't stand on ceremony.
• It was done quickly and without ceremony.
• Many dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
• She was buried with great ceremony in the Abbey.
• The marriage ceremony was performed by the bishop.
• They were married in a simple ceremony.
• With due ceremony, he took the oath to become president.
• Without ceremony, the woman slammed the door shut in my face.
• a same-sex commitment ceremony
• a special ceremony to mark the end of the war
• an official ceremony to welcome the new director
• the Japanese tea ceremony
• the guest of honour at the ceremony
• the opening ceremony of the Olympic games
• the pomp and ceremony of a royal wedding

• an awards ceremony

festival

fes·ti·val [festival festivals]   [ˈfestɪvl]    [ˈfestɪvl]  noun
1. a series of performances of music, plays, films/movies, etc, usually organized in the same place once a year; a series of public events connected with a particular activity or idea
• the Edinburgh festival
• the Cannes film festival
• a beer festival

• a rock festival (= where bands perform, often outdoors and over a period of several days)

2. a day or period of the year when people stop working to celebrate a special event, often a religious one
see also  harvest festival  
Word Origin:
Middle English (as an adjective): via Old French from medieval Latin festivalis, from Latin festivus, from festum, (plural) festa ‘feast’.  
Culture:
festivals
Many branches of the arts hold festivals each year in towns and cities throughout Britain and the US. Some of the larger festivals last several weeks and include music, drama, art and literature. People travel a long way to hear the top international performers that such festivals attract. Smaller festivals concentrate on one art form, such as poetry. Because the US is so large, most of its festivals are local, although a few famous ones, such as the Monterey Jazz Festival in California, attract people from around the world. Americans most like summer festivals where they can enjoy art, music and food outdoors.
Many festivals try to obtain sponsorship money from local businesses to help cover the costs. In the US events are relatively cheap so the entire family can spend the day out. In Britain, however, tickets may be expensive. This tends to restrict the number and type of people who go to the main festivals, and many festival-goers are middle-aged, middle-class professional people. This in turn can affect the type of music or drama that the organizers put on.
Some festivals, such as the Edinburgh Festival, have been running for many years. A special feature of the Edinburgh Festival is the Fringe. Fringe events are usually avant-garde and attract a wide audience. They also get a lot of attention from the critics, and this can help the careers of younger performers. In Wales, several eisteddfods celebrate Welsh culture and include competitions for composers and artists. In the US the Carmel Performing Arts Festival in California offers a range of music, dance, theatre, stories and poetry.
Many festivals concentrate on music. In Britain, the Aldeburgh Festival was founded by Benjamin Britten. The most famous British music festival, however, is the Proms, held each summer at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Concerts contain a mixture of old favourites and new, specially commissioned pieces. Classical music is less popular in the US, but several festivals offer a mixture of concerts and classes, e.g. the Aspen Music Festival.
Festivals of rock and pop music are often huge informal open-air events attended by thousands of people, many of whom camp overnight in a nearby field. The biggest rock festivals in Britain include Glastonbury, Reading and the Download festival, Donnington. There are huge numbers of festivals every year across the US for different types of music. These include Rock Fests, for example the one held near Cadott, Wisconsin and the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival which celebrates the music (and Cajun food) of Black French and Creole peoples. The Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis and the W C Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival in Henderson, Kentucky, celebrate the blues.
Film festivals are especially popular in the US. The best known is the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. The Hollywood Film Festival attracts big stars, but America’s mix of people from different races and cultures has led to many smaller events such as the Boston Jewish Film Festival and the Los Angeles Asian-Pacific Film Festival. The main event in Britain is the London Film Festival, run by the BFI (British Film Institute). There is also the Celtic Film and Television Festival, which promotes Celtic languages and cultures and takes place in a different town each year in Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland, Wales or Brittany.
Fewer people generally attend literature festivals, but in the US the annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival has become a major event. It includes performances of Williams’s plays and a walking tour of ‚Williams’s New Orleans’. The Dodge Poetry Festival is held every two years in New Jersey. In Britain the town of Hay -on-Wye has a literary festival, and Stratford-upon-Avon has a poetry festival every summer.
In the US the most common festivals are arts, or arts and crafts, festivals. For example, the Utah Arts Festival mixes art with music, theatre and cooking. 
Example Bank:
• He's appearing at a local folk festival tonight.
• I like to play any big festivals.
• The dance troupe will open the festival on June 13.
• The family always celebrates the Jewish festivals.
• The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year.
• The school has taken part in the festival since 1997.
• a festival featuring five local bands
• the events in this year's festival
• the film festival circuit
• the movies shown during the eight-day festival

