223 Nouns That Start with N [with Definitions and Examples]

In this article, we are going to talk about nouns that start with N. A noun is a word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas. Although there are thousands of nouns starting with N that you might have learnt throughout your life, there will still be many that you might totally be unaware of, and this article is a great place to start if you want to learn about them. For your convenience, a list of nouns that start with N has been given in this article.

We are going to analyze nouns beginning with N that people use the most in their everyday lives and the ones that are rarely used by them. Apart from that there are many nouns that start with N to describe a person, place, and animate and inanimate objects. A strong orator has a majority of words up his sleeves that help him move the masses. For you as a reader, the first place to start should be to get to know about nouns because these are the agents of action. Without any further ado, let’s get straight to nouns that start with N that will help you develop a distinctive aura and personality in your day-to-day conversations and writings.

Table of Contents

Nouns That Start with N You Always Use

Of the considerable number of parts of speech, nouns may be the most essential. These are some of the nouns that start with N that you use regularly.

1. Nose

Definition: the part of the face that sticks out above the mouth, through which you breathe and smell
Synonyms: snout, muzzle, nostrils
Example: He slowly breathed out the air through his nose.

2. Night

Definition: the period from sunset to sunrise in each twenty-four hours
Synonyms: darkness, duskiness, bedtime
Example: It usually gets cold at night.

3. Notebook

Definition: a book of plain paper or paper with lines, for writing on
Synonyms: diary, pad, journal
Example: She was jotting things down in a little notebook.

4. Noise

Definition: a sound or sounds, especially when it is unwanted, unpleasant, or loud
Synonyms: buzz, turbulence, clamor
Example: I heard a loud noise and ran to the window.

5. Nap

Definition: a short sleep, especially during the day
Synonyms: doze, interlude, shuteye
Example: Grandpa usually takes a nap after lunch.

6. Name

Definition: the word or words that a person, thing, or place is known by
Synonyms: label, alias, appellation
Example: The students were listed by name and by country of origin.

7. Newspaper

Definition: a printed publication containing news, articles, and advertisements
Synonyms: paper, print, daily

Example: Do you read a newspaper regularly?

8. Noon

Definition: twelve o’clock in the middle of the day, or about that time
Synonyms: apex, midday
Example: By noon, we had had ten phone calls.

9. Needle

Definition: a thin metal pin, used in sewing, that is pointed at one end and has a hole called an eye at the other end for thread
Synonyms: pin, syringe, pointer
Example: The girl threaded the needle for her mother.

10. Neck

Definition: the part of the body of an animal or human being that connects the head and the trunk
Synonyms: nape, cervix, collar
Example: She wore a gold chain around her neck.

Nouns That Start with N You Usually Use

A noun is a word that recognizes a man, creature, spot, thing, or thought. We can’t imagine communicating, writing, or reading without these nouns. So here are some nouns starting with N that we usually make use of.

1. Necklace

Definition: a piece of jewelry worn around the neck
Synonyms: chain, beads, pendant
Example: A heavy gold necklace hung around her neck.

2. News

Definition: information or reports about recent events

Synonyms: report, story, statement
Example: That’s the best news I’ve heard for a long time!

3. North

Definition: the direction in which a compass needle normally points, towards the horizon on the left-hand side of a person facing east
Synonyms: hyperborean, northward, septentrional
Example: A bitter wind blew from the north.

4. Nest

Definition: a structure or place made or chosen by a bird for laying eggs and sheltering its young
Synonyms: roost, birdhouse, den
Example: Cuckoos are famous for laying their eggs in the nests of other birds.

5. Net

Definition: a lacelike fabric with a uniform mesh of cotton, silk, etc.
Synonyms: cloth, fabric, lace
Example: Dolphins often get tangled in the nets that are used to catch tuna fish.

6. Nail

Definition: a small metal spike with a broadened flat head
Synonyms: pin, spike, tack
Example: Don’t try and hammer nails into the ceiling.

