150 Words That Start with K to Level Up Your Vocabulary

Need a quick linguistic kick? The letter K packs far more punch than its quiet, back‑of‑the‑class reputation suggests. Below you’ll find 150 lively, learn‑worthy words each defined in plain English and illustrated with a snappy example sentence so you can sprinkle fresh flair into everyday speech, persuasive copy, or literary prose.

A. “Ka‑” Kick‑off (1‑26)

Kaboom (interj.)—explosive sound or impact.
Example: “With a final kaboom, the fireworks painted the sky crimson.”
Kabuki (n.)—classical Japanese dance‑drama noted for stylized makeup.
“The troupe performed kabuki for a captivated Tokyo audience.”
Kachina (n.)—Hopi spirit being or carved doll.
“Each kachina doll tells a sacred origin story.”
Kaffeeklatsch (n.)—informal coffee chat.
“Our weekly kaffeeklatsch keeps the remote team bonded.”
Kafkaesque (adj.)—surreally oppressive or nightmarish.
“Filing those forms felt Kafkaesque—rules leading nowhere.”
Kale (n.)—leafy green vegetable.
“He tossed roasted kale into the grain bowl for crunch.”
Kaleidoscope (n.)—tube producing shifting patterns of color.
“City lights formed a neon kaleidoscope on the river.”
Kaleidoscopic (adj.)—constantly changing; multicolored.
“Her kaleidoscopic memories blended joy and sorrow.”
Kalimba (n.)—African thumb piano.
“A gentle kalimba melody welcomed guests.”
Kalon (n.)—ideal of profound beauty and moral goodness.
“He pursued kalon, not mere aesthetics, in his art.”
Kame (n.)—hilly mound left by retreating glaciers.
“Glacial kames dotted the Scottish landscape.”
Kamikaze (adj.)—recklessly self‑destructive.
“Her kamikaze skiing style thrilled—and terrified—spectators.”
Kampong (n.)—Malay village or settlement.
“Smoke curled over the riverfront kampong at dawn.”
Kanban (n.)—lean manufacturing signal card system.
“A digital kanban board tracks our sprint tasks.”
Kangaroo (n.)—large Australian marsupial.
“A curious kangaroo shadowed our outback jeep.”
Kangaroo court (n.)—illegitimate, biased tribunal.
“The whistle‑blower feared a kangaroo court, not justice.”
Kanji (n.)—logographic Japanese characters of Chinese origin.
“She practiced writing complex kanji for ‘love.’”
Kantian (adj.)—relating to philosopher Immanuel Kant.
“Their ethics debate turned decidedly Kantian.”
Karaoke (n.)—sing‑along with entertainment with backing tracks.
“Friday’s karaoke night revealed hidden divas.”
Karyotype (n.)—chromosome profile of a cell.
“The lab ordered a karyotype to confirm the diagnosis.”
Karma (n.)—spiritual law of cause and effect.
“She trusts good deeds will bring good karma.”
Karmic (adj.)—pertaining to karma.
“Their reunion felt karmic, as if destined.”
Karat (n.)—gold purity measure (24 karat = pure).
“The ring dazzled at 18 karat gold.”
Karst (n.)—limestone terrain with sinkholes and caves.
“South China’s karst spires pierce the mist.”
Karate (n.)—Japanese unarmed combat art.
“After years of karate, her reflexes were lightning‑quick.”
Kart (n.)—small motorized racing vehicle.
“We sped around the indoor kart track like pros.”

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B. “Ke‑” and “Kh‑” Know‑How (27‑49)

