Foundation/Elementary words that begin with R - Word Coach (2025)

R is for really fun words! Let’s explore some foundational words that begin with this letter.

List of Elementary words that begin with R

Foundation/Elementary words that begin with R with meanings and example

Radiate – Emit energy or heat.
Example: The sun radiates warmth.

Remote – Far away or distant.
Example: She lives in a remote village.

Roaming – Moving about aimlessly or without a fixed plan.
Example: The dog was found roaming the streets.

Ramp – A sloping surface connecting two levels.
Example: Use the ramp for wheelchair access.

Rebuild – To build again or repair.
Example: They will rebuild the house after the storm.

Robot – A machine capable of carrying out complex actions automatically.
Example: The factory uses robots to assemble cars.

Rise – To move upward.
Example: The balloon will rise into the sky.

Reindeer – A type of deer found in northern regions.
Example: Santa’s sleigh is pulled by reindeer.

Rat – A small rodent.
Example: The rat scurried across the floor.

Racing – Competing in speed.
Example: They love racing their toy cars.

Runaway – Someone or something that has escaped control.
Example: The runaway train caused a lot of damage.

Repetition – The action of repeating something.
Example: Learning a language involves a lot of repetition.

Receipt – A document acknowledging that a person has received something.
Example: Keep the receipt in case you need to return the item.

Roadmap – A plan or strategy intended to achieve a particular goal.
Example: The company presented a roadmap for future growth.

Radiant – Emitting light or heat; shining.
Example: She had a radiant smile.

Ratchet – A device that allows movement in one direction only.
Example: Use a ratchet to tighten the bolt.

Rig – To set up or prepare something.
Example: They rigged the sails before heading out to sea.

Rubbish – Waste material; garbage.
Example: Please take out the rubbish.

Refine – To make something pure or improve it.
Example: The company refines oil to produce gasoline.

Relay – To pass something from one person or device to another.
Example: The runners will relay the baton in the race.

Raven – A large black bird.
Example: The raven cawed loudly from the tree.

Rewrite – To write something again.
Example: She had to rewrite her essay.

Restore – To bring back to a former condition.
Example: They plan to restore the old building.

Rob – To take something unlawfully from someone.
Example: The bank was robbed last night.

Rehearse – To practice something before presenting it.
Example: The actors will rehearse their lines.

Revolve – To move in a circular orbit around something.
Example: The planets revolve around the sun.

River – A large natural stream of water.
Example: The river flows through the valley.

Rustle – A soft, muffled sound caused by movement.
Example: The leaves rustle in the wind.

Radar – A system for detecting objects using radio waves.
Example: The plane was detected by radar.

Reconcile – To restore friendly relations between.
Example: They decided to reconcile their differences.

React – To respond to something.
Example: How will he react to the news?

Rigging – The system of ropes used to control a ship’s sails.
Example: The sailors adjusted the rigging.

Resign – To voluntarily leave a job or position.
Example: He decided to resign from his job.

Rigid – Not flexible; stiff.
Example: The material is very rigid.

Rebate – A partial refund.
Example: You can get a rebate on your taxes.

Rail – A bar or series of bars fixed on upright supports.
Example: Hold onto the rail for safety.

Ready – Fully prepared.
Example: Are you ready to go?

Roadside – The edge of a road.
Example: We stopped at a roadside diner.

Rebound – To spring back after hitting something.
Example: The basketball rebounded off the backboard.

Roasted – Cooked by prolonged exposure to heat.
Example: We had roasted chicken for dinner.

Revisit – To visit again.
Example: We will revisit the museum next year.

Ram – To crash into something.
Example: The car rammed into the wall.

Repeat – To say or do again.
Example: Please repeat the question.

Rumor – A currently circulating story of uncertain or doubtful truth.
Example: There is a rumor going around about the new teacher.

Reservoir – A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water.
Example: The town’s water comes from a reservoir.

Regular – Normal or usual.
Example: She is a regular customer at the shop.

Rarely – Not often.
Example: He rarely eats out.

Rugged – Having a rough, uneven surface.
Example: The terrain was rugged and hard to travel.

Reckless – Without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action.
Example: His reckless driving caused the accident.

Roadway – The part of the road used by vehicles.
Example: The roadway was blocked by a fallen tree.

