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in Reading· Writing

100+ List of 3 Letter Words: Common and Cool Words

There are over 1,347 three-letter words in English. It is almost impossible for us to know every single one of them. However, we can still learn the most common 3 letter words and some of the coolest words as well. Learning new English vocabulary can enhance your overall English skills and also be helpful when playing games like Scrabble or Wordle.

Common Three Letter Words

Let’s first go over the list of the most common 3 letter words with pictures. We also included the definition for each word.

Air

Air

Air is the invisible gas we breathe, composed mainly of oxygen and nitrogen, essential for life on Earth. It’s what makes wind and allows us to inhale and exhale.

Bug

Bug

A bug is a small insect, often characterized by its six legs and sometimes wings. In computer terms, a bug refers to a flaw or error in a program or system.

Cat

Cat

A cat is a small domesticated animal with soft fur, retractable claws, and often a purring sound. Cats are popular pets known for their playful and independent nature.

Dad

Dad

Dad is a familiar term for one’s father, the male parent in a family. It’s a simple way to refer to the person who is often a caregiver and guide in a child’s life.

Day

Day

A day is the 24-hour period from sunrise to sunset, during which Earth completes one rotation on its axis. It’s the basic unit of time that we use to organize our lives.

Dog

Dog

A dog is a loyal domesticated mammal, often kept as a pet, known for its varied breeds, companionship, and diverse roles, including as a family member, guardian, or working animal.

Egg

Egg

An egg is a small, oval-shaped object laid by birds, reptiles, or some mammals, typically containing a developing embryo. It is commonly consumed as a nutritious food source.

Gun

Gun

A gun is a handheld weapon that uses bullets or projectiles to shoot at targets. Guns are designed for various purposes, including self-defense, sport shooting, and military use.

Gym

Gym

A gym is a place equipped for physical exercise and fitness activities, often containing equipment like weights and machines. People go to gyms to work out, stay healthy, and improve their physical fitness.

Inn

Inn

An inn is a small lodging establishment, typically with a pub, that offers accommodations and meals to travelers. It’s a place where people can stay and often experience a sense of hospitality.

Man

Man

A man is an adult human male. In the context of the human species, a man typically has physical and biological characteristics that differentiate him from a woman.

Mat

Mat

A mat is a flat piece of material, often made of fabric or rubber, used for covering a surface, protecting it, or providing a non-slip surface. Mats are commonly used in various settings, such as homes, gyms, or workplaces.

Mop

Mop

A mop is a cleaning tool with absorbent material, like cotton or sponge, attached to a handle. It is commonly used for cleaning and wiping floors by soaking up liquid and removing dirt.

Owl

Owl

An owl is a nocturnal bird of prey characterized by its large eyes, upright stance, and silent flight. Owls are known for their ability to hunt small mammals and birds in low-light conditions.

Pet

Pet

A pet is an animal kept primarily for companionship and enjoyment, often domesticated and cared for by humans. Pets, such as dogs, cats, and birds, become integral parts of many households.

Sea

Sea

The sea is a large body of saltwater that covers a significant part of the Earth’s surface. Oceans and smaller bodies of saltwater, like the Mediterranean Sea, are examples of seas.

Tax

Tax

Tax is a mandatory financial charge imposed by the government on individuals and businesses to fund public services. It is usually calculated as a percentage of income, goods, or services.

Toy

Toy

A toy is an object designed for play and amusement, often intended for children. Toys come in various forms, providing entertainment and promoting imaginative and creative activities.

Cool Three Letter Words

Now, let’s check out the list of cool 3 letter words that will help you win word games like Scrabble, Wordle, or Crossword.

  1. Aid
  2. Air
  3. Aim
  4. Art
  5. Ash
  6. Ask
  7. Bay
  8. Bib
  9. Bid
  10. Bio
  11. Bog
  12. Box
  13. Bud
  14. Bug
  15. Bun
  16. Bop
  17. Cub
  18. Cop
  19. Cox
  20. Cue
  21. Cup
  22. Cut
  23. Dab
  24. Dam
  25. Dip
  26. Dub
  27. Dye
  28. Elf
  29. Elk
  30. Erg
  31. Fad
  32. Fan
  33. Far
  34. Fin
  35. Fix
  36. Fob
  37. Fox
  38. Fun
  39. Gad
  40. Gem
  41. Gum
  42. Guy
  43. Ivy
  44. Jab
  45. Jam
  46. Jaw
  47. Jib
  48. Jig
  49. Job
  50. Jog
  51. Jot
  52. Joy
  53. Jug
  54. Kit
  55. Koi
  56. Lab
  57. Lap
  58. Log
  59. Lob
  60. Lux
  61. Mug
  62. Nap
  63. Nip
  64. Not
  65. Nut
  66. Orb
  67. Pax
  68. Pod
  69. Pox
  70. Pyx
  71. Pix
  72. Pod
  73. Pug
  74. Pyx
  75. Qua
  76. Rig
  77. Rye
  78. Sax
  79. Sob
  80. Sip
  81. Sow
  82. Tap
  83. Toe
  84. Toy
  85. Ups
  86. Vex
  87. Vox
  88. Vow
  89. Woo
  90. Wok
  91. Yaw
  92. Yob
  93. Zap
  94. Zen
  95. Zig
  96. Zit
  97. Zoo
  98. Zoa
  99. Zek
  100. Zip

most common three letter words

FAQs About Three Letter Words

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about words consisted of 3 letters in English.

How many words are in the English dictionary?

There are around 170,000 words in the English dictionary. Among those words, 1,347 are three letter words.

Are there three letter wordle games?

Yes, there are three letter wordle games. Check out the following to play a 3 letter wordle game: wordle.

How many three letter words are there in the dictionary?

In the English dictionary, there are 1,347 three letter words.

What are some 3 letter words?

Here’s a list of 3 letter words in English:

  • Cwm (a bowl-shaped hollow at the upper end of a mountain valley)
  • Qat (an evergreen shrub that produces leaves used as a stimulant)
  • Mho (a unit of electrical conductance)
  • Pyx (a container used to hold the consecrated bread in the Christian Eucharist)
  • Udo (a plant native to Japan with edible shoots)
  • Jow (to toll or ring)
  • Vav (the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet)
  • Zuz (an ancient Hebrew silver coin)
  • Sty (a pen or enclosure for swine)
  • Rya (a Scandinavian woolen rug with a long pile)

What are some three letter words ending in “e”?

Here’s a list of 3 letter words in English that end with “e”:

  • Ace
  • Awe
  • Doe
  • Bye
  • Eve
  • Foe
  • Hoe
  • Joe
  • Rue
  • Tie

3-Letter Word Quiz

How well do you know the most common 3 letter words in English? Try out this fun quiz to find out!

3 Letter Word: Join the Conversation

Did you learn a new three-letter word in English? What is the word? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder, 67 ESL Conversation Topics,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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