English Reference
noun · verb

nut

n. · v.
US /ˈnət/ UK /nˈʌt/ nut UK spelling nut's, nut's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a dry fruit or seed with a hard shell that you can usually eat.

    n.a hard-shelled seed or fruit containing an edible kernel.

    Simple

    She added some chopped nuts to the top of the chocolate cake.

    In context

    The recipe calls for toasted nuts to provide a textural contrast to the soft, creamy filling of the tart.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a small piece of metal with a hole in the middle that screws onto a bolt.

    n.a small metal block with a threaded hole, designed to be screwed onto a bolt to fasten parts together.

    Simple

    He used a wrench to tighten the nut on the bicycle wheel.

    In context

    The mechanic discovered that a rusted nut was preventing the entire assembly from being dismantled for repair.

    fastenerbushing
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.someone who is very interested in or excited about a specific subject.

    n.an individual exhibiting intense enthusiasm or obsession regarding a particular activity or topic.

    Simple

    My brother is a total car nut and spends every weekend at the track.

    In context

    As a self-proclaimed history nut, she spent her entire vacation touring the ancient ruins of the Mediterranean.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a person who behaves in a strange or crazy way.

    n.a person perceived as eccentric, irrational, or mentally unstable.

    Simple

    Some nut was shouting at the pigeons in the park this morning.

    In context

    The neighbors thought he was a bit of a nut for building a giant telescope in his backyard.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced SlangVulgar Medicine

    n.a slang word for testicles.

    n.a slang term referring to the testicles.

    Simple

    The player accidentally got hit in the nuts during the game.

    In context

    The comedian's routine relied heavily on crude jokes involving various slang terms for the nuts.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    n.the small piece at the top of a guitar neck that holds the strings.

    n.the ridge of hard material at the junction of the headstock and fretboard that supports the strings.

    Simple

    The guitar strings were buzzing because the nut was worn down.

    In context

    Luthiers often prefer bone over plastic when carving a new nut to improve the instrument's resonance and sustain.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced British EnglishSlang

    v.to hit someone using your head.

    v.to strike a person intentionally with the head.

    Simple

    The two men started fighting and one tried to nut the other.

    In context

    The striker was sent off after he attempted to nut the defender during a heated argument on the pitch.

    headbutt
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated