Words that start with S

Photo of a skyscraper with square windows

Sis forSquare

A square is a shape with four sides of equal length. A rectangle is like a square that has been stretched out sideways so that two sides are longer. The building in the picture is covered in square windows.

Shapes

Photo by Robert Couse-Baker

Sis forSquash

Scientific name: genus: cucurbita

Squash are a group of plants that are sometimes called pumpkins and sometimes called marrows. Some people think of the yellow squash in the picture when they hear the word "squash", others think of butternut squash.

Vegetables, Plants

Photo by Augapfel

Sis forSquat

Video: view

Squatting is a way of sitting, with your legs folded up close to your body and your bottom just above the ground. A very similar word to squat is crouch. Something can be described as squat if it is short, but broad.

Motion

Photo by Mark Bray

Sis forSqueak

Video: view

A squeak is a short, high-pitched noise. Small animals like mice squeak. Metal surfaces that are not well lubricated will squeak when they rub together, for example a squeaky door.

Sounds

Photo by Keith Williamson

Sis forSqueeze

You squeeze something when you hold it very tightly. The man in the picture is squeezing an orange. People usually squeeze things to force liquid out of them, like squeezing a mop to get rid of the excess water or squeezing fruit to get the juice out.

Verbs

Photo by Wm Jas

Sis forSquid

Scientific name: order: teuthida

Squid are sea creatures related to the octopus and cuttlefish, which all have eight legs. Squid move by sucking water into the top part of their body and squirting it out in a jet. They can also squirt ink into the water to confuse anything that is trying to eat it. The squid in the photo are being cooked on a barbeque.

Molluscs

Photo by Pieter Schepens

Sis forSquint

You squint when you look at something with your eyes partly closed. People often squint when they are out in bright sunshine, or are looking at some other bright light.

Verbs

Photo by Gilles Gonthier

Sis forSquirrel

Scientific name: family: sciuridae

A squirrel is a medium-sized rodent found in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Squirrels eat nuts, seeds, pine cones, fruit, fungi and young leaves.

Rodents

Photo of a child squirting their parent with a water gun

Photo by Paolo Camera

Sis forSquirt

You squirt a liquid like water by forcing it through a small opening so it comes out as a thin, high-pressure stream. Water pistols and hoses can both be used to squirt water.

Verbs

Photo by Cassie J

Sis forSt Bernard

A Saint Bernard is a dog originally bred for rescue in the Swiss Alps. They are a large dog, with a large head, and can weigh anything up to 100kg (220 pounds). St Bernards are prone to many genetic health conditions, such as hip displaysia and turned eyelids, and have a lifespan of only 8 years. They are loyal and affectionate, but because they are so big it is essential they are well-trained, as such a large dog can knock children down and hurt them if it is boisterous.

Dogs