300 Amazing Things That Start With A: Essential for Kids
Attention, parents, and teachers! Are you looking for a fun way to help kids learn their ABCs and expand their vocabulary?
Knowing words that start with each letter is an important early literacy skill, and a robust vocabulary contributes significantly to reading comprehension and academic success.
Lucky for you, the letter A starts with more words in the English language than any other letter, meaning there are endless amazing things that start with A and are just waiting to be discovered!
In this comprehensive article, we’ve compiled 300 words ranging from common everyday words to less familiar vocabulary spanning animals, foods, occupations, geography, and more.
This extensive list gives you an incredible resource to build your child’s alphabetic awareness and word knowledge playfully.
We’ve organized the words by categories and included kid-friendly definitions to boost retention and spark their curiosity about language.
So take a peek and get ready to wow your kids with 300 awesome, astonishing, and astounding words, starting with the magnificent letter A!
List of Things that Start with A
- Aardvark: A nocturnal mammal with a long snout used to eat ants and termites.
- Abacus: An ancient counting frame.
- Abalone: A type of shellfish with a single shell, known for its colorful inside surface.
- Abbey: A building used by members of a religious order under the vow of chastity.
- Aberration: A departure from what is normal or expected, typically unwelcome.
- Abet: To assist or encourage, especially in wrongdoing.
- Abjure: To renounce a belief, cause, or claim formally.
- Ablaze: Burning fiercely, in a state of glowing and emitting flames.
- Ablution: The act of washing oneself, often used for religious ritual purification.
- Abode: A place of residence, a house, or home.
- Abrasive: A substance used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a hard surface.
- Abreast: Side by side and facing the same way.
- Abscond: To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest for an unlawful action.
- Absolve: To declare someone free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.
- Abstain: To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.
- Abstruse: Difficult to understand; obscure.
- Abyss: A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.
- Acacia: A tree or shrub of warm climates that bears spikes or clusters of yellow or white flowers.
- Accelerator: A device for increasing speed.
- Accolade: An award or privilege granted as a special honor.
- Accord: An agreement or treaty.
- Accordion: A musical instrument with pleated bellows.
- Acerbic: Sharp and forthright, especially in a comment or style of speaking.
- Acme: The point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful.
- Aconite: A poisonous plant with hood-shaped flowers.
- Acorn: A small, round nut of an oak tree.
- Acoustic: Relating to sound or the sense of hearing.
- Acquiesce: To accept something reluctantly but without protest.
- Acre: A unit of land area equal to 4,840 square yards.
- Acrid: Having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell.
- Acrobat: A performer of gymnastic feats.
- Acrylic: A synthetic material used for paints and fibers.
- Acumen: The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions.
- Adage: A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
- Adamant: Refusing to be persuaded or to change one’s mind.
- Addax: A type of antelope with twisted horns.
- Addendum: An item of additional material, typically omissions, added at the end of a book or other publication.
- Adherent: Someone who supports a particular party, person, or set of ideas.
- Admiral: A high-ranking naval officer.
- Admonish: To warn or reprimand someone firmly.
- Adobe: A type of brick made of earth and straw.
- Adrift: Floating without being steered, at the mercy of the elements.
- Adroit: Skillful and clever, especially with the hands.
- Advocate: Someone who publicly supports a cause.
- Aegis: The protection, backing, or support of a particular person or organization.
- Aerate: To introduce air into (a material).
- Aerie: A nest of a bird of prey, such as an eagle, built high in a tree or on a cliff.
- Affable: Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to.
- Affinity: A spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something.
- Afghan: A type of blanket or shawl of knitted or crocheted wool.
- Aflame: In flames; burning.
- Agate: A type of gemstone with different colors in layers.
- Agenda: A list of items to be discussed at a formal meeting.
- Aggregate: A whole formed by combining several elements.
- Agile: Able to move quickly and easily.
- Agog: Very eager or curious to hear or see something.
- Agrarian: Relating to cultivated land or the cultivation of land.
- Ail: To cause trouble or affliction too.
- Ailment: An illness, typically a minor one.
- Airplane: A powered flying vehicle with wings.
- Airy: Light and breezy; spacious and well-lit.
- Aisle: A passage between rows of seats in a building such as a church, theatre, airplane, or train.
- Akimbo: With hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.
- Alabaster: A fine-grained, translucent form of gypsum, usually white.
