230 Nouns That Start with N | Best List with Definitions and Examples

nouns-that-start-with-n

In this article, we will look at a variety of nouns that start with N. Nouns beginning with N have a unique set of qualities that must be studied. Before we get there, let’s define nouns and why they’re so crucial.

A noun relates to people, things, ideas, and other things in our environment. Perhaps you might say that the distinction between human and non-human languages is that we humans have nouns, but other animals have not.

As N is the sixth-most common letter and the second-most commonly used consonant in the English language after T, therefore it is safe to say that nouns that start with N form the bulk of English vocabulary.

Explore different categories of nouns starting with N given below and get to know how we can use them correctly in phrases, clauses and sentences. Don’t worry if you can’t immediately learn all the nouns as everything starts slowly. After you are done with this article, try and incorporate these nouns that start with N into your own sentences, this will help you learn them better.

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Nouns That Start with N You Always Use

We’ll kick off this list with nouns that start with N which are an integral part of our everyday conversations. You’ll see a lot of familiar words on this list.

1. Name

  • Definition: the opinion or reputation that someone or something has
  • Synonyms: title, tag
  • Example: They’re trying to restore the good name of the manufacturer.

2. Night

  • Definition: the part of every 24-hour period when it is dark
  • Synonyms: darkness, duskiness
  • Example: They embarked the troops by night.

3. Nap

  • Definition: a brief sleep
  • Synonyms: doze, interlude
  • Example: I am going to take a nap.

4. Necklace

  • Definition: an ornamental chain or string of beads, jewels, or links worn round the neck
  • Synonyms: chain, pendant
  • Example: He bought her a diamond necklace.

5. Notebook

  • Definition: a small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes in
  • Synonyms: diary, pad
  • Example: Sophie’s notebook is covered with stickers.

6. Noise

  • Definition: a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance
  • Synonyms: turbulence, clamor
  • Example: The noise awoke me from my sleep.

7. Number

  • Definition: a quantity or amount
  • Synonyms: amount, quantity
  • Example: The Company is seeking to increase the number of women on its staff.

8. Normal

  • Definition: the usual, typical, or expected state or condition
  • Synonyms: usual, average
  • Example: The temperature was above normal.

9. Notification

  • Definition: the act of telling or informing someone about something
  • Synonyms: notice, warning
  • Example: How can I stop random Twitter notifications?

10. Neighbor

  • Definition: someone who lives next to your house
  • Synonyms: acquaintance, bystander
  • Example: Ellie is my next-door neighbor.

Nouns That Start with N You Usually Use

Nouns that start with N, you usually make use of are main building blocks for our everyday conversations of English language. Below, you’ll enjoy such nouns with their definitions, a number of synonyms and examples.

1. Need

  • Definition: circumstances in which something is necessary
  • Synonyms: necessity, requirement
  • Example: The basic human need is food.

2. Nephew

  • Definition: a son of one’s brother or sister
  • Synonyms: brother’s son
  • Example: Stanley, come and say hello to your nephew.

3. Niece

  • Definition: a daughter of your brother or sister
  • Synonyms: brother’s daughter
  • Example: He looked affectionately at his niece.

4. Newspaper

  • Definition: a regularly printed document consisting of large sheets of paper containing news reports, articles etc
  • Synonyms: paper, daily
  • Example: Kindly pass me that newspaper.

5. Note

  • Definition: a brief record of points or ideas written down as an aid to memory
  • Synonyms: record, account
  • Example: I’ll make a note in my diary.

6. Needle

  • Definition: the pointed hollow end of a hypodermic syringe
  • Synonyms: pin, syringe
  • Example: The needle pricked her hand.

7. Nonsense

  • Definition: spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense
  • Synonyms: balderdash, gibberish
  • Example: He was talking absolute nonsense.

8. Nudge

  • Definition: a light touch or push
  • Synonyms: prod, jog
  • Example: He gave her shoulder a nudge.

9. Nest

  • Definition: a structure or place made or chosen by a bird for laying eggs and sheltering its young
  • Synonyms: roost, den
  • Example: Two sparrows frantically building a nest.

