Introduce your child to the wonders of the English language with this fun and educational article about words that start with the letter R. From nouns and adjectives to verbs and adverbs, discover the many different types of words that start with R and how they can be used in sentences. Perfect for kids and language learners of all ages!

Besides, you can access various printable worksheets for practicing the letter R on our website. Check it out!

Words starting with R

The letter R is the eighteenth letter of the modern English alphabet. The letter R is often used to start or end words, and is also used to form consonant blends and digraphs such as “wr” and “tr”. Some common words that start with the letter R include “red,” “run,” and “rain.” The letter R is also used in many common phrases and idioms, such as “right on,” “rock and roll,” and “rest and relaxation.” For the fact that R plays an important role in the English language, teaching your kids the letter R and words starting with R can boost their range of vocabulary significantly.

R words for kids

Short words are easier to read: Shorter words tend to be less visually complex, which can make them easier for kids to read, especially when they are just starting to learn how to read. So this is the list of super easy words that start with R:

Run: To move quickly by taking steps, especially on foot; to move or travel quickly.
Ram: A male sheep; collides with something forcefully.
Roe: The eggs of a fish, especially when they are used as food.
Red: A color with a long wavelength, at the end of the visible spectrum; the color of blood.
Rim: The outer edge of something, especially a circular or curved object; the border or edge of something.
Rye: A cereal plant that is widely grown for its grain, which is used for flour, animal feed, and alcoholic beverages.
Ran: The past tense of “run.”
Rod: A thin, straight piece of wood, metal, or other material; a stick or bar used for measuring, guiding, or supporting something.
Rug: A floor covering made of thick, woven fabric, typically used to cover a small area or to add warmth or comfort to a room.
Row: A line of things arranged side by side, typically in a straight line; to move a boat or other watercraft using oars.
Rat: A small, long-tailed rodent that is often considered a pest; to inform on or betray someone.
Rib: One of a series of curved bones that form the ribcage and support the chest; a strip of meat from the ribcage of an animal.
Raw: Not cooked or processed; in a natural or unprocessed state.
Rep: A representative or advocate; a repeat or repetition.
Rue: Regret or remorse for something one has done; a herb with blue or purple flowers.
Ray: A narrow beam of light or energy, such as a beam of sunlight; a flatfish with a long, thin body and wings.
Rig: A set of equipment or machinery used for a particular purpose; to set up or adjust something in a certain way.
Rot: To decay or decompose, especially as a result of being exposed to the elements or dampness.
Ref: A referee; refers to something or someone.
Rap: A quick, light knock or tap; to speak or perform in a rhythmic, rhyming style.
Rag: A piece of old, torn cloth, typically used for cleaning or wiping; to tease or mock someone.
Rob: To steal from someone, especially by using force or threats; to deprive someone of something.
Reg: A regulation or rule; to register or enroll.
Rut: A deep, narrow track made by the repeated passage of wheels or animals; a period of sexual desire or activity in male mammals.
Rid: To remove or get rid of something unwanted or unnecessary; to free from something burdensome or troublesome.
Rip: To tear or split something open or apart; to remove something from its place by force.
Rub: To move one’s hand or an object over the surface of something with pressure; to apply pressure or friction to something in order to clean or polish it.

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Things that start with R

There are many items or things that start with the letter R. For instance, terms like rugs, rods, roses, restaurants, etc. are words we use frequently in our daily lives. Here is a list of things that start with the letter R that are often used.

Rye: a type of grain that is used to make bread and other food products
Radish: a small, edible root vegetable with a sharp, pungent flavor
Rug: a piece of thick, heavy fabric that is used as a floor covering
Rod: a long, thin, straight piece of metal or wood that is used for support or as a weapon
Rubber tree: a tropical tree that produces a milky substance that is used to make rubber
Ramp: a sloping surface or passage that allows people or vehicles to move from one level to another
Rose: a type of flowering plant with showy, fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors
Ruby: a deep red gemstone that is a variety of the mineral corundum
Rock: a large, hard mass of stone or mineral matter
Road: a paved or improved path for travel, typically by vehicles
Room: a part of a building that is enclosed by walls and a ceiling, used for a specific purpose
Railway track: a pair of parallel steel bars that are laid on the ground to form a path for trains to travel on
Rope: a long, thin, strong cord made of twisted fibers, used for binding, fastening, or hauling
Razor: a sharp tool with a thin, flat blade used for shaving or cutting hair
Robot: a machine that is programmed to carry out a variety of tasks automatically
Roach: a small, slender, brownish insect that is related to the cockroach
Ribbon: a narrow strip of fabric, usually made of silk or synthetic material, used for tying or decorating
Radar: a system that uses radio waves to detect the presence, location, and movement of objects
Race car: a vehicle designed for racing, typically with a high-performance engine and specialized design
Rainbow: an arc of colors that appears in the sky when light is refracted and reflected by rain or other water droplets
Rosemary: a perennial herb with fragrant, needle-like leaves and small, blue or pink flowers, used in cooking and as a decorative plant
Radio: a device that receives or transmits radio waves and converts them into or from sound or other signals
Raspberry: a soft, red fruit that grows in clusters on a bush, similar in appearance to blackberries
River: a large, natural stream of water that flows across the land and into a lake, ocean, or other body of water
Roots: the underground part of a plant that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil and anchors the plant in the ground
Rectangle: a four-sided shape with opposite sides that are equal in length and parallel to each other
Restaurant: a place where meals are prepared and served to customers, typically providing a variety of menu options.

