378 High-Frequency IELTS Listening Words (Free List) -

Preparing for the IELTS Listening test means building the right vocabulary. In fact, the official IELTS site notes that expanding your vocabulary “will help you perform better in the IELTS Listening test”. Practicing with the kinds of words you’ll hear can give you a big advantage. For example, Part 1 of the listening test uses very basic, everyday vocabulary – “familiar word groups relating to everyday life, dates, times, places, activities, work and leisure”. Later parts introduce more specialized topics. One study resource even compiled 378 high-frequency words that often appear in IELTS Listening passages.

To make learning easier, we’ve grouped these 378 words by theme (education, daily life, work, etc.) so you can study by topic. Each word is defined and shown in a sample sentence. Plus, we’ve included listening tips to help boost your score. Follow along in a friendly, step-by-step way, and you’ll be picking up new words in no time.

Why learn these words? Understanding common words and phrases will make the listening sections much smoother. As IELTS experts point out, building your vocabulary “helps in understanding IELTS Listening recordings” and prevents losing easy marks to spelling mistakes. In short, knowing these words can “greatly improve your performance in the actual exam”.

Top Tips for IELTS Listening

Before diving into vocabulary, here are some strategies to sharpen your listening skills:

Train with different English accents. The IELTS Listening test features a range of accents (British, American, Australian, etc.) to reflect the international nature of English. Practice by listening to various sources (international podcasts, news channels, movies). This will prepare you to understand speakers from different countries.
Stay focused and engaged. It’s easy to lose concentration during a long listening exam, but you must actively listen from start to finish. Keep a pencil in hand and underline or circle key words on the question paper as you listen. Doing this small task keeps your brain actively processing the audio.
Follow instructions carefully. Read each question’s instructions fully before you listen. For example, if it says “No more than two words”, don’t write more. Even if you know the answer, extra words will make it wrong. Pay attention to word limits and question types so you don’t lose easy marks.

Know the question formats. Familiarize yourself with the four listening sections and common question types (multiple-choice, gap-fill, map labeling, etc.). When you recognize a question type, you’ll know what to expect. For instance, if you see a form-filling question, you’ll anticipate short factual answers like dates or names.
Practice under exam conditions. In many classes you might listen to practice recordings multiple times. On test day, you only hear each part once. Simulate this by practicing with recordings played only once. This will train you to catch information on the first go.
Use any extra time wisely. You get a few seconds before each recording starts. Quickly read the questions in that section so you know what information to listen for. And during the 10 minutes at the end of the test, double-check your spellings and that you followed instructions.

By combining these strategies with strong vocabulary, you’ll be in great shape. Now let’s get to the 378 essential words, organized by topic for easy study. Each entry has a definition and a sample sentence to show how the word is used.

School and University (Education) Vocabulary

Shelf – A long, flat board attached to a wall or bookcase, used to hold books. Example: “She pulled the novel down from the top shelf.”
Librarian – A person who works in a library, helping people find and borrow books. Example: “The librarian helped the student locate the reference material.”
The stacks – The section of a library where books and periodicals are kept on shelves. Example: “You can find older journals in the stacks of the university library.”

Return – (verb) To bring something back to where it belongs (e.g., a borrowed book to the library). Example: “Please remember to return the book by next Monday.”
Fine – (noun) A sum of money charged for doing something late or breaking a rule; here, a charge for late library books. Example: “He had to pay a $5 fine for returning the book overdue.”
Magazine – A printed publication (often monthly) with articles and pictures on various subjects. Example: “She read a science magazine during her study break.”

Copier – A machine that makes copies of documents or pages. Example: “They used the copier to duplicate the handout for the entire class.”
Overdue – (adjective) Not returned or completed by the expected date. Example: “This DVD is overdue – you need to return it to avoid a fine.”
Reading room – A quiet room in a library where people can read or study. Example: “The reading room is open 24 hours a day during exam week.”

Reference room – A library area containing reference books (dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.) that are not lent out. Example: “Reference books like encyclopedias can only be used in the reference room.”
Periodical room – A section in the library where magazines, journals, and newspapers are displayed. Example: “I spent an hour in the periodical room reading the latest issues.”
Study lounge – A comfortable area for students to relax or study together, often with sofas and tables. Example: “We had a quiet meeting in the study lounge to discuss our project.”

Catalogue – A list or database of all the books and materials in a library. Example: “I searched the online catalogue for books on medieval history.”
Index – An alphabetical list of topics or subjects (often in the back of a book) with page numbers. Example: “He looked in the index to find the page about photosynthesis.”
Keyword – An important word used for searching information in a database or catalogue. Example: “Use relevant keywords to quickly find articles on Google Scholar.”

Volume – One book in a series or one issue of a periodical. Example: “The university library has Volume 1 through Volume 20 of that journal.”
Library card – A card issued by a library that allows a person to borrow books. Example: “You need to show your library card when checking out books.”
Book reservation – (verb phrase) A request to keep a book on hold so it won’t be checked out by someone else. Example: “I put a book reservation on that new novel, so it will be waiting for me.”

Periodical – A publication (like a magazine or journal) released at regular intervals. Example: “He subscribes to a scientific periodical that comes out monthly.”
Quarterly – A publication that comes out four times a year (every three months). Example: “The medical journal is published on a quarterly basis.”
Back issue – An earlier issue of a magazine or journal. Example: “The library keeps back issues of the newspaper for at least five years.”

