City Life vocabulary: 96 English words in 12 scenes
Everyday English words for city life, grouped into 12 real-life scenes (hair salon, movie theater, park, recycling station and more), each with pronunciation, a plain definition and an example sentence.
Hair Salon 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| barber chair | /ˈbɑːrbɚ ˌtʃer/ | a seat for someone having their hair cut | The barber chair turns so he can cut my hair. |
| scissors | /ˈsɪzɚz/ | a tool with two blades for cutting hair | She uses scissors to cut my hair shorter. |
| clippers | /ˈklɪpɚz/ | an electric tool that cuts hair very short | He uses clippers to cut the sides very short. |
| cape | /keɪp/ | a cloth that protects clothes during a haircut | The cape keeps cut hair off my clothes. |
| curlers | /ˈkɝːlɚz/ | small tubes that make hair form soft round shapes | She wraps her hair around curlers for soft waves. |
| hairspray | /ˈher.spreɪ/ | a liquid sprayed on hair to hold its shape | She uses hairspray to keep her hair in place. |
| barber pole | /ˈbɑːrbɚ ˌpoʊl/ | a striped rotating light outside a shop that cuts hair | The barber pole spins outside the haircut shop. |
| shampoo bowl | /ʃæmˈpuː ˌboʊl/ | a sink used to clean hair at a salon | The shampoo bowl supports your neck during a wash. |
Movie Theater 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| popcorn | /ˈpɑːpkɔːrn/ | light crunchy golden pieces eaten as a snack | We eat popcorn from a big striped bucket. |
| ticket | /ˈtɪkɪt/ | a small paper that lets you enter a movie theater | Show your ticket to enter the movie theater. |
| 3D glasses | /ˌθriːˈdiː ˈɡlæsɪz/ | special eyewear that makes movie pictures seem to come closer | Wear 3D glasses to see pictures with depth. |
| screen | /skriːn/ | a large flat surface where a movie appears | The screen shows the movie to everyone inside. |
| recliner | /rɪˈklaɪnɚ/ | a soft chair with a back that leans backward | This recliner lets you lean back and relax. |
| hot dog | /ˈhɑːt ˌdɑːɡ/ | a long bread roll with a sausage inside | A hot dog has a sausage inside a bun. |
| gummy bears | /ˈɡʌmi berz/ | small chewy sweets shaped like tiny animals | These gummy bears are soft, sweet, and chewy. |
| nachos | /ˈnɑːtʃoʊz/ | crunchy corn chips served with melted cheese or cheese sauce | Dip the nachos into the warm cheese sauce. |
Park 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| bench | /bentʃ/ | a long seat for two or more people | This bench has room for three people to sit. |
| fountain | /ˈfaʊn.tən/ | a structure that sends water up into the air | The fountain sends water up into the air. |
| statue | /ˈstætʃ.uː/ | a figure of a person or animal made from solid material | This statue shows a person standing on a base. |
| picnic table | /ˈpɪk.nɪk ˌteɪ.bəl/ | an outdoor surface with attached seats for eating meals | The picnic table has attached seats for outdoor meals. |
| gazebo | /ɡəˈziː.boʊ/ | a small open building with a roof in a garden | The gazebo gives us shade while we sit outside. |
| paddle boat | /ˈpæd.əl ˌboʊt/ | a small water vehicle moved by pushing pedals with your feet | You move a paddle boat by pushing the pedals. |
| kite | /kaɪt/ | a light object that flies in the wind on a string | A kite flies in the wind on a string. |
| ice cream truck | /ˈaɪs kriːm ˌtrʌk/ | a road vehicle that sells cold sweet treats | The ice cream truck sells cold treats through a window. |
Recycling Station 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| recycling bin | /ˌriːˈsaɪ.klɪŋ bɪn/ | a container for used things that can be made useful again | Put empty bottles in the recycling bin. |
| compost bin | /ˈkɑːm.poʊst bɪn/ | a container where food waste becomes material that helps plants grow | Put food scraps in the compost bin. |
| trash bag | /ˈtræʃ bæɡ/ | a soft plastic container for things you throw away | Tie the trash bag before taking it outside. |
| bottle | /ˈbɑː.t̬əl/ | a container with a narrow neck for holding drinks | This bottle holds water for my morning walk. |
| can | /kæn/ | a small metal container for a drink | Pull the tab to open the can. |
| jar | /dʒɑːr/ | a wide glass container with a lid for storing food | This glass jar keeps our food fresh. |
| cardboard | /ˈkɑːrd.bɔːrd/ | thick stiff paper used to pack and protect things | Flatten the cardboard before putting it in the container. |
