Words That Start With K (With Definitions)

We’ve collected a comprehensive list of words starting with the letter K, along with their definitions.

From common terms to technical jargon, this list has it all. There are short words, easy words and even some slang words that all start with the letter K.

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Here’s a list of them, along with their definitions.

Words That Start With K

Kale – a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Kaleidoscope – a tube-shaped device containing mirrors and pieces of colored glass or plastic, which when viewed through the eyepiece, creates a constantly changing pattern.

Kamikaze – a suicide attack carried out by a pilot in a small aircraft during World War II.

Kangaroo – an Australian marsupial with long hind legs and large feet that allow it to hop along quickly.

Karaoke – a form of entertainment in which people sing along to recorded music using a microphone and a display screen.

Karate – a martial art developed in Japan that involves striking, kicking, and defensive techniques.

Karmic – relating to the concept of karma, or the idea that one’s actions in this life determine their fate in future lives.

Karst – a type of topography characterized by soluble rocks such as limestone, which can form caves and sinkholes.

Karyotype – a visual representation of the chromosome pairs in a cell, used to identify genetic disorders and abnormalities.

Kava – a drink made from the root of the kava plant, which is traditionally consumed for its calming effects.

Kayak – a small, narrow boat with a covered deck and a hole for the paddler’s legs.

Kebab – a Middle Eastern dish consisting of meat, vegetables, and spices cooked on a skewer.

Keelboat – a wide, flat-bottomed boat with a shallow draft used mainly on inland waterways.

Keep – to have or retain possession of something.

Kefir – a fermented milk drink that is similar to yogurt, but with a thinner consistency and tangier flavor.

Kelp – a type of large seaweed found along cold ocean coasts and often used in soups and salads.

Kennel – a shelter or house for dogs or other animals

Kenning – a type of metaphorical compound word used in Old English poetry.

Keno – a type of lottery game in which players choose numbers and win prizes based on how many of their selections match those drawn.

Kerchief – a small square of cloth worn as a head covering or around the neck.

Kernel – the innermost part of a seed or nut, often used to refer to the most essential or important part of something.

Kerosene – a type of fuel oil used as a heating fuel and in lamps and stoves.

Ketchup – a condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, often used on burgers and fries.

Kettle – a container with a spout, lid, and handle used for boiling water or other liquids.

Kettlebell – a cast-iron weight shaped like a ball with a handle attached to the top, used for performing exercises.

Keyboard – a set of keys that are pressed to enter data or commands into a computer, phone, or other electronic device.

Keyboardist – a musician who plays the keyboard.

Keychain – a small chain or ring used for holding keys together.

Keynote – the central theme or message of a speech, presentation, or event.

Keypad – a set of buttons used to enter information or commands into an electronic device.

Keystone – a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole together.

Khan: a ruler in some Muslim countries and former empires.

Kibble – small pellets of dried pet food, often used for dogs or cats.

Kibble – small, dry pellets of pet food.

Kibbutz – a type of communal settlement in Israel, typically based on agriculture and shared labor.

Kibosh – to put an end to something, often abruptly or forcefully.

Kick – to strike with the foot.

Kickboxing – a martial art and combat sport that combines elements of boxing and karate, with kicks and punches.

Kidney – a pair of organs located in the abdomen that filter waste products from the blood and excrete them in urine.

Killjoy – a person who spoils the fun or enjoyment of others.

Kiln – a furnace or oven used for firing pottery or bricks.

Kilobyte – a unit of digital storage equal to 1,024 bytes.

Kilogram – a unit of mass equal to 1,000 grams.

Kilt – a traditional Scottish garment worn by men, typically made of tartan fabric and featuring a pleated skirt.

Kimono – a traditional Japanese garment worn by men and women, typically made of silk or cotton and featuring elaborate designs.

Kindergarten – a school or class for young children, typically between the ages of four and six.

Kindle – to start a fire or ignite something.

Kindness – the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Kindred – related by blood or marriage or having a similar nature or character. The term can also refer to a group of people who are closely related or share common interests or beliefs.

Kinematics – the branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of objects without reference to the forces that cause the motion.

King – a male monarch who rules a kingdom or empire.

Kinship – a social relationship based on blood, marriage, or adoption.

Kiosk – a small, open-fronted booth or stand used for selling newspapers, snacks, or tickets.

Kipper – a type of salted and smoked fish, typically herring.

Kiss – to touch with the lips as a sign of affection or greeting.

Kit – a set of tools or equipment needed for a particular purpose.

Kitchen – a room or area where food is prepared and cooked.

Kitchenette: a small kitchen area with basic cooking facilities, found in many hotel rooms.

Kitchenware – utensils and other items used in a kitchen.

Kite – a lightweight toy or device that is flown in the air using wind power.

Kiteboarding – a water sport in which a rider uses a kite to propel themselves across the water on a board.

Kith – one’s friends, acquaintances, and relatives, often used in the phrase “kith and kin”.

Kiwi – a flightless bird native to New Zealand, or a small, edible fruit with brown fuzzy skin and green flesh.

Knack – a particular skill or talent, often one that is difficult to learn or acquire.

Knap – to break off or cut something, especially a small piece, with a quick blow or snap.

Knapsack – a type of backpack or bag that is carried on the back, often used for hiking, camping, or traveling.

Knave: an unprincipled person, especially one who is untrustworthy or dishonest.

Knead – to work dough or clay by pressing and folding it repeatedly to make it smooth and pliable.

Kneecap – the rounded bone that covers the front of the knee joint.

Kneepad – a protective pad worn on the knee to cushion and support it during activities such as sports or gardening.

Knickknack – a small, decorative object or trinket, often used to add visual interest to a room or display.

Knife – a cutting tool with a sharp blade and handle.

Knight – an ancient military rank usually given to men for bravery and loyalty. In chess, it is the most mobile piece on the board.

Knighthood – the status or rank of a knight.

Knot – a tight interlacing of ropes, cords, or other materials, often used to secure or tie something.

Knowledge – information, understanding, or skills acquired through experience or education.

Knuckle – the joint of a finger where it meets the hand, or a cut of meat from the lower part of an animal’s leg.

Koala – a small, herbivorous marsupial native to Australia, known for its round ears, fuzzy appearance, and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Koan – a paradoxical statement or problem used in Zen Buddhism to help practitioners break away from thinking.

Koi – a type of ornamental carp fish that is often kept in outdoor ponds or tanks.

Kookaburra – a large, loud bird native to Australia with distinctive laughter-like calls.

Kooky – eccentric, unusual, or strange in a humorous or endearing way.

Kosher – a term used in Jewish dietary law to describe food that is considered to be prepared in accordance with religious guidelines and fit for consumption by observant Jews.

Kowtow – to show excessive deference or submission to someone in authority.

Kraken – a legendary sea monster said to inhabit the oceans, often depicted as a giant squid or octopus.

Krypton – a chemical element that is a rare gas and is used in certain types of lighting.

Kudos – praise, recognition, or acclaim for achievement

Kudu – a type of antelope found in Africa, known for its long, twisted horns.

Kyrie – a type of religious song or prayer used in the Christian liturgy, often set to music.

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