Current issue – The most recent edition of a magazine or journal. Example: “Make sure you have the current issue of the journal for the latest research.”
Latest number – Another term for the newest issue of a periodical. Example: “Did the latest number of the magazine arrive yet?”
Writing permission – Authorization given (usually by a librarian) for a student to write notes or copy inside the library. Example: “She had writing permission, so she could take notes on the special book.”

Check out – (verb) To borrow a book or item from the library. Example: “I checked out three books for the weekend.”
Put on reserve – (verb) To request that a book be kept at the library desk so it can be used for a short time by students. Example: “The professor put the textbook on reserve so every student can borrow it for two hours.”

Students and Staff

Freshman – A first-year student at a university or college. Example: “As a freshman, she lived in a dorm on campus.”
Sophomore – A second-year college or high school student. Example: “During his sophomore year, he switched his major to biology.”

Junior student – A third-year student in high school or college. Example: “Junior students often have more difficult courses.”
Senior student – A fourth-year (final year) student in college or high school. Example: “The senior student presented his thesis at the seminar.”
Bachelor – (noun) A person who has earned a bachelor’s degree (undergraduate). Example: “She completed her studies and became a Bachelor of Arts.”

Master – (noun) A person holding a master’s degree (graduate level). Example: “He is studying for a Master of Science in chemistry.”
Doctoral candidate – Someone working towards a PhD or doctoral degree. Example: “As a doctoral candidate, she spent years researching her topic.”
Alumnus/Alumni – A graduate or former student of a school or university (alumnus for one male, alumna for one female; alumni is plural). Example: “Alumni of the class of 2000 organized a reunion.”

Post doctorate – (noun) Research or study pursued after earning a PhD. Example: “He did post-doctorate work in a genetics laboratory.”
Lecturer – A university teacher or instructor, especially one who does not hold a professorship. Example: “The lecturer gave a talk on modern literature.”
Associate professor – A mid-level academic rank at a university, above assistant professor and below full professor. Example: “Dr. Nguyen was promoted to associate professor of physics.”

Supervisor – A faculty member (often a professor) who guides a student’s research. Example: “My PhD supervisor helped me design the experiment.”
Professor – A senior academic who teaches and does research at a college or university. Example: “The professor explained the complex theory in simple terms.”
Dean – A senior official in a college or university, often in charge of a department or faculty. Example: “The dean announced new scholarship opportunities.”

Teaching assistant – A graduate student who assists a professor by leading discussions or grading. Example: “The teaching assistant held extra office hours for students.”

Courses and Curriculum

Take the course – (verb phrase) To enroll in and attend a class. Example: “She decided to take the course on climate change.”
Credit – A unit that schools use to record that someone has completed a course. Example: “This class is worth three credits toward your degree.”
Register – (verb) To sign up officially for classes at a school or university. Example: “Students need to register for courses before the semester starts.”

Drop the course – (verb phrase) To withdraw from a class you had enrolled in. Example: “He dropped the course after realizing it was too advanced.”
Introductory course – A beginner-level class on a subject. Example: “The introductory course covers the basics of economics.”
Advanced course – A higher-level class that requires more background knowledge. Example: “She signed up for an advanced course in data science.”

Rank – (noun) A student’s level or standing, often by year (freshman, sophomore, etc.) or in competitive exams. Example: “His rank among the applicants improved after extra classes.”
Syllabus – A document outlining a course’s topics, schedule, and assignments. Example: “The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day.”
Curriculum – The set of courses and content offered by a school or program. Example: “The new curriculum includes more computer science classes.”

Seminar – A small class or discussion led by a teacher, often focusing on a specific topic. Example: “They attended a seminar on renewable energy.”
Elective (optional) course – A class that students can choose (not required for graduation). Example: “Graphic design was an elective course she really enjoyed.”
Compulsory course – A required class that all students must take. Example: “Math is a compulsory course in the engineering program.”

Drop-out – (noun) A student who leaves school without finishing. Example: “The program was concerned that several students might become drop-outs.”
Makeup exam – An exam given to students who missed the regular exam. Example: “He had to take a makeup exam since he was sick on test day.”
Psychology course – Any class in the subject of psychology. Example: “She’s taking a psychology course to learn about human behavior.”

Physics – (noun) The science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force. Example: “Physics can explain how the universe works.”
Computer course – Any class about computers or computing (programming, IT, etc.). Example: “He enrolled in a computer course to learn coding.”
Computer science – (noun) The study of computers and computational systems. Example: “Computer science covers programming, algorithms, and software design.”

Reading and Research

Book review – A written critique or summary of a book. Example: “She wrote a book review for the university newspaper.”

Novel – A long fictional story, usually written as a book. Example: “He read an exciting mystery novel on the train.”
Press – (noun) The publishing or media industry; (verb) to publish or report news. Example: “She worked in the press to report on education.”
Publisher – A company or person that prepares and issues books, journals, or magazines. Example: “The publisher released the textbook this fall.”

Publication – A book, journal, magazine, or newspaper that has been published. Example: “Her research was featured in a major scientific publication.”
Biography – A written account of a person’s life. Example: “He enjoyed reading the biography of a famous poet.”
Editorial – (noun) An article expressing the editor’s opinion; (adj) relating to editing. Example: “She wrote an editorial about campus safety.”