7. Napkin

Definition: a piece of cloth or paper used at meals to protect your clothes and to clean your lips or fingers

Synonyms: towel, doily, serviette
Example: She unfolded her napkin and put it on her lap.

8. Nephew

Definition: a son of one’s brother or sister, or of one’s brother-in-law or sister-in-law
Synonyms: kinsman, brother’s son
Example: She’d always had a soft spot for her younger nephew.

9. Nanny

Definition: a person whose job is to take care of a particular family’s children
Synonyms: nursemaid, governess, childminder
Example: She relied on a nanny to care for her baby during the week.

10. Novel

Definition: a long, printed, fictional story about imaginary characters and events
Synonyms: story, tale, narrative, fiction
Example: Jane Austen has written a number of well-known novels.

Nouns That Start with N You Often Use

Nouns are an indispensable part of our daily lives. There is a variety of nouns that you use in your day-to-day life, whether it is in writing or speaking. These are some of the nouns starting with N that you might often use.

1. Nightmare

Definition: a frightening or unpleasant dream
Synonyms: vision, incubus, torment
Example: I had nightmares after watching the horror movie.

2. Nationality

Definition: the status of belonging to a particular nation
Synonyms: citizenship, community
Example: What nationality are you?

3. Noodle

Definition: a very thin, long strip of pasta or a similar flour paste, eaten with a sauce or in a soup
Synonyms: spaghetti, pasta, tortellini
Example: Cook the noodles in a large pan of boiling water.

4. Nobody

Definition: a person of no importance or authority
Synonyms: menial, nonentity, zero

Example: They went from nobodies to superstars.

5. Nightingale

Definition: a small, brown European bird known especially for beautiful songs, usually heard during the night
Synonyms: songbird, philomel
Example: You can hear a nightingale whistle at night.

6. Niece

Definition: the daughter of a brother or sister
Synonyms: kinswoman, brother’s daughter
Example: She has heard from her niece how you rescued her.

7. Nausea

Definition: the feeling that you are going to vomit
Synonyms: sickness, vomiting, retching
Example: Signs of the illness include fever, nausea, and vomiting.

8. Newcomer

Definition: a colorless, tasteless, odorless gaseous chemical
Synonyms: outsider, stranger
Example: The eyes of the newcomer were the color of the sky.

9. Neighbor

Definition: someone who lives near you
Synonyms: acquaintance, bystander, homebody

Example: John is my next-door neighbor.

10. Navy

Definition: the part of a country’s armed forces that is trained to operate at sea
Synonyms: argosy, sea force, armada
Example: My brother is an officer in the Navy.

Nouns That Start with N You Sometimes Use

Some nouns are used more often in spoken and written conversations than others. The following is a list of nouns beginning with N that are less frequently used in our everyday lives.

1. Nobility

Definition: the quality of being noble in character
Synonyms: virtue, goodness, honor
Example: He is famous for his nobility among his friends.

2. Notion

Definition: a conception of or belief about something
Synonyms: idea, belief, concept
Example: I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living.

3. Nurturer

Definition: someone who nurtures others, offering food, protection, support, encouragement, or training
Synonyms: protector, caregiver, keeper
Example: Cora was the nurturer in our family.

4. Nylon

Definition: cloth or yarn made from synthetic materials
Synonyms: fabric, polymer, cloth

Example: Many polymers, such as nylon, are artificial.

5. Nectar

Definition: a sweet liquid produced by flowers and collected by bees and other insects
Synonyms: sap, ambrosia, amrita
Example: The bee turns nectar into honey.

6. Negotiation

Definition: the process of discussing something with someone in order to reach an agreement with them
Synonyms: talks, parleying, conference
Example: Negotiation for pay increase is likely to take several weeks.

7. Nickel

Definition: a five-cent coin; five cents
Synonyms: coin, dime, penny
Example: Is this here worth a nickel?

