Work & Study vocabulary: 88 English words in 11 scenes
Everyday English words for work & study, grouped into 11 real-life scenes (office desk, break room, conference room, classroom and more), each with pronunciation, a plain definition and an example sentence.
Office Desk 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| file cabinet | /ˈfaɪl ˌkæbɪnət/ | a piece of furniture with drawers for keeping papers | This file cabinet keeps our papers neat and organized. |
| folder | /ˈfoʊldɚ/ | a folded cover that holds loose papers together | This folder holds the papers for our meeting. |
| hole punch | /ˈhoʊl ˌpʌntʃ/ | a tool that makes small round openings in paper | Use the hole punch before putting papers in a binder. |
| desk calendar | /ˈdesk ˌkæləndɚ/ | a small standing display showing dates and days | This desk calendar shows today's date in large numbers. |
| nameplate | /ˈneɪmpleɪt/ | a small sign that shows who someone is | A nameplate tells visitors who works at this desk. |
| stapler | /ˈsteɪplɚ/ | a tool that joins papers with small metal pieces | Use the stapler to keep these pages together. |
| succulent | /ˈsʌkjələnt/ | a plant with thick leaves that store water | This succulent stores water in its thick green leaves. |
| tumbler | /ˈtʌmblɚ/ | an insulated drinking cup with a lid | This tumbler keeps my drink cold for hours. |
Break Room 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| water cooler | /ˈwɑːt̬ɚ ˌkuːlɚ/ | a device that gives you cold drinks from a large bottle | Fill your cup at the water cooler. |
| coffee machine | /ˈkɑːfi məˌʃiːn/ | an appliance that makes a hot drink from roasted beans | Put a capsule in the coffee machine. |
| creamer | /ˈkriːmɚ/ | a liquid or powder added to make hot drinks creamy | Add a little creamer to your coffee. |
| sweetener | /ˈswiːt̬ənɚ/ | a substance used instead of sugar to make drinks sweet | Use sweetener to make your coffee taste sweeter. |
| tea bag | /ˈtiː ˌbæɡ/ | a small paper pouch of dried leaves for a hot drink | Put a tea bag in hot water. |
| fridge | /frɪdʒ/ | an appliance that keeps food and drinks cold | The fridge keeps our milk and lunch cold. |
| sugar | /ˈʃʊɡɚ/ | a sweet substance added to food and drinks | Add sugar if you like your coffee sweet. |
| apple | /ˈæpəl/ | a round fruit with red or green skin | An apple makes a quick and healthy snack. |
Conference Room 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| whiteboard | /ˈwaɪt.bɔːrd/ | a smooth surface for writing with pens and wiping clean | We draw our ideas on the whiteboard. |
| marker | /ˈmɑːr.kɚ/ | a thick pen for writing and drawing on smooth surfaces | Use this marker to write on the board. |
| flip chart | /ˈflɪp ˌtʃɑːrt/ | a stand holding large paper sheets for showing ideas | Use the flip chart to show your ideas. |
| conference table | /ˈkɑːn.fɚ.əns ˌteɪ.bəl/ | a large piece of furniture people sit around for meetings | We sit around the conference table to discuss plans. |
| speakerphone | /ˈspiː.kɚ.foʊn/ | a device that lets a group talk on a call | The speakerphone lets everyone hear and join the call. |
| blinds | /blaɪndz/ | a window covering with strips that control light | Close the blinds to block the bright sunlight. |
| clicker | /ˈklɪk.ɚ/ | a small remote control for moving between slides | Press the clicker to show the next slide. |
| chair | /tʃer/ | a seat for one person with a back | This chair has wheels so you can move easily. |
Classroom 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| chalkboard | /ˈtʃɑːkbɔːrd/ | a dark surface teachers use to write or draw | Our teacher draws shapes on the chalkboard. |
| chalk | /tʃɑːk/ | colored sticks used to write on a dark surface | The teacher uses chalk to draw a circle. |
| podium | /ˈpoʊdiəm/ | a tall stand that holds notes while someone speaks | The teacher puts her notes on the podium. |
| desk | /desk/ | a table where a student reads and writes | I use this desk to read and write. |