Fun words starting with R

The use of fun words and creative language is a way for people to add personality and flair to their communication and can help to make conversations more enjoyable and memorable. So we have a list of fun R words:

Razzmatazz: a lot of excitement, activity, or noise; a show of enthusiasm or energy
Razzle-dazzle: something designed to impress or deceive by its showiness or complexity
Razzleberry: a flavor or food that is a blend of raspberry and blackberry
Redolent: strongly scented or fragrant; having a strong and pleasant smell
Regale: to entertain or delight someone with something enjoyable
Relish: to enjoy or take pleasure in something; to savor or appreciate something
Rascal: If your child is a little rascal, it means you’d better keep your eye on them at all times
Rugrat : kids who get underfoot.
Ruffian : If someone calls a child a ruffian, that means someone’s headed for the dog house. Ruffians are always up to trouble.
Rough-houser: A rough-houser is very similar to a ruffian, except rough-housers usually didn’t do it on purpose. They’re just naturally exuberant, and they tend to be a little rougher on other kids and toys than they mean to be.
Rambunctious: Kids who can be described as rambunctious have skinny moms.
Rhythmic : If you have a rhythmic child, you probably are lucky enough to be sitting around in your living room in the evening, listening as your son bangs around on that drum set your sister-in-law gave him for Christmas.
Restless: Ever seen those kids at restaurants who can’t seem to stay seated at the table? The restless little rascals are always running around, tripping up the waitrons and visiting other patrons.
Ruddy : The best thing about being a kid with red cheeks is being called ruddy instead of “fat with high blood pressure”
Rosy : Rosy children are well-behaved with a sweet disposition

Long words that start with R

Besides those easy and small words with R at the beginning, there are a bunch of big and long words starting with R. Here is the list of them:

Rebellious: Resisting or defying authority or control; rebellious.
Remittance: The act of sending money or payment to someone, especially from a distance.
Relativity: The theory of relativity, explains how the laws of physics work for objects moving at different speeds.
Refractory: Resistant to change or treatment; difficult to manage or control.
Roundabout: A circular road or path, especially one with a central island for traffic to flow around.
Radicalism: The advocacy of extreme or radical political or social views.
Reorganize: To reorganize or rearrange something, typically for the purpose of improving its efficiency or effectiveness.
Revitalize: To give new energy or vitality to something; to revitalize.
Revocation: The act of canceling or annulling something, such as a law or agreement.
Registrant: A person who registers or enrolls for something, such as a course or event.
Regenerate: To regrow or repair tissue or cells, or to restore something to a new or improved state.
Repentance: The act of expressing remorse or regret for something one has done wrong.
Reposition: To move or place something in a different position.
Riverfront: The land along the bank of a river.
Retrograde: Moving or tending backward, or returning to an earlier state or condition.
Relativism: The belief that truth and moral values are relative and depend on the individual or society.
Regressive: Reverting to an earlier or less advanced state; moving backward.
Rediscover: To discover something again, or to discover something that was previously unknown.
Retraction: The act of retracting or withdrawing something, such as a statement or accusation.
Racecourse: A course or track for racing, especially horses or automobiles.

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Cool words that start with R

Are you prepared to learn some cool R words? Preparing for the SATs and college applications benefits from learning these words. Here is a collection of cool and unusual words that begin with the letter R.

