Shopping vocabulary: 88 English words in 11 scenes
Everyday English words for shopping, grouped into 11 real-life scenes (pharmacy, supermarket checkout, convenience store, tech essentials and more), each with pronunciation, a plain definition and an example sentence.
Pharmacy 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| prescription | /prɪˈskrɪpʃən/ | a doctor's note saying which medicine you need | This prescription tells you which medicine to take. |
| pill bottle | /ˈpɪl ˌbɑːtəl/ | a small container for medicine you swallow | Keep the pill bottle away from young children. |
| band-aid | /ˈbænd eɪd/ | a small sticky cover for a cut | Put a band-aid over the small cut. |
| thermometer | /θɚˈmɑːmɪtɚ/ | a tool that measures how hot your body is | Use this thermometer to check your temperature. |
| cough syrup | /ˈkɑːf ˌsɪrəp/ | a sweet liquid medicine that helps calm your throat | Take some cough syrup to help you stop coughing. |
| painkiller | /ˈpeɪnˌkɪlɚ/ | a medicine that helps your body hurt less | A painkiller can help when your head hurts. |
| eye drops | /ˈaɪ ˌdrɑːps/ | a liquid medicine used to treat dryness or redness | These eye drops help when your eyes feel dry. |
| face mask | /ˈfeɪs ˌmæsk/ | a cover worn over your nose and mouth | A face mask covers your nose and mouth. |
Supermarket Checkout 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| shopping cart | /ˈʃɑːpɪŋ kɑːrt/ | a large basket on wheels for carrying things in a store | Push the shopping cart while you choose your food. |
| shopping basket | /ˈʃɑːpɪŋ ˌbæskɪt/ | a container with handles for carrying things in a store | Use a shopping basket to carry a few things. |
| cash register | /ˈkæʃ ˌredʒɪstɚ/ | a device that adds prices and holds money in stores | The cash register shows how much you need to pay. |
| checkout divider | /ˈtʃek.aʊt dɪˌvaɪ.dɚ/ | a bar that keeps each person's things separate before payment | The checkout divider separates your food from someone else's. |
| barcode scanner | /ˈbɑːr.koʊd ˌskæn.ɚ/ | a device that reads printed lines to find a price | The barcode scanner reads the label on each item. |
| receipt | /rɪˈsiːt/ | a piece of paper showing what you bought and paid | Your receipt lists everything you bought and its price. |
| reusable bag | /riːˈjuː.zə.bəl bæɡ/ | a container with handles you can use again and again | A reusable bag carries groceries on many trips. |
| self-checkout | /ˌselfˈtʃek.aʊt/ | a device where you pay for items without a cashier | Use the self-checkout to scan items and pay yourself. |
Convenience Store 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| chips | /tʃɪps/ | thin pieces of potato cooked in oil until crisp | These chips are thin, salty, and easy to share. |
| instant noodles | /ˌɪnstənt ˈnuːdəlz/ | dried long thin food ready after adding hot water | Add hot water to these instant noodles before eating. |
| gum | /ɡʌm/ | a sweet soft substance you chew without swallowing | You chew gum but do not swallow it. |
| jerky | /ˈdʒɝːki/ | meat dried into chewy strips for a snack | This jerky is dried beef with a chewy texture. |
| candy bar | /ˈkændi bɑːr/ | a long piece of chocolate sold in a wrapper | This candy bar has chocolate under its purple wrapper. |
| energy drink | /ˈenɚdʒi drɪŋk/ | a beverage that helps you feel more awake | An energy drink can help you feel more awake. |
| popsicle | /ˈpɑːpsɪkəl/ | a sweet frozen treat on a wooden stick | Hold your popsicle by the stick while eating it. |
| coffee | /ˈkɑːfi/ | a dark hot beverage made from roasted beans | This coffee comes in a paper cup with a sleeve. |
Tech Essentials 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| phone | /foʊn/ | a small device for calls, messages, and apps | I use my phone to call my family. |
| earbuds | /ˈɪr.bʌdz/ | two tiny devices worn inside your ears to hear music | These earbuds let me listen to music wirelessly. |
| charger | /ˈtʃɑːr.dʒɚ/ | a plug that supplies electricity to a device | Plug the charger into the wall outlet. |