| textbook | /ˈtekstbʊk/ | a set of printed pages used to study a subject | This textbook helps us learn English in class. |
| projector | /prəˈdʒektɚ/ | a device that shows pictures on a wall or screen | The projector shows pictures on the classroom wall. |
| pencil sharpener | /ˈpensəl ˌʃɑːrpənɚ/ | a tool that makes a writing stick's tip pointed | Turn the handle on the pencil sharpener slowly. |
| globe | /ɡloʊb/ | a round model of Earth showing land and oceans | We use a globe to find different countries. |
PE Class 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| bleachers | /ˈbliː.tʃɚz/ | rows of raised seats for people to see sports | The bleachers give fans a place to sit. |
| flagpole | /ˈflæɡ.poʊl/ | a tall post for flying a colored piece of cloth | The flagpole holds a flag above the field. |
| hurdle | /ˈhɝː.dəl/ | a frame that runners leap over during a race | You jump over the hurdle during the race. |
| jump rope | /ˈdʒʌmp ˌroʊp/ | a long cord with handles for exercise | I use a jump rope to exercise outside. |
| medicine ball | /ˈmed.ɪ.sən ˌbɑːl/ | a heavy round object used for strength exercises | Lift the medicine ball with both hands. |
| baton | /bəˈtɑːn/ | a short stick passed between runners in a team race | Pass the baton to the next runner. |
| whistle | /ˈwɪs.əl/ | a small object you blow into to make a loud sound | The coach blows a whistle to start practice. |
| stopwatch | /ˈstɑːp.wɑːtʃ/ | a device that measures how long an activity takes | Use the stopwatch to time your run. |
Video Production 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ring light | /ˈrɪŋ laɪt/ | a round lamp that makes your face bright for videos | This ring light makes my face look brighter. |
| tripod | /ˈtraɪpɑːd/ | a stand with three legs that holds a camera steady | The tripod keeps the camera steady while filming. |
| camera | /ˈkæmərə/ | a device that takes photos and records videos | This camera records clear videos for my channel. |
| mic | /maɪk/ | a device that records your voice or makes it louder | Speak into the mic to record your voice. |
| green screen | /ˈɡriːn skriːn/ | a backdrop that lets you change the background in videos | A green screen lets us change the video background. |
| gimbal | /ˈɡɪmbəl/ | a handheld support that keeps a phone steady while filming | The gimbal keeps my phone steady while I walk. |
| selfie stick | /ˈselfi stɪk/ | a long pole that holds your phone for taking photos | A selfie stick holds your phone farther away. |
| teleprompter | /ˈteləˌprɑːmptɚ/ | a device that shows words to read while filming | The teleprompter shows me what to say next. |
Office Lobby 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| elevator | /ˈel.ə.veɪ.t̬ɚ/ | a moving room that carries people between floors | The elevator takes people to the upper floors. |
| button | /ˈbʌt̬.ən/ | a round control you press to call the lift | Press the button to call the elevator. |
| badge | /bædʒ/ | a small card showing your name and where you work | Your badge shows your name and company. |
| security desk | /səˈkjʊr.ə.t̬i desk/ | a counter where guards help visitors and check who enters | Visitors check in at the security desk downstairs. |
| card reader | /ˈkɑːrd ˌriː.dɚ/ | a device that checks your pass to let you enter | Tap your badge on the card reader to enter. |
| directory | /dəˈrek.tɚ.i/ | a board listing companies and the floors they are on | The directory lists each company and its floor. |
| plant | /plænt/ | a living thing with leaves growing in a pot | The plant grows in a pot by the wall. |
| security camera | /səˈkjʊr.ə.t̬i ˌkæm.rə/ | a device that records video to help keep people safe | The security camera records people entering the lobby. |
Study Room 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| timer | /ˈtaɪmɚ/ | a device that shows when a set period ends | Set the timer for twenty minutes of studying. |
| flashcards | /ˈflæʃkɑːrdz/ | small cards with questions or words for learning | These flashcards help me learn new English words. |