Rebuttal: a response or counterargument that refutes or contradicts a previous argument or claim
Rampant: growing or spreading rapidly and uncontrollably, often in a destructive or harmful way
Renaissance: a period of great cultural and intellectual development and achievement, especially in Europe during the 14th to 17th centuries
Ragtag: a collection of people or things that are varied and disorganized
Ramshackle: in poor repair or condition, often because of neglect or age
Rebellious: resisting authority or control, especially in pursuit of independence or change
Reprimand: a formal or official rebuke, especially as a form of punishment or correction
Ransack: to search (a place) thoroughly and often violently and destructively, especially for something to steal
Razzle-dazzle: something designed to impress or deceive by its showiness or complexity
Rapscallion: a mischievous or roguish person, especially a young one
Rendezvous: a meeting at an agreed time and place, especially between two people or groups who have arranged to meet there
Resplendent: shining brightly or splendidly, especially in a colorful or impressive way
Ricochet: to bounce or rebound repeatedly, especially after hitting an obstacle or surface
Riff-raff: people who are regarded as disreputable or worthless
Rigamarole: a complex and seemingly unnecessary series of procedures or activities
Repercussion: a consequence or result of an action or event, especially an adverse one
Rugrat: a small child, especially one who is too young to walk or talk
Ruckus: a disturbance or commotion, especially one caused by a lot of noise or activity
Redemption: the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil
Reservoir: a place where a large quantity of something, especially water, is stored for future use
Rhythmic: having a regular beat or pattern of sound, movement, or activity.

Positive words starting with R

Every youngster should develop the wonderful character traits of positivity, friendliness, and kindness. Helping your youngster learn good words that start with R will help them speak more clearly and will go a long way toward influencing their personality. Here is a list of nice words that start with R and are good.

Radiant: Giving off bright light or heat; shining brightly.
Rapt: Deeply absorbed or engrossed in something; completely focused.
Relaxing: Making one feel more relaxed; calming.
Right: Correct or true; justified or fair.
Robust: Strong and healthy; able to withstand stress or hardship.
Rosy: Optimistic or positive; having a rosy outlook or outlook.
Rising: Increasing; going up or upward.
Rally: A gathering or meeting for a specific purpose, such as to show support or protest something.
Rapid: Occurring quickly or suddenly; happening at a fast pace.
Rapturous: Extremely happy or joyful; ecstatic.
Reachable: Able to be reached or attained; within reach.
Readily: Easily or without difficulty; promptly.
Remedial: Intended to correct a problem or deficiency; remedying.
Responsible: Accountable or answerable for something; reliable.
Real: Actual or genuine; not fake or imaginary.
Record-breaking: Surpassing a previous record or achieving a new high.
Refreshing: Reviving or restoring; giving new energy or vitality.
Resulting: Occurring as a consequence or result; resulting from.
Regal: Impressive or grand; royal or majestic.
Rejoicing: Expressing joy or happiness; celebrating.
Replete: Fully or abundantly supplied; well-stocked.
Royal: Belonging to or associated with a monarch or kingdom; regal.
Rational: Based on reason or logic; sensible or reasonable.
Reassuring: Giving reassurance or confidence; calming.
Receptive: Willing or ready to receive; open to new ideas or experiences.

Adjectives that start with R

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns in a sentence. They help to provide more information about the characteristics, qualities, or features of a person, place, or thing. There are many adjectives that start with the letter R, and using a variety of adjectives can help to make our language more descriptive and interesting.

Radiant: Bright and shining; emitting rays of light.
Rapid: Moving or happening very quickly; occurring within a short time.
Rare: Occurring infrequently; not common or ordinary.
Raw: Not cooked or processed; in a natural or unprocessed state.
Real: Actually existing or happening; genuine or authentic.
Reassuring: Giving confidence or reassurance; causing someone to feel less anxious or worried.
Receptive: Willing or ready to receive or accept something, such as an idea or suggestion.
Reflective: Thinking deeply or carefully about something; able to reflect light or other radiation.
Refreshing: Giving new energy or vitality; revitalizing or invigorating.
Regal: Having or showing the qualities of a king or queen; majestic or grand.
Rejoicing: Expressing joy or happiness; celebrating or rejoicing.
Relaxing: Making someone feel calm or at ease; causing relaxation.
Remedial: Intended to correct or improve something, especially a deficiency or problem.
Remarkable: Worthy of attention or notice; exceptional or extraordinary.
Replete: Fully or abundantly supplied; filled or stocked to capacity.
Resilient: Able to recover quickly from difficulties; able to withstand or bounce back from adversity.
Responsible: Having a duty or obligation to do something; accountable or answerable for one’s actions.
Rejuvenating: Giving new energy or vitality; revitalizing or invigorating.
Relevant: Relating or applicable to a particular situation or circumstance; having a bearing or significance.
Reliable: Consistently dependable or trustworthy; able to be relied upon.

