Leisure & Sports vocabulary: 144 English words in 18 scenes
Everyday English words for leisure & sports, grouped into 18 real-life scenes (gym, tennis & badminton, swimming pool, gaming setup and more), each with pronunciation, a plain definition and an example sentence.
Gym 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| treadmill | /ˈtred.mɪl/ | a piece of equipment for walking or running indoors | You can walk or run on a treadmill. |
| dumbbell | /ˈdʌm.bel/ | a small heavy object you lift with one hand | Hold a dumbbell in one hand and lift it. |
| barbell | /ˈbɑːr.bel/ | a long metal stick with heavy objects at both ends | Lift the barbell with both hands during this exercise. |
| weight bench | /ˈweɪt bentʃ/ | a long seat for sitting or lying on during exercise | Lie on the weight bench to lift a barbell. |
| exercise bike | /ˈek.sɚ.saɪz baɪk/ | equipment with pedals you turn while sitting in one place | An exercise bike lets you pedal without going anywhere. |
| kettlebell | /ˈket̬.əl.bel/ | a heavy round object with a handle for lifting | Hold the kettlebell by its handle with both hands. |
| locker | /ˈlɑː.kɚ/ | a small cupboard where you keep your personal things safely | Keep your clothes and bag in a locker. |
| rowing machine | /ˈroʊ.ɪŋ məˌʃiːn/ | equipment that lets you pull handles as in a boat | Pull the handle on the rowing machine toward you. |
Tennis & Badminton 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| racket | /ˈrækɪt/ | a frame with strings and a handle for hitting balls | Use this racket to hit the ball over. |
| tennis ball | /ˈtenɪs bɑːl/ | a small round yellow object hit over a net | Hit the tennis ball with your racket gently. |
| birdie | /ˈbɝːdi/ | a light object with feathers hit over a net | Hit the birdie gently over the net. |
| net | /net/ | a barrier of crossed threads that players hit things over | The net divides the court into two sides. |
| umpire chair | /ˈʌmpaɪr tʃer/ | a tall seat for the person who checks game rules | The umpire chair gives a clear view above. |
| sweatband | /ˈswetbænd/ | a soft cloth ring worn around the wrist to absorb sweat | This sweatband keeps sweat from reaching my hand. |
| banana | /bəˈnænə/ | a long curved fruit with yellow skin | Peel the banana before you eat it. |
| tennis shoes | /ˈtenɪs ʃuːz/ | sports footwear with rubber soles for playing on a court | These tennis shoes help me move around the court. |
Swimming Pool 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| swimsuit | /ˈswɪm.suːt/ | clothing worn in the water at a pool or beach | She wears a swimsuit to practice in the pool. |
| goggles | /ˈɡɑː.ɡəlz/ | special glasses that keep pool water out of your eyes | These goggles keep water out of my eyes. |
| swim cap | /ˈswɪm ˌkæp/ | a tight head covering that holds hair during pool activities | A swim cap keeps your hair tucked away. |
| kickboard | /ˈkɪk.bɔːrd/ | a flat floating aid held while practicing leg movements in water | Hold the kickboard while you practice moving your legs. |
| diving board | /ˈdaɪ.vɪŋ ˌbɔːrd/ | a springy platform over a pool for jumping into water | You can jump into water from a diving board. |
| lifeguard chair | /ˈlaɪf.ɡɑːrd ˌtʃer/ | a tall seat for someone watching people in the pool | The lifeguard chair gives staff a clear pool view. |
| flippers | /ˈflɪp.ɚz/ | wide rubber shoes that help you move through water | Wear flippers on your feet to move through water. |
| towel | /ˈtaʊ.əl/ | a large soft cloth used to dry your body | Use a towel to dry yourself after a shower. |
Gaming Setup 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| console | /ˈkɑːnsoʊl/ | a device you connect to a screen to play games | Connect the console to the screen to play. |
| controller | /kənˈtroʊlɚ/ | a handheld device with buttons for playing games | Use the controller to move your character around. |
| TV | /ˌtiːˈviː/ | a screen for watching shows, movies, or games | The TV shows the game we are playing. |
