Essential Vocabulary

Must-Know Vocabulary

This section contains a list of vocabulary words that are a must-know for students of all levels learning English! This list will be updated periodically throughout the school year. 

Thanksgiving Vocabulary 

Turkey (n.) – A large bird traditionally eaten on Thanksgiving.

Feast (n.) – A big, special meal.

Family (n.) – People who are related to each other.

Thankful (adj.) – Feeling happy and grateful for something.

Harvest (n.) – Gathering crops from the fields.

Pumpkin (n.) – A round, orange vegetable often used in pies.

Stuffing (n.) – A mix of bread, herbs, and vegetables put inside a turkey.

Celebrate (v.) – To do something special for an important event.

Pilgrims (n.) – People who came to America from England on the Mayflower.

Gravy (n.) – A sauce made from meat juices, often poured over turkey and potatoes

Thomas Piernikowski -  11.19.24

International Human Rights Day Vocabulary

Dignity (n.) – The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect, often regarded as a fundamental human right.

Advocacy (n.) – The act of supporting or arguing for a cause, policy, or the rights of others, particularly in legal or social contexts.

Oppression (n.) – Prolonged and unjust treatment or control, often violating basic human rights and freedoms.

Empower (v.) – To give someone the authority or confidence to do something, particularly in defending their rights or pursuing equality.

Liberty (n.) – The condition of being free from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.

Equity (n.) – Fairness and justice in treatment, often aiming to address systemic inequalities and uphold human rights.

Asylum (n.) – Protection granted by a nation to someone who has fled their home country due to persecution or danger, often based on human rights concerns.

Discrimination (n.) – The unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion, violating their rights.

Solidarity (n.) – Unity and mutual support among individuals or groups, often in pursuit of social justice and human rights.

Deprivation (n.) – The state of lacking basic necessities, such as food, shelter, or education, often considered a violation of human dignity and rights.

Thomas Piernikowski -  12.10.24

Christmas Vocabulary 

Yuletide (n.) – An old-fashioned term referring to the Christmas season or period.

Festoon (v./n.) – To decorate with garlands, ribbons, or other ornaments; a decorative chain or strip hung as decoration.

Mirth (n.) – Amusement or joy, often accompanied by laughter, typically experienced during festive occasions.

Bough (n.) – A large branch of a tree, often used in Christmas decorations such as wreaths or garlands.

Caroling (v./n.) – Singing traditional songs associated with Christmas, often in groups and outdoors.

Hearth (n.) – The area in front of or surrounding a fireplace, often considered a symbol of warmth and home during the holidays.

Revelry (n.) – Lively and noisy festivities, especially those involving celebration and merrymaking.

Ornate (adj.) – Elaborately or excessively decorated, often used to describe holiday decorations.

Eggnog (n.) – A rich, creamy drink made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and sometimes alcohol, popular during the Christmas season.

Poinsettia (n.) – A plant with brightly colored red and green foliage, commonly associated with Christmas decorations.

Thomas Piernikowski -  12.12.24

MLK Day Vocabulary

Civil rights (n.) – The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.
Segregation (n.) – The enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment.
Equal (adj.) – Having the same rights, status, or opportunities as others.
Injustice (n.) – A lack of fairness or justice.
Desegregate (v.) – To end the separation of racial groups in schools, public places, or organizations.
Boycott (v.) – To refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a way of protesting.
Stand up for (phr. v.) – To defend or support a belief, idea, or group of people.
Speech (n.) – A formal talk given to an audience, often to inspire or persuade.
Peaceful (adj.) – Without violence; calm and non-aggressive.
Take a stand (idiom) – To publicly express an opinion or take action in support of a cause.

Thomas Piernikowski -  1.20.25

International Day of Women and Girls in Science Vocabulary

STEM (n.) – An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Equality (n.) – The state of having the same rights, opportunities, and status as others.
Innovation (n.) – The creation of new ideas, methods, or inventions.
Discrimination (n.) – The unfair treatment of people based on characteristics such as gender, race, or age.
Barrier (n.) – Something that prevents progress or makes it difficult to achieve a goal.
Inspire (v.) – To encourage or motivate someone to do something.
Breakthrough (n.) – A significant discovery or achievement in science or technology.
Role model (n.) – A person who sets a good example for others to follow.
Encourage (v.) – To give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
Pioneer (n.) – A person who is among the first to explore or develop a new area of knowledge or activity.

Thomas Piernikowski -  2.14.25

St. Patrick’s Day Vocabulary

🍀 Ireland (n.) – A country in Europe known for its rich culture, history, and connection to St. Patrick.
☘️ Shamrock (n.) – A three-leaf clover associated with St. Patrick and Irish traditions.
🟢 Parade (n.) – A public celebration with marching bands, floats, and performances.
🎩 Leprechaun (n.) – A small, mischievous fairy in Irish folklore often depicted wearing green.
🌈 Pot of gold (n.) – A legendary treasure said to be found at the end of a rainbow.
🛐 Saint (n.) – A person recognized for their holiness and good deeds, like St. Patrick.
🐍 Legend (n.) – A traditional story passed down through generations, often about historical or mythical events.
💚 Luck (n.) – A force that brings good fortune or success, often associated with Irish culture.
🎶 Celtic (adj.) – Relating to the language, culture, and traditions of the ancient Celts, including Irish music and dance.
📖 Heritage (n.) – The traditions, history, and customs passed down within a culture or family.

Thomas Piernikowski -  3.17.25

Easter Vocabulary

✝️ Easter (n.) – A Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
🐰 Easter Bunny (n.) – A folkloric rabbit that brings Easter eggs to children, symbolizing spring and rebirth.
🥚 Easter egg (n.) – A decorated egg, often chocolate or plastic, used in holiday games and celebrations.
🔍 Egg hunt (n.) – A game where children search for hidden Easter eggs.
🌷 Spring (n.) – The season during which Easter takes place, symbolizing renewal and new life.
🕊️ Resurrection (n.) – The act of rising from the dead; central to the Easter story in Christianity.
🌼 Lily (n.) – A white flower associated with purity and Easter celebrations.
🍫 Chocolate (n.) – A sweet treat often shaped into eggs or bunnies and given during Easter.
🙏 Holy Week (n.) – The week leading up to Easter, including Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
🎨 Decorate (v.) – To make something more festive or beautiful, such as painting Easter eggs.

Thomas Piernikowski -  4.11.25

All Saint's Day Vocabulary

🕯️ All Saints’ Day (n.) – A Christian holiday celebrated on November 1st to honor all saints, known and unknown.

💐 Grave (n.) – A place where someone is buried; families often visit graves on All Saints’ Day to pay their respects.

🌼 Chrysanthemum (n.) – A flower commonly placed on graves during All Saints’ Day in many European countries.

🕊️ Saint (n.) – A person recognized for their holiness and virtue, often honored in Christian traditions.

🙏 Prayer (n.) – Words spoken to God; people say prayers to remember and honor their loved ones on this day.

🕯️ Candle (n.) – A stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light; candles are lit to symbolize remembrance.

👼 Heaven (n.) – The place where believers think good souls go after death.

🖤 Remembrance (n.) – The act of remembering and honoring those who have passed away.

⛪ Mass (n.) – A church service held to commemorate saints and the deceased.

🌙 Afterlife (n.) – A belief in life after death, often reflected upon during All Saints’ Day.

Thomas Piernikowski -  11.2.25