Extra copy – An additional copy of something (like a book or document). Example: “They made an extra copy of the assignment for the professor.”
Paperback edition – A version of a book that has a soft paper cover. Example: “The novel was cheaper in paperback edition.”
Out of print – (adjective) When a book is no longer being published. Example: “That book is out of print, so you can only find it in libraries.”

Read selectively – (phrase) To read only parts of a book or to skip around. Example: “During exams, students often read selectively to find key information.”
Get through a novel – (phrase) To finish reading an entire novel. Example: “It took her two days to get through the novel.”
Be addicted to the book – (phrase) To be unable to stop reading because it’s so engaging. Example: “He stayed up all night because he was addicted to the book.”

Plough through – (phrasal verb) To read or study something with difficulty, slowly. Example: “She had to plough through hundreds of pages of dense text.”
Read extensively – (phrase) To read a lot of material, covering many topics. Example: “He read extensively about ancient history to prepare for the course.”

After Class and Campus Life

Devote to – (phrasal verb) To give time or effort for a purpose or activity. Example: “After class, she decided to devote three hours to exam preparation.”
Run for – (phrasal verb) To be a candidate in an election. Example: “He decided to run for student body president.”

Candidate – A person who seeks or is nominated for election or a position. Example: “Each candidate gave a speech at the school assembly.”
Vote – (verb) To choose someone in an election; (noun) the act of choosing. Example: “Students will vote for the new club leader next week.”
Conflict – A serious disagreement or argument. Example: “There was a conflict between the two student groups.”

Election campaign – The process of gathering support for someone running for office. Example: “The election campaign was focused on improving campus facilities.”
Campaign manager – The person who organizes and runs a political campaign. Example: “Her campaign manager scheduled all the student rallies.”
Participant – Someone who takes part in an event or activity. Example: “Every participant received a certificate after the workshop.”

The student union – The organization representing student interests on campus. Example: “The student union held a debate about tuition fees.”
Chairman – A person (often the leader of a meeting or organization) who presides. Example: “The chairman of the student council introduced the guest speaker.”
Speech contest – A competition where individuals give prepared speeches and are judged. Example: “She won first prize in the inter-school speech contest.”

Enroll in – (verb) To register or sign up for a course or program. Example: “They decided to enroll in a summer language course.”
Sign up for – (phrasal verb) To join or register for an event or activity. Example: “He signed up for the volunteer club after seeing the flyer.”

Daily Life and Shopping

Shopping & Retail

Convenience store – A small shop that sells everyday items and is often open long hours. Example: “She stopped at the convenience store to buy snacks.”
Department store – A large retail store with many different departments (clothing, appliances, etc.). Example: “They went to the department store to buy new furniture.”
Mall – A large building or series of connected buildings containing many shops. Example: “The shopping mall has a food court on the second floor.”

Chain store – One of a series of stores under the same brand. Example: “This chain store has outlets in every neighborhood.”
Shopping list – A written list of items to buy. Example: “He always makes a shopping list before going to the supermarket.”
Supermarket – A large self-service store selling groceries and household items. Example: “She bought vegetables and milk at the supermarket.”

Family size – (adjective) Referring to larger-than-normal product packaging for families. Example: “Buying cereal in family size often saves money.”
Receipt – A piece of paper showing what you bought and how much you paid. Example: “Keep your receipt in case you want to return an item.”
Outlet – A store that sells goods from a particular brand, often at a discount. Example: “The factory outlet had last season’s shoes at half price.”

On sale – (phrase) Sold at a lower price than usual. Example: “The laptop was on sale, so he saved 20%.”
Sell out – (verb) When a store sells all its stock of a product. Example: “The new game sold out within hours of its release.”
Grocery store – A store that primarily sells food and household supplies (similar to supermarket). Example: “She went to the grocery store to pick up lunch ingredients.”

Out of stock – (phrase) Not available for sale at the store. Example: “The item was out of stock, so he ordered it online.”
In stock – (phrase) Available and ready for sale. Example: “The book is in stock and can be shipped today.”
Customer – A person who buys goods or services. Example: “The cashier greeted each customer with a smile.”

Complaint – An expression of dissatisfaction. Example: “The customer filed a complaint about the broken product.”
Deliver – (verb) To bring goods to a customer’s address. Example: “They deliver groceries to your home for a small fee.”
Counter – A long flat surface where service is provided (in a store, bank, etc.). Example: “She paid for the tickets at the ticket counter.”

Closing time – The time when a store or business closes for the day. Example: “We rushed to finish shopping before closing time.”
Balance – (noun) The amount of money remaining; (verb) to make equal. Example: “After shopping, he checked his bank balance.”
Luxurious items – (noun phrase) Expensive or high-end products that are not necessities. Example: “The store sells luxurious items like designer bags.”

Electronic product – Any device that uses electricity, such as a phone or computer. Example: “She compared prices on an electronic product (a digital camera).”
Stationery – Materials for writing or office use (paper, pens, envelopes, etc.). Example: “He bought stationery for the classroom, including markers and notebooks.”
Digital video camera – A camera that records video images digitally. Example: “The digital video camera captured high-definition movies.”

Past the prime – (phrase) No longer at peak quality or performance (often used for goods or people). Example: “Some fruits were past their prime and not as sweet.”