| headset | /ˈhedset/ | headphones with a microphone for listening and talking | Wear a headset to hear and talk to friends. |
| mouse | /maʊs/ | a small device you move to control a screen pointer | Move the mouse to point at the button. |
| gaming chair | /ˈɡeɪmɪŋ tʃer/ | a comfortable seat with a tall back for playing games | This gaming chair supports my back while I play. |
| computer | /kəmˈpjuːt̬ɚ/ | an electronic device that runs programs and stores information | This computer runs all my favorite games smoothly. |
| video game | /ˈvɪd̬i.oʊ ɡeɪm/ | a boxed disc or cartridge you use for screen play | This video game comes in a bright orange case. |
Camping 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| tent | /tent/ | a cloth shelter used for sleeping outdoors | This tent keeps us dry when it rains. |
| sleeping bag | /ˈsliːpɪŋ ˌbæɡ/ | a warm fabric cover you lie inside at night outdoors | This sleeping bag keeps me warm at night. |
| campfire | /ˈkæmpˌfaɪr/ | burning wood outdoors for warmth or cooking | We cook our food over the campfire. |
| headlamp | /ˈhed.læmp/ | a light worn on your head to see in darkness | A headlamp lets you see with both hands free. |
| marshmallow | /ˈmɑːrʃˌmel.oʊ/ | a soft sweet piece often cooked over flames | Hold a marshmallow over the flames to toast it. |
| canoe | /kəˈnuː/ | a narrow open boat moved with a paddle | We use a paddle to move the canoe. |
| pocketknife | /ˈpɑː.kɪt.naɪf/ | a small cutting tool with a blade that folds away | Use a pocketknife to cut this thin rope. |
| bug spray | /ˈbʌɡ ˌspreɪ/ | a liquid put on skin to keep insects away | Use bug spray to keep mosquitoes away from you. |
Karaoke 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| microphone | /ˈmaɪkrəfoʊn/ | a device you sing into to make your voice louder | Sing into the microphone so everyone can hear you. |
| karaoke machine | /ˌkeriˈoʊki məˌʃiːn/ | a device for choosing songs and playing music to sing along | Use the karaoke machine to choose your next song. |
| tambourine | /ˌtæmbəˈriːn/ | a small round drum with metal pieces that ring when shaken | Shake the tambourine to keep time with the music. |
| maracas | /məˈrækəz/ | two musical shakers with handles that rattle when shaken | Shake the maracas along with the music. |
| disco ball | /ˈdɪskoʊ ˌbɑːl/ | a hanging mirrored sphere that reflects light around a room | The disco ball reflects colorful light around the room. |
| fruit platter | /ˈfruːt ˌplæt̬ɚ/ | a large plate of sliced watermelon, oranges, and grapes | The fruit platter has watermelon, oranges, and grapes. |
| sofa | /ˈsoʊfə/ | a long soft seat for two or more people | The sofa gives us a comfortable place to sit. |
| peanuts | /ˈpiːnʌts/ | small brown seeds in rough shells, eaten as snacks | Crack the shells before you eat the peanuts. |
Basketball Court 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| basketball | /ˈbæs.kɪt.bɑːl/ | a large round ball thrown through a ring to score | Throw the basketball through the ring to score. |
| hoop | /huːp/ | a round metal ring with a net for scoring points | The hoop has a net hanging below it. |
| backboard | /ˈbæk.bɔːrd/ | a flat panel behind the ring that balls bounce off | The ball can bounce off the backboard into the ring. |
| scoreboard | /ˈskɔːr.bɔːrd/ | a display that shows how many points each team has | The scoreboard shows the points for both teams. |
| shot clock | /ˈʃɑːt ˌklɑːk/ | a timer showing seconds left for a team to score | The shot clock counts down the seconds left. |
| knee pads | /ˈniː ˌpædz/ | soft protective covers worn over the joints in your legs | Wear knee pads to protect your legs when you fall. |
| gym bag | /ˈdʒɪm ˌbæɡ/ | a soft container for carrying sports clothes and equipment | This gym bag holds my shoes and sports clothes. |
| headband | /ˈhed.bænd/ | a cloth band worn around your head to absorb sweat | This headband keeps sweat out of my eyes. |
Board Game Night 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| dice | /daɪs/ | small cubes with dots, thrown to choose a number | Roll the dice to see how far you move. |
| playing cards | /ˈpleɪ.ɪŋ kɑːrdz/ | a set of thin pieces with numbers and suits for games | Shuffle the playing cards before you start the game. |
| chessboard | /ˈtʃes.bɔːrd/ | a square surface with 64 light and dark squares | Place the pieces on the chessboard before you play. |
| mahjong tiles | /ˌmɑːˈdʒɑːŋ taɪlz/ | small thick rectangles with Chinese symbols used in a game | Arrange the mahjong tiles into a wall before playing. |
| poker chips | /ˈpoʊ.kɚ tʃɪps/ | small round counters used instead of money in betting games | Use poker chips instead of money during the game. |
| hourglass | /ˈaʊr.ɡlæs/ | a glass timer with sand flowing through a narrow middle | Turn the hourglass over to start your turn. |
| dominoes | /ˈdɑː.mə.noʊz/ | rectangular pieces with dots used for games or falling rows | Line up the dominoes and watch them fall. |
| notepad | /ˈnoʊt.pæd/ | a small book of paper sheets for writing things down | Write each player's score in the notepad after playing. |
Concert 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| spotlight | /ˈspɑːt.laɪt/ | a lamp that shines a strong narrow beam | The spotlight shines on the singer during the show. |
| amp | /æmp/ | a box that makes an electric guitar sound louder | This amp makes the guitar loud enough for everyone. |
| mic stand | /ˈmaɪk ˌstænd/ | a tall support that holds a microphone | The mic stand holds the microphone near your mouth. |
| lighter | /ˈlaɪ.t̬ɚ/ | a small tool that makes a flame | Use this lighter to light the candle on the table. |
| set list | /ˈset ˌlɪst/ | a paper showing which songs performers will play in order | The set list shows which song we play next. |
| wristband | /ˈrɪst.bænd/ | a strip worn around your arm to show entry permission | This wristband shows that you can enter the concert. |
| glow stick | /ˈɡloʊ ˌstɪk/ | a thin plastic tube that shines in the dark | Bend the glow stick to make it shine. |
| merch | /mɝːtʃ/ | items sold with a band's name or picture on them | The band sells merch like shirts and bags. |
Amusement Park 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| roller coaster | /ˈroʊ.lɚ ˌkoʊ.stɚ/ | a ride that moves fast along steep, curved tracks | The roller coaster takes us up and down fast. |
| Ferris wheel | /ˈfer.ɪs ˌwiːl/ | a tall round ride with seats that slowly circle | The Ferris wheel carries us slowly high above the park. |
| pinwheel | /ˈpɪn.wiːl/ | a toy on a stick that spins in the wind | This pinwheel spins when the wind blows. |
| bumper cars | /ˈbʌm.pɚ ˌkɑːrz/ | small electric vehicles people drive into each other for fun | You drive bumper cars and gently hit other riders. |
| cotton candy | /ˈkɑː.t̬ən ˌkæn.di/ | a soft fluffy sweet made from thin sugar threads | The cotton candy melts quickly in your mouth. |
| slushie | /ˈslʌʃ.i/ | a sweet cold drink made with crushed ice | You sip a slushie through a straw. |
| churro | /ˈtʃʊr.oʊ/ | a long fried piece of dough covered with sugar | A churro is a crispy snack covered with sugar. |
| lollipop | /ˈlɑː.li.pɑːp/ | a hard candy on a stick for licking | Hold the lollipop by its stick and lick it. |
Music Room 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| piano | /piˈænoʊ/ | a large instrument with black and white keys | Press the keys on the piano to play a song. |
| guitar | /ɡɪˈtɑːr/ | a six-string instrument you play with your fingers | I play the guitar by moving my fingers across the strings. |
| violin | /ˌvaɪəˈlɪn/ | a small four-string instrument played with a bow | She uses a bow to play the violin. |
| drum set | /ˈdrʌm set/ | a group of instruments you hit to make a beat | He uses sticks to play the drum set. |
