107 Nouns That Start with K [with Definitions and Examples]

Nouns that start with K are included in this article. There are numerous nouns starting with K that you use on a daily basis. But there are also numerous nouns beginning with I that you don’t even know to exist. It’s nuts, don’t you think? It is impossible to complete any writing project without using nouns that start with K.

Nouns are what help complete a sentence properly and make sense. I have probably used nouns countless times while writing this article. Want to know something interesting about the letter K? You will never find any number that has the letter k in it. No matter how high you count. It’s fascinating, right?

This article contains a list of nouns that start with K that you may use on a different basis. Some of the nouns that start with K to describe a person are also included.

Table of Contents

Nouns That Start with K You Always Use

I am sure you definitely use nouns on a daily basis whether it is to read, write, or speak. These are some nouns that start with K that you may always use and are familiar with.

1. Koala

Definition: a bearlike arboreal Australian marsupial that has thick grey fur and feeds on eucalyptus leaves
Synonyms: opossum, native bear, phalanger

Example: The koala clung to a eucalyptus.

2. Kangaroo

Definition: a large plant-eating marsupial with a long powerful tail and strongly developed hindlimbs that enable it to travel by leaping, found only in Australia and New Guinea
Synonyms: wallaby, marsupial

Example: The kangaroo has a fast turn of speed.

3. Korean

Definition: a native or inhabitant of North or South Korea, or a person of Korean descent.
Synonyms: han-gook, Korean- peninsula

Example: He is a Korean guy.

4. Kite

Definition: a medium to the large long-winged bird of prey which typically has a forked tail and frequently soars on updraughts of air
Synonyms: hawk, Milvus migrans
Example: I saw a kite last Monday.

5. Kitchen

Definition: a room or area where food is prepared and cooked
Synonyms: galley, cookhouse, bakehouse
Example: The kitchen was redolent of onions.

6. Keyboard

Definition: a set of keys on a piano or similar musical instrument
Synonyms: terminal, clavier, keypad
Example: She plays keyboards and guitar.

7. Killer

Definition: a person or thing that kills

Synonyms: murderer, destroyer, liquidator
Example: There’s a killer on the loose.

8. Kidney

Definition: nature or temperament
Synonyms: adrenal, pelvis, nephron
Example: I hoped that he would not have a similar kidney.

9. Knife

Definition: an instrument composed of a blade fixed into a handle, used for cutting or as a weapon
Synonyms: blade, cutter, carver
Example: He placed a knife at her neck.

10. Kilogram

Definition: the SI unit of mass (equivalent to approximately 2.205 lb), first introduced as a unit of mass for the metric system
Synonyms: weight unit, hectogram, kg
Example: In response, the bear weighing 270 kilograms struck the man.

Nouns That Start with K You Usually Use

Nouns are an inseparable part of our everyday life, don’t you think? Here are some nouns starting with K that we all usually end up using and are quite familiar with as well.

1. Kettle

Definition: a container or device in which water is boiled, having a lid, spout, and handle
Synonyms: pot, teakettle, boiler
Example: The kettle must be boiling.

2. Key

Definition: a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock, which is inserted into a lock and turned to open or close it
Synonyms: shank, stem, passkey
Example: There were two keys to the cupboard.

3. Khaki

Definition: strong cotton or wool fabric of a dull brownish-yellow color, used especially in military clothing
Synonyms: textile, material, fabric
Example: He was dressed from head to toe in khaki.

4. Ketchup

Definition: a smooth sauce made chiefly from tomatoes and vinegar, used as a relish
Synonyms: condiment, catsup

Example: There’s a spot of ketchup on the tablecloth.

5. Keychain

Definition: a device that is used to hold keys and that usually consists of a metal ring, a short chain, and sometimes a small decoration
Synonyms: pendant, trinket, keyring
Example: A keychain with light is held over a spectator’s hand.

6. Kinship

Definition: a sharing of characteristics or origins
Synonyms: relation, sympathy, affinity
Example: They felt a kinship with architects.

7. Kid

Definition: A young person of either sex
Synonyms: youngster, child, urchin
Example: The fire was accidentally started by a couple of kids fooling around.

8. Kennel

Definition: a small shelter for a dog
Synonyms: outbuilding, doghouse, shelter
Example: I put my dog in kennels if I go away.

9. Kicker

Definition: a person or animal that kicks
Synonyms: punter, placekicker, dropkicker

Example: The horses were either biters or kickers.

10. Kidnapper

Definition: a person who abducts someone and holds them captive, typically to obtain a ransom
Synonyms: criminal, outlaw, seizer
Example: He was released by his kidnappers on May 30.