- Alacrity: Brisk and cheerful readiness.
- Albatross: A large seabird associated with sailors’ lore.
- Alchemy: The medieval forerunner of chemistry.
- Alcove: A recess, typically in the wall of a room or of a garden.
- Alder: A type of tree belonging to the birch family.
- Ale: A type of beer brewed from malted barley.
- Algae: Simple non-flowering plants of a large group that includes seaweeds.
- Alias: A false or assumed identity.
- Alien: A creature from outer space.
- Align: To place or arrange (things) in a straight line.
- Alkali: A chemical compound that neutralizes or effervesces with acids and turns litmus blue; typically, a caustic or corrosive substance.
- Allay: To diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry).
- Allege: To claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof.
- Allegory: A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.
- Alleviate: To make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.
- Alley: A narrow passageway between or behind buildings.
- Alligator: A large reptile with a powerful tail.
- Alliteration: The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
- Alloy: A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements.
- Allure: The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating.
- Almond: A type of nut or the tree that produces it.
- Aloft: Up in or into the air; overhead.
- Aloof: Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
- Alp: A high mountain, especially a snowy one.
- Alpaca: A South American mammal related to the llama.
- Alpha: The first letter of the Greek alphabet, used to denote the first in a series.
- Alphabet: A set of letters used in writing.
- Alpine: Relating to high mountains, originally those of the Alps.
- Altar: A table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a religious ritual, especially for making sacrifices or offerings to a deity.
- Alter: To change or cause a change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way.
- Altruism: The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Amalgam: A mixture or blend.
- Amaretto: A sweet Italian liqueur that tastes of almonds.
- Amass: To gather together or accumulate over some time.
- Amber: A hard, yellowish-brown substance used in jewelry.
- Ambergris: A valuable substance used in perfumery, produced in the digestive system of sperm whales.
- Ambiance: The character and atmosphere of a place.
- Ambidextrous: Able to use the right and left hands equally well.
- Ambrosia: In ancient Greek mythology, the food of the gods.
- Ambulance: A vehicle for emergency medical help.
- Ambush: A surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position.
- Amend: To make minor changes in (a text) to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date.
- Amenity: A desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place.
- Amethyst: A violet or purple variety of quartz used as a gem.
- Amiable: Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
- Amity: A friendly relationship.
- Amnesty: An official pardon for people convicted of political offenses.
- Amphibian: A cold-blooded vertebrate animal that can live in water and on land.
- Ample: Enough or more than enough; plentiful.
- Amplitude: The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the equilibrium position.
- Amulet: An ornament or small jewelry that protects against evil, danger, or disease.
- Anachronism: Something or someone not in its correct historical or chronological time.
- Analogous: Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that clarifies the nature of the things compared.
- Analogy: A comparison between two things, typically for explanation or clarification.
- Anarchy: A state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority.
- Anathema: Something or someone that one vehemently dislikes.
- Anchor: A heavy object to hold ships in place.
- Anchorite: A religious recluse.
- Ancillary: Providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, institution, industry, or system.
- Andromeda: A constellation in the northern sky.
- Anecdote: A short, amusing, or interesting story about a real incident or person.
- Anemone: A type of flowering plant.
- Anew: In a new or different and typically more positive way.
- Angel: A spiritual being believed to act as a messenger of God.
- Angle: The space between two intersecting lines.
- Angora: A type of soft wool or yarn from the fur of the Angora rabbit or goat.
- Angst: A feeling of deep anxiety or dread, typically unfocused about the human condition or the state of the world in general.
- Anise: A flowering plant whose seeds are used for flavoring or medicinal purposes.
- Ankle: The joint connecting the foot with the leg.
- Annals: A record of events year by year.
- Annex: A building added to or associated with a main building.
- Anoint: To smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony.
- Anomaly: Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
- Ant: A small insect that lives in colonies.
- Ante: A stake put up by a player in poker or a similar game before receiving cards.
- Antelope: A fast-running, graceful animal.
- Antenna: A device for receiving or transmitting radio waves.
- Antidote: A medicine taken or given to counteract a particular poison.
- Antique: A collectible object such as a piece of furniture or artwork with a high value because of its considerable age.
- Antiquity: The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages.
- Anvil: A heavy iron block used in metalworking.
- Apathy: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
- Ape: A large primate without a tail.