| cable | /ˈkeɪ.bəl/ | a wire that carries electricity or information between devices | This cable connects my phone to my computer. |
| power bank | /ˈpaʊ.ɚ bæŋk/ | a portable battery that gives other devices electricity | This power bank can charge my phone twice. |
| flash drive | /ˈflæʃ ˌdraɪv/ | a small device that stores and moves computer files | Save the photos on this flash drive. |
| tablet | /ˈtæb.lət/ | a flat portable computer with a large touch screen | I read books on my tablet every night. |
| speaker | /ˈspiː.kɚ/ | a device that plays music and other sounds aloud | This speaker plays music from my phone wirelessly. |
Clothing Store 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| fitting room | /ˈfɪtɪŋ ˌruːm/ | a private space where you try on clothes | Use the fitting room to try on these clothes. |
| price tag | /ˈpraɪs ˌtæɡ/ | a label that shows how much something costs | The price tag shows how much this costs. |
| mannequin | /ˈmæn.ə.kɪn/ | a model of a person used to display clothes | The mannequin displays clothes in the store window. |
| shirt | /ʃɝːt/ | a piece of clothing with a collar and front buttons | This shirt has a collar and front buttons. |
| shopping bag | /ˈʃɑː.pɪŋ ˌbæɡ/ | a container with handles for carrying things you buy | Put your new clothes in this shopping bag. |
| jacket | /ˈdʒæk.ɪt/ | a short coat worn over other clothes | This jacket keeps me warm on cool days. |
| skirt | /skɝːt/ | clothing that hangs from the waist without separate legs | This skirt hangs just below my knees. |
| hat | /hæt/ | a covering for the head with a shaped top | This hat keeps the sun off my face. |
School Supplies 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| pencil case | /ˈpen.səl ˌkeɪs/ | a small bag for holding tools used to write | This pencil case keeps my writing supplies together. |
| pen | /pen/ | a tool that uses ink to write | Use this pen to write your name here. |
| pencil | /ˈpen.səl/ | a wooden tool with a dark center for writing | This pencil has a sharp point for drawing. |
| highlighter | /ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.t̬ɚ/ | a thick ink tool that marks text in bright colors | Use a highlighter to mark the important words. |
| eraser | /ɪˈreɪ.sɚ/ | a soft block that removes marks made with graphite | Use this eraser to remove the wrong answer. |
| ruler | /ˈruː.lɚ/ | a straight tool for measuring and drawing straight lines | Use a ruler to draw a straight line. |
| sticky notes | /ˈstɪk.i ˌnoʊts/ | small paper squares that attach to surfaces for reminders | Use sticky notes to leave reminders on your desk. |
| notebook | /ˈnoʊt.bʊk/ | a book of paper pages for writing things down | I write new English words in this notebook. |
Cosmetics Counter 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| lipstick | /ˈlɪpstɪk/ | a colored solid used to add color to the mouth | This lipstick gives your lips a bright red color. |
| foundation | /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/ | a colored cream that makes facial skin look even | I use foundation to make my skin look even. |
| mascara | /mæˈskærə/ | a liquid that makes eyelashes darker and thicker | This mascara makes my eyelashes look longer and darker. |
| eyeshadow palette | /ˈaɪˌʃædoʊ ˈpælət/ | a case holding several colors to put on eyelids | This eyeshadow palette has nine colors for your eyelids. |
| blush | /blʌʃ/ | a colored powder used to make cheeks look pink | I put blush on my cheeks for some color. |
| makeup brush | /ˈmeɪkʌp brʌʃ/ | a tool with soft hairs for applying facial powder | Use a makeup brush to spread powder on your face. |
| eyeliner | /ˈaɪˌlaɪnɚ/ | a pencil used to draw lines around the eyes | Use eyeliner to draw a line above your lashes. |
| lip gloss | /ˈlɪp ˌɡlɑːs/ | a shiny colored liquid applied to the mouth | This lip gloss makes your lips pink and shiny. |
Bookstore 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| paperback | /ˈpeɪpɚbæk/ | a book with a soft, flexible outer layer | This paperback has a soft, flexible cover. |
