American and British English are two widely used varieties of English that share the same basic language but have some differences in vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and everyday usage. Common examples include apartment–flat, elevator–lift, truck–lorry, and vacation–holiday, showing how the same thing can have different names in each variety. Learning American and British English words is a useful way to expand vocabulary while understanding regional differences. In this article, you will learn an American and British English words list from A to Z with clear pictures, helping students, teachers, travelers, beginners, and English learners easily compare, understand, remember, and use these words correctly.
Learn American and British English Words Starting with A
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Apartment | Flat |
| Elevator | Lift |
| Vacation | Holiday |
| Gasoline | Petrol |
| Truck | Lorry |
| Cookie | Biscuit |
| Sidewalk | Pavement |
| Candy | Sweets |
| Sweater | Jumper |
| Movie | Film |
| Post | |
| Soccer | Football |
| Fries | Chips |
| Diaper | Nappy |
| Eraser | Rubber |
| Line | Queue |
| Store | Shop |
| Restroom | Toilet |
| Parking lot | Car park |
| Can | Tin |
Learn American and British English Words Starting with A
Explore American and British English Word with B
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Backpack | Rucksack |
| Fall | Autumn |
| Faucet | Tap |
| Attorney | Solicitor |
| Railroad | Railway |
| Movie theater | Cinema |
| Mailbox | Postbox |
| Gas station | Petrol station |
| Overpass | Flyover |
| Underpass | Subway |
| Shopping cart | Trolley |
| Check | Bill |
| Vacation home | Holiday home |
| Truck driver | Lorry driver |
| Apartment building | Block of flats |
| Rail car | Carriage |
| Takeout | Takeaway |
| Schedule | Timetable |
| License plate | Number plate |
| Windshield | Windscreen |
Explore American and British English Word with B
Common American and British English Words that Start with C
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Cell phone | Mobile phone |
| Closet | Wardrobe |
| Corn | Maize |
| Cookie sheet | Baking tray |
| Curb | Kerb |
| Crosswalk | Zebra crossing |
| Cotton candy | Candyfloss |
| Cracker | Biscuit |
| Counterclockwise | Anticlockwise |
| Checkers | Draughts |
| Movie credits | Film credits |
| Baby carriage | Pram |
| Sneakers | Trainers |
| Stroller | Pushchair |
| Railroad ties | Sleepers |
| Gas pedal | Accelerator |
| Clothespin | Clothes peg |
| Vacation pay | Holiday pay |
| Sales tax | VAT |
| Public school | State school |
Common American and British English Words that Start with C
Simple American and British English Words that Start with D
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Diaper bag | Changing bag |
| Drugstore | Chemist |
| Downtown | City centre |
| Driveway | Access road |
| Dessert | Pudding |
| Dish towel | Tea towel |
| Garbage | Rubbish |
| Garbage can | Dustbin |
| First floor | Ground floor |
| Second floor | First floor |
| Faucet handle | Tap handle |
| Truck stop | Lorry park |
| Bandage | Plaster |
| Check mark | Tick |
| Railroad crossing | Level crossing |
| Apartment complex | Housing estate |
| Weather forecast | Weather report |
| Movie trailer | Film trailer |
| Baby crib | Cot |
| Math | Maths |
Simple American and British English Words that Start with D
Essential American and British English Words that Start with E
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | Aubergine |
| Encyclopedia | Encyclopaedia |
| Emergency room | Casualty |
| Gas mileage | Fuel economy |
| Faucet washer | Tap washer |
| Zip code | Postcode |
| Parking garage | Multi-storey car park |
| Power outlet | Socket |
| Resume | CV |
| Railroad station | Railway station |
| Apartment rental | Flat let |
| Cell service | Mobile service |
| Public transportation | Public transport |
| Movie rating | Film rating |
| School vacation | School holiday |
| Side mirror | Wing mirror |
| Store clerk | Shop assistant |
| Weather radar | Weather chart |
| Highway | Motorway |