- Aperture: An opening, hole, or gap.
- Apex: The top or highest part of something.
- Aphelion: The point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is furthest from the sun.
- Aphid: A small bug that feeds by sucking sap from plants.
- Aphorism: A pithy observation that contains a general truth.
- Apiary: A place where bees are kept; a collection of beehives.
- Aplomb: Self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation.
- Apocryphal: Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.
- Apogee: The point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is furthest from the Earth.
- Apoplexy: Sudden loss of bodily function due to rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel.
- Apostle: Each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Apparatchik: A member of a communist party apparatus; an official in a large political organization.
- Apparatus: The technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose.
- Apparition: A ghost or ghostlike image of a person.
- Appease: To pacify or placate (someone) by acceding to their demands.
- Appellation: A name or title.
- Applause: The sound of clapping hands.
- Apple: A round fruit with red, green, or yellow skin.
- Apprentice: A person who is learning a trade from a skilled employer.
- Apprise: To inform or tell (someone).
- Apricot: A small, soft, round fruit with yellow-orange flesh.
- Apron: A protective garment worn over clothes while cooking.
- Aptitude: A natural ability to do something.
- Aqua: A shade of the color blue.
- Aquarium: A tank for keeping aquatic plants and animals.
- Aqueduct: A bridge-like structure that carries water over long distances.
- Arable: (Of land) used or suitable for growing crops.
- Arbiter: A person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority.
- Arbitrage: The simultaneous buying and selling of securities, currency, or commodities in different markets or derivative forms to take advantage of differing prices for the same asset.
- Arboreal: Relating to or resembling a tree or trees.
- Arboretum: A botanical garden devoted to trees.
- Arc: A part of the circumference of a circle or other curve.
- Arcade: A covered passageway with arches along one or both sides.
- Arcadia: A vision of pastoralism and harmony with nature.
- Arcane: Known or understood by very few; mysterious; secret; obscure.
- Arch: A curved structure spanning an opening.
- Archer: Someone who uses a bow and arrows.
- Archetype: A very typical example of a certain person or thing.
- Archipelago: A group of islands.
- Archive: A collection of historical documents or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people.
- Ardent: Very enthusiastic or passionate.
- Ardor: Enthusiasm or passion.
- Arena: A place with a flat open area and seats for spectators.
- Arete: Excellence of any kind.
- Argon: An inert gaseous element.
- Argot: The jargon or slang of a particular group or class.
- Aria: A long, accompanied song for a solo voice, typically in an opera or oratorio.
- Aristocracy: The highest class in certain societies, especially those holding hereditary titles or offices.
- Aroma: A distinctive, typically pleasant smell.
- Aristocrat: A member of the aristocracy; a person of noble or high rank, title, or birth.
- Arithmetic: The branch of mathematics deals with numbers’ properties and manipulation.
- Arm: The upper limb of the human body.
- Armada: A fleet of warships.
- Armadillo: A small American mammal with a leathery armor shell.
- Armistice: An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce.
- Armoire: A wardrobe or movable cabinet, typically ornate or antique.
- Armor: Protective clothing used in battle.
- Arpeggio: A chord whose notes are played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously.
- Arraignment: The action of arraigning someone in court.
- Array: An orderly arrangement or display.
- Arrow: A shaft shot from a bow.
- Arrowhead: The pointed end of an arrow.
- Arsenal: A collection of weapons and military equipment.
- Arsenic: A toxic chemical element.
- Arson: The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
- Art: The expression of creativity or imagination.
- Artichoke: A vegetable with a flower-like head.
- Articulate: Having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently.
- Artifact: An object made by a human being, typically of cultural or historical interest.
- Artifice: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.
- Artisan: A worker skilled in a craft.
- Ascend: To go up or climb.
- Ascendancy: Occupation of a position of dominant power or influence.
- Ascent: A climb or walk to the summit of a mountain or hill.
- Ascetic: A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention.
- Ash: The powdery residue left after something is burned.
- Ashram: A spiritual hermitage or a monastery in Indian religions.
- Aspen: A type of tree known for its trembling leaves.
- Aspersion: An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.
- Asphyxiate: To die or cause to die from lack of air or inability to breathe.
- Aspire: To direct one’s hopes or ambitions toward achieving something.
- Assay: Testing a metal or ore to determine its ingredients and quality.