• the pilgrims who arrived on major festivals

club

club [club clubs clubbed clubbing] noun, verb   [klʌb]    [klʌb] 

noun  

FOR ACTIVITY/SPORT
1. countable + singular or plural verb (especially in compounds) a group of people who meet together regularly, for a particular activity, sport, etc
• a golf/tennis, etc. club
• a chess/film/movie, etc. club
• to join/belong to a club
• The club has/have voted to admit new members.

see also  fan club, youth club

2. countable the building or rooms that a particular club uses
• We had lunch at the golf club.
• the club bar

see also  country club, health club

3. countable + singular or plural verb (BrE) a professional sports organization that includes the players, managers, owners and members

• Manchester United Football Club  

MUSIC/DANCING

4. countable a place where people, especially young people, go and listen to music, dance, etc
• a jazz club
• the club scene in Newcastle

see also  clubbing, nightclub, strip club  

SOCIAL

5. countable + singular or plural verb (especially in Britain) an organization and a place where people, usually men only, can meet together socially or stay

• He's a member of several London clubs.  

SELLING BOOKS/CDS

6. countable an organization that sells books, CDs, etc. cheaply to its members
• a music club

see also  book club  

WEAPON

7. countable a heavy stick with one end thicker than the other, that is used as a weapon

see also  billy club  

IN GOLF

8. countable =  golf club  

IN CARD GAMES
9. clubs plural, uncountable one of the four sets of cards (called suits) in a pack of cards. The clubs have a black design shaped like three black leaves on a short stem

• the five/queen/ace of clubs

10. countable one card from the suit called clubs
• I played a club.
more at join the club at  join  _v.  
Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 6 and v. sense 2 early 17th cent. club
n. senses 7 to 10 and v. sense 1 Middle English Old Norse clubba klumba clump
 
Culture:
clubs and societies
Many people in Britain and the US belong to at least one club or society. Club is often used to refer to a group of people who regularly meet together socially or take part in sports. Most young people’s groups are called clubs. A society is usually concerned with a special interest, e.g. birdwatching or local history, and sends newsletters or magazines to its members. National societies, such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, usually have local branches.
Social clubs have a bar where members can sit and talk to each other. Members of the upper class or business people may belong to a gentlemen's club. Most of these are in London and even today only some of them allow women to be members. They are places to relax in, but also to make business contacts and take clients. Freemasonary attracts business and professional men who may join a lodge (= branch) in their home town. Masons are sometimes accused of giving unfair advantages to other Masons in business, etc.
Some clubs combine social events with community service. Members of the Rotary Club, the Round Table, the Kiwanis and the Lions Club are usually professional or business people. In the US these organizations are called service clubs. Some are open only to men. They hold events to raise money for good causes, e.g. to provide scholarships for university students or to raise money for a hospital.
In Britain, working men’s clubs were set up for men doing manual jobs. The clubs offer a range of entertainment, such as comedians or darts matches, as well as a bar. In recent years some clubs have decided to admit women. In the US there are clubs based on ethnic origin, religion or military background. For example, the Knights of Columbus is a club for Roman Catholic men. People who have served in the armed forces join the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. The British Legion is a similar organization for former British servicemen.
In Britain, the Women's Institute and the Townswomen’s Guild began with the aim of improving women’s education. Both now organize social and cultural activities.
Nightclubs, often called simply clubs, are places where mainly young people meet to drink and dance. They charge admission fees rather than a subscription. Fees are higher at weekends and in large cities, especially London.
Many sports clubs hold parties and arrange social events, as well as providing facilities for various sports. Golf clubs are often expensive to join, and there is often a long waiting list. Other sports clubs include those for squash, tennis, cricket, bowls, snooker and cycling. Many clubs own their own sports ground and clubhouse with a bar. Most towns also have gyms or fitness clubs. In Britain, sports and social clubs are run by some big companies for their employees and in the US most sports clubs are associated with companies. Softball and basketball teams play against teams from other companies in the same city.
Country clubs are found in green areas near cities all over the US. They offer sports like swimming, golf and tennis, and hold dances and other social events in the restaurants and bars. The oldest and most famous country club was established in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1882.
Many Americans belong to the alumni club of the college or university they attended. Members take part in social activities and raise money for the university.
Some students join Greek societies, societies named with Greek letters, e.g. Alpha Epsilon Pi. Fraternities are for men, and sororities are for women. Most Greek societies are social organizations and their members, who usually come from rich families, live in a fraternity or sorority house. After they leave university, many members continue to be active in the organization. There are also honor societies for outstanding students, which also have Greek letters in their names. Phi Beta Kappa is the most famous of these. Some are for students in a particular subject, for example Psi Chi is for students in psychology. In Britain, schools, colleges and universities have societies for former students, often called old boys’ or old girls’ associations.
In most towns there are local societies for many interests, including singing, drama, film, folk music, archaeology, natural and local history and photography. Local branches of national societies, such as the National Trust in Britain and the Audubon Society in the US, organize events in their area. Only a small proportion of members attend local events, and most people join these societies because they support their aims.
Clubs are an important feature of school life, especially in the US. They include clubs for science, drama and music, as well as language clubs. Outside school, children can join a local youth club, Scouts or Girl Guides, or another youth organization. 
Thesaurus:
club noun
1. C+sing./pl. v.
• He joined the local drama club.
society • • association • • organization •
form/set up/belong to/join a/an club/society/association/organization
a/an club/society/association/organization meets
a member of a/an club/society/association/organization
Club, association or society? These words are all used for groups of people who have a shared interest or purpose. Often, but not always, a club relates to leisure interests, a society to academic interests, and an association to professional interests. A club can be quite informal.
2. C (BrE)
• a Premier League football club
team • • squad • • line-up • |BrE side •
a football/rugby/cricket club/team/squad/side
a/an Irish/French club/team/squad/side
the England/Ireland team/squad/side/line-up
a club/team/side plays/wins/loses (a game/match)
Club, team or side? Club refers to the organization that includes players, owner and manager; team and side usually refer just to the players, often at a particular time
• This team is arguably even better than the Welsh side of the seventies.
 
