Words Starting with Z

Browse word origins and etymology

Za

An informal American English word for pizza.

Zabulon

A biblical proper-name variant of Zebulun, one of Jacob’s sons and the name of an Israelite tribe.

Zabulus

An archaic ecclesiastical term for the Devil or a demon.

Zabuton

A Japanese flat, square cushion used for sitting on the floor or on a platform.

Zadok

A biblical Hebrew name borne by a high priest who served under David and Solomon.

Zaffer

A yellowish-red variety of impure cobalt oxide formerly used as a pigment in glass and ceramics.

Zafu

A round, usually firm cushion used for seated meditation, especially in Zen practice.

Zahir

A person, object, or idea that becomes so powerfully obsessive that it dominates the mind.

Zahra

A feminine given name of Arabic origin meaning flower, blossom, or radiant one.

Zaisu

A Japanese chair with a backrest but no legs, designed for sitting on the floor.

Zamang

A tropical tree, especially Samanea saman, also called the rain tree.

Zamba

A lively dance and musical style associated especially with parts of Argentina and Bolivia.

Zambezi

A major river in southern Africa, flowing through several countries to the Indian Ocean.

Zambezian

Relating to the Zambezi River or the regions through which it flows.

Zambia

A landlocked country in south-central Africa.

Zambian

Relating to Zambia or its people.

Zambra

A lively Spanish dance or festive gathering, especially associated with Andalusian and Romani traditions.

Zamindar

A landholder or revenue-collecting landlord, especially in historical South Asia.

Zampogna

An Italian bagpipe, especially one associated with traditional pastoral music.

Zanata

A historical Berber tribal confederation of North Africa, also known as the Zenata.