10. Net

  • Definition: a piece of material made of long, narrow strips woven so that there are spaces between them
  • Synonyms: fabric, lace
  • Example: They baled up some fishes with a net.

Nouns That Start with N You Often Use

Most of the nouns beginning with N in this list are often a part of our discussions and writing. We believe after examining these nouns that begin with the letter N you would be able to use them in a much better way.

1. Nation

  • Definition: a country, especially when considered as a society with its own government, economy
  • Synonyms: state, dominion
  • Example: The debate about food safety has engaged the whole nation.

2. Neighborhood

  • Definition: an area with characteristics that make it different from other areas, or the people who live in a particular area
  • Synonyms: locality, area
  • Example: He lives somewhere in the neighborhood of the station.

3. Novel

  • Definition: a long, printed story about imaginary characters and events
  • Synonyms: tale, fiction
  • Example: Have you read any of Golding’s novels?

4. Nightmare

  • Definition: a very upsetting or frightening dream
  • Synonyms: vision, torment
  • Example: Being trapped underwater is my worst nightmare.

5. Nationality

  • Definition: the official right to belong to a particular country
  • Synonyms: citizenship, community
  • Example: She has British nationality.

6. Network

  • Definition: a number of computers that are connected together so that they can share information
  • Synonyms: system, web
  • Example: We’ve just spent £1.9 million on improving our computer network.

7. Nickname

  • Definition: an informal name for someone or something
  • Synonyms: sobriquet, byname
  • Example: He was given the nickname ‘Brackets’ because of his bandy legs.

8. Nail

  • Definition: a small, thin piece of metal with one pointed end and one flat end that you hit into something with a hammer
  • Synonyms: spike, tack
  • Example: I’ve got a run in my tights from the nail on my chair.

9. Necessity

  • Definition: the state or fact of being required
  • Synonyms: requisite, fundamental
  • Example: Providing parental guidance is a necessity nowadays.

10. Noun

  • Definition: a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality
  • Synonyms: naming word
  • Example: Pronouns are often used to refer to a noun that has already been mentioned.

Nouns That Start with N You Sometimes Use

In this segment, we’ll go through nouns that start with the letter N which are not used regularly in our daily conversations. You’ll find some new nouns in this section.

1. Neckline

  • Definition: the shape made by the edge of a dress or shirt at the front of the neck or on the chest
  • Synonyms: v-neck
  • Example: She wore a dress with a plunging neckline.

2. Niche

  • Definition: a comfortable or suitable position in life or employment
  • Synonyms: calling, vocation,
  • Example: He has found his niche.

3. Navy

  • Definition: the branch of the armed services of a state which conducts military operations at sea
  • Synonyms: sea force, armada
  • Example: My grandfather used to reminisce about his years in the navy.

4. Nerve

  • Definition: the courage or confidence necessary to do something difficult, unpleasant, or rude
  • Synonyms: audacity, brashness
  • Example: It takes a lot of nerve to be a bomb disposal expert.

5. Notion

  • Definition: a belief or idea
  • Synonyms: idea, concept
  • Example: I have no notion of resigning.

6. Nearness

  • Definition: the condition of being near; proximity
  • Synonyms: closeness, propinquity
  • Example: I bought my house because of its nearness to the office where I work.

7. Nomination

  • Definition: the action of nominating or state of being nominated
  • Synonyms: appointment, candidature
  • Example: Women’s groups opposed the nomination of the judge.

8. Negotiation

  • Definition: a formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement
  • Synonyms: talks, parleying
  • Example: The exact details of the agreement are still under negotiation.

9. Norm

  • Definition: a situation or type of behavior that is expected and considered to be typical
  • Synonyms: standard, normal
  • Example: Illness has become the norm for her.

10. Nightclub

  • Definition: an entertainment venue that is open from the evening until early morning
  • Synonyms: cabaret, disco
  • Example: I went to a nightclub last night.

Nouns That Start with N You Occasionally Use

Since nouns with letter N listed below are occasionally used in our daily routine, we can use these to add uniqueness to our writing style.