Reuse – To use something again.
Example: It’s important to reuse materials whenever possible.

Rain – Water falling from the sky.
Example: The rain poured down all night.

Radiator – A device for heating a room or engine.
Example: The car’s radiator is leaking.

Root – The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground.
Example: The tree’s roots are deep.

Rope – A strong, thick line made of long twisted threads.
Example: Tie the rope securely.

Reflect – To throw back light or heat.
Example: The mirror reflects light.

Riddle – A question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer.
Example: Can you solve this riddle?

Rust – A reddish or yellowish-brown flaky coating of iron oxide.
Example: The old car is covered in rust.

Row – A line of things or people placed next to each other.
Example: We sat in the front row.

Ribbon – A long, narrow strip of fabric.
Example: She tied a ribbon in her hair.

Railway – A track for trains.
Example: The railway runs through the town.

Rug – A small carpet.
Example: There is a rug in front of the fireplace.

Rabbit – A small mammal with long ears.
Example: We saw a rabbit in the garden.

Raincoat – A waterproof coat.
Example: Wear your raincoat; it’s going to rain.

Ranch – A large farm for raising animals.
Example: They own a cattle ranch.

Raffle – A lottery in which a number of persons buy one or more chances to win a prize.
Example: We bought tickets for the raffle.

Rash – A lot of small red spots on the skin.
Example: She has a rash on her arm.

Razor – A tool used for shaving.
Example: He uses a razor to shave every morning.

Realm – A kingdom or domain.
Example: The king ruled over his realm.

Reason – A cause or explanation.
Example: The reason for the delay is unknown.

Recipe – A set of instructions for preparing a particular dish.
Example: She followed the recipe to bake a cake.

Record – A document or disk that stores information.
Example: She keeps a record of all her expenses.

Recycle – To convert waste into reusable material.
Example: We recycle paper and plastic.

Regret – To feel sorrow or remorse for something.
Example: He regrets not studying harder in school.

Reindeer – A species of deer found in northern regions.
Example: Reindeer are often associated with Santa Claus.

Relax – To make or become less tense or anxious.
Example: She likes to relax by reading a book.

Relief – A feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety.
Example: She felt relief when the test was over.

Remain – To continue to exist.
Example: Only a few cookies remain.

Remark – A statement or comment.
Example: He made a remark about the weather.

Remind – To cause someone to remember.
Example: Please remind me to call her.

Remove – To take something away.
Example: Remove the lid before heating.

Render – To provide or give.
Example: They render assistance to those in need.

Renovate – To restore to good condition.
Example: They plan to renovate the old house.

Rent – Payment made for the use of something.
Example: They rent an apartment downtown.

Repair – To fix or mend something.
Example: The mechanic will repair the car.

Repeat – To do or say again.
Example: Please repeat the instructions.

Replace – To take the place of something.
Example: She needs to replace her old phone.

Report – An account or statement describing an event.
Example: The news report covered the incident.

Request – The act of asking for something.
Example: She made a request for more information.

Require – To need something.
Example: This job requires a lot of skill.

Rescue – To save someone from danger.
Example: The lifeguard will rescue the swimmer.

Research – The systematic investigation into a subject.
Example: She conducts research in biology.

Reside – To live in a place.
Example: They reside in a small town.

Resolve – To find a solution.
Example: We need to resolve this issue quickly.

Respect – To show regard or consideration for.
Example: Always respect other people’s opinions.

Respond – To reply or answer.
Example: He did not respond to my email.

Restaurant – A place where meals are served to customers.
Example: They went to a fancy restaurant for dinner.

Result – The outcome of an action or situation.
Example: The result of the test was positive.

Resume – To begin again after a pause.
Example: Classes will resume on Monday.

Retail – The sale of goods to the public.
Example: She works in retail.

Retain – To keep possession of.
Example: Please retain this receipt for your records.

Retire – To stop working after reaching a certain age.
Example: He plans to retire next year.

Return – To come or go back to a place or person.
Example: She will return home tomorrow.

Reunion – A gathering of people who have been separated.
Example: The family reunion is next month.

Reveal – To make known or show something.
Example: He will reveal the secret later.