Nouns that start with R

There are many nouns that start with the letter R, and learning about these words can be a fun and educational activity for kids. Following are some of the most common nouns that start with R and how they can be used in sentences to add meaning and context to our communication.

Rainbow: An arch of colors formed in the sky by the refraction and scattering of light through rain or other water droplets.
Rainforest: A dense, tropical forest characterized by high levels of rainfall and a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Railroad: A transportation system consisting of tracks, trains, and related equipment, used for carrying passengers or goods.
Raincoat: A waterproof coat worn to protect against rain.
Raindrop: A drop of liquid water that falls from the sky, especially during rain.
Rainbow trout: A species of fish native to the western United States and Canada, known for its colorful markings.
Rainbow flag: A flag with stripes of various colors, often used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.
Rainbow bridge: A metaphorical place where pets go after they die, according to some beliefs.
Rainbow Serpent: A mythical creature in Indigenous Australian mythology, often associated with water, fertility, and the creation of the world.

5 letter words that start with R

Early elementary school students are gradually improving their reading abilities. Children at this age can recognize and read several 5-letter words that start with R with ease. Here is a comprehensive list of all the five-letter R words for kids to improve their vocabulary.

Reign: the period during which a monarch or government holds power
Raven: a large, black bird with a harsh call
Range: a group of mountains or hills
Relay: a race in which teams of runners take turns carrying a baton
Recap: a summary or review of the previously covered material
Round: having a circular shape; a completed course of action
Rider: a person who rides an animal or vehicle
Rhyme: a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words
Reach: to extend one’s hand, arm, or another body part in order to touch or grasp something
Risky: involving a chance of loss or injury
Remit: to send (something, such as money) as payment
Ready: prepared or available for use
Renew: to make something new or fresh again
Recur: to happen again or repeatedly
Radio: a system for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves
Rebel: to resist or oppose authority or control
Rhino: a large, thick-skinned mammal with one or two horns on its snout
Royal: belonging to or connected with a monarch or monarchy
Rover: a person who roams or wanders
Rowan: a tree with small, white flowers and red or orange berries
Rapid: happening or moving very quickly
Rouge: a reddish-brown or pinkish-red powder used to color the cheeks or lips
Rouse: to wake up or stir from sleep or inaction
Raise: to lift or move (something) to a higher position
Ranch: a large farm where cattle or other animals are raised
Racer: a person who competes in races
River: a natural stream of water that flows through a channel in the earth
Rifle: a gun with a long barrel and a grooved surface on the inside that is used to shoot bullets
Relic: an object that has survived from an earlier time and is valued because of its historical interest
Route: a way or course is taken in getting from a starting point to a destination
Resin: a substance that is secreted by certain plants and that is used in making plastics and varnishes
Rodeo: a contest in which cowboys compete in events such as roping and riding
Refer: to direct the attention of (someone) to something
Robot: a machine that can carry out a variety of tasks automatically
Retro: relating to the past; looking back to the past
Ratio: the relationship in size, number, or amount between two or more things
Ruler: a person who has supreme power or authority
Repel: to push away or keep away by force
Rural: related to the country or to farming and agriculture
Rusty: covered with rust; not in good condition because of age
Roost: a place where birds or other animals rest
Roman: relating to ancient Rome or its people, culture, or institutions
Roast: to cook (meat, vegetables, etc.) by exposing it to dry heat, especially over a fire
Roomy: having plenty of space; not cramped
Rough: having a surface that is not smooth or even; not gentle or mild
Razor: a sharp blade used for shaving

Words that start with Rh

Words that start with “rh” tend to have a specific sound and spelling pattern, as the “rh” combination is not a common starting combination in English. Many words that start with “rh” are related to medical or scientific terms, as the “rh” sound is often used in scientific terms or names. Here are a few examples of words that start with “rh”:

Rh-negative: A term used to describe someone who does not have the Rh factor, a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. People with Rh-negative blood do not have the Rh factor, while people with Rh-positive blood do.
Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissue. It can lead to joint damage, pain, and disability.
Rhythm: A pattern of regular or irregular beats that forms the basis of a musical composition. Rhythm can also refer to the regularity or flow of other things, such as the rhythm of the heart or the rhythm of speech.
Rhinitis: Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose, which can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Rhino: Short for rhinoceros, a large, herbivorous mammal with thick skin and one or two horns on