Essential American and British English Words that Start with E
Useful American and British English Words that Start with F
| American | British |
|---|---|
| French fries | Chips |
| Flashlight | Torch |
| Faucet leak | Tap leak |
| Football | American football |
| Freeway | Dual carriageway |
| Garbage truck | Refuse lorry |
| Truck bed | Lorry bed |
| Movie ticket | Cinema ticket |
| Baby pacifier | Dummy |
| Candy bar | Chocolate bar |
| Store owner | Shopkeeper |
| High school | Secondary school |
| Grade | Mark |
| Math test | Maths test |
| Vacation leave | Annual leave |
| Gas pump | Petrol pump |
| Apartment lease | Flat tenancy |
| Sidewalk crack | Pavement crack |
| Soccer cleats | Football boots |
| Parking meter | Parking meter |
Useful American and British English Words that Start with F
Daily Used American and British English Words that Start with G
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Garbage disposal | Waste disposer |
| Gas can | Petrol can |
| Grade school | Primary school |
| Grocery store | Greengrocer |
| Ground beef | Minced beef |
| Guy line | Guy rope |
| Gotten | Got |
| Garbage pickup | Refuse collection |
| Gas heater | Gas fire |
| Grocery bag | Carrier bag |
| Graduation | Passing out |
| Gas stove | Gas cooker |
| Garden hose | Garden pipe |
| Gas bill | Fuel bill |
| Gas range | Cooker |
| Grocery aisle | Shop aisle |
| Garbage chute | Refuse chute |
| Gas lantern | Paraffin lamp |
| Grocery receipt | Shop receipt |
| Gas grill | Barbecue |
Daily Used American and British English Words that Start with G
Basic American and British English Words with H
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Highway ramp | Slip road |
| Hood | Bonnet |
| Trunk | Boot |
| Hand truck | Trolley |
| Vacation rental | Holiday let |
| Gas heater vent | Flue |
| Hair barrette | Hair slide |
| High school diploma | GCSE |
| Home appliances | White goods |
| Hospital cafeteria | Hospital canteen |
| Hand sanitizer | Hand gel |
| Half bath | Cloakroom |
| Hiking trail | Footpath |
| Hardware store | Ironmonger |
| Hot dog | Sausage roll |
| Home fries | Fried potatoes |
| Highway median | Central reservation |
| Hall closet | Airing cupboard |
| Hospital ward | Ward |
| House siding | Cladding |
Basic American and British English Words with H
Easy American and British English Words that Start with I
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Interstate | Motorway |
| Ice pop | Ice lolly |
| Mail carrier | Postman |
| Income tax | PAYE |
| Inpatient | In-patient |
| Intersection | Crossroads |
| Ice tray | Ice cube tray |
| Insurance deductible | Excess |
| Installment | Instalment |
| Internal medicine | General medicine |
| ID card | Identity card |
| Infant care | Childcare |
| Interstate exit | Motorway exit |
| Ice chest | Cool box |
| Internet provider | Broadband provider |
| In-box | In-tray |
| Iron board | Ironing board |
| Instant coffee | Granules |
| Investment account | Savings account |
| Immigration officer | Border officer |
Easy American and British English Words that Start with I
Most Common American and British English Words that Start with J
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Jail | Gaol |
| Janitor | Caretaker |
| Jeans jacket | Denim jacket |
| Jello | Jelly |
| Job opening | Vacancy |
| Jogging pants | Track bottoms |
| Joint tenancy | Shared tenancy |
| Jury duty | Jury service |
| Juice box | Juice carton |
| Junior high | Lower secondary |
| Job resume | CV |
| Junk food | Fast food |
| Job fair | Careers fair |
| Job interview | Interview |
| Jogging trail | Running path |
| Jump rope | Skipping rope |
| Junk mail | Spam post |
| Job seeker | Job applicant |
| Jewelry store | Jeweller |
| Jail cell | Prison cell |
Most Common American and British English Words that Start with J
American and British English Words that Start with K
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Nursery |
| Kerosene | Paraffin |
| Kitchen counter | Worktop |
| Knit cap | Woolly hat |
| Kidswear | Childrenswear |
| Keypad | Key panel |
