Words that start with “V” are commonly used in everyday communication, writing, and media. Learning these V words with pronunciation (IPA), meanings, and practical examples can help you understand them more clearly and use them with confidence.
Explore words that start with the letter:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Words that Start with V
Pronunciation Tip: The English letter V is usually pronounced with your top teeth touching your lower lip, as in very /ˈveri/ and voice /vɔɪs/.
Beginner Words
| Word | IPA (US) | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacation | /veɪˈkeɪʃən/ | A period of travel or rest away from work or school | We are planning a summer vacation. |
| Vacant | /ˈveɪkənt/ | Not being used or occupied | The apartment is vacant now. |
| Valley | /ˈvæli/ | A low area of land between hills or mountains | The village sits in a green valley. |
| Value | /ˈvæljuː/ | The importance or worth of something | We value honesty and hard work. |
| Vegetable | /ˈvedʒtəbəl/ | A plant used as food | She bought fresh vegetables at the market. |
| Vehicle | /ˈviːɪkəl/ | A machine used for transportation | This vehicle can carry eight people. |
| Vendor | /ˈvendər/ | A person or company that sells goods or services | The street vendor sells fruit and drinks. |
| Version | /ˈvɝːʒən/ | A particular form of something | I downloaded the latest version of the app. |
| Very | /ˈveri/ | To a high degree | The movie was very interesting. |
| Video | /ˈvɪdioʊ/ | A recording of moving images | I watched a short video online. |
| Village | /ˈvɪlɪdʒ/ | A small community in the countryside | Her grandparents live in a quiet village. |
| Visit | /ˈvɪzɪt/ | To go see a person or place | We will visit our friends this weekend. |
| Visitor | /ˈvɪzɪtər/ | A person who comes to see a place or person | Each visitor received a welcome card. |
| Vitamin | /ˈvaɪtəmɪn/ | A substance that helps the body stay healthy | Oranges are rich in vitamin C. |
| Voice | /vɔɪs/ | The sound a person makes when speaking or singing | She has a calm voice. |
| Volleyball | /ˈvɑːlibɔːl/ | A sport played by hitting a ball over a net | They play volleyball after school. |
| Vote | /voʊt/ | To express a choice in an election or decision | Citizens vote for their leaders. |
| Voter | /ˈvoʊtər/ | A person who votes | Every voter should understand the issues. |
Intermediate Words
| Word | IPA (US) | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccine | /vækˈsiːn/ | A substance used to help protect against disease | The vaccine was offered at the clinic. |
| Vacuum | /ˈvækjuːm/ | A space without air, or a machine used for cleaning | She used a vacuum to clean the carpet. |
| Vanish | /ˈvænɪʃ/ | To disappear suddenly | The clouds vanished by noon. |
| Variety | /vəˈraɪəti/ | A range of different types | The store offers a variety of snacks. |
| Vast | /væst/ | Extremely large | The desert covers a vast area. |
| Vegan | /ˈviːɡən/ | A person who does not eat animal products, or relating to that diet | She follows a vegan diet. |
| Veer | /vɪr/ | To change direction quickly | The car veered to the left. |
| Venture | /ˈventʃər/ | A risky project or activity | Starting the company was a bold venture. |
| Venue | /ˈvenjuː/ | The place where an event happens | The concert venue was full. |
| Vessel | /ˈvesəl/ | A ship, boat, or container | The fishing vessel returned at sunset. |
| Veteran | /ˈvetərən/ | A person with long experience, especially in the military | The veteran shared his story. |
| Victim | /ˈvɪktəm/ | A person harmed by an event or action | The victim received support after the accident. |
| Victory | /ˈvɪktəri/ | Success in a contest or struggle | The team celebrated its victory. |
| Viable | /ˈvaɪəbəl/ | Able to work successfully | This is a viable solution. |
| Vibrant | /ˈvaɪbrənt/ | Full of energy, life, and color | The city has a vibrant nightlife. |
| Violence | /ˈvaɪələns/ | Physical force intended to hurt or damage | The article discussed the effects of violence in society. |
| Violent | /ˈvaɪələnt/ | Using or involving physical force | The movie includes some violent scenes. |
| Virtual | /ˈvɝːtʃuəl/ | Done or existing online rather than in person | We attended a virtual meeting. |
| Virus | /ˈvaɪrəs/ | A tiny infectious agent that can cause disease; also a harmful computer program in some contexts | The doctor explained how the virus spreads. |
| Vintage | /ˈvɪntɪdʒ/ | Old and of high quality or interest | She wore a vintage jacket. |
| Voucher | /ˈvaʊtʃər/ | A document or code that can be used to get a discount or service | I used a voucher at checkout. |
| Volunteer | /ˌvɑːlənˈtɪr/ | A person who offers help without pay, or to offer help freely | Many students volunteer at the shelter. |
| Voluntary | /ˈvɑːlənteri/ | Done by choice, not by force | Participation is voluntary. |
Advanced Words
