Suffix--ery Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Spell: artery (noun) /ˈɑːt(ə)ri/
Definition: A main road or highway that connects different regions, cities, or areas together.
Example Sentence: "The new bridge alleviated traffic on the vital artery between cities."
Word origin: The noun 'artery,' when used to describe a main road or highway that connects different regions, cities, or areas together, has its etymology related to its anatomical namesake.

Spell: battery (noun) /ˈbæt ə ri/
Definition: A unit or group of artillery guns that are organized and deployed together.
Example Sentence: "The battery of howitzers unleashed a torrent of explosive shells upon the enemy."
Word origin: The noun 'battery,' when referring to a unit or group of artillery guns, has a fascinating etymology.

Spell: chicanery (noun) /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/
Definition: The use of clever but dishonest or deceitful methods to achieve one's goals.
Example Sentence: "Political chicanery often undermines trust in government."
Word origin: The noun 'chicanery' has an etymology rooted in the French language.

Spell: debauchery (noun) /dɪˈbɔːtʃ(ə)ri/
Definition: Excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures or in activities that are considered immoral or depraved.
Example Sentence: "The young man's life was filled with debauchery and hedonistic pleasures."
Word origin: The noun 'debauchery' finds its roots in the Old French word 'desbaucher,' which means 'to lead astray' or 'to corrupt.

Spell: doddery (adjective) /ˈdɒdəri/
Definition: Feeble, unsteady, or lacking in strength and stability.
Example Sentence: "The doddery cat, now in its golden years, preferred lounging over chasing toys."
Word origin: The adjective 'doddery' has an interesting etymology that is less common in modern English usage.

Spell: drudgery (noun) /ˈdrʌdʒəri/
Definition: The monotonous, repetitive, and often tiresome work or tasks that are dull and uninspiring in nature.
Example Sentence: "He hated his desk job, feeling like he was trapped in a cycle of endless drudgery."
Word origin: The noun 'drudgery' has its etymological roots in Middle English.

Spell: effrontery (noun) /ɪˈfrʌnt(ə)ri/
Definition: Extreme boldness or impudence, particularly when directed towards someone in a position of authority.
Example Sentence: "The politician's effrontery in denying their wrongdoing was astonishing."
Word origin: The noun 'effrontery' has its origins in the Latin word 'effrons,' which means 'shameless' or 'impudent.

Spell: forgery (noun) /ˈfɔr dʒə ri/
Definition: The act of producing or creating a fake or fraudulent copy of something with the intent to deceive or mislead others.
Example Sentence: "The businessman was arrested for selling counterfeit designer watches and other luxury items."
Word origin: The noun 'forgery' has its roots in Middle English, where it was known as 'forgerye.

Spell: imagery (noun) /ˈɪm ɪdʒ ri/
Definition: The use of language or visual elements that create a mental image or evoke a sensory experience within the mind of the audience or reader.
Example Sentence: "The author's masterful use of imagery brought the bustling city streets to life."
Word origin: The noun 'imagery' is derived from the Middle English word 'ymagerie,' which evolved from the Old French term 'imagerie.

Spell: jittery (adjective) /ˈdʒɪt ə ri/
Definition: Nervousness, restlessness, or unease.
Example Sentence: "The loud noise made the dog nervous and jittery."
Word origin: The adjective 'jittery' has its etymological origins in the word 'jitter,' which first emerged in American English during the early 20th century.

Spell: jobbery (noun) /ˈdʒɒb(ə)ri/
Definition: The act of using one's power or influence to obtain personal benefits or advantages, typically in the form of financial gain.
Example Sentence: "Jobbery has been a widespread issue in the civil service for many years."
Word origin: The term 'jobbery' has an intriguing etymology rooted in 19th-century British political and economic contexts.

Spell: leery (adjective) /ˈlɪər i/
Definition: Cautious, suspicious, or wary about something or someone.
Example Sentence: "The customer was leery of purchasing the product due to negative reviews."
Word origin: The adjective 'leery' has an uncertain etymology, and its origins are somewhat obscure.