Example Bank:
• She belongs to a book club.
• She plays at the local tennis club.
• Who runs the tennis club?
• a new style of music on the London club scene
• members of an exclusive club
• one of the top football clubs in the country
• Anderson took over as club captain.
• Anyone interested in umpiring matches should contact the club chairman.
• Athletico Madrid Football Club
• Fan club members can get concert tickets at a discount.
• He is expected to sign for a Premier League club next season.
• I belong to a book club which meets once a month.
• I wrote a letter of complaint to the club secretary.
• She gives talks at local schools and youth clubs.
• Wilkins makes his long awaited debut for his new club.
Idiom: in the club

Derived: club together 

draft

draft AW [draft drafts drafted drafting] noun, adjective, verb   [drɑːft]    [dræft] 

noun
1. countable a rough written version of sth that is not yet in its final form
• I've made a rough draft of the letter.
• This is only the first draft of my speech.
• the final draft (= the final version)
• The legislation is still in draft form.

• a draft constitution/treaty/agreement

2. countable (finance) a written order to a bank to pay money to sb

• Payment must be made by bank draft drawn on a UK bank.

3. the draft singular (especially US) =  conscription

4. singular (NAmE) a system in which professional teams in some sports choose players each year from among college students

• He was the fourth player chosen in the 2007 draft, but the first of his class to reach the major leagues.

5. countable (NAmE) =  draught
• Can you shut the door? There's a draft in here.  
Word Origin:
mid 16th cent.: phonetic spelling of draught.  
Culture:
In the US the draft refers to the US government’s Selective Service system, in which young people were required by law to serve in the armed forces. It was replaced in 1973 by a system in which people may join the forces only if they wish to. However, young men must still add their names to the draft list when they are 18, in case of a future military emergency. People who tried to avoid the draft, especially during the Vietnam War, were known as draft dodgers.
note at  national service
. 
Thesaurus:
draft noun C
• This is only the first draft of my speech.
plan • • design • • blueprint •
a rough draft/plan
the orginal/first/final draft/plan/design/blueprint
draw up/produce a draft/plan/design 
Example Bank:
• I finished the first draft in late August 2007.
• I sent an early draft to an agent.
• She produced an initial draft of her plans.
• The document is still in draft form.
• The preliminary draft of the agreement has been approved.
• The students were invited to submit drafts for feedback.
• These details were not included in the preliminary draft.
• Is this the final draft?
• The original drafts for the new building are with the architects.

• There is a rough draft of how the park should be laid out.

draught

draught [draught draughts draughted draughting]   [drɑːft]    [drɑːft]  (BrE) (NAmE draft) noun, adjective, verb

noun
1. countable a flow of cool air in a room or other confined space
• There's a draught in here.
• A cold draught of air blew in from the open window.
• I was sitting in a draught.

• She shivered in the icy draught.

2. countable (formal) one continuous action of swallowing liquid; the amount swallowed

• He took a deep draught of his beer.

3. countable (old use or literary) medicine in a liquid form

• a sleeping draught (= one that makes you sleep)

4. draughts (BrE) (NAmE check·ers) uncountable a game for two players using 24 round pieces on a board marked with black and white squares

5. countable (BrE) (NAmE check·er) one of the round pieces used in a game of draughts  
Word Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘drawing, pulling’; also ‘something drawn, a load’): from Old Norse dráttr, of Germanic origin; related to German Tracht, also to draw. Compare with draft.  
Example Bank:
• Fit draught excluders to the bottoms of doors.
• a draught coming under the door
• the draught from the window
• I was sitting in a draught.
• There's a draught in here.