Nouns That Start with K You Often Use

We always have some words that use less than others. Just like that, there are some words that we often use but not on a regular basis. These are some of those nouns starting with K.

1. Keg

Definition: a pressurized metal barrel with a valve at one end, used to store and dispense beer or other carbonated drinks
Synonyms: barrel, cask
Example: Beer is deliciously pumped from a keg.

2. Knoll

Definition: a small hill or mound
Synonyms: hump, tor, mound
Example: There are approximately 28 knolls: small pyramids buried, in which no archaeological work has been made.

3. Kayak

Definition: a canoe of a type used originally by the Inuit, made of a light frame with a watertight covering having a small opening in the top to sit-in
Synonyms: coracle, bateau, dink
Example: The lakes are used to learn to kayak.

4. Kilt

Definition: a garment resembling a knee-length skirt of pleated tartan cloth, traditionally worn by men as part of Scottish Highland dress and now also worn by women and girls

Synonyms: skirt, pannier
Example: Ben refuses to wear a kilt to the ceremony.

5. Kazoo

Definition: a small, simple musical instrument consisting of a hollow pipe with a hole in it, over which is a thin covering that vibrates and adds a buzzing sound when the player sings or hums into the pipe
Synonyms: wind, harmonica, panpipe
Example: He enjoyed playing the kazoo in the pulpit.

6. Kernel

Definition: a softer, usually edible part of a nut, seed, or fruit stone contained within its shell
Synonyms: grain, core, stone
Example: There’s a kernel of truth in what he said.

7. Kickback

Definition: an illicit payment made to someone in return for facilitating a transaction or appointment
Synonyms: bribe, payment, reward
Example: The ruling party depends on contributions and kickbacks.

8. Kingdom

Definition: a country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen
Synonyms: realm, domain, nation
Example: Her kingdom stretched for thousands of miles.

9. Knee-jerk

Definition: a sudden involuntary reflex kick caused by a blow on the tendon just below the knee

Synonyms: automatic, instinctive, mechanic
Example: Apart from involuntary knee-jerks, it’s the mind that rules.

10. Kidding

Definition: playfulness or teasing
Synonyms: mocking, ribbing, humor
Example: They could be insufferable when the kidding began.

Nouns That Start with K You Sometimes Use

We all have those words that pop up in our minds from time to time, right? Here are some nouns beginning with K that you might sometimes end up using.

1. Kerbside

Definition: the side of a road or pavement that is nearer to the kerb
Synonyms: recycling, twin-bin, multi-materials

Example: He pulled up the van at the kerbside.

2. Knit

Definition: garment made of a knitted fabric
Synonyms: wollen, wolly
Example: Be warm and chic in cozy cashmere knits.

3. Karaoke

Definition: a form of entertainment, offered typically by bars and clubs, in which people take turns to sing popular songs into a microphone over prerecorded backing tracks
Synonyms: entertainment, singing, music
Example: The ditties were belted out by participants in the town’s attempt to set a world record for karaoke singing.

4. Keynote

Definition: a prevailing tone or central theme
Synonyms: theme, point
Example: Individuality is the keynote of the Nineties.

5. Kingpin

Definition: a person or thing that is essential to the success of an organization or operation

Synonyms: bolt, swivel pin
Example: The kingpins of the television industry.

6. Kaleidoscope

Definition: a toy consisting of a tube containing mirrors and pieces of colored glass or paper, whose reflections produce changing patterns when the tube is rotated
Synonyms: plaything, toy

Example: The kaleidoscope fractures the vision of a single object or scene into a multitude of different but interrelated forms of the same.

7. Knockout

Definition: an extremely attractive or impressive person or thing

Synonyms: beauty, vision, picture
Example: He must have been a knockout when he was young.

8. Keep

Definition: food, clothes, and other essentials for living
Synonyms: maintenance, support, sustenance
Example: The Society is paying for your keep.

9. Karat

Definition: a unit of weight for precious stones and pearls, equivalent to 200 milligrams
Synonyms: unit of measurement, carat
Example: She bought a half-karat diamond ring.

10. Kit

Definition: a set of articles or equipment needed for a specific purpose
Synonyms: equipment, tools, implements
Example: I bought a new cycle repair kit.

Nouns That Start with K You Occasionally Use

There are certain nouns that are not that common, so we end up using them occasionally. These are some noun words that start with K that you occasionally use.

1. Keel

Definition: continuing or operating without problems or sudden changes
Synonyms: trend, stability
Example: High oil prices are making it difficult to keep the economy and inflation on an even keel.