| Knockout game | Playground game |
| Kitchen towel | Paper towel |
| Kickstand | Prop stand |
| Kiln | Lime kiln |
| Ketchup | Tomato sauce |
| Key holder | Key ring |
| Knee brace | Knee support |
| Knapsack | Haversack |
| Kitchen range | Cooker range |
| Kids menu | Children’s menu |
| Key cabinet | Key cupboard |
| Kerosene lamp | Oil lamp |
| Keyboard layout | Key layout |
| Kitchen sink unit | Sink unit |
American and British English Words that Start with K
List of American vs British English Words that Start with L
| American | British |
|---|---|
| License | Licence |
| Apartment lease | Flat lease |
| Lawn mower | Lawn mower |
| Labor | Labour |
| Left turn | Left turn |
| Lunchbox | Lunch tin |
| Line break | New line |
| Laundry room | Utility room |
| Law firm | Solicitors firm |
| Life jacket | Buoyancy aid |
| Living room | Sitting room |
| Local train | Stopping train |
| Loan officer | Loans adviser |
| Lockdown | Shutdown |
| Lowercase | Lower case |
| Law school | Law college |
| License holder | Licence holder |
| Loading dock | Loading bay |
| Local news | Regional news |
| Light switch | Light switch |
List of American vs British English Words that Start with L
Example of American and British English Words with M
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Math class | Maths class |
| Mail carrier route | Postal round |
| Movie marquee | Cinema sign |
| Median strip | Central verge |
| Mom | Mum |
| Muffler | Silencer |
| Moving truck | Removal van |
| Main street | High street |
| Meter reader | Meter man |
| Medical office | Surgery |
| Mail order | Postal order |
| Morning shift | Early shift |
| Motel | Motor lodge |
| Moviegoer | Cinema goer |
| Microwave oven | Microwave |
| Mobile home | Static caravan |
| Middle school | Comprehensive school |
| Music class | Music lesson |
| Monthly rent | Monthly let |
| Mail slot | Letterbox |
Example of American and British English Words with M
Useful American vs British English Words that Start with N
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Night shift | Night duty |
| Notepad | Writing pad |
| Newsstand | Newsagent |
| Nanny cam | Baby monitor |
| Nurse practitioner | Practice nurse |
| Neighborhood | Neighbourhood |
| Network cable | Ethernet cable |
| Nightgown | Nightdress |
| No parking zone | Restricted parking |
| News broadcast | News bulletin |
| Night school | Evening classes |
| Nutrition label | Food label |
| Nurse station | Nurses station |
| Nonprofit | Charity |
| Newspaper carrier | Paper boy |
| Night bus | Late bus |
| Notary public | Commissioner |
| Noise complaint | Noise report |
| Network provider | Service provider |
| Nursery school | Playschool |
Useful American vs British English Words that Start with N
List 20 British and American words with Pictures
| American | British |
|---|---|
| One-way street | One-way road |
| Open house | Viewing |
| Office hours | Surgery hours |
| On vacation | On holiday |
| Overalls | Dungarees |
| Odometer | Mile counter |
| Office building | Office block |
| Oil change | Oil service |
| Outlet mall | Retail park |
| Online store | Online shop |
| Office clerk | Office assistant |
| Overnight stay | Overnight stop |
| Open enrollment | Open admission |
| Owner occupied | Owner occupied |
| Office lobby | Reception |
| Outpatient | Out-patient |
| Overdraft fee | Overdraft charge |
| Open carry | Open carry |
| Outdoor seating | Outside seating |
| Office supply | Stationery |
List 20 British and American words with Pictures
Difference between American and British English words that start with P
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Pants | Trousers |
| Pharmacy | Chemist shop |
| Parking ticket | Penalty notice |
| Public restroom | Public toilet |
| Pickup truck | Utility vehicle |
| Paper towel | Kitchen roll |
| Postal worker | Postman |
| Power strip | Extension lead |
| Preschool | Playgroup |
| Principal | Headteacher |
| Parking structure | Parking deck |
| Package delivery | Parcel delivery |
| Pay stub | Payslip |
| Press conference | Press briefing |