| Word | IPA (US) | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacillate | /ˈvæsəleɪt/ | To be unable to decide between different opinions or actions | He tends to vacillate before making big decisions. |
| Vague | /veɪɡ/ | Not clear or specific | Her answer was too vague. |
| Vain | /veɪn/ | Too proud of appearance or achievements; also unsuccessful in some contexts | He seemed vain and self-centered. |
| Valiant | /ˈvæljənt/ | Very brave | The firefighter made a valiant effort. |
| Valid | /ˈvælɪd/ | Based on sound reasoning or officially acceptable | Your ID is still valid. |
| Validate | /ˈvælədeɪt/ | To confirm that something is correct or acceptable | Please validate the form before submitting it. |
| Valuation | /ˌvæljuˈeɪʃən/ | An estimate of something’s worth | The company’s valuation increased this year. |
| Vanquish | /ˈvæŋkwɪʃ/ | To defeat completely | The hero vanquished his rival in the final round. |
| Vantage | /ˈvæntɪdʒ/ | A position that gives a good view or advantage | From that vantage point, the whole valley was visible. |
| Variable | /ˈveriəbəl/ | Likely to change; also a factor that can change in research or math | Weather is a variable factor in travel planning. |
| Variance | /ˈveriəns/ | A difference or change from what is expected | There was little variance in the results. |
| Variant | /ˈveriənt/ | A form or version that is slightly different | Scientists tracked a new variant of the virus. |
| Versatile | /ˈvɝːsətl/ | Able to do many different things well | This tool is versatile and easy to use. |
| Versatility | /ˌvɝːsəˈtɪləti/ | The quality of being adaptable or useful in many ways | The phone’s versatility makes it popular. |
| Vernacular | /vərˈnækjələr/ | The everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a place | The author wrote in the local vernacular. |
| Verifiable | /ˈverəfaɪəbl/ | Able to be checked or proven true | The report includes verifiable data. |
| Verify | /ˈverəfaɪ/ | To check that something is true or correct | Please verify your email address. |
| Verdict | /ˈvɝːdɪkt/ | An official decision, especially in court | The jury reached a verdict. |
| Verbose | /vɝːˈboʊs/ | Using more words than necessary | The explanation was too verbose. |
| Verbatim | /vɝːˈbeɪtɪm/ | In exactly the same words | She copied the statement verbatim. |
| Vicious | /ˈvɪʃəs/ | Cruel, violent, or very harmful | The article warned about the vicious cycle of poverty. |
| Vindicate | /ˈvɪndɪkeɪt/ | To prove that someone or something was right | The new evidence may vindicate her. |
| Vindictive | /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ | Having a strong desire for revenge | His vindictive remarks shocked the team. |
| Vigilant | /ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/ | Carefully watchful | Parents should remain vigilant online. |
| Vigilance | /ˈvɪdʒɪləns/ | The act of being watchful and alert | Road safety requires constant vigilance. |
| Volatile | /ˈvɑːlətl/ | Likely to change suddenly or unexpectedly | Oil prices can be volatile. |
| Volatility | /ˌvɑːləˈtɪləti/ | The quality of changing quickly and unpredictably | Market volatility worried investors. |
| Voluminous | /vəˈluːmɪnəs/ | Very large in size or amount | The archive contains voluminous records. |
| Voracious | /vəˈreɪʃəs/ | Having a very eager appetite or strong desire for something | She is a voracious reader. |
| Vulnerable | /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ | Easy to harm, attack, or affect | Young children can be vulnerable to stress. |
Commonly Confused V-Words
Vacant vs. Empty
- Vacant (/ˈveɪkənt/): Not occupied by a person or thing.
Example: The hotel room is vacant. - Empty (/ˈempti/): Containing nothing inside.
Example: The bottle is empty.
Vague vs. Vogue
- Vague (/veɪɡ/): Not clearly expressed or understood.
Example: His explanation was vague. - Vogue (/voʊɡ/): Popular or fashionable at a particular time.
Example: That style is back in vogue.
Value vs. Price
- Value (/ˈvæljuː/): The worth or importance of something.
Example: Education has lasting value. - Price (/praɪs/): The amount of money needed to buy something.
Example: The price of the shoes was too high.
Phrasal Verbs and Expressions with V
- Vouch for: To support someone’s honesty or ability.
Example: I can vouch for her work ethic. - Vice versa: The other way around.
Example: Teachers learn from students and vice versa.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word.
- The seat next to me is ______. (vacant / vague)
- She is a ______ reader and finishes books quickly. (voracious / volatile)
- Please ______ your email before logging in. (verify / vanish)
- The old building is no longer in use, so it is ______. (empty / vacant)
- The market became very ______ after the announcement. (volatile / valiant)
Answers:
- vacant
- voracious
- verify
- vacant
- volatile
Last Updated on March 27, 2026