8. Nominee

Definition: a person who is nominated as a candidate for election or for an honor or award
Synonyms: contender, contestant, runner

Example: Alice is a nominee for best actress.

9. Narrator

Definition: a person who narrates something, especially a character who recounts the events of a novel or narrative poem
Synonyms: storyteller, reporter, relater
Example: Michael Caine is the narrator in the documentary film.

10. Norm

Definition: an accepted standard or a way of behaving or doing things that most people agree with
Synonyms: standard, usual, normal
Example: One child per family is fast becoming the norm in some countries.

Nouns That Start with N You Occasionally Use

Some nouns are more complex or simply less frequent than others. The following is a list of noun words that start with N and are used occasionally in our writings and conversations.

1. Nonentity

Definition: a person or thing with no special or interesting qualities
Synonyms: nobody, cipher
Example: She was once a political nonentity, but has since won a formidable reputation.

2. Neologism

Definition: a newly coined word or expression
Synonyms: coinage, invention
Example: The neologism became so popular it was added to most dictionaries.

3. Nuance

Definition: a very slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound, etc.
Synonyms: nicety, refinement, shade
Example: The painter has managed to capture every nuance of the woman’s expression.

4. Nomenclature

Definition: the devising or choosing of names for things, especially in a science or other discipline
Synonyms: terminology, taxonomy, classification
Example: The students found it hard to decipher the nomenclature of chemical compounds.

5. Nonchalance

Definition: calm behavior that suggests you are not interested or do not care
Synonyms: indifference, calmness
Example: He leaned back in his chair with apparent nonchalance.

6. Niche

Definition: a job or position that is very suitable for someone, especially one that someone likes
Synonyms: job, slot, vocation
Example: He has carved a niche for himself as a financial advisor.

7. Nuisance

Definition: someone or something that is causing trouble
Synonyms: annoyance, inconvenience
Example: It’s a nuisance having all those people clomping through the house.

8. Nymph

Definition: a goddess or spirit in the form of a young woman, living in a tree, river, mountain, etc.
Synonyms: sylph, sprite
Example: Nemertes was a sea nymph, daughter of Nereus and Doris.

9. Nitwit

Definition: a silly person
Synonyms: idiot, fool, ignoramus
Example: I want nothing to do with that bunch of nitwits!

10. Navigator

Definition: a person who explores by sea
Synonyms: seaman, mariner, helmsman
Example: New Zealand was discovered by Dutch navigator, Abel Tasman.

Nouns That Start with N You Seldom Use

While nouns beginning with N are fairly typical, there are a few exceptions that are seldom encountered. Following is a list of nouns that start with the letter N and are used very seldom.

1. Nemesis

Definition: the inescapable agent of someone’s or something’s downfall
Synonyms: curse, adversary, infliction
Example: The tax increases proved to be the president’s political nemesis.

2. Nexus

Definition: a connection or series of connections linking two or more things.
Synonyms: middle, center, connection
Example: Times Square is the nexus of the New York subway.

3. Neophyte

Definition: a person who is new to a subject or activity
Synonyms: beginner, learner, novice
Example: This computer course is for neophytes.

4. Nub

Definition: the crux or central point of a matter
Synonyms: crux, core, heart
Example: The nub of the problem lies elsewhere.

5. Nonplus

Definition: a state of being very surprised and confused
Synonyms: bewildered, confused, bemused
Example: Reduced to a perfect nonplus, he rose from his chair.

6. Nuptial

Definition: a wedding or marriage
Synonyms: union, wedding
Example: She became immersed in planning the forthcoming nuptials.

7. Nondescript

Definition: a person or thing lacking distinctive or interesting features
Synonyms: prosaicism, ordinary, commonality
Example: The nondescripts were straight out of the nine-to-five banking bureaucracy.

8. Narcissism

Definition: too much interest in and admiration for your own physical appearance and abilities
Synonyms: egotism, arrogance, boastfulness
Example: Those who suffer from narcissism become self-absorbed or chronic show-offs.