Revenge – The action of inflicting harm in return for a wrong.
Example: He sought revenge for the insult.

Revenue – Income, especially of a company or organization.
Example: The company’s revenue increased last year.

Review – To examine or assess something formally.
Example: Please review the document before signing.

Revise – To alter something already written or printed.
Example: She needs to revise her essay.

Revolt – To rise against authority.
Example: The citizens planned to revolt against the government.

Reward – Something given in recognition of service or achievement.
Example: They received a reward for their honesty.

Rhythm – A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
Example: The rhythm of the music made everyone dance.

Rhyme – A repetition of similar sounds in two or more words.
Example: Children love nursery rhymes.

Rice – A cereal grain and a staple food.
Example: We had rice and beans for dinner.

Rich – Having a lot of money or valuable possessions.
Example: They live in a rich neighborhood.

Rid – To make someone or something free of a troublesome or unwanted person or thing.
Example: We need to rid the garden of weeds.

Ride – To sit on and control the movement of a vehicle or animal.
Example: They went for a ride in the park.

Right – Morally good, justified, or acceptable.
Example: Always try to do the right thing.

Rim – The edge or border of something.
Example: The glass is filled to the rim.

Ring – A small circular band worn on the finger.
Example: She received a diamond ring.

Rinse – To wash lightly, especially with water only.
Example: Rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

Rise – To move from a lower to a higher position.
Example: The sun will rise at 6 AM.

Risk – The possibility of something bad happening.
Example: He took a risk by investing in the new company.

Rite – A religious or other solemn ceremony or act.
Example: They performed the rite of baptism.

Rival – A person or thing competing with another for the same objective.
Example: They have been rivals since high school.

Riverbank – The land alongside a river.
Example: They had a picnic on the riverbank.

Roar – A loud, deep sound uttered by a person or animal.
Example: The lion let out a loud roar.

Robust – Strong and healthy; vigorous.
Example: He is in robust health.

Rock – A naturally occurring solid material.
Example: The path is covered with rocks.

Rod – A thin, straight bar, especially of wood or metal.
Example: He used a fishing rod to catch fish.

Rodeo – A competitive sport involving livestock, particularly horses and bulls.
Example: They attended the annual rodeo.

Roller – A cylinder that revolves on an axis.
Example: Use a paint roller for large surfaces.

Roof – The structure forming the upper covering of a building.
Example: The roof needs repairs.

Room – A part of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling.
Example: My room is upstairs.

Roost – A place where birds regularly settle to rest.
Example: The chickens roost in the coop at night.

Root – The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground and conveys water and nutrients.
Example: The tree’s roots are deep underground.

Rope – A length of strong cord made by twisting together strands of natural or artificial fibers.
Example: He tied the boat to the dock with a rope.

Rose – A type of flowering shrub.
Example: She received a bouquet of roses.

Rotate – To turn or cause to turn around an axis.
Example: The Earth rotates on its axis.

Rough – Having an uneven or irregular surface.
Example: The road is rough and bumpy.

Round – Shaped like or approximately like a circle or cylinder.
Example: The table is round.

Route – A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
Example: They planned the best route for the road trip.

Routine – A sequence of actions regularly followed.
Example: She follows a morning routine.

Rowboat – A small boat propelled by oars.
Example: They rented a rowboat for a trip on the lake.

Royal – Relating to a king, queen, or other sovereign.
Example: The royal family attended the ceremony.

Rubble – Waste or rough fragments of stone, brick, concrete, etc.
Example: The building was reduced to rubble.

Rude – Offensively impolite or ill-mannered.
Example: It’s rude to interrupt someone while they’re speaking.

Ruin – The physical destruction or disintegration of something.
Example: The castle is in ruins.

Rule – One of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles.
Example: Follow the school rules.

Ruler – A straight strip or cylinder of plastic, wood, metal, or other rigid material, used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths.
Example: Use a ruler to measure the paper.

Run – To move at a speed faster than a walk.
Example: He likes to run in the mornings.

Rust – A reddish-brown substance that forms on iron or steel when it gets wet.
Example: The old bike is covered in rust.

Rye – A type of grain used for making bread, whiskey, etc.
Example: He bought a loaf of rye bread.

Foundation/Elementary words that begin with R