Spell: livery (noun) /ˈlɪvəri/
Definition: A distinctive uniform or outfit worn by members of a particular organization, especially those who perform duties such as driving or serving customers.
Example Sentence: "The hotel staff wore a distinguished livery of black and white uniforms."
Word origin: The noun 'livery' has a rich history, dating back to medieval England.

Spell: misery (noun) /ˈmɪz ə ri/
Definition: A state or feeling of extreme unhappiness, suffering, or distress.
Example Sentence: "The homeless man endured a life of constant misery on the streets."
Word origin: The term 'misery' has an etymology that delves into its historical origins.

Spell: mockery (noun) /ˈmɒk ə ri/
Definition: The act, behavior, or expression of making fun of or ridiculing someone or something.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's jokes were met with a chorus of laughter and mockery."
Word origin: The noun 'mockery' has its etymological roots in the Middle English word 'mokerie,' which was derived from the Old French term 'mocquerie.

Spell: periphery (noun) /pəˈrɪf ə ri/
Definition: The outer boundary or edge of something, typically a physical object, space, or concept.
Example Sentence: "He preferred to sit at the periphery of the room, observing rather than participating."
Word origin: The noun 'periphery' has its etymological roots in Greek.

Spell: raillery (noun) /ˈreɪləri/
Definition: Good-humored teasing, light-hearted banter, or playful and witty remarks exchanged among people in a friendly and jovial manner.
Example Sentence: "The witty raillery between friends was a constant source of amusement."
Word origin: The noun 'raillery' finds its etymological roots in the French word 'railler,' which means 'to tease' or 'to jest.

Spell: skullduggery (noun) /skʌlˈdʌɡ(ə)ri/
Definition: Dishonest or deceitful behavior that is intended to deceive or defraud others.
Example Sentence: "He was suspected of skullduggery in the handling of company funds."
Word origin: The noun 'skullduggery' has a playful and somewhat mysterious etymology.

Spell: snobbery (noun) /ˈsnɒb ə ri/
Definition: An excessive sense of superiority and condescension towards others based on perceived social status, wealth, education, or taste.
Example Sentence: "The snobbery of the art world made it difficult for emerging artists to gain recognition."
Word origin: The noun 'snobbery' has its etymological origins in 18th-century England.

Spell: sorcery (noun) /ˈsɔr sə ri/
Definition: The practice, study, or belief in the use of supernatural or magical powers to influence, control, or manipulate events, people, or circumstances.
Example Sentence: "The sorcerer's eyes glowed with an eerie light as he summoned the forces of sorcery."
Word origin: The noun 'sorcery' has its etymological roots in Middle English and Old French, with further influences from Latin.

Spell: treachery (noun) /ˈtrɛtʃ ə ri/
Definition: The act of betrayal, deceit, or disloyalty.
Example Sentence: "The spy's treachery led to the exposure of valuable classified information."
Word origin: The noun 'treachery' is rooted in the Middle English word 'trecherie,' which, in turn, was influenced by the Old French term 'tricherie.

Spell: trickery (noun) /ˈtrɪk ə ri/
Definition: The act of using deceit, cunning, or dishonesty to manipulate or deceive others.
Example Sentence: "The cunning fox outwitted the farmers with its trickery."
Word origin: The noun 'trickery' can be traced back to the Middle English word 'trikerie,' which in turn has its origins in the Old French term 'trichierie.

Spell: upholstery (noun) /ʌpˈhoʊl stə ri/
Definition: The materials and fabrics used to cover furniture, such as sofas, chairs, or cushions, in order to provide comfort, protection, and aesthetic appeal.
Example Sentence: "The upholstery on the dining chairs added a touch of elegance to the room."
Word origin: The noun 'upholstery' has its roots in the Middle English word 'upholder,' which referred to a tradesperson who specialized in providing furniture with padding, stuffing, and fabric covers for comfort, protection, and aesthetic appeal.