- Assemblage: A collection or gathering of things or people.
- Assent: The expression of approval or agreement.
- Assiduous: Showing great care and perseverance.
- Assuage: To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense.
- Aster: A type of flower.
- Asterism: A pattern of stars recognized in Earth’s night sky.
- Asteroid: A small rocky body orbiting the sun.
- Astigmatism: A defect in the eye or in a lens caused by a deviation from spherical curvature, resulting in distorted images.
- Astragal: A molding or bead about a column or pillar.
- Astral: Relating to or resembling the stars.
- Astringent: A substance that tightens skin tissues and reduces bleeding.
- Astrolabe: An ancient instrument used to make astronomical measurements.
- Astronaut: A person trained to travel in space.
- Astronomy: The study of the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
- Astute: Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage.
- Asylum: A place of refuge or safety.
- Atelier: A workshop or studio, especially one used by an artist or designer.
- Athena: In Greek mythology, the goddess of wisdom.
- Athenaeum: A literary club or society.
- Athlete: A person skilled in sports.
- Atlas: A book of maps.
- Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding Earth.
- Atoll: A ring-shaped reef, island, or chain of islands formed of coral.
- Atom: The basic unit of a chemical element.
- Atomizer: A device for emitting water, perfume, or other liquids as a fine spray.
- Atonement: Reparation for a wrong or injury.
- Atrium: A large open space within a building.
- Atrophy: The gradual decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect.
- Attache: A case for carrying papers or files.
- Attenuate: To reduce the force, effect, or value of.
- Attic: The space just below the roof of a house.
- Attire: Clothes, especially fine or formal ones.
- Aubergine: Another term for eggplant.
- Auburn: A reddish-brown color.
- Audiobook: A recording of a book read aloud.
- Audit: An official inspection of an individual’s or organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body.
- Auger: A tool used for boring holes.
- Augment: To make something greater by adding to it; increase.
- Augury: An omen or portent, a sign of what will happen.
- Auk: A bird of the northern seas.
- Aunt: The sister of one’s father or mother.
- Aureate: Golden or gilded.
- Aurelia: The transparent larval stage of a jellyfish or other cnidarian.
- Aureole: A halo or circle of light around something, especially in religious art.
- Auricle: The outer part of the ear.
- Aurora: A natural light display in the sky, especially in high-latitude regions.
- Auspice: A sign or omen.
- Auspices: Protection or support; patronage.
- Austere: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance.
- Autarky: Economic independence or self-sufficiency.
- Author: Someone who writes books.
- Autocrat: A ruler who has absolute power.
- Autograph: A signature, especially that of a celebrity.
- Automaton: A moving mechanical device made in imitation of a human being.
- Autumn: The season after summer and before winter.
- Avalanche: A mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside.
- Avarice: Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
- Avatar: An incarnation, embodiment, or manifestation of a person or idea.
- Avenue: A wide street or thoroughfare.
- Aviary: A large enclosure for keeping birds.
- Avid: Having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something.
- Avocado: A creamy, green fruit.
- Awl: A small pointed tool used for piercing holes.
- Awning: A roof-like shelter extending over an area.
- Axe: A tool used for chopping wood.
- Axel: A figure skating jump involving a forward takeoff and a turn in the air.
- Axle: A rod or spindle passing through the center of a wheel.
- Azalea: A colorful flowering shrub.
- Azimuth: The direction of a celestial object from the observer, expressed as an angular measurement.
- Azure: A bright blue color, like a cloudless sky.
- Azurite: A blue copper mineral known for its deep azure color, used as an ore of copper and historically as a pigment in paints.
Conclusion
We’ve covered many incredible things that start with the letter A – from animals like alligators and aardvarks to foods like apples and almonds to countries like Australia and Argentina.
Teaching the alphabet is fun when you can relate each letter to something that excites your child’s curiosity and imagination.
I hope you and your kids enjoyed exploring amazing things, starting with A. There are so many more we didn’t have room to include!
Please share this article with other parents and teachers so more children can go on an alphabetical adventure!
Spreading resources that make learning the alphabet engaging nurtures a love of language in kids.
Most of all, explore and discuss our world’s wonders with your little one. From aardvarks to zucchinis, there is so much to captivate growing minds.
Learning together builds communication, understanding, and a profound bond that will last a lifetime.
In the comments, what awesome A words would you add to the list?