| hardcover | /ˈhɑːrdˌkʌvɚ/ | a book with stiff outer sides | This hardcover has stiff sides that protect the pages. |
| magazine | /ˈmæɡəziːn/ | a thin publication with pictures and articles, issued regularly | This magazine has photos and articles about travel. |
| comic book | /ˈkɑːmɪk ˌbʊk/ | a thin publication that tells stories through drawings and speech bubbles | This comic book tells a story through colorful pictures. |
| bookmark | /ˈbʊkmɑːrk/ | a strip placed between pages to save your place | Use a bookmark to save your place while reading. |
| gift card | /ˈɡɪft kɑːrd/ | a prepaid rectangle used to pay for things at a store | You can use this gift card to buy books. |
| calendar | /ˈkæləndɚ/ | a set of pages showing the days, weeks, and months | This calendar shows the days of each month. |
| e-reader | /ˈiːriːdɚ/ | a small electronic device that displays digital books on a screen | An e-reader lets you carry many digital books. |
Collectible Toy Shop 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| claw machine | /ˈklɑː məˌʃiːn/ | a game where you grab a toy to win it | Use the claw machine to try to win a toy. |
| stuffed animal | /ˌstʌft ˈænɪməl/ | a soft toy shaped like a bear or other creature | This stuffed animal is soft enough to hug. |
| blind box | /ˈblaɪnd bɑːks/ | a sealed package containing a toy you cannot choose | You cannot see the toy inside a blind box. |
| figurine | /ˌfɪɡjəˈriːn/ | a small model of a person or creature for display | This figurine stands on a little round base. |
| token | /ˈtoʊkən/ | a special coin used to play an arcade game | Put a token in the slot to play. |
| sticker | /ˈstɪkɚ/ | a picture with a sticky back that attaches to things | This sticker adds a cute picture to your notebook. |
| keychain | /ˈkiːtʃeɪn/ | a ring with a small decoration that holds your keys | This keychain has a ring to hold your keys. |
| doll | /dɑːl/ | a toy that looks like a person | This doll has long hair and a pretty dress. |
Pet Store 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| fish tank | /ˈfɪʃ tæŋk/ | a glass container filled with water for swimming pets | This fish tank gives our swimming pets a home. |
| goldfish | /ˈɡoʊldfɪʃ/ | a small orange pet that swims in fresh water | My goldfish swims around its bowl all day. |
| birdcage | /ˈbɝːdkeɪdʒ/ | a home with metal bars for a pet with feathers | This birdcage keeps our pet safe at night. |
| parakeet | /ˈperəkiːt/ | a small colorful pet with feathers and a long tail | Our parakeet has bright feathers and a long tail. |
| hamster | /ˈhæmstɚ/ | a small furry pet that stores food in its cheeks | Our hamster stores seeds in its round cheeks. |
| guinea pig | /ˈɡɪni pɪɡ/ | a small furry pet with short legs and no tail | Our guinea pig has short legs and no tail. |
| puppy | /ˈpʌpi/ | a young dog | This puppy is a young dog with floppy ears. |
| kitten | /ˈkɪtən/ | a young cat | This kitten is a young cat with tiny paws. |
Flower Shop 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| bouquet | /boʊˈkeɪ/ | a group of flowers arranged together and wrapped in paper | This bouquet has little flowers wrapped in paper. |
| rose | /roʊz/ | a flower with soft layered petals and a thorny stem | A rose has soft petals and a thorny stem. |
| tulip | /ˈtuː.lɪp/ | a spring flower with a cup shape and wide green leaves | A tulip has a cup-shaped head and wide leaves. |
| sunflower | /ˈsʌnˌflaʊ.ɚ/ | a tall plant with large yellow petals around a brown center | A sunflower has yellow petals around a brown center. |
| lily | /ˈlɪl.i/ | a flower with large open petals shaped like a trumpet | This lily has large pink petals with dark spots. |
| carnation | /kɑːrˈneɪ.ʃən/ | a flower with many petals that have wavy edges | This carnation has many petals with ruffled edges. |
| vase | /veɪs/ | a container that holds cut flowers and water | Fill the vase with water before adding flowers. |
| ribbon | /ˈrɪb.ən/ | a long narrow strip of soft cloth used for decoration | Use this ribbon to tie a pretty bow. |