Idiom: on draught 

email

email (also e-mail) noun, verb   [ˈiːmeɪl]    [ˈiːmeɪl] 

noun
1. (also formal ˌelectronic ˈmail) uncountable a way of sending messages and data to other people by means of computers connected together in a network

• to send a message by email

2. countable, uncountable a message sent by email
• Thanks for your email.  
Word Origin:
late 20th cent.: abbreviation of electronic mail.  
Thesaurus:
email (also e-mail) noun C, U
• I check my email daily.
mail • • message • |formal communication • • correspondence •
an email/mail/a message/a communication/correspondence from/to sb
send/receive an email/mail/a message/a communication/correspondence
open an email/a message 
Collocations:
Email and the Internet
Email
receive/get/open an email
write/send/answer/forward/delete an email
check/read/access your email
block/filter (out) junk/spam/unsolicited email
exchange email addresses
open/check your inbox
junk mail fills/floods/clogs your inbox
have/set up an email account
open/send/contain an attachment
sign up for/receive email alerts
Connecting to the Internet
use/access/log onto the Internet/the Web
go online/on the Internet
have a high-speed/dial-up/broadband/wireless (Internet) connection
access/connect to/locate the server
use/open/close/launch a/your web browser
browse/surf/search/scour the Internet/the Web
send/contain/spread/detect a (computer/email) virus
update your anti-virus software
install/use/configure a firewall
accept/enable/block/delete cookies
Using the Internet
visit/check a website/an Internet site/sb's blog
create/design/launch a website/social networking site
start/write/post/read a blog
update your blog/a website
be in/meet sb in/go into/enter an Internet chat room
download/upload music/software/a song/a podcast/a file/a copy of sth
share information/data/files
post a comment/message on a website/an online message board/a web forum/an internet chat room
stream video/audio/music/content over the Internet
join/participate in/visit/provide a (web-based/web/online/Internet/discussion) forum
generate/increase/monitor Internet traffic 
Example Bank:
• An email arrives in your inbox.
• Each of the rooms has Internet and email access.
• I sent an email asking about their products.
• If a member does not have email, a letter is sent.
• Most people check their email several times a day.
• She is in constant email contact with a number of college staff.
• Some companies monitor all employee email.
• Some members used email to renew their membership.
• The email contains a link to the retailer's website.
• The next day I got 400 email responses.
• Users receive email notification of special offers.
• Web-based email providers
• When I saw what he'd written I fired off an angry email.
• You can sign up to receive email alerts.
• a free email service
• an email announcing his promotion
• filtering devices that block unwanted email
• the rise in corporate email traffic
• I got an email from Andrew last week.

• I have to check my email.

park

park [park parks parked parking] noun, verb   [pɑːk]    [pɑːrk] 

noun
1. countable an area of public land in a town or a city where people go to walk, play and relax
• Hyde Park
• We went for a walk in the park.

• a park bench

2. countable (in compounds) an area of land used for a particular purpose
• a business/science park
• a wildlife park

see also  amusement park, car park, national park, retail park, safari park, theme park

3. countable (in Britain) an area of land, usually with fields and trees, attached to a large country house

4. countable (NAmE) a piece of land for playing sports, especially baseball

see also  ballpark

5. the park singular (BrE) a football ( soccer ) or rugby field
• the fastest man on the park
see a walk in the park at  walk  _n.  
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French parc, from medieval Latin parricus, of Germanic origin; related to German Pferch ‘pen, fold’, also to paddock. The word was originally a legal term designating land held by royal permission for keeping game animals: this was enclosed and therefore distinct from a forest or chase, and (also unlike a forest) had no special laws or officers. A military sense ‘space occupied by artillery, wagons, stores, etc., in an encampment’ (late 17th cent.) is the origin of the verb sense (mid 19th cent.) and of sense 2 (early 20th cent.).  
Culture:
parks
British towns and cities have at least one municipal park, where people go to relax, lie in the sun, have picnics, walk their dogs and play games. Most US city and town governments also provide parks. They are open to anybody free of charge. The most famous parks in Britain include Hyde Park and Regent's Park in London. In the US, New York’s Central Park is the best known. Open-air events, such as plays and concerts, are sometimes held in these parks.
Most British parks were created in the 19th century, when more people moved into the towns. Some still have a rather old-fashioned, formal atmosphere, with paths to walk on, seats or benches, tidy lawns, flower beds and trees. There are sometimes signs that say: ‘Keep off the grass’. A few parks have a bandstand, a raised platform on which brass bands play occasionally during the summer. Most parks are protected by iron railings and gates which are locked by the park keeper each evening.
Many parks have a children’s playground with swings and roundabouts. Larger parks have a sports field, tennis courts and sometimes a boating lake. In the US softball diamonds are marked on the grass and in Britain there are goalposts for football. Large parks may have picnic benches and, in the US, barbecues. In the US it is usually illegal to drink alcohol in a park.
In Britain there are country parks, large areas of grass and woodland, where people can go for long walks. Some charge an admission fee. Many have nature trails where people can see interesting plants, birds or animals. National parks, such as Snowdonia in Wales, are areas of great beauty protected by the government. In the US there are both state parks and national parks. Many provide a safe place for wild animals to live. 
Thesaurus:
park noun C
• They went for a walk in the park.
gardens • • playground • |especially AmE garden •
at/in the park/gardens/playground/garden
visit the park/gardens/garden 
Example Bank:
• I work as a ranger in the city's park system.
• She works for the parks department.
• The lion was shot dead by a park ranger.
• The mountain has been designated as a national park.
• They go to the park most Sunday afternoons.
• They went for a walk in the park.
• We met at Hyde Park.
• We met in Central Park.
• a beautifully landscaped park
• a cafe overlooking the park
• a park managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation
• an indoor park for skateboarders
• the national parks system
• The Great Exhibition of 1851 was held in Hyde Park.
• The cottage is set within the park of a country house.
• The houses and parks in Georgian Sussex represented leisured society at its peak.
• With a mighty swing he hit the ball right out of the park.