1. Nicety

  • Definition: a detail or small difference that is only obvious after careful thought
  • Synonyms: subtlety, refinement
  • Example: They spent a lot of time arguing about legal niceties.

2. Novelty

  • Definition: the quality of being new, original, or unusual
  • Synonyms: originality, newness, freshness
  • Example: Gradually, the novelty of city life began to pall. 

3. Narrow

  • Definition: a narrow channel connecting two larger areas of water
  • Synonyms: neck, channel
  • Example: There was a car ferry across the narrows of Loch Long.

4. Negation

  • Definition: the contradiction or denial of something
  • Synonyms: denial, repudiation
  • Example: This political system is the negation of democracy.

5. Neglect

  • Definition: the state of being uncared for
  • Synonyms: disrepair, deterioration
  • Example: That place had a hopeless air of neglect.

6. Narcotic

  • Definition: a drug or other substance that affects mood or behavior and is consumed for non-medical purposes, especially one sold illegally
  • Synonyms: sedative, soporific
  • Example: Opium is classed under the head of narcotic.

7. Notch

  • Definition: an indentation or incision on an edge or surface
  • Synonyms: incision, indent
  • Example: There was a notch in the end of the arrow for the bowstring.

8. Notoriety

  • Definition: the state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed
  • Synonyms: disrepute, ill fame
  • Example: The song has gained some notoriety in the press.

9. Noose

  • Definition: a loop with a running knot, tightening as the rope or wire is pulled and used to trap animals or hang people
  • Synonyms: hitch, lariat
  • Example: He began to choke as the noose tightened about his throat.

10. Neon

  • Definition: fluorescent lighting or signs using neon or another gas
  • Synonyms: lighting, illumination
  • Example: The lobby of the hotel was bright with neon.

Nouns That Start with N You Seldom Use

If you were looking for some new nouns for your vocabulary list, then this section will introduce you to unique and essential noun words that start with N.

Pay close attention to each one of these noun words starting with N.

1. Naturalist

  • Definition: an expert in or student of natural history
  • Synonyms: biologist, botanist
  • Example: My father was a naturalist.

2. Nihilist

  • Definition: a person who believes that life is meaningless and rejects all religious and moral principles
  • Synonyms: non-believer, sceptic, agnostic
  • Example: It is impossible to argue against a nihilist.

3. Nuance

  • Definition: a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound
  • Synonyms: shade, gradation
  • Example: He was familiar with the nuances of the local dialect.

4. Non-compliance

  • Definition: the fact of not obeying a rule or law
  • Synonyms: refusal, disagreement
  • Example: Companies can be prosecuted for non-compliance with the law.

5. Nadir

  • Definition: the worst moment, or the moment of least hope and least achievement
  • Synonyms: unsuccessfulness, rock-bottom
  • Example: The defeat was the nadir of her career.

6. Navigation

  • Definition: the process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route
  • Synonyms: seamanship
  • Example: Columbus corrected his westward course by celestial navigation.

7. Nostalgia

  • Definition: a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past
  • Synonyms: wistfulness, longing
  • Example: I was overcome with acute nostalgia for my days at university.

8. Nonage

  • Definition: a period of youth
  • Synonyms: youth, childhood,
  • Example: The discretions of his long-ago nonage have come back to haunt him.

9. Nihilism

  • Definition: the rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless
  • Synonyms: negativity, cynicism
  • Example: Nihilism rejects any objective basis for society and its morality.

10. Namesake

  • Definition: a person or thing having the same name as another person or thing
  • Synonyms: (none)
  • Example: She’s my namesake but we’re not related.

Positive Nouns That Start with N

Positive words are vital in our vocabulary because they help us exhibit empathy and add a pleasant tone to our speech. So, let’s have a look at some of these positive nouns that start with N.

1. Neutrality

  • Definition: the state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.
  • Synonyms: impartiality, noninterference
  • Example: During the war, Switzerland maintained its neutrality.