| ukulele | /ˌjuːkəˈleɪli/ | a small four-string instrument you play with your fingers | This ukulele has four strings and a small body. |
| music stand | /ˈmjuːzɪk stænd/ | a tall support that holds pages for a player | The music stand holds pages while I play. |
| metronome | /ˈmetrənoʊm/ | a device that makes regular clicks to keep time | The metronome clicks to help me keep time. |
| sheet music | /ˈʃiːt ˌmjuːzɪk/ | printed notes that show you how to play a song | I read the sheet music to learn this song. |
Hiking Trail 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| hiking boots | /ˈhaɪkɪŋ buːts/ | strong shoes that protect your feet on rough paths | These hiking boots protect my feet on rocky paths. |
| trekking poles | /ˈtrekɪŋ poʊlz/ | two long sticks that help you balance on rough paths | These trekking poles help me balance on steep paths. |
| binoculars | /bɪˈnɑːkjəlɚz/ | a tool with two lenses for seeing faraway things | Use these binoculars to see birds far away. |
| compass | /ˈkʌmpəs/ | a small tool with a needle that points north | A compass helps you find the right direction. |
| signpost | /ˈsaɪnpoʊst/ | a tall wooden support with arrows showing where to go | The signpost shows which way the path goes. |
| trail mix | /ˈtreɪl mɪks/ | a snack of nuts, dried fruit, and sometimes chocolate | This trail mix has nuts, raisins, and chocolate pieces. |
| carabiner | /ˌkerəˈbiːnɚ/ | a metal loop with a gate for clipping things together | Use a carabiner to clip your bottle onto your bag. |
| bandana | /bænˈdænə/ | a square cloth worn around the head or neck | Tie a bandana around your neck for the walk. |
Ski Resort 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| pants | /pænts/ | clothes that cover each leg separately from waist to ankles | These pants keep my legs warm in the snow. |
| ski goggles | /ˈskiː ˌɡɑː.ɡəlz/ | special glasses that protect your eyes from snow and wind | These ski goggles protect my eyes from the wind. |
| balaclava | /ˌbæl.əˈklɑː.və/ | a cloth covering that keeps your head and neck warm | A balaclava covers my mouth and keeps me warm. |
| ski jacket | /ˈskiː ˌdʒæk.ɪt/ | a warm outer coat for moving down snowy mountains | My ski jacket keeps me warm on the slopes. |
| gloves | /ɡlʌvz/ | warm hand coverings with a separate space for each finger | These gloves keep my hands warm in the snow. |
| poles | /poʊlz/ | long sticks used to balance and push across snow | I use poles to push myself across flat snow. |
| ski boots | /ˈskiː ˌbuːts/ | stiff footwear that holds your feet on long snow boards | These ski boots hold my feet firmly in place. |
| skis | /skiːz/ | two long narrow boards for sliding over snow | These skis help me slide down the snowy hill. |
Bowling Alley 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| bowling ball | /ˈboʊlɪŋ bɔːl/ | a heavy round object rolled toward standing targets | Roll the bowling ball down the lane toward the pins. |
| pin | /pɪn/ | a tall white target knocked down by a heavy sphere | Each pin is a target you try to knock down. |
| bowling shoes | /ˈboʊlɪŋ ʃuːz/ | special footwear worn to slide safely on the lane | Wear bowling shoes before stepping onto the wooden lane. |
| ball return | /ˈbɔːl rɪˌtɝːn/ | a device that brings rolled spheres back to players | The ball return brings your next shot back to you. |
| rack | /ræk/ | a frame with shelves for storing round sports equipment | The ball rack holds different sizes for players to choose. |
| pitcher | /ˈpɪtʃɚ/ | a large container with a handle and pouring spout | Use the pitcher to pour soda into our cups. |
| jukebox | /ˈdʒuːkbɑːks/ | a device that plays songs people pay to choose | Choose a song on the jukebox and press play. |
| wings | /wɪŋz/ | small chicken pieces with bones, cooked and served as snacks | These wings come with spicy sauce for dipping. |
Knitting & Crafts 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| yarn | /jɑːrn/ | thick soft fibers used to make sweaters and scarves | I use yarn to make a warm scarf. |