Home and Household

Housework – Chores or cleaning tasks done at home. Example: “She did housework like washing dishes and vacuuming.”
Electric cooker – A kitchen appliance (like an oven or stove) powered by electricity. Example: “The kitchen has an electric cooker for baking.”
Laundry – (noun) Clothes that need washing or have been washed; (verb) the act of washing clothes. Example: “He did the laundry on Sunday.”

Iron – (noun) A small appliance used to press clothes; (verb) to press clothes. Example: “She used an iron to remove wrinkles from her shirt.”
Vacuum cleaner – A machine used for cleaning floors by suction. Example: “He used the vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet.”
Housemaid – A woman employed to do cleaning and housework. Example: “They hired a housemaid to help with cleaning.”

Housekeeper – A person (man or woman) who manages a household or cleans a hotel. Example: “The hotel housekeeper cleaned the room daily.”
Housewife – A married woman who manages the home and family (not necessarily employed outside). Example: “She became a housewife after her children were born.”
Keep an eye on – (phrase) To watch or monitor. Example: “He asked his neighbor to keep an eye on the house while on vacation.”

Household expenses – Costs for running a home (rent, utilities, food, etc.). Example: “They budgeted their household expenses carefully.”
Keep down the cost – (phrase) To reduce spending. Example: “They turned off unused lights to keep down the cost of electricity.”
Fix the dinner – (phrase) To prepare or cook the evening meal. Example: “She came home early to fix the dinner.”

Budget – (noun) A financial plan for spending; (verb) to plan spending. Example: “He created a budget to manage his monthly income.”
In a mess – (phrase) Disorderly or untidy. Example: “After the party, the kitchen was in a mess.”
Economical – (adjective) Using little money or resources; not wasteful. Example: “Using public transportation is more economical than driving.”

Communication and Leisure

Leisure time – Free time when one is not working or studying. Example: “She reads novels during her leisure time.”
Telephone booth – A small, enclosed space where one can use a public telephone. Example: “He stepped into a telephone booth to make a call.”
Date – (noun) A social or romantic appointment; (verb) to go on a date. Example: “They arranged a date for Saturday evening.”
Pay phone – A public telephone that operates by inserting coins or a card. Example: “She found a pay phone at the corner of the street.”
Call on (someone) – (phrasal verb) To visit someone. Example: “He decided to call on his elderly neighbor after school.”
Long-distance call – A telephone call between distant places (often requiring extra charge). Example: “She made a long-distance call to her family overseas.”
Take a message – (phrase) To write down information someone wanted passed on. Example: “Can you take a message if she’s not in?”
Hang up – (phrasal verb) To end a telephone call by putting the receiver down. Example: “He accidentally hung up before saying goodbye.”
Keep in contact – (phrase) To maintain communication with someone. Example: “They promised to keep in contact after graduation.”
Hold on – (phrase) To wait (often used on the phone). Example: “Just hold on a moment while I transfer your call.”
Hospitable – (adjective) Friendly and welcoming to guests. Example: “They were very hospitable and offered us tea.”

Business and Work

Job Search and Career

Job hunting – Looking for employment. Example: “She spent her weekends job hunting online.”
Inexperienced – Lacking experience or practice. Example: “The new applicant was young and inexperienced.”
Opportunity – A chance for advancement or progress. Example: “Working in that company was a great opportunity.”
Want ads – Advertisements listing job openings or items for sale. Example: “He checked the want ads for part-time work.”
Unemployment – The state of being without a job while seeking work. Example: “High unemployment rates can hurt the economy.”
Position – A job or role. Example: “She applied for the position of marketing manager.”
Wage – Payment received for work (often hourly or daily). Example: “He earned a good wage working part-time.”
Opening/vacancy – An available job. Example: “There was an opening for a sales associate at the store.”
Full-time job – Employment with regular, full work hours (usually 35–40+ per week). Example: “After graduation, she got a full-time job at the bank.”
Part-time job – Employment with fewer hours than full-time. Example: “He worked a part-time job at the cafe while in college.”
Inquiry – (noun) A question or request for information, often about jobs; (verb: inquire) Example: “She made an inquiry about the internship program.”
Do odd jobs – (phrase) To do various small, often temporary tasks for pay. Example: “He did odd jobs like gardening and tutoring for extra money.”
Consult – (verb) To seek advice or information from a person or expert; (noun: consultation). Example: “He consulted the career counselor for help with his resume.”
Resume (CV) – A document summarizing one’s education and work experience. Example: “She updated her resume before sending out applications.”
Application letter – A letter sent with a resume applying for a job (also “cover letter”). Example: “He wrote a strong application letter to accompany his resume.”
Fire – (verb) To dismiss someone from a job. Example: “The company had to fire several employees during the downsizing.”
Hire – (verb) To employ someone; (noun, a hire) a person hired. Example: “The firm decided to hire two new engineers.”
Recruit – (verb) To find and hire new people; (noun: recruit) a newly hired person. Example: “They plan to recruit graduates from the university.”
Interview – (noun) A formal meeting to evaluate a candidate for a job; (verb) to conduct such a meeting. Example: “She prepared answers for the job interview.”
Job-hopping – (noun) Moving from one job to another frequently. Example: “Job-hopping can sometimes hurt your resume if it suggests instability.”
Interviewee – A person being interviewed for a job. Example: “The interviewee spoke clearly and confidently.”
Take over – (phrasal verb) To assume control or responsibility. Example: “After training, she will take over the project manager’s duties.”
Interviewer – A person who conducts an interview. Example: “The interviewer asked him to explain his strengths.”
Appointment – (noun) An arrangement for a meeting; (verb) to assign someone to a position. Example: “She scheduled an appointment with the HR office.”
Impression – The effect or feeling one makes on others. Example: “He tried to make a good impression in the interview.”
Confident – Feeling sure of oneself. Example: “Being well-prepared makes me feel confident.”
Turn down – (phrasal verb) To reject an offer (like a job). Example: “She had to turn down a job offer that didn’t fit her schedule.”
Have no match for… – (phrase) To be unable to compete with something or someone. Example: “Our product has no match for its quality and price.”