2. Nurture

  • Definition: the action or process of nurturing someone or something
  • Synonyms: fostering, development
  • Example: The nurture of children is very important.

3. Normalcy

  • Definition: the condition of being normal; the state of being usual, typical, or expected
  • Synonyms: order, being normal
  • Example: The office gradually returned to a semblance of normalcy.

4. Nucleus

  • Definition: the central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth
  • Synonyms: core, center
  • Example: These books are regarded as the nucleus of the library.

5. Nature

  • Definition: creative and controlling force in the universe
  • Synonyms: environment, creation
  • Example: Nature is the art of God. 

6. Neatness

  • Definition: the quality or condition of being neat
  • Synonyms: tidiness, orderliness
  • Example: When writing your homework, remember that neatness counts.

7. Nourishment

  • Definition: food that you need to grow and stay healthy
  • Synonyms: nutrition, sustenance
  • Example: These children are suffering because they lack proper nourishment.

8. Nirvana

  • Definition: a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality
  • Synonyms: bliss, ecstasy
  • Example: Entering the realm of Nirvana is only possible for those who have become pure.

9. Nursery

  • Definition: a place where plants and trees are grown, especially for sale
  • Synonyms: greenhouse, planthouse
  • Example: The plants are available from specialist nurseries.

10. Nomad

  • Definition: a member of a group of people who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time
  • Synonyms: traveler, wanderer
  • Example: He lived like a nomad for a few years after college, never holding a job in one place for very long.

Nouns That Start with N to Describe a Person

In this category, you will be acquainted with nouns that start with N to describe a person, his profession, his personality traits, etc. All of these N nouns describe people for who they are and what they do.

1. Nun

  • Definition: a member of a female religious group that lives in a convent
  • Synonyms: sister, novice
  • Example: A convent school was run by Catholic nuns.

2. Nominee

  • Definition: someone who has been nominated for something
  • Synonyms: contender, contestant
  • Example: Mr. Francis is standing as the official nominee for the post of District Secretary.

3. Narrator

  • Definition: a person who narrates something, especially a character who recounts the events of a novel
  • Synonyms: storyteller, relater
  • Example: His poetic efforts are mocked by the narrator of the story.

4. Novelist

  • Definition: a writer of novels
  • Synonyms: author, writer
  • Example: William Golding is my favorite novelist.

5. Nurse

  • Definition: a woman employed to take care of a young child or children
  • Synonyms: caregiver, attendant
  • Example: The door opened and a nurse came into the room.

6. Newborn

  • Definition: a baby that was born recently
  • Synonyms: infant, young
  • Example: About 94 percent of newborns are given hearing tests.

7. Nanny

  • Definition: a child’s nurse or caregiver
  • Synonyms: nursemaid, child minder
  • Example: She was taken on as a nanny to their two small children.

8. Nobody

  • Definition: a person of no importance or authority
  • Synonyms: nonentity, zero
  • Example: They went from nobodies to superstars.

9. Newcomer

  • Definition: someone who has recently arrived in a place or recently become involved in an activity
  • Synonyms: outsider, stranger
  • Example: We’re relative newcomers to the town.

10. Novice

  • Definition: a person new to and inexperienced in a job or situation
  • Synonyms: beginner, learner
  • Example: I’m still a complete novice at the sport.

Nouns That Start with N – Full List (230 Words)

Following is a list of nouns that start with N contains all the nouns we talked above and more useful ones to be noted.