Derived: park something up ▪ park up

deal

deal [deal deals dealt dealing] verb, noun   [diːl]    [diːl] 

verb (dealt, dealt   [delt]  ;   [delt]  ) 

CARDS
1. intransitive, transitive to give cards to each player in a game of cards
• Whose turn is it to deal?
• ~ (sth) (out) (to sb) Start by dealing out ten cards to each player.

• ~ sb sth He dealt me two aces.  

DRUGS

2. intransitive, transitive ~ (sth) to buy and sell illegal drugs
• You can often see people dealing openly on the streets.
more at wheel and deal at  wheel  _v.

 
Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 4 and v. Old English dǣlan ‘divide’ ‘participate’ Germanic Dutch deel German Teil ‘part’ dole ‘divide’ ‘distribute’ ‘participate’ ‘have dealings with’
n. sense 5 Middle English Middle Low German Middle Dutch dele ‘plank’
 
Language Bank:
about
Saying what a text is about
▪ The book is about ▪ homeless people in the cities.
▪ The report deals with ▪ the issue of homelessness in London.
▪ The writer discusses ▪ the problems faced by homeless people.
▪ The article presents an overview of ▪ the issues surrounding homelessness.
▪ The novel explores ▪ the theme of friendship among homeless people.
▪ The first chapter examines ▪ the relationship between homelessness and drug addiction.
▪ The paper considers ▪ the question of why so many young people become homeless.  
Example Bank:
• Not all complaints are so easily dealt with.
• Our factory deals directly with its customers.
• The business deals in second-hand books.
• The two issues should be dealt with separately.
• This topic is dealt with at greater length in the following chapter.
• We discussed different ways of dealing with the problem.
• You have not dealt fairly with me.
• He was sent to jail for dealing drugs to his friends.
Idioms: deal a blow to somebody ▪ deal somebody a blow ▪ what's the deal?

Derived: deal in something ▪ deal somebody in ▪ deal something out ▪ deal with somebody ▪ deal with something 

noun  

A LOT
1. singular a good/great ~ much; a lot
• They spent a great deal of money.
• It took a great deal of time.
• I'm feeling a good deal better.

• We see them a great deal (= often).  

BUSINESS AGREEMENT

2. countable an agreement, especially in business, on particular conditions for buying or doing sth
• to make/sign/conclude/close a deal (with sb)
• (informal) Did you cut a deal (= make one)?
• We did a deal with the management on overtime.
• They were hoping for a better pay deal.
• A deal was struck after lengthy negotiations.
• The deal fell through (= no agreement was reached).
• I got a good deal on the car (= bought it cheaply).
• It's a deal! (= I agree to your terms)
• Listen. This is the deal (= this is what we have agreed and are going to do).
• As athletes prepare for the Olympics, sporting organizations are looking for big sponsorship deals to pay for the trip to Sydney.

see also  package  

TREATMENT

3. countable, usually singular the way that sb/sth is treated
• If elected, the party has promised a new deal (= better and fairer treatment) for teachers.
• They knew they'd been given a raw/rough deal (= been treated unfairly).
• We tried to ensure that everyone got a fair deal.

• It was a square deal for everyone.  

IN CARD GAMES

4. countable, usually singular the action of giving out cards to the players

• It's your deal.  