9. Nodule

Definition: a small raised area or swelling
Synonyms: blister, sore, swelling
Example: There is a soft nodule on my vocal cord.

10. Necromancy

Definition: the supposed practice of communicating with the dead, especially in order to predict the future
Synonyms: sorcery, magic, divination
Example: Some people came originally from Greece and were highly skilled in necromancy.

Nouns That Start with N You Rarely Use

Some N-nouns are rarely used or even heard of in our daily lives. When a reader learns them, he is astounded to know that that such nouns even exist. Below are some of those nouns that start with N.

1. Nadir

Definition: the lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation
Synonyms: zero, unsuccessfulness, rock-bottom
Example: Asking that question was the nadir of my career.

2. Necropolis

Definition: a cemetery, especially a large one belonging to an ancient city
Synonyms: graveyard, cemetery
Example: A number of tombs belonging to the Roman necropolis were discovered in 1883.

3. Nettle

Definition: a wild plant with heart-shaped leaves that are covered in hairs that sting
Synonyms: stinger, urtica dioica
Example: In recent times the nettle has been found to be effective in the treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy.

4. Niggard

Definition: a mean or ungenerous person; a miser
Synonyms: meanie, miser, cheapskate
Example: Don’t expect that niggard to invite you to dinner.

5. Nonage

Definition: the period of a person’s immaturity or youth
Synonyms: youth, childhood, immaturity
Example: Tom’s nonage lasted much longer than it should have.

6. Nous

Definition: good judgment and practical ability
Synonyms: commonsense, wits
Example: Anyone with a bit of nous would have known what to do in such a situation.

7. Nonpareil

Definition: a person or thing that is better than any other
Synonyms: model, standard, prototype
Example: She was, he was convinced, the nonpareil among women.

8. Napalm

Definition: a substance containing petrol that burns strongly and is used in bombs
Synonyms: gasoline, petrol
Example: The government has consistently denied using napalm.

9. Nostrum

Definition: an idea for solving a problem, especially one that is not very good
Synonyms: remedy, cure, prescription
Example: To get rid of an unsightly rash, Phil was even willing to try a nostrum recommended by his crazy uncle.

10. Numismatist

Definition: someone who studies or collects coins, paper money, or medals
Synonyms: collector, aggregator, gatherer
Example: Mint officials are yet to complete their consultations with numismatists.

Positive Nouns That Start with N

Some nouns carry a positive connotation while others do not. Following is a list of positive nouns that start with N and carry a positive connotation that you must know.

1. Nature

Definition: the force that is responsible for physical life and that is sometimes spoken of as a person
Synonyms: environment, landscape, creation
Example: Feeling tired-out is Nature’s way of telling you to rest.

2. Nurse

Definition: a person trained to care for the sick, especially in a hospital
Synonyms: carer, caregiver, attendant
Example: He worked as a nurse in a psychiatric hospital.

3. Nation

Definition: a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory
Synonyms: state, sovereignty, dominion
Example: The president spoke to the nation about the new tax.

4. Nobleman

Definition: a man who belongs by rank, title, or birth to the aristocracy
Synonyms: gentleman, lord, grandee
Example: He was a nobleman, fond of peace and actuated by the consciousness of a great mission.

5. Nourishment

Definition: the food necessary for growth, health, and good condition
Synonyms: lord, duke, aristocrat
Example: Young babies obtain all the nourishment they need from their mother’s milk.

6. Newborn

Definition: a recently born child or animal
Synonyms: infant, young, babe
Example: She’s incapable of looking after a newborn.

7. Nirvana

Definition: a state of freedom from all suffering that Buddhists believe can be achieved by removing all personal wishes
Synonyms: paradise, bliss, ecstasy
Example: They promised nirvana, but they are delivering chaos and cuts.

8. Nicety

Definition: a fine or subtle detail or distinction
Synonyms: subtlety, nuance, refinement
Example: We don’t bother with all the social niceties here.