Kebab (n.)—skewered and grilled meat pieces.
“A sizzling lamb kebab perfumed the street.”
Keen (adj.)—sharp; eager; perceptive.
“Her keen insight spotted the market gap.”
Keenness (n.)—eagerness or acuteness.
“A scientist’s keenness for detail drives discovery.”
Keeper (n.)—guardian; something worth retaining.
“That recipe’s a keeper—print it!”
Keepsake (n.)—souvenir kept for memory’s sake.
“Grandma’s locket is my most cherished keepsake.”
Kernel (n.)—core or seed of something.
“There’s a kernel of truth in every rumor.”
Kerfuffle (n.)—commotion or fuss.
“A billing error caused a minor kerfuffle.”
Keratin (n.)—protein forming hair and nails.
“Conditioners replenish lost keratin after coloring.”
Kerchief (n.)—square cloth for the head or neck.
“She tied a red kerchief against the dust.”
Kerosene (n.)—flammable oil used as fuel.
“Lanterns glowed with smoky kerosene light.”
Kestrel (n.)—small falcon with hovering flight.
“A kestrel hovered, scanning for mice.”
Ketchup (n.)—tomato‑based condiment.
“He refuses fries without ketchup.”
Kevlar (n.)—tough synthetic fiber.
“The vest’s Kevlar lining stopped the shard.”
Key (n./adj./v.)—crucial, instrument for locks, or to enter data.
“Feedback is key to product success.”
Keynote (n./v.)—main speech; to set underlying tone.
“The CEO will keynote the tech summit.”
Keystone (n.)—central supporting element.
“Trust is the keystone of any partnership.”
Keyboard (n.)—set of keys for typing or playing music.
“Sticky keyboard keys slow my writing flow.”
Keypad (n.)—small set of numeric or function keys.
“Enter your PIN on the payment keypad.”
Keyhole (n.)—slit for a key; a narrow view.
“Moonlight streamed through the ancient keyhole.”
Keyword (n.)—significant search or indexing term.
“Choose the right keyword to rank higher.”
Khaki (adj./n.)—tan‑colored; sturdy cotton fabric.
“He wore classic khaki chinos to the picnic.”
Khan (n.)—title for Central Asian ruler; surname.
“Genghis Khan forged a vast empire.”
Kharif (adj.)—relating to India’s monsoon crop season.
“Rice is a dominant kharif crop.”

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C. “Ki‑” Powerhouse (50‑98)