WOOD

5. uncountable (especially BrE) the soft pale wood of fir or pine trees, especially when it is cut into boards for making things
• a deal table
more at big deal at  big  _adj., a done deal at  done  _adj., strike a deal at  strike  _v.  
Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 4 and v. Old English dǣlan ‘divide’ ‘participate’ Germanic Dutch deel German Teil ‘part’ dole ‘divide’ ‘distribute’ ‘participate’ ‘have dealings with’
n. sense 5 Middle English Middle Low German Middle Dutch dele ‘plank’
 
Thesaurus:
deal noun C
• The unions are willing to do a deal over pay.
agreement • • bargain • • pact • • settlement • • arrangement • • understanding •
a/an deal/agreement/pact/settlement/arrangement/understanding on sth
under a/an deal/agreement/pact/arrangement
reach a/an deal/agreement/settlement/arrangement/understanding
make/sign a/an deal/agreement/pact 
Collocations:
Business
Running a business
buy/acquire/own/sell a company/firm/franchise
set up/establish/ start/start up/launch a business/company
run/operate a business/company/franchise
head/run a firm/department/team
make/secure/win/block a deal
expand/grow/build the business
boost/increase investment/spending/sales/turnover/earnings/exports/trade
increase/expand production/output/sales
boost/maximize production/productivity/efficiency/income/revenue/profit/profitability
achieve/maintain/sustain growth/profitability
cut/reduce/bring down/lower/slash costs/prices
announce/impose/make cuts/cutbacks
Sales and marketing
break into/enter/capture/dominate the market
gain/grab/take/win/boost/lose market share
find/build/create a market for sth
start/launch an advertising/a marketing campaign
develop/launch/promote a product/website
create/generate demand for your product
attract/get/retain/help customers/clients
drive/generate/boost/increase demand/sales
beat/keep ahead of/out-think/outperform the competition
meet/reach/exceed/miss sales targets
Finance
draw up/set/present/agree/approve a budget
keep to/balance/cut/reduce/slash the budget
be/come in below/under/over/within budget
generate income/revenue/profit/funds/business
fund/finance a campaign/a venture/an expansion/spending/a deficit
provide/raise/allocate capital/funds
attract/encourage investment/investors
recover/recoup costs/losses/an investment
get/obtain/offer sb/grant sb credit/a loan
apply for/raise/secure/arrange/provide finance
Failure
lose business/trade/customers/sales/revenue
accumulate/accrue/incur/run up debts
suffer/sustain enormous/heavy/serious losses
face cuts/a deficit/redundancy/bankruptcy
file for/ (NAmE) enter/avoid/escape bankruptcy
(BrE) go into administration/liquidation
liquidate/wind up a company
survive/weather a recession/downturn
propose/seek/block/oppose a merger
launch/make/accept/defeat a takeover bid 
Example Bank:
• Any sponsorship deal would be scuppered if Jones misses the Olympics.
• Britain pulled out of the deal because of rising costs.
• He even sweetened the deal with a $5 000 signing bonus.
• He has been mixed up in several shady deals with arms dealers.
• I got a very good deal on my new car.
• I'll make a deal with you— I'll work evenings if you'll work weekends.
• Immigrants often get a bad deal when it comes to pay.
• Increased holiday allowance is part of the deal.
• Lack of accounting clarity can discourage investors and become a deal breaker.
• Management and unions have agreed a new deal on pay and productivity.
• Nurses have taken to the streets to get a fair deal from the government.
• She has a lucrative deal with a cosmetics company.
• Staff have accepted a deal offering them a 2% share of profits.
• The TV station has signed an exclusive deal to show all United's home games.
• The band eventually signed a record deal.
• The band signed a two-album deal with a record company.
• The company are offering cut-price deals on many flights.
• The company has done a deal with the catering staff.
• The company hopes to pursue similar deals with other providers.
• The company structured a deal to purchase the competitor out of bankruptcy.
• The deal fell through when the author received a more attractive offer.
• The pay deal will not now go ahead.
• The union accepted a package deal including higher pension and longer holiday allowance.
• The union accepted a package deal including higher pensions.
• The union tries to get a square deal for all its members.
• The unions are ready to do a deal over pay.
• They are hoping to clinch a major deal to supply computers to the army.
• They can't offer us a sweetheart deal on the rental fees we pay.
• They took over the company in a £750 000 deal.
• Under the deal, you save money if you repay the loan early.
• Under the terms of the deal, the band has to make two albums a year.
• You may get a better deal from another bank.
• a deal between Brazil and Argentina
• a deal between France and Spain
• business brokers and other deal makers
• A deal was struck after lengthy negotiations.
• Did you manage to cut a deal?
• It's a deal!.
• Many athletes secure lucrative sponsorship deals.
• The company expects to close the deal in the first quarter of next year.

• This is the deal.

deal

deal [deal deals dealt dealing] verb, noun   [diːl]    [diːl] 

verb (dealt, dealt   [delt]  ;   [delt]  ) 

CARDS
1. intransitive, transitive to give cards to each player in a game of cards
• Whose turn is it to deal?
• ~ (sth) (out) (to sb) Start by dealing out ten cards to each player.

• ~ sb sth He dealt me two aces.  