9. Nursery

Definition: a place where young plants and trees are grown for sale or for planting elsewhere
Synonyms: greenhouse, seed-plot, planthouse
Example: Plants are available from specialist nurseries.

10. Nomad

Definition: a person who does not stay long in the same place; a wanderer
Synonyms: traveler, wayfarer, wanderer
Example: Dolly was a nomad who had finally taken root in Hawaii.

Nouns That Start with N – Full List (223 words)

Nab
Nabit
Nacho
Nadir
Naebm
Nahb
Nail
Nair
Nairo
Naivete
Name
Namesake
Nanometer
Nap
Napkin
Narcissism
Narcotic
Nareb
Narration
Narrative
Narrator
Narrowness
Nascency
Nastiness
Natation
Nation
National
Nationalism
Nationalist
Nationality
Nationhood
Native
Nato
Naturalism
Naturalist
Nature
Naturopath
Nausea
Navel
Navigation
Navigator
Navy
Neatness
Nebula
Necessity
Neck
Necklace
Neckline
Necktie
Necropsy
Nectar
Need
Neediness
Needle
Negation
Negative
Negativism
Negativity
Neglect
Negligence
Negoce
Negotiation
Negotiator
Neighbor
Neighborhood
Neighbourhood
Nemesis
Neocortex
Neon
Neonate
Neoteric
Nephew
Nerve
Nest
Nester
Nestling
Net
Network
Neuralgia
Neurasthenic
Neurologist
Neuron
Neuropathology
Neurotic
Neutralism
Neutralist
Neutrality
Neutralization
Neutron
Newborn
Newcomer
Newel
Newlywed
Newsboy
Newsletter
Newsman
Newsmen
Newspaper
Newspaperman
Newspapermen
Newsreel
Newsstand
Newt
Niceness
Nicety
Niche
Nickel
Nickname
Niece
Night
Nightclub
Nightfall
Nightingale
Nightmare
Nightshirt
Nihilism
Nihilist
Nil
Nimblewit
Nimbus
Nip
Nipper
Nirvana
Nitrate
Nitrogen
Nitroglycerine
Nitwit
Nobility
Nobleman
Noblesse
Nod
Node
Noise
Noisiness
Nomad
Nomenclature
Nomination
Nominee
Nonce
Noncompliance
Nonconformist
Nondefeatist
Nondriver
Nonequivalence
Nonfiction
Nonfood
Nonism
Nonoccurrence
Nonogenarian
Nonpareil
Nonpayment
Nonreactivity
Nonsense
Nonstop
Noodle
Noon
Noontime
Noose
Nop
Norad
Noradrenalin
Norethandrolone
Norm
Normal
Normalcy
North
Northerner
Norwegian
Nose
Nosebag
Nosebleed
Nostalgia
Nostril
Notable
Notation
Notch
Note
Notebook
Notice
Notification
Notion
Notoriety
Noun
Nourishment
Novel
Novelist
Novelty
Novice
Novitiate
Nowhere
Nozzle
Nuance
Nuclei
Nucleoli
Nucleotide
Nuclide
Nudge
Nudism
Nudist
Nudity
Nugget
Nuisance
Null
Nullity
Number
Numbness
Numeracy
Numerology
Nun
Nurse
Nursery
Nursling
Nurture
Nurturer
Nut
Nutmeg
Nutrition
Nutshell
Nuttiness
Nux
Nylon
Nymph
Nymphomaniac

Final Thoughts on Nouns That Start with N

Thank you for going through this article and it is expected that it would have proved productive to you. You may start asking yourself a lot of questions about the idea pitched in this article. What number of these nouns beginning with N, for instance, would you say you were familiar with? What number of these nouns starting with N do you utilize most of the times? These questions suggest that you have completely perceived the thought discussed in this article.

The next step is to put these nouns that start with N into practice. Practical application of these nouns in your everyday life routine will not only improve your skill level but will also facilitate you in developing your expressive language.