Kibbutz (n.)—collective Israeli farm community.
“Volunteers joined a desert kibbutz for harvest.”
Kibitz (v.)—chatter or give unsolicited advice.
“Spectators love to kibitz at chess parks.”
Kibosh (n./v.)—suppress or end abruptly.
“Budget cuts put the kibosh on travel plans.”
Kick (n./v.)—strike with foot; thrill or burst.
“That chili packs a fiery kick.”
Kickback (n.)—illicit payment; relaxed posture.
“The scandal revealed massive kickbacks.”
Kicker (n.)—surprising ending; football scorer.
“Here’s the kicker: the thief returned the wallet.”
Kickoff (n.)—start of an event.
“Our product kickoff meeting sets the roadmap.”
Kid (n./v.)—child; to joke.
“Don’t kid yourself—practice matters.”
Kiddo (n.)—affectionate term for a child.
“Time for bed, kiddo.”
Kidnap (v.)—seize and carry away illegally.
“Detectives foiled the plot to kidnap the heiress.”
Kidney (n.)—organ filtering blood.
“Healthy kidneys regulate fluid balance.”
Kinetic (adj.)—relating to motion.
“The sculpture turns wind into kinetic art.”
Kinematics (n.)—branch of mechanics describing motion.
“Animators study kinematics for realism.”
Kinesiology (n.)—science of human movement.
“She’s earning a degree in kinesiology.”
Kinesthetic (adj.)—learning through physical activity.
“Kinesthetic learners grasp math by building models.”
King (n.)—male monarch; chess piece.
“The king abdicated in favor of democracy.”
Kingdom (n.)—realm ruled by a king; a domain.
“Fungi form a separate biological kingdom.”
Kingly (adj.)—regal; dignified.
“He offered a kingly gift of horses.”
Kingship (n.)—position or dignity of a king.
“Legends explore the burdens of kingship.”
Kingmaker (n.)—influencer who selects rulers.
“The media mogul became a political kingmaker.”
Kingpin (n.)—central figure; bowling pin at center.
“Arresting the kingpin crippled the cartel.”
Kingsize (adj.)—larger than standard.
“They booked a kingsize bed for comfort.”
Kink (n./v.)—twist or flaw; pleasurable quirk.
“There’s a kink in the hose—water stopped.”
Kinky (adj.)—curly; unconventional.
“She loves her naturally kinky hair.”
Kin (n.)—family or relatives.
“He searched for long‑lost kin in Ireland.”
Kind (adj./n.)—gentle; type or sort.
“A simple kind word can lift spirits.”
Kindred (adj./n.)—related; similar.
“They’re kindred spirits in curiosity.”
Kindness (n.)—act of being kind.
“Random kindness ripples outward.”
Kindle (v.)—ignite; arouse interest.
“Travel blogs kindle my wanderlust.”
Kindhearted (adj.)—having a kind nature.
“The kindhearted nurse stayed past her shift.”
Kindergartner (n.)—child in kindergarten.
“Each kindergartner planted a seed.”
Kindergarten (n.)—first formal year of schooling.
“Creativity blossoms in a good kindergarten.”
Kinesic (adj.)—related to body motion communication.
“Her kinesic cues showed boredom.”
Kinetoscope (n.)—Edison’s early motion‑picture viewer.
“Visitors peeked into a vintage kinetoscope.”
Kinesis (n.)—movement in response to stimuli.
“Bacteria exhibit kinesis toward nutrients.”
Kismet (n.)—fate or destiny.
“Meeting on that train felt like kismet.”
Kiss (n./v.)—touch with lips in affection.
“A swift kiss sealed the promise.”
Kissable (adj.)—inviting to be kissed.
“Mint lip balm keeps your lips kissable.”
Kite (n./v.)—lightframe paper flyer; to soar.
“Children kited silhouettes against the blue.”
Kitchen (n.)—room for cooking.
“Innovation often starts in a humble kitchen.”
Kitchenette (n.)—small cooking area.
“The studio flat’s kitchenette maximized space.”
Kit (n.)—set of parts; to equip.
“Pack a first‑aid kit for hikes.”
Kith (n.)—friends and acquaintances.
“He celebrated with kith and kin.”
Kitsch (n.)—tacky art appreciating ironic appeal.
“The pink flamingos added deliberate kitsch.”
Kittiwake (n.)—cliff‑nesting gull.
“Kittiwakes cried above the fjord.”
Kiwi (n.)—New Zealand bird; fruit; colloquial for New Zealander.
“The tangy kiwi brightened the salad.”
Kitten (n.)—young cat.
“A sleepy kitten curled in his lap.”
Kitty (n.)—pet cat; communal fund.
“They added to the office birthday kitty.”
Kiva (n.)—ceremonial Pueblo chamber.
“Dancers gathered in the underground kiva.”

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D. “Kl‑” Cleverness (99‑106)

Klaxon (n.)—loud electric horn.
“A klaxon warned workers of the blast.”
Kleptocracy (n.)—government run by thieves.
“Analysts decried the regime’s slide into kleptocracy.”
Kleptomaniac (n.)—person with compulsion to steal.
“The kleptomaniac pocketed pens without noticing.”
Kleptomania (n.)—impulse‑control disorder of stealing.
“Therapy helped curb her kleptomania.”
Kludge (n.)—makeshift but clumsy solution.
“That code is a fragile kludge, rewrite it.”
Klutz (n.)—clumsy person.
“I’m such a klutz—I spilled coffee again.”
Klutzy (adj.)—awkwardly clumsy.
“His klutzy dance moves charmed the crowd.”
Klieg (n.)—intense studio spotlight.
“Under harsh klieg lights, actors sweated.”