2. Koan

Definition: a paradoxical anecdote or riddle without a solution, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and provoke enlightenment
Synonyms: contradiction, anomaly, enigma
Example: The zen koan is a condensation of one quoted.

3. Kestrel

Definition: a small falcon that hovers with rapidly beating wings while searching for prey on the ground
Synonyms: falco, sparrow hawk
Example: We saw the kestrels perched on the large tree outside the center.

4. Kiln

Definition: a furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially one for calcining lime or firing pottery
Synonyms: muffle, oast, furnace
Example: The bricks are left in the kiln to bake.

5. Kudos

Definition: praise and honor received for an achievement
Synonyms: prestige, glory, standing
Example: She was looking for kudos rather than profit.

6. Kismet

Definition: destiny; fate
Synonyms: fortune, providence, luck
Example: What chance did I stand against kismet?

7. Know-how

Definition: practical knowledge or skill; expertise
Synonyms: proficiency, understanding, accomplishment
Example: I don’t have the technical know-how to repair a computer.

8. Kiosk

Definition: a small open-fronted hut or cubicle from which newspapers, refreshments, tickets, etc. are sold
Synonyms: stand, stall, booth
Example: There’s a newspaper kiosk in the station.

9. Klaxon

Definition: an electric horn or warning hooter.
Synonyms: horn, an alarm bell
Example: The tug blew its klaxon three times.

10. Klutz

Definition: a clumsy, awkward, or foolish person
Synonyms: oaf, ape, hulk
Example: I’m a complete klutz on the dance floor.

Nouns That Start with K You Seldom Use

These are some nouns that start with the letter K that you seldom use. Read this article when you are out of words and might need some help to use some nouns for your writing.

1. Keeve

Definition: a tub or vat for holding liquid, especially in brewing or bleaching
Synonyms: spa, cistern
Example: A tube ran from her neck to the keeve of blood on the floor.

2. Kith

Definition: one’s friends, acquaintances, and relations
Synonyms: agent, mentor
Example: I had a reunion today with all my kith and kin.

3. Khadi

Definition: an Indian homespun cotton cloth
Synonyms: material, fabric, textile
Example: Her plain khadi sari.

4. Klick

Definition: A metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters (or 0.621371 miles).
Synonyms: myriametre, hectometre
Example: About 200 klicks northwest of Moscow.

5. Kibe

Definition: an ulcerated chilblain, especially one on the heel
Synonyms: pernio, chilblain
Example: In the second half, one’s kibe worsened and finally burst.

6. Knickerbocker

Definition: loose-fitting breeches gathered at the knee or calf
Synonyms: breachers, trousers
Example: By this time the outfit had changed to magenta with navy knickerbockers.

7. Knap

Definition: the crest of a hill
Synonyms: boast, abate, carve
Example: A pathway winding around the knap of a green hill.

8. Kloof

Definition: (in South Africa) a steep-sided, wooded ravine or valley
Synonyms: canyon, flume, gap
Example: The kloof between the mountain and Lion’s Head is of singular beauty.

9. Kasbah

Definition: the citadel of a North African city
Synonyms: quarter, armpit, borough
Example: A town dominated by its ancient kasbah.

10. Knar

Definition: a knot or protuberance on a tree trunk or root
Synonyms: bump, swelling
Example: Dean waited, a knar forming in his stomach.

Nouns That Start with K You Rarely Use

Some nouns are not as commonly used so there are many people who don’t even know they exist. Then here are some of those K-nouns that you might rarely use.

1. Kleptocracy

Definition: government by those who seek chiefly status and personal gain at the expense of the governed
Synonyms: kleptarchy, absolutism
Example: At his urging, Russians gathered in the street from coast to coast to protest the kleptocracy.

2. Kleptomania

Definition: a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive
Synonyms: criminal, pilferer, shoplifter
Example: The play takes the time to introduce their respective demons — alcoholism, kleptomania, and violence, among them — then moves on with little resolution.

3. Kumquat

Definition: an orange-like fruit related to the citruses, with an edible sweet rind and acid pulp
Synonyms: compote, caramelize, pistachio
Example: As part of the ritual, everyone carries the kumquats to the table.

4. Kelp

Definition: a large brown seaweed that typically has a long, tough stalk with a broad frond divided into strips
Synonyms: fucus, mussel, dulse
Example: This sea urchin decimates kelp beds and creates barrens, thus completely altering coastal ecosystems.

5. Kail

Definition: a hardy cabbage of a variety that produces erect stems with large leaves and no compact head
Synonyms: crucifer, brassica
Example: We grow kail that lasts through the winter.