DRUGS

2. intransitive, transitive ~ (sth) to buy and sell illegal drugs
• You can often see people dealing openly on the streets.
more at wheel and deal at  wheel  _v.

 
Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 4 and v. Old English dǣlan ‘divide’ ‘participate’ Germanic Dutch deel German Teil ‘part’ dole ‘divide’ ‘distribute’ ‘participate’ ‘have dealings with’
n. sense 5 Middle English Middle Low German Middle Dutch dele ‘plank’
 
Language Bank:
about
Saying what a text is about
▪ The book is about ▪ homeless people in the cities.
▪ The report deals with ▪ the issue of homelessness in London.
▪ The writer discusses ▪ the problems faced by homeless people.
▪ The article presents an overview of ▪ the issues surrounding homelessness.
▪ The novel explores ▪ the theme of friendship among homeless people.
▪ The first chapter examines ▪ the relationship between homelessness and drug addiction.
▪ The paper considers ▪ the question of why so many young people become homeless.  
Example Bank:
• Not all complaints are so easily dealt with.
• Our factory deals directly with its customers.
• The business deals in second-hand books.
• The two issues should be dealt with separately.
• This topic is dealt with at greater length in the following chapter.
• We discussed different ways of dealing with the problem.
• You have not dealt fairly with me.
• He was sent to jail for dealing drugs to his friends.
Idioms: deal a blow to somebody ▪ deal somebody a blow ▪ what's the deal?

Derived: deal in something ▪ deal somebody in ▪ deal something out ▪ deal with somebody ▪ deal with something 

noun  

A LOT
1. singular a good/great ~ much; a lot
• They spent a great deal of money.
• It took a great deal of time.
• I'm feeling a good deal better.

• We see them a great deal (= often).  

BUSINESS AGREEMENT

2. countable an agreement, especially in business, on particular conditions for buying or doing sth
• to make/sign/conclude/close a deal (with sb)
• (informal) Did you cut a deal (= make one)?
• We did a deal with the management on overtime.
• They were hoping for a better pay deal.
• A deal was struck after lengthy negotiations.
• The deal fell through (= no agreement was reached).
• I got a good deal on the car (= bought it cheaply).
• It's a deal! (= I agree to your terms)
• Listen. This is the deal (= this is what we have agreed and are going to do).
• As athletes prepare for the Olympics, sporting organizations are looking for big sponsorship deals to pay for the trip to Sydney.

see also  package  

TREATMENT

3. countable, usually singular the way that sb/sth is treated
• If elected, the party has promised a new deal (= better and fairer treatment) for teachers.
• They knew they'd been given a raw/rough deal (= been treated unfairly).
• We tried to ensure that everyone got a fair deal.

• It was a square deal for everyone.  

IN CARD GAMES

4. countable, usually singular the action of giving out cards to the players

• It's your deal.  

WOOD

5. uncountable (especially BrE) the soft pale wood of fir or pine trees, especially when it is cut into boards for making things
• a deal table
more at big deal at  big  _adj., a done deal at  done  _adj., strike a deal at  strike  _v.  
Word Origin:
n. senses 1 to 4 and v. Old English dǣlan ‘divide’ ‘participate’ Germanic Dutch deel German Teil ‘part’ dole ‘divide’ ‘distribute’ ‘participate’ ‘have dealings with’
n. sense 5 Middle English Middle Low German Middle Dutch dele ‘plank’
 