| Phone booth | Telephone box |
| Private school | Independent school |
| Parking permit | Parking pass |
| Public transit | Public transport |
| Potted plant | Houseplant |
| Property tax | Council tax |
Difference between American and British English words that start with P
Quick American and British English Words that Start with Q
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Quarter note | Crotchet |
| Quick service | Fast service |
| Quiet hours | Quiet times |
| Queue line | Queue |
| Quarterfinal | Quarter final |
| Quality control | Quality assurance |
| Quick meal | Light meal |
| Quilt | Duvet |
| Quotation mark | Inverted comma |
| Quick break | Short break |
| Quarterback | American football player |
| Quick lunch | Light lunch |
| Quarantine period | Isolation period |
| Quota limit | Allowance |
| Quick check | Spot check |
| Quiet zone | Silent area |
| Quarterly report | Quarterly return |
| Quick fix | Temporary fix |
| Quarters | Living quarters |
| Question paper | Exam paper |
Quick American and British English Words that Start with Q
Best American and British English Words that Start with R
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Railroad | Rail |
| Rental car | Hire car |
| Resume paper | CV paper |
| Rest area | Service area |
| Recess | Break time |
| Road shoulder | Hard shoulder |
| Row house | Terraced house |
| Recycling bin | Recycling box |
| Reading glasses | Spectacles |
| Real estate agent | Estate agent |
| Refund policy | Returns policy |
| Roommate | Flatmate |
| Repair shop | Garage |
| Report card | School report |
| Road map | Street map |
| Registration plate | Number plate |
| Rent deposit | Security deposit |
| Running shoes | Trainers |
| Rest stop | Lay-by |
| Railroad bridge | Rail bridge |
Best American and British English Words that Start with R
Super Helpful American and British English Words that Start with S
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Sneakers | Trainers |
| Stove | Cooker |
| Subway | Underground |
| Soccer field | Football pitch |
| Shopping mall | Shopping centre |
| Senior citizen | Pensioner |
| School principal | Headteacher |
| Streetcar | Tram |
| Student loan | Tuition loan |
| Side mirror | Wing mirror |
| Sales clerk | Shop assistant |
| Stockroom | Store room |
| Snow blower | Snow thrower |
| School bus | School coach |
| Service road | Access road |
| Store hours | Opening hours |
| Sleeping bag | Sleeping sack |
| Speed limit | Speed restriction |
| Social security | National insurance |
| Stairway | Staircase |
Super Helpful American and British English Words that Start with S
Top American and British English Words that Start with T
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Truck | Goods vehicle |
| Takeout food | Takeaway food |
| Trash bag | Bin liner |
| Tow truck | Breakdown lorry |
| Turn signal | Indicator |
| Tax refund | Tax rebate |
| Theater | Theatre |
| Term paper | Coursework |
| Town hall | Council hall |
| Travel trailer | Caravan |
| Toll road | Tollway |
| Text message | Text |
| Teacher aide | Teaching assistant |
| Time off | Leave |
| Trade school | Technical college |
| Train platform | Platform |
| Trash pickup | Bin collection |
| Truck stop | Service station |
| Test score | Exam mark |
| Ticket booth | Ticket office |
Top American and British English Words that Start with T
Unique American and British English Words that Start with U
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Underpass | Subway |
| Utility bill | Household bill |
| Upper class | Upper form |
| Used car | Second-hand car |
| Unemployment check | Jobseeker payment |
| University dorm | University hall |
| Upscale | Upmarket |
| Urban area | Built-up area |
| Utility room | Service room |
| U-turn | Turning circle |
| Union member | Trade unionist |
| Unlisted number | Ex-directory number |
| Upgrade fee | Upgrade charge |
| Underwear | Pants |
| Utility knife | Stanley knife |
| Unpaid leave | Unpaid holiday |
| Urgent care | Walk-in clinic |
| Usage limit | Usage cap |
| Uniform store | Outfitters |