Workplace and Business

On business – (phrase) Traveling for work or engaged in professional activities. Example: “He is often on business trips abroad.”
Be involved in – (phrase) To participate or take part in. Example: “She is involved in several community projects.”
Appointment – (noun) An official arrangement or job position. Example: “He received an appointment as the new sales director.”
In charge of – (phrase) Having control or responsibility for something. Example: “She is in charge of the marketing department.”
Client – A person or organization receiving professional services. Example: “The lawyer met with her client at the office.”
Compromise – (noun) A settlement of differences; (verb) to settle by mutual concessions. Example: “They reached a compromise on the project deadline.”
Get along with – (phrasenal verb) To have a friendly relationship with someone. Example: “Good coworkers know how to get along with each other.”
Proposal – (noun) A plan or suggestion, often formal. Example: “He submitted a proposal for the research grant.”
Assistance – Help or support. Example: “Thank you for your assistance with the presentation.”
Branch – A local office or shop of a company. Example: “The bank has a branch in every city.”
Cooperation – The act of working together. Example: “International cooperation is needed to solve the crisis.”
Transaction – A business deal or exchange. Example: “Each transaction is recorded in the bank ledger.”
Bid – (noun) An offer of a price; (verb) to offer a price. Example: “They placed the highest bid for the company.”
Transfer – (verb) To move from one job, department, or location to another. Example: “She was transferred to the London office.”

Work Ethic and Achievement

Attitude – (noun) A person’s way of thinking or feeling about something. Example: “A positive attitude can improve team morale.”
Personality – The combination of a person’s characteristics or traits. Example: “His friendly personality makes him a great leader.”
Overwork – (noun) Working too much; (verb) to make someone work excessively. Example: “Overwork can lead to burnout.”
Determined – Showing firmness of purpose. Example: “She was determined to finish the report on time.”
Forgetful – Often failing to remember. Example: “He was forgetful and frequently lost his keys.”
Diligent – Hardworking and careful. Example: “Her diligent efforts earned her a promotion.”
Wear out – (phrasal verb) To make extremely tired or exhausted. Example: “Years of manual labor had worn him out.”
Perseverance – Steady persistence in spite of difficulties. Example: “With perseverance, she overcame all obstacles.”
Hang on – (phrasal verb) To keep trying; to not give up. Example: “Just hang on a bit longer – you’re doing fine.”
Workaholic – A person who compulsively works hard. Example: “He is such a workaholic that he skips vacations.”
Workload – The amount of work to be done. Example: “She struggled under a heavy workload.”
Struggle – (verb) To try hard to do something difficult; (noun) a difficult effort. Example: “They struggled to meet the deadline.”
Continuous exploration – (phrase) Ongoing effort to discover or improve. Example: “Continuous exploration of new markets keeps the company innovative.”
Hard-working – Diligent; making a lot of effort in one’s job. Example: “Her hard-working attitude was noticed by the manager.”
Recognition – Acknowledgment of someone’s achievements. Example: “He received recognition for his contributions to the team.”
Tribute – Something given to show respect or admiration. Example: “They held a tribute for the retiring professor.”
Achievement – Something accomplished successfully. Example: “Winning the award was a great achievement.”
Pioneer – (noun) A person who is the first to do something; (verb) to introduce or be first. Example: “She is a pioneer in renewable energy research.”
Contribution – Something given in common with others (ideas, work, money). Example: “His contributions to the project were invaluable.”
Blaze a trail – (idiom) To do something that no one else has done; to be a leader. Example: “The inventor blazed a trail in modern computing.”
Symbol – A thing that represents or stands for something else. Example: “The dove is a symbol of peace.”
Legend – A famous or mythic figure; a story from the past. Example: “Einstein is considered a legend in physics.”

Entertainment and Leisure

Arts, Media & Culture

Napkin – A small piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to wipe the mouth. Example: “She placed a napkin on her lap before eating.”
Beverage – Any drinkable liquid (usually non-alcoholic in this context). Example: “Water is the most popular beverage on hot days.”
Gardening – The activity of tending and cultivating a garden. Example: “He spends his weekends gardening in the backyard.”
Excursion – A short trip or outing, often for pleasure. Example: “They took an excursion to the mountains.”
Performance – (noun) The act of entertaining an audience (music, theater, etc.); (verb) to perform. Example: “The musical performance was sold out.”
TV channels – Television stations or networks. Example: “She watched cooking shows on several TV channels.”
Horror movie – A film intended to scare or thrill with suspense. Example: “They watched a horror movie in the dark.”
Broadcast – (verb) To transmit information or entertainment (radio/TV); (noun) the program transmitted. Example: “The news will broadcast at 6 pm.”
Live broadcast – A transmission happening in real time (not recorded). Example: “We watched the live broadcast of the concert.”
Documentary – A non-fiction film or TV program about real events or people. Example: “The nature documentary showed wildlife in the Arctic.”
Violent movie – A film containing physical aggression or violence (often restricted for adults). Example: “Some violent movies carry age restrictions.”
Commercial advertisement – A paid announcement promoting a product or service. Example: “The commercial advertisement aired during the game.”
Entertainment industry – Companies involved in producing films, TV, music, etc. Example: “He got a job in the entertainment industry as a sound engineer.”
TV theater – (phrase) A program or series filmed in front of a live audience, or a studio where TV is made. Example: “The play was part of a TV theater series.”