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E. “Kn‑” Know‑How & Notables (107‑133)

Knack (n.)—clever skill.
“She has a knack for catchy slogans.”
Knackered (adj.)—exhausted (Brit.).
“After the marathon, I was knackered.”
Knave (n.)—dishonest man.
“Only a knave would betray such trust.”
Knead (v.)—work dough by pressing.
“Knead the bread until silky.”
Knee (n.)—joint between thigh and shin.
“She skinned her knee climbing.”
Kneecap (n./v.)—patella; to cripple by shooting the knee.
“Wear pads to protect your kneecaps.”
Kneel (v.)—rest on one or both knees.
“They knelt in silent gratitude.”
Knees‑up (n.)—lively British party.
“The wedding turned into a grand knees up.”
Knell (n.)—solemn bell sound signaling death.
“The church knell tolled at dusk.”
Knife (n./v.)—cutting tool; to stab.
“Sharpen your knife to slice tomatoes cleanly.”
Knight (n./v.)—medieval warrior; to confer knighthood.
“She was knighted for her scientific achievements.”
Knightly (adj.)—chivalrous; gallant.
“His knightly vow bound him to protect.”
Knighthood (n.)—rank or title of a knight.
“Charitable work earned her knighthood.”
Knit (v.)—interlock yarn with needles.
“Winter evenings, she knits woolen scarves.”
Knitted (adj.)—made by knitting.
“He wore a chunky knitted jumper.”
Knitting (n.)—act or craft of knit work.
“Knitting calms restless minds.”
Knitter (n.)—one who knits.
“The knitter sold hats at fairs.”
Knob (n.)—rounded handle or switch.
“Turn the volume knob down.”
Knock (n./v.)—rap on surface; strike.
“A quiet knock announced his arrival.”
Knockback (n.)—setback; alcoholic shot (Br.).
“The grant rejection was a tough knockback.”
Knockout (n./adj.)—decisive boxing win; stunning.
“She looked like a knockout in that gown.”
Knockoff (n.)—imitation product.
“Beware cheap knockoffs online.”
Knock‑on (adj.)—secondary or domino effect.
“Supply delays had knock‑on impacts.”
Knockabout (adj.)—rough; boisterous.
“A knockabout comedy kept us laughing.”
Knoll (n.)—small rounded hill.
“They picnicked on a grassy knoll.”
Knot (n./v.)—intertwined loop; to tie.
“Learn a bowline knot for sailing.”
Knotty (adj.)—complex; full of knots.
“The essay tackles a knotty moral dilemma.”

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F. “Ko‑,” “Kr‑,” and “Ku‑” Keepers (134‑150)

Knowable (adj.)—capable of being known.
“Not everything in quantum physics is knowable.”
Knowledge (n.)—facts, information, and skills.
“Shared knowledge accelerates progress.”
Known (adj.)—recognized; confirmed.
“The only known cure is prevention.”
Know‑how (n.)—practical expertise.
“Technical know‑how drives innovation.”
Koala (n.)—arboreal Australian marsupial.
“A sleepy koala clung to eucalyptus bark.”
Kook (n.)—eccentric person.
“Every startup garage houses a brilliant kook.”
Kooky (adj.)—quirky; oddball.
“Her kooky socks sparked conversation.”
Kosher (adj.)—fit according to Jewish dietary law; genuine.
“Is this gelatin kosher‑certified?”
Koto (n.)—Japanese 13‑string zither.
“A koto solo opened the ceremony.”
Kowtow (v.)—grovel or act subserviently.
“He refused to kowtow to unreasonable demands.”
Kraken (n.)—mythic giant sea monster.
“Sailors feared the legendary kraken.”
Kraft (adj./n.)—sturdy brown paper; brand name.
“Artisanal loaves came in kraft bags.”
Kraal (n.)—southern African village of huts; cattle pen.
“Cattle flow inside the wooden kraal.”
Krill (n.)—tiny oceanic crustaceans; whale food.
“Melting ice threatens Antarctic krill stocks.”
Krypton (n.)—noble gas element (Kr).
“LED bulbs contain argon, not krypton.”
Kryptonite (n.)—Superman‑weakening mineral; someone’s weakness.
“Procrastination is my productivity kryptonite.”
Kudzu (n.)—fast‑growing invasive vine.
“Kudzu swallowed abandoned barns in the South.”

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Wrapping Up

A richer word bank means sharper expression, and the humble K has given you 150 new tools from the playful kaboom to the philosophical kalon, the scientific kinesiology to the whimsical kooky. Try weaving a couple of these into your next email, essay, or dinner‑table debate you’ll knock ’em out with your key‑worded flair!