| Utility pole | Telegraph pole |
Unique American and British English Words that Start with U
Valuable American and British English Words that Start with V
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Vacation time | Holiday time |
| Vehicle registration | Vehicle licence |
| Voting booth | Polling booth |
| Visitor center | Visitor centre |
| Vending machine | Coin machine |
| Video game | Computer game |
| Vice principal | Deputy head |
| Voice mail | Voicemail |
| Volunteer work | Voluntary work |
| Vaccination record | Immunisation record |
| Vacation rental | Holiday rental |
| Video store | Video shop |
| Vehicle inspection | MOT test |
| Vacation planner | Holiday planner |
| Voter ID | Poll card |
| Venue capacity | Seating capacity |
| Visitor badge | Visitor pass |
| Virtual class | Online lesson |
| Video call | Video chat |
| Vehicle tax | Road tax |
Valuable American and British English Words that Start with V
Know American and British English Words that Start with W
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Windscreen |
| Water heater | Hot water tank |
| Waiting line | Queue |
| Washer | Washing machine |
| Wastebasket | Waste bin |
| Weekday | Working day |
| Work permit | Work visa |
| Water fountain | Drinking fountain |
| Walking trail | Footpath |
| Wardrobe closet | Wardrobe |
| Warehouse | Depot |
| Work schedule | Rota |
| Winter break | Winter holiday |
| Work uniform | Workwear |
| Water closet | Toilet |
| Wi-Fi hotspot | Wireless hotspot |
| Work overtime | Work extra hours |
| Window shade | Blind |
| Washing powder | Laundry detergent |
| Work shift | Duty shift |
Know American and British English Words that Start with W
Excellent American and British English Words that Start with X
| American | British |
|---|---|
| X-ray room | Radiography room |
| X-ray technician | Radiographer |
| X-axis | Horizontal axis |
| Xenophobia | Xenophobia |
| Xerox copy | Photocopy |
| X-ray film | X-ray plate |
| X-ray machine | Imaging machine |
| X-ray scan | Imaging scan |
| X-factor | Special quality |
| X-rated movie | Adult film |
| X-ray lab | Imaging lab |
| X-ray report | Imaging report |
| X-ray technician course | Radiography course |
| X-ray ward | Imaging ward |
| X-ray request | Imaging request |
| X-ray diagnosis | Imaging diagnosis |
| X-ray results | Imaging results |
| X-ray equipment | Imaging equipment |
| X-ray unit | Imaging unit |
| X-ray service | Imaging service |
Excellent American and British English Words that Start with X
Boost American and British English Words that Start with Y
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Yard sale | Car boot sale |
| Yellow light | Amber light |
| Youth center | Youth club |
| Yogurt | Yoghurt |
| Yearbook | School annual |
| Youth hostel | Youth hostel |
| Yard | Garden |
| Youth worker | Youth leader |
| Yoga pants | Leggings |
| Youth program | Youth scheme |
| Yard waste | Garden waste |
| Youth sports | Junior sports |
| Yellow card | Caution |
| Youth camp | Holiday camp |
| Yard fence | Garden fence |
| Youth leader | Group leader |
| Youth services | Youth support |
| Yoga mat | Exercise mat |
| Youth allowance | Youth benefit |
| Yard tools | Garden tools |
Boost American and British English Words that Start with Y
Interesting American and British English Words that Start with Z
| American | British |
|---|---|
| Zipper | Zip |
| Zip code | Postcode |
| Zero tolerance | Zero tolerance |
| Zoning law | Planning law |
| Zoo keeper | Zoo keeper |
| Zucchini | Courgette |
| Zip file | Compressed file |
| Zoning map | Planning map |
| Zip jacket | Zip jacket |
| Zebra crossing | Zebra crossing |
| Zip lock bag | Seal bag |
| Zest flavor | Citrus flavour |
| Zip hoodie | Hooded top |
| Zoning permit | Planning permission |
| Zip drive | Portable drive |
| Zoo enclosure | Animal enclosure |
| Zonal heating | Zone heating |
| Zip fastener | Zip fastener |
| Zest peel | Citrus peel |
| Zip closure | Zip fastening |
Interesting American and British English Words that Start with Z
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