| battery | /ˈbæt̬.ɚ.i/ | a small object that provides power for an electrical device | This battery provides power for my small flashlight. |
Museum 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| painting | /ˈpeɪn.t̬ɪŋ/ | a picture made with colors and a brush | This painting shows a lake and green mountains. |
| sculpture | /ˈskʌlp.tʃɚ/ | a piece of art shaped like a person or thing | This sculpture looks like a dog made of balloons. |
| dinosaur | /ˈdaɪ.nə.sɔːr/ | a large animal that lived millions of years ago | The dinosaur on display has huge teeth and bones. |
| velvet rope | /ˈvel.vɪt roʊp/ | a soft thick cord that keeps visitors behind a line | The velvet rope keeps visitors away from the art. |
| audio guide | /ˈɑː.di.oʊ ɡaɪd/ | a handheld device that explains exhibits through recorded sound | This audio guide tells you about each exhibit. |
| postcard | /ˈpoʊst.kɑːrd/ | a small card with a picture, sent without an envelope | You can write a short message on a postcard. |
| mummy | /ˈmʌm.i/ | a dead body kept from decaying, often wrapped in cloth | The mummy lies inside a beautifully painted coffin. |
| tote bag | /ˈtoʊt ˌbæɡ/ | a large cloth bag with two handles for carrying things | This tote bag holds my books and water bottle. |
Library 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| book | /bʊk/ | a set of pages with words inside a cover | This book has a story about a family. |
| book cart | /ˈbʊk kɑːrt/ | a wheeled shelf used to move things people read | The book cart carries returned books to the shelves. |
| library card | /ˈlaɪbreri kɑːrd/ | a small pass that lets you borrow things to read | Your library card lets you borrow books here. |
| book drop | /ˈbʊk drɑːp/ | an opening where you return things you borrowed to read | Use the book drop to return borrowed books. |
| reading lamp | /ˈriːdɪŋ læmp/ | a light that helps you see words on a page | The reading lamp lights up the pages clearly. |
| newspaper | /ˈnuːzˌpeɪpɚ/ | printed pages with news about recent events | This newspaper tells us what happened yesterday. |
| bookend | /ˈbʊk.end/ | a support that keeps things you read standing upright | A bookend keeps the books from falling over. |
| carrel | /ˈker.əl/ | a desk with side panels for studying alone | A carrel gives you a quiet place to study. |
Nail Salon 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| nail polish | /ˈneɪl ˌpɑːlɪʃ/ | a colored liquid you paint on your fingernails | This nail polish gives your nails a bright color. |
| nail file | /ˈneɪl ˌfaɪl/ | a rough tool used to shape the edges of fingernails | Use a nail file to shape your nails. |
| UV lamp | /ˌjuːˈviː læmp/ | a device that uses light to harden gel on fingernails | The UV lamp helps the gel on your nails harden. |
| acrylics | /əˈkrɪlɪks/ | artificial fingernails that cover your own and add length | These acrylics cover your nails and add extra length. |
| buffer | /ˈbʌfɚ/ | a soft block used to make fingernails smooth and shiny | Use this buffer to make your nails smooth. |
| lotion | /ˈloʊʃən/ | a liquid you put on skin to keep it soft | Rub lotion on your hands to keep them soft. |
| glitter | /ˈɡlɪt̬ɚ/ | tiny shiny pieces used to decorate things | Add glitter to your nails to make them sparkle. |
| footbath | /ˈfʊtbæθ/ | a basin of water used to soak your feet | A footbath holds warm water for soaking your feet. |
Fire Station 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| fire truck | /ˈfaɪr ˌtrʌk/ | a large vehicle carrying people and equipment to put out flames | The fire truck carries equipment to put out fires. |
| fire hose | /ˈfaɪr ˌhoʊz/ | a long tube carrying water to put out flames | The fire hose sends water onto the flames. |
| radio | /ˈreɪ.di.oʊ/ | a handheld device for talking to people far away | The firefighter uses a radio to talk with teammates. |
| ax | /æks/ | a tool with a heavy sharp head for chopping | The firefighter uses an ax to break the door. |
| fire alarm | /ˌfaɪr əˈlɑːrm/ | a wall box you pull to warn of danger | Pull the fire alarm if you see flames. |
| siren | /ˈsaɪ.rən/ | a device that makes a loud sound to warn people | The siren makes a loud sound to warn people. |
| stretcher | /ˈstretʃ.ɚ/ | a narrow bed for carrying sick or injured people | A stretcher carries someone who cannot walk safely. |
| Dalmatian | /dælˈmeɪ.ʃən/ | a dog with short white fur and black spots | A Dalmatian has white fur with black spots. |