Eating Out (Restaurants)

Waiter/Waitress – A person (male/female) who serves food and drinks at a restaurant. Example: “The waitress took our order courteously.”
Pork – Meat from a pig. Example: “He ordered a pork stir-fry for dinner.”
Beef steak – A thick cut of beef cooked as a single piece (often grilled or pan-fried). Example: “She prefers a medium-rare beef steak.”
Menu – The list of dishes available at a restaurant. Example: “We looked over the menu to decide what to order.”
Raw – (adjective) Not cooked. Example: “Sushi often has raw fish.”
Medium – (adjective) A level of cooking meat (not rare and not well done, in-between). Example: “He asked for the steak to be cooked medium.”
Done – (adjective) In cooking context, means fully cooked (also called well done). Example: “She asked for her burger to be done, not pink inside.”
Dessert – A sweet course eaten at the end of a meal. Example: “Chocolate cake is his favorite dessert.”
Snack – A small amount of food eaten between meals. Example: “He grabbed a snack before leaving for work.”
Join (someone) for dinner – (phrase) To eat dinner together with someone. Example: “She invited him to join for dinner.”
Appetizer – A small dish served before the main meal. Example: “They shared an appetizer of garlic bread.”
Make a reservation – (phrase) To book a table in advance. Example: “We need to make a reservation for Friday night.”
Cutlery – Utensils used for eating (knife, fork, spoon). Example: “Place the cutlery neatly next to each plate.”
Loaf – (noun) Bread shaped in a solid mass. Example: “They bought a loaf of bread from the bakery.”
Buffet – A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes on a table. Example: “The hotel had a breakfast buffet each morning.”
Staple – (noun) A basic food that is regularly consumed (e.g., rice, bread). Example: “Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries.”
Go Dutch – (idiom) To share the cost of a meal so everyone pays their own part. Example: “On their date, they agreed to go Dutch.”
Regular dinner – A normal everyday meal (opposite of special or formal dinner). Example: “They wanted a regular dinner at home, not a fancy restaurant meal.”
Mutton – Meat from an adult sheep. Example: “He tried a curry made with mutton.”
Change – (noun) Money given back when a larger amount is paid; (verb) to give back change. Example: “She paid with a $10 bill and received $2 in change.”

Personal Well-Being and Health

Common Illnesses & Symptoms

Epidemic – A sudden outbreak of a disease that spreads quickly to many people. Example: “They took precautions during the epidemic.”
Sore throat – Pain or irritation in the throat, often from infection. Example: “A sore throat can make it hard to swallow.”
Bird flu – An infectious viral disease found in birds that can sometimes infect humans. Example: “Bird flu outbreaks are monitored closely by health agencies.”
Runny nose – A condition where fluid continually comes out of the nose (often during a cold). Example: “She had a runny nose and sneezed often.”
SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a contagious respiratory illness (virus). Example: “SARS was a global health concern in 2003.”
Stomachache – Pain or discomfort in the stomach area. Example: “He took some medicine for his stomachache.”
Infectious illness – A disease caused by pathogens that can spread to others. Example: “They quarantined patients with an infectious illness.”
Toothache – Pain in a tooth or teeth. Example: “A toothache can be very painful.”
Symptom – A sign or indication of a condition or disease. Example: “Fever is a common symptom of the flu.”
Allergy – A reaction by the immune system to normally harmless substances. Example: “She has an allergy to peanuts.”
Sneeze – (verb) To expel air forcibly from the nose and mouth; (noun) the act of sneezing. Example: “He had to sneeze loudly because his allergies were bad.”
Fracture – (noun) A broken bone; (verb) to break a bone. Example: “She fell and got a fracture in her arm.”
Diabetes – A disease in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar. Example: “He was diagnosed with diabetes last year.”
Have a temperature – (phrase) To have a fever (body temperature higher than normal). Example: “He felt weak and had a temperature of 38°C.”
Dental decay – Cavities or rotting of the teeth. Example: “Brushing helps prevent dental decay.”

Hospitals and Medical Staff

Attending (chief) doctor – The senior doctor responsible for a patient’s care. Example: “The attending doctor made rounds every morning.”
Physician – A medical doctor (often used for general practitioners). Example: “The physician prescribed medication for her illness.”
Consultant – A senior specialist doctor (often in hospitals) consulted for expert advice. Example: “They called a heart consultant for the complex case.”
Infirmary – A small hospital or medical center (often on campus). Example: “The student was taken to the infirmary for first aid.”
Surgeon – A doctor who performs surgery. Example: “The surgeon fixed his broken leg in the operating room.”
Clinic – A place where patients receive outpatient medical treatment. Example: “She has a regular check-up at the community clinic.”
Anaesthetist – A doctor who administers anesthesia during surgery. Example: “The anaesthetist made sure he was asleep before the operation.”