| knitting needles | /ˈnɪtɪŋ ˌniːdəlz/ | two long pointed sticks used to make clothes from soft fibers | These knitting needles help me make a sweater. |
| crochet hook | /kroʊˈʃeɪ ˌhʊk/ | a tool with a curved tip for making soft clothes | I use a crochet hook to make small flowers. |
| glue gun | /ˈɡluː ˌɡʌn/ | a handheld tool that heats sticky material to join things | This glue gun helps me stick decorations together. |
| beads | /biːdz/ | small colorful pieces with holes for making necklaces and bracelets | These beads have little holes for making bracelets. |
| fabric | /ˈfæbrɪk/ | soft material used to make clothes and other things | This fabric is soft enough for a baby blanket. |
| pincushion | /ˈpɪnˌkʊʃən/ | a small soft pad that holds sharp sewing tools | This pincushion keeps my pins in one place. |
| thread | /θred/ | a thin strand used to sew pieces of cloth together | I use thread to sew a button on. |
Soccer Field 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| soccer ball | /ˈsɑːkɚ bɑːl/ | a round object players kick into a net | Kick the soccer ball into the net to score. |
| goal | /ɡoʊl/ | a frame with a net that players try to score in | The goal has a net to catch the ball. |
| cleats | /kliːts/ | sports shoes with short points underneath to grip the ground | These cleats help me run on wet grass. |
| shin guards | /ˈʃɪn ɡɑːrdz/ | hard pads that protect the front of your lower legs | Wear shin guards to protect your legs during games. |
| jersey | /ˈdʒɝːzi/ | a shirt worn by a player on a sports team | Each player wears a jersey with a number. |
| red card | /ˌred ˈkɑːrd/ | a referee's warning that a player must leave the game | A red card means the player must leave. |
| oranges | /ˈɔːrɪndʒɪz/ | sweet fruit cut into curved pieces for a snack | Cut the oranges into pieces for a quick snack. |
| trophy | /ˈtroʊfi/ | a special cup given as a prize for winning | The winning team receives a trophy after the game. |
Golf Course 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| golf cart | /ˈɡɑːlf kɑːrt/ | a small vehicle that carries players around a course | We use a golf cart to carry our equipment. |
| golf bag | /ˈɡɑːlf bæɡ/ | a tall container for carrying the equipment used to play | This golf bag holds all my clubs. |
| club | /klʌb/ | a long stick with a head for hitting a ball | Use this club to hit the ball farther. |
| golf ball | /ˈɡɑːlf bɑːl/ | a small round object hit into holes during a game | Hit the golf ball toward the hole. |
| tee | /tiː/ | a small stand that holds a ball above the grass | Place the ball on the tee before hitting it. |
| flag | /flæɡ/ | a cloth triangle on a pole that marks a hole | The flag shows us where the hole is. |
| visor | /ˈvaɪ.zɚ/ | a hat with a brim and an open top | A visor keeps the sun out of your eyes. |
| putter | /ˈpʌt̬.ɚ/ | a short stick used to roll a ball into a hole | Use a putter to roll the ball gently. |
Fishing Trip 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| fishing pole | /ˈfɪʃɪŋ poʊl/ | a long stick with a line for catching fish | Use this fishing pole to catch fish in the lake. |
| reel | /riːl/ | a round device that holds and turns a line | Turn the reel to bring the fish closer. |
| hook | /hʊk/ | a curved metal piece used to catch fish | Put a worm on the hook to catch fish. |
| bait | /beɪt/ | food used to attract fish so you can catch them | We use worms as bait to attract fish. |
| bobber | /ˈbɑːbɚ/ | a small float that shows when a fish bites | Watch the bobber for signs of a fish biting. |
| tackle box | /ˈtækəl bɑːks/ | a container for keeping equipment used to catch fish | Keep your extra hooks inside the tackle box. |
| fishing net | /ˈfɪʃɪŋ net/ | a mesh bag on a handle for lifting fish | Use the fishing net to lift the fish out. |
| rowboat | /ˈroʊboʊt/ | a small boat moved through water with oars | We use two oars to move the rowboat. |