| planner | /ˈplænɚ/ | a book for writing daily tasks and future activities | Use a planner to organize your daily tasks. |
| workbook | /ˈwɝːkbʊk/ | a book with questions and activities for students to complete | This workbook has exercises for practicing English grammar. |
| bookstand | /ˈbʊkstænd/ | a support that holds a book upright for reading | The bookstand holds my book upright while I read. |
| earplugs | /ˈɪrplʌɡz/ | soft pieces put in your ears to reduce noise | Wear earplugs to block noise while you study. |
| mechanical pencil | /məˈkænɪkəl ˈpensəl/ | a writing tool with thin lead pushed through its tip | Press the mechanical pencil button to push out lead. |
| cushion | /ˈkʊʃən/ | a soft pad that makes a seat more comfortable | This cushion makes the wooden chair more comfortable. |
Copy Room 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| printer | /ˈprɪntɚ/ | a device that puts words and pictures on sheets | The printer puts our documents onto white sheets. |
| shredder | /ˈʃredɚ/ | a device that cuts documents into tiny strips | This shredder cuts old documents into tiny strips. |
| laminator | /ˈlæməneɪtɚ/ | a device that seals documents inside clear plastic | The laminator seals this card inside clear plastic. |
| binder | /ˈbaɪndɚ/ | a cover with rings that holds loose sheets | This binder keeps loose sheets together with three rings. |
| label maker | /ˈleɪbəl ˌmeɪkɚ/ | a handheld device that produces small sticky name strips | The label maker produces sticky strips for our folders. |
| ream of paper | /riːm əv ˈpeɪpɚ/ | a wrapped pack of 500 blank sheets | This ream of paper contains five hundred blank sheets. |
| paper cutter | /ˈpeɪpɚ ˌkʌtɚ/ | a tool with a moving blade for trimming sheets | Use the paper cutter to trim these sheets evenly. |
| clipboard | /ˈklɪpbɔːrd/ | a firm surface that holds sheets for writing | This clipboard holds the form while you write. |
Science Lab 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| microscope | /ˈmaɪkrəskoʊp/ | a tool that makes very small things look bigger | Use a microscope to see very small things. |
| test tube | /ˈtest tuːb/ | a narrow glass container for holding liquids in science lessons | Put a little liquid in the test tube. |
| beaker | /ˈbiːkɚ/ | a wide glass container for holding and measuring liquids | Use the beaker to measure some water. |
| flask | /flæsk/ | a glass container with a narrow neck for heating liquids | We heat the liquid in a glass flask. |
| Bunsen burner | /ˈbʌnsən ˌbɝːnɚ/ | a small gas heater used in science lessons | Use a Bunsen burner to heat the liquid. |
| safety goggles | /ˈseɪfti ˌɡɑːɡəlz/ | glasses that protect your eyes during science experiments | Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. |
| dropper | /ˈdrɑːpɚ/ | a small tool for adding liquid one tiny amount at a time | Use a dropper to add a little liquid. |
| magnet | /ˈmæɡnət/ | an object that pulls iron and some other metals toward it | A magnet can pick up metal paper clips. |
Art Studio 8 words
| Word | IPA | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| easel | /ˈiː.zəl/ | a stand that holds a picture while you work on it | The easel holds my picture while I work. |
| canvas | /ˈkæn.vəs/ | a piece of strong cloth stretched on a frame for art | I paint a sunset on the canvas. |
| palette | /ˈpæl.ət/ | a flat board for holding and mixing paints | I mix red and yellow on my palette. |
| paintbrush | /ˈpeɪnt.brʌʃ/ | a tool with soft hairs for putting color on surfaces | Use a paintbrush to add color to your picture. |
| sketchbook | /ˈsketʃ.bʊk/ | a set of paper pages for drawing | I use my sketchbook to practice drawing faces. |
| watercolors | /ˈwɑː.t̬ɚˌkʌl.ɚz/ | solid paints mixed with liquid before use | Add a little water to these watercolors before painting. |
| pastels | /pæsˈtelz/ | soft colored sticks used for drawing | These pastels make bright marks on paper. |
| masking tape | /ˈmæs.kɪŋ ˌteɪp/ | a sticky paper strip that protects edges while you add color | Use masking tape to keep the edges clean. |