Fitness and Lifestyle

Put on weight – (phrase) To gain weight. Example: “After moving to the city, he put on weight.”
Watch your diet – (phrase) To be careful about what and how much you eat. Example: “She had to watch her diet before the race.”
Overweight – Above a weight considered healthy. Example: “He was slightly overweight but decided to exercise regularly.”
On a diet – (phrase) Following a special eating plan to lose weight or for health reasons. Example: “She’s on a diet that cuts out sugar.”
Lose weight – (phrase) To reduce body weight. Example: “He decided to exercise more to lose weight.”
Physical exercise – Any bodily activity that maintains or improves fitness. Example: “Daily physical exercise keeps the body healthy.”
In good shape – (idiom) In good physical condition. Example: “He started jogging and got in good shape.”
In a fit state – (phrase) Healthy and strong. Example: “After months of training, she was in a fit state.”
Out of shape – (phrase) Not physically fit or healthy. Example: “He felt out of shape after months of inactivity.”
Fit as a fiddle – (idiom) In very good health. Example: “Despite his age, he’s as fit as a fiddle.”
In poor shape – (phrase) In bad physical condition. Example: “She was in poor shape after illness.”
Feel under the weather – (idiom) To feel ill or sick. Example: “She stayed home because she was feeling under the weather.”

Travel and Transportation

Travel agency – A business that arranges travel and tours. Example: “She booked her vacation through a travel agency.”
Flight number – The designated number for an airline flight. Example: “Our flight number is UA342.”
Check in – (verb) To register for a flight at the airport. Example: “They checked in online before arriving at the airport.”
Motel – A roadside hotel designed for motorists, usually with parking outside rooms. Example: “They stayed at a motel by the highway.”
Book the ticket – (phrase) To reserve and purchase a travel ticket. Example: “He booked the train ticket a month early.”
Platform – The area in a station where passengers board trains. Example: “They waited on platform 3 for the train.”
Hiking – The activity of going for long walks in nature. Example: “They went hiking in the national park.”
Hitch-hike – (verb) To get a free ride by standing by the road and asking drivers. Example: “He hitch-hiked across the country.”
Conductor – (noun) The person who collects fares on a train or bus. Example: “The conductor checked my ticket.”
Skiing – The sport of gliding on snow using skis. Example: “They went skiing in the Alps.”
Mineral bath – A hot spring water bath believed to have health benefits due to minerals. Example: “He relaxed in the mineral bath at the spa.”
Streetcar – A vehicle that runs on tracks on city streets (same as tram or trolley). Example: “We took the streetcar downtown.”
Resort – A place people go for relaxation or recreation. Example: “They stayed at a beach resort for their holiday.”
Visa – An official permit allowing someone to travel to or stay in a country. Example: “She applied for a student visa.”
Express train – A fast train that makes few stops. Example: “The express train gets you to the city in one hour.”
High-speed train – A very fast train (often bullet train, etc.). Example: “The high-speed train can reach 300 km/h.”
Shuttle – (noun) A vehicle or plane making frequent short trips; (verb) to travel back and forth. Example: “There is a shuttle service between the hotel and airport.”
Ferry – A boat or ship for carrying passengers or vehicles across water. Example: “We took a ferry across the river.”
Tube/Underground – (British/UK term) A subway or metro train. Example: “The nearest Tube station is two blocks away.”
Expressway/Freeway – A major highway designed for fast traffic (often toll-free). Example: “Take the expressway to avoid city traffic.”
Roundtrip – (noun/adjective) A journey to a place and back again. Example: “They bought a roundtrip ticket to New York.”

Environment and Weather

Recycled water – Water that has been treated and reused (often from household use). Example: “They use recycled water for irrigation.”
Renewable energy – Energy from sources that are naturally replenished (solar, wind, etc.). Example: “Solar panels provide renewable energy.”
Sewage treatment – The process of cleaning wastewater to make it safe. Example: “The city built a new sewage treatment plant.”
Recyclable – (adjective) Able to be processed and used again (materials). Example: “Glass bottles are recyclable.”
Deforestation rate – The speed at which forests are being cut down. Example: “The deforestation rate increased in recent years.”
Water and soil erosion – The process by which water or wind wears away soil and rock. Example: “Planting trees can reduce soil erosion.”
Temperature – The measure of how hot or cold the air is. Example: “Today’s temperature is expected to reach 30°C.”
Muggy – (adjective) Uncomfortably warm and humid. Example: “It feels muggy today; the air is very humid.”
Humidity – The amount of moisture in the air. Example: “High humidity makes the air feel sticky.”
Breeze – A light, gentle wind. Example: “A cool breeze blew through the window.”
Climate trend – A long-term change or direction in climate. Example: “Scientists study climate trends to predict future weather.”
Climate variation – Differences in climate patterns over time or between places. Example: “There is significant climate variation between regions.”
Climate warming – (phrase) The increase in average global temperatures (global warming). Example: “Climate warming has caused ice caps to melt.”
Climate watch – (term) Monitoring of climate conditions (not a common fixed phrase, but likely meaning observation of changes). Example: “The news mentioned a climate watch on air pollution.”
Climate-sensitive activity – (phrase) An activity that is affected by climate conditions. Example: “Agriculture is a climate-sensitive activity, needing stable weather.”
Climatic anomaly – (phrase) An unusual or irregular weather event compared to normal patterns. Example: “A strange cold snap was a climatic anomaly in summer.”
Conservation area – A place protected to preserve wildlife or nature. Example: “They visited a conservation area to see the rare species.”
Forecast – (noun) A prediction of weather; (verb) to predict. Example: “The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.”
Downpour – A heavy rainfall. Example: “We got soaked in the sudden downpour.”
Gust – A sudden brief burst of wind. Example: “A gust of wind knocked over the umbrella.”