  • Nominee
  • Newlywed
  • Nux
  • Nowhere
  • Nonequivalence
  • Nightshirt
  • Nurture
  • Nicety
  • Novitiate
  • Numeracy
  • Nebula
  • Nosebag
  • Nonsense
  • Nuclei
  • Nabit
  • Noodle
  • Nip
  • Nightmare
  • Nacho
  • National
  • Niece
  • Nightclub
  • Nostalgia
  • Neutron
  • Narrative
  • Negation
  • Neuron
  • Nonreactivity
  • Nondefeatist
  • Nab
  • Negative
  • Nonism
  • Neon
  • Normalcy
  • Narcissism
  • Nutshell
  • Negoce
  • Neurasthenic
  • Norm
  • Nursery
  • Nourishment
  • Necropsy
  • Negativism
  • Nurse
  • Nun
  • Newsstand
  • Nil
  • Neighbor
  • Nation
  • Nickname
  • North
  • Nonstop
  • Name
  • Neutralist
  • Notoriety
  • Nonogenarian
  • Napkin
  • Nationalism
  • Nectar
  • Nipper
  • Narcotic
  • Nobody
  • Nondriver
  • Nudity
  • Node
  • Naturalist
  • Network
  • Nudism
  • Noontime
  • Nerve
  • Neocortex
  • Niceness
  • Neutralization
  • Novelty
  • Newspaperman
  • Nimblewit
  • Nationhood
  • Net
  • Neoteric
  • Nahb
  • Nutrition
  • Newsboy
  • Naebm
  • Namesake
  • Nitrogen
  • Narrow
  • Nirvana
  • Novice
  • Naivete
  • Nascency
  • Neatness
  • Notion
  • Navigator
  • Newsman
  • Non-compliance
  • Notch
  • Nymph
  • Neuropathology
  • Neurologist
  • Nephew
  • Noncompliance
  • Numbness
  • Noon
  • Newsmen
  • Nonconformist
  • Nester
  • Nonce
  • Nairo
  • Necklace
  • Newspapermen
  • Needle
  • Nightfall
  • Need
  • Nonpayment
  • Nucleotide
  • Nest
  • Nonfood
  • Nomenclature
  • Navel
  • Nestling
  • Nationality
  • Nitroglycerine
  • Noradrenalin
  • Native
  • Neonate
  • Nucleus
  • Navigation
  • Naturopath
  • Nihilism
  • Negativity
  • Nuttiness
  • Nair
  • Newel
  • Nudge
  • Nose
  • Notice
  • Nareb
  • Nonfiction
  • Note
  • Neckline
  • Nickel
  • Nimbus
  • Newcomer
  • Neutralism
  • Nudist
  • Norwegian
  • Naturalism
  • Nemesis
  • Nurturer
  • Nihilist
  • Nutmeg
  • Nosebleed
  • Nightingale
  • Nail
  • Northerner
  • Nadir
  • Nucleoli
  • Nitwit
  • Narrator
  • Norad
  • Neighbourhood
  • Neutrality
  • Nullity
  • Newspaper
  • Nod
  • Noose
  • Neighborhood
  • Novelist
  • Nylon
  • Nozzle
  • Nut
  • Notation
  • Narration
  • Noise
  • Neck
  • Nonoccurrence
  • Nop
  • Notable
  • Nonage
  • Nanometer
  • Noisiness
  • Nuclide
  • Neglect
  • Null
  • Night
  • Neurotic
  • Normal
  • Neediness
  • Newsletter
  • Natation
  • Norethandrolone
  • Nostril
  • Negligence
  • Nobility
  • Narrowness
  • Nature
  • Nymphomaniac
  • Nationalist
  • Newt
  • Notebook
  • Negotiator
  • Numerology
  • Nanny
  • Nausea
  • Neuralgia
  • Nugget
  • Nomination
  • Niche
  • Nuisance
  • Nato
  • Necktie
  • Notification
  • Noun
  • Navy
  • Negotiation
  • Nitrate
  • Nap
  • Nomad
  • Nobleman
  • Nonpareil
  • Necessity
  • Nearness
  • Noblesse
  • Nastiness
  • Number
  • Newsreel
  • Newborn
  • Novel
  • Nursling
  • Nuance

Final Thoughts on Nouns That Start with N

Nouns that start with N are used in our daily lives at a rapid pace whenever we speak or write. So it is important that you know the correct way of using these nouns starting with N if you want to leave a good impression upon your hearer or reader.

If you are a student, these nouns beginning with N may also assist you in expanding your vocabulary, and incorporating these nouns into your speech and writing can amaze your teachers and your fellow students as well. Therefore, you must pay close attention to each noun given in the list of nouns that start with N above and try to bring them into practical usage.