6. Kink

Definition: a sharp twist or curve in something that is otherwise straight.
Synonyms: curl, twist, wave
Example: There was a kink in the pipe.

7. Kerfuffle

Definition: a commotion or fuss, especially one caused by conflicting views
Synonyms: splash, upheaval, turmoil
Example: There was a kerfuffle over the chairmanship.

8. Kabala

Definition: the ancient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible, first transmitted orally and using esoteric methods (including ciphers). It reached the height of its influence in the later Middle Ages and remains significant in Hasidism
Synonyms: arcanum, secret
Example: Mangel says the Kabbalah is the basis for everything he teaches.

9. Kecks

Definition: trousers
Synonyms: knickers, underpants
Example: How do they walk in those skintight kecks?

10. Keech

Definition: A mass or lump of fat rolled up by the butcher
Synonyms: rubbish, trash
Example: Maybe this keech about ‘microclimate’ was true.

Positive Nouns That Start with K

There are so many positive nouns that start with K that we might need from time to time. Then here are some positive nouns that might help you when needed.

1. Karma

Definition: (in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences
Synonyms: fate, destiny
Example: I hope I’m around to see karma coming back on you.

2. Knowledge

Definition: facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject
Synonyms: comprehension, understanding, grip
Example: A thirst for knowledge.

3. Kiss

Definition: touch or caress with the lips
Synonyms: peck, smack, snog
Example: He placed a quick kiss on the cheek.

4. Kindred

Definition: relationship by blood
Synonyms: relationship, consanguinity, relatedness
Example: ties of kindred.

5. Knight

Definition: (in the Middle Ages) a man who served his sovereign or lord as a mounted soldier in armor
Synonyms: cavalier, gallant, horseman
Example: You were my knight in shining armor.

6. Kalon

Definition: ideal perfect beauty
Synonyms: exquisiteness, radiance
Example: The kalon trip gaining greater international recognition could ultimately put pressure on Beijing to moderate its policies within Tibet itself.

7. Kahuna

Definition: an important person; the person in charge
Synonyms: celebrity, dignity, star
Example: One big kahuna runs the whole show.

8. Knuckle

Definition: a joint of meat consisting of the knuckle of an animal together with the adjoining parts
Synonyms: diarthrosis, finger
Example: This is a knuckle of pork.

9. keenness

Definition: The quality of being eager or enthusiastic; eagerness
Synonyms: eagerness, desire, wish
Example: He has expressed his keenness to retain his job.

10. Keepsake

Definition: a small item kept in memory of the person who gave it or originally owned it
Synonyms: memento, reminder, souvenir
Example: She was wearing the medal he gave her as a keepsake.

Nouns That Start with K – Full List (107 words)

Kahuna
Kale
Kaleidoscope
Kangaroo
Karl
Karma
Kava
Kayak
Kazoo
Kebob
Kedgeree
Keel
Keelson
Keenness
Keep
Keeper
Keepsake
Keg
Kegful
Kelp
Ken
Kennel
Keno
Kenya
Kerbside
Kerchief
Kerfuffle
Kernel
Kerosene
Kerygma
Kestrel
Ketchup
Kettle
Key
Keyboard
Keychain
Keyhole
Keynote
Khaki
Khan
Kibbutzim
Kick
Kickback
Kicker
Kickoff
Kid
Kidnaper
Kidnapper
Kidney
Kill
Killer
Kiln
Kilogram
Kilometer
Kiloton
Kilowatt
Kilt
Kimono
Kin
Kind
Kindergarten
Kindness
Kindred
King
Kingdom
Kingpin
Kinship
Kiosk
Kiss
Kit
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Kite
Kitten
Klaxon
Kleptocracy
Kleptomania
Klutz
Knack
Knackwurst
Knee
Kneecap
Kneejerk
Knife
Knight
Knob
Knock
Knockdown
Knockout
Knoll
Knot
Knott
Know
Know-How
Knowledge
Knuckle
Knuckleball
Koala
Kob
Kola
Konga
Korean
Kqed
Kraft
Kraut
Kudos
Kumquat

Final Thoughts on Nouns That Start with K

Congratulations on finishing the article. What do you think? Did you find some new verbs starting with K? There are hundreds of nouns that we might not be aware of. After reading this article containing nouns beginning with K, I hope you learned at least one new word. There are some words that are not as common as others, and so they are rarely used. On the contrary, there are some nouns that start with K and are very commonly known to everyone.

Hope you enjoyed reading this article. Come back to it if you are ever in need of some nouns that start with K.