Housing and Moving

Housing (Rentals and Living Space)

Landlord/Landlady – The person (male/female) who owns a house or apartment and rents it to others. Example: “The landlord/landlady raised the rent last year.”
Ventilation – (noun) The system of moving fresh air in and stale air out. Example: “Good ventilation keeps the air fresh.”
Tenant – A person who rents and lives in a house or apartment. Example: “The tenants pay rent on the first of each month.”
Accommodate – (verb) To provide space or make room for. Example: “The apartment can accommodate up to four people.”
Apartment/Flat – A set of rooms for living (flat is British term for apartment). Example: “They rented an apartment (flat) near the city center.”
Dwell (dwelling) – (verb) To live in; (noun: dwelling) a place to live. Example: “Birds dwell (live) in nests.” / “Their dwelling was a cozy cabin.”
Residence – A place where someone lives. Example: “The campus residence hall houses 200 students.”
Downtown – (noun/adjective) The central business district of a city. Example: “She works downtown in a skyscraper.”
Hallway – A long passage in a building leading to rooms. Example: “Shoes lined the hallway outside each room.”
Suburb – A residential area on the outskirts of a city. Example: “They moved to a suburb for a quieter lifestyle.”
Spare room – A bedroom in a home not used regularly (for guests). Example: “They converted the spare room into an office.”
Neighborhood – A district within a town or city. Example: “The neighborhood is known for its parks.”
Burglar – A person who illegally breaks into a building to steal. Example: “The burglar was caught on camera.”
Transportation – The system or means of conveying people or goods. Example: “Public transportation includes buses and trains.”
House-warming party – A celebration when someone moves into a new home. Example: “They threw a house-warming party after buying the new house.”
Subway entrance – The entry point to an underground train station. Example: “The subway entrance is on the corner.”

Home Maintenance and Appliances

Furnished – (adjective) A living space that comes with furniture. Example: “They rented a furnished apartment.”
Unfurnished – (adjective) A living space without furniture. Example: “An unfurnished flat lets you bring your own furniture.”
Crack – A line on a surface where it has broken slightly. Example: “There was a crack in the kitchen sink.”
Install – (verb) To set up equipment or system in position. Example: “They will install a new light fixture.”
Baby crib – A small bed with high sides for an infant. Example: “They bought a baby crib before the baby arrived.”
Maintenance – (noun) The work of keeping something in good condition. Example: “The landlord took care of maintenance for the building.”
Decoration – (noun) The act of decorating or something that decorates. Example: “They hired a decorator for the house decoration.”
Plumber – A person who installs or repairs pipes and plumbing. Example: “They called the plumber to fix the leak.”
Multiple glazing – (noun) Windows with two or more layers of glass for insulation. Example: “Multiple glazing helps keep heat inside in winter.”
Washing machine – A household appliance for washing clothes. Example: “The washing machine broke down last night.”
Cupboard – A cabinet with shelves for storing dishes or food. Example: “She kept the plates in the kitchen cupboard.”
Refrigerator/Fridge – (noun) An appliance for keeping food cold (refrigerator often formal, fridge is informal). Example: “The refrigerator was full of leftovers.”
Sideboard – A piece of furniture (a low cabinet) typically used in a dining room. Example: “She placed the dishes on the sideboard.”
Light bulb – The glass bulb of a lamp that produces light when electricity passes through. Example: “He replaced the burned-out light bulb.”
Sink – A basin with a faucet, used in kitchens or bathrooms. Example: “There was a dirty dish in the sink.”
Heater – A device for warming a room or building. Example: “They turned on the heater as winter approached.”
Pipe – A tube that carries water, gas, or oil. Example: “A burst pipe caused the basement to flood.”
Furnace – A device that heats air in a building (central heating). Example: “The furnace heats the entire house.”
Leak – (noun) An unintended crack or hole letting water/gas escape; (verb) to escape slowly. Example: “A leak under the sink was fixed by the plumber.”
Air conditioner – A device that cools and dehumidifies the air in a room. Example: “The air conditioner kept the room cool on hot days.”

Ready to practice these words? Go over each definition and example, and try to use the word in your own sentences. You can also listen for these terms in podcasts, news, or lecture recordings to reinforce your learning. Remember, knowing high-frequency listening words can give you confidence on test day and help you catch information quickly.

Keep these tips and vocabulary lists handy as a study guide. With regular review and practice, you’ll improve not only your IELTS Listening score but also your overall English skills. Good luck, and happy studying!

MD. JAHANGIR ALAM

About the AuthorWelcome to TechIELTS. I’m Md. Jahangir Alam, an experienced engineer with over 15 years in electrical and automation systems. Alongside my engineering career, I’ve developed a strong interest in English language learning and IELTS preparation.
I hold a Duolingo English Test score of 135 (IELTS 7.5 equivalent) and am currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Cyber Security from Royal Holloway, University of London. I use my technical background to create clear, structured IELTS learning materials for students and professionals.
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378 High-Frequency IELTS Listening Words (Free List)