Thesaurus:
deal noun C
• The unions are willing to do a deal over pay.
agreement • • bargain • • pact • • settlement • • arrangement • • understanding •
a/an deal/agreement/pact/settlement/arrangement/understanding on sth
under a/an deal/agreement/pact/arrangement
reach a/an deal/agreement/settlement/arrangement/understanding
make/sign a/an deal/agreement/pact 
Collocations:
Business
Running a business
buy/acquire/own/sell a company/firm/franchise
set up/establish/ start/start up/launch a business/company
run/operate a business/company/franchise
head/run a firm/department/team
make/secure/win/block a deal
expand/grow/build the business
boost/increase investment/spending/sales/turnover/earnings/exports/trade
increase/expand production/output/sales
boost/maximize production/productivity/efficiency/income/revenue/profit/profitability
achieve/maintain/sustain growth/profitability
cut/reduce/bring down/lower/slash costs/prices
announce/impose/make cuts/cutbacks
Sales and marketing
break into/enter/capture/dominate the market
gain/grab/take/win/boost/lose market share
find/build/create a market for sth
start/launch an advertising/a marketing campaign
develop/launch/promote a product/website
create/generate demand for your product
attract/get/retain/help customers/clients
drive/generate/boost/increase demand/sales
beat/keep ahead of/out-think/outperform the competition
meet/reach/exceed/miss sales targets
Finance
draw up/set/present/agree/approve a budget
keep to/balance/cut/reduce/slash the budget
be/come in below/under/over/within budget
generate income/revenue/profit/funds/business
fund/finance a campaign/a venture/an expansion/spending/a deficit
provide/raise/allocate capital/funds
attract/encourage investment/investors
recover/recoup costs/losses/an investment
get/obtain/offer sb/grant sb credit/a loan
apply for/raise/secure/arrange/provide finance
Failure
lose business/trade/customers/sales/revenue
accumulate/accrue/incur/run up debts
suffer/sustain enormous/heavy/serious losses
face cuts/a deficit/redundancy/bankruptcy
file for/ (NAmE) enter/avoid/escape bankruptcy
(BrE) go into administration/liquidation
liquidate/wind up a company
survive/weather a recession/downturn
propose/seek/block/oppose a merger
launch/make/accept/defeat a takeover bid 
Example Bank:
• Any sponsorship deal would be scuppered if Jones misses the Olympics.
• Britain pulled out of the deal because of rising costs.
• He even sweetened the deal with a $5 000 signing bonus.
• He has been mixed up in several shady deals with arms dealers.
• I got a very good deal on my new car.
• I'll make a deal with you— I'll work evenings if you'll work weekends.
• Immigrants often get a bad deal when it comes to pay.
• Increased holiday allowance is part of the deal.
• Lack of accounting clarity can discourage investors and become a deal breaker.
• Management and unions have agreed a new deal on pay and productivity.
• Nurses have taken to the streets to get a fair deal from the government.
• She has a lucrative deal with a cosmetics company.
• Staff have accepted a deal offering them a 2% share of profits.
• The TV station has signed an exclusive deal to show all United's home games.
• The band eventually signed a record deal.
• The band signed a two-album deal with a record company.
• The company are offering cut-price deals on many flights.
• The company has done a deal with the catering staff.
• The company hopes to pursue similar deals with other providers.
• The company structured a deal to purchase the competitor out of bankruptcy.
• The deal fell through when the author received a more attractive offer.
• The pay deal will not now go ahead.
• The union accepted a package deal including higher pension and longer holiday allowance.
• The union accepted a package deal including higher pensions.
• The union tries to get a square deal for all its members.
• The unions are ready to do a deal over pay.
• They are hoping to clinch a major deal to supply computers to the army.
• They can't offer us a sweetheart deal on the rental fees we pay.
• They took over the company in a £750 000 deal.
• Under the deal, you save money if you repay the loan early.
• Under the terms of the deal, the band has to make two albums a year.
• You may get a better deal from another bank.
• a deal between Brazil and Argentina
• a deal between France and Spain
• business brokers and other deal makers
• A deal was struck after lengthy negotiations.
• Did you manage to cut a deal?
• It's a deal!.
• Many athletes secure lucrative sponsorship deals.
• The company expects to close the deal in the first quarter of next year.

• This is the deal.

tourist

tour·ist [tourist tourists]   [ˈtʊərɪst]    [ˈtɔːrɪst]    [ˈtʊrɪst]  noun
1. a person who is travelling or visiting a place for pleasure
• busloads of foreign tourists
• a popular tourist attraction/destination/resort
• the tourist industry/sector

• Further information is available from the local tourist office.

2. (BrE) a member of a sports team that is playing a series of official games in a foreign country 
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:
• I bought a tourist guide to Paris.
• Pompeii is one of Italy's prime tourist attractions.
• Recently Edinburgh has become a popular tourist centre.
• She works as a tourist guide.
• The Story of the Loch Ness Monster has attracted many tourists to the area.
• The city has unrealized tourist potential.
• The festival is accompanied by a huge influx of tourists.
• The high level of crime is frightening away tourists.
• The theme park is the region's most popular tourist facility.
• The town is off the usual tourist route.
• Their economy is dependent on tourist dollars.
• the exploitation of women by sex tourists
• the local tourist information office
• the part of town most frequented by tourists
• the reduction in tourist traffic due to the violence
• A busload of tourists arrived at the village.
• A tourist bus crashed on a remote mountain road last night.
• He entered the country on a tourist visa.
• It was the beginning of the tourist season.
• Local people rely on the tourist industry for employment.
• Local roads cannot cope with the increase in tourist traffic.
• She was guiding a group of tourists around the castle.
• The Taj Mahal is one of the most important tourist sights in India.
• The coastline of Vietnam has massive tourist potential.
• The number of tourists visiting London is rising again.
• The temple is a major tourist attraction.
• The town is a popular tourist destination.
• There is a tourist information centre by the car park.
• There is little accommodation available for tourists.
• Tourists flock to the ruins, causing further erosion.
• We have a large influx of tourists in the summer.
• We travelled on minor roads and tracks, away from the tourist trail.
• We visited all the usual tourist spots.

• Western tourists rarely visit the area.