Police Station 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| police car | /pəˈliːs ˌkɑːr/ | a vehicle officers use to travel and help people | Officers use a police car to reach emergencies quickly. |
| shield | /ʃiːld/ | a strong flat object held to protect the body | The officer holds a shield to block flying objects. |
| handcuffs | /ˈhændkʌfs/ | two connected metal rings that lock around someone's wrists | Officers use handcuffs to keep someone's wrists together. |
| vest | /vest/ | a thick sleeveless piece of clothing that protects the chest | The officer wears a vest for protection from bullets. |
| walkie-talkie | /ˌwɑːkiˈtɑːki/ | a small radio used to send and receive spoken messages | The officer uses a walkie-talkie to contact her partner. |
| megaphone | /ˈmeɡəfoʊn/ | a device that makes your voice louder for a crowd | Use the megaphone so everyone can hear your instructions. |
| police tape | /pəˈliːs ˌteɪp/ | a bright strip marking an area people must not enter | The police tape shows where people must stop. |
| barricade | /ˈberəkeɪd/ | a barrier placed across a road to stop people or vehicles | The barricade keeps cars out of this street. |
Bank 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM | /ˌeɪ tiː ˈem/ | a device where you use a bank card to get cash | Use the ATM to take out some cash. |
| debit card | /ˈdebɪt kɑːrd/ | a plastic rectangle used to pay from your bank account | My debit card takes money from my bank account. |
| bill | /bɪl/ | a piece of paper money | This twenty-dollar bill is a piece of paper money. |
| coin | /kɔɪn/ | a small round piece of metal used as money | Drop a coin into the slot to pay. |
| vault | /vɑːlt/ | a secure room where money and valuable things are kept | The bank keeps its money inside the vault. |
| calculator | /ˈkælkjəleɪt̬ɚ/ | a device with buttons that helps you work with numbers | Use the calculator to add these numbers together. |
| gold bar | /ˌɡoʊld ˈbɑːr/ | a solid block of valuable yellow metal | Each gold bar is a solid block of valuable metal. |
| stamp | /stæmp/ | a tool pressed onto paper to leave an ink mark | Press the stamp onto paper to make a mark. |
Construction Site 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| crane | /kreɪn/ | a tall structure that lifts heavy things | The crane lifts heavy things to the top floor. |
| excavator | /ˈekskəveɪt̬ɚ/ | a large vehicle with an arm for digging earth | The excavator uses its bucket to dig deep holes. |
| bulldozer | /ˈbʊlˌdoʊzɚ/ | a heavy vehicle with a wide blade that pushes earth | The bulldozer pushes earth with its wide front blade. |
| cement mixer | /sɪˈment ˌmɪksɚ/ | a truck with a turning drum that mixes building materials | The cement mixer turns its drum to mix concrete. |
| scaffolding | /ˈskæfəldɪŋ/ | a frame with platforms for people working on a building | Workers stand on scaffolding to repair tall buildings. |
| hard hat | /ˈhɑːrd ˌhæt/ | a strong helmet that protects your head at work | A hard hat protects your head from falling objects. |
| wheelbarrow | /ˈwiːlˌberoʊ/ | a cart with one wheel and two handles for carrying things | A wheelbarrow carries heavy loads on one front wheel. |
| brick | /brɪk/ | a hard rectangular block used to build walls | Each brick forms a small part of the wall. |
Playground 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| slide | /slaɪd/ | a smooth slope children sit on and move down | Children climb up and ride down the slide. |
| swing | /swɪŋ/ | a hanging seat that moves back and forth | Sit on the swing and hold the chains. |
| seesaw | /ˈsiːsɔː/ | a long board with seats that move up and down | Two children sit at opposite ends of the seesaw. |
| sandbox | /ˈsændbɑːks/ | a low open box of sand for children to play in | Children dig and build in the sandbox. |
| monkey bars | /ˈmʌŋki ˌbɑːrz/ | a high frame children cross by hanging from metal steps | Children hang from the monkey bars and move across. |
| merry-go-round | /ˈmeriɡoʊˌraʊnd/ | a flat platform children hold onto as it spins | Hold the handles while the merry-go-round spins. |
| tricycle | /ˈtraɪsɪkəl/ | a small vehicle with three wheels that children pedal | My son pedals his tricycle along the path. |
| ball | /bɑːl/ | a soft hollow sphere used for throwing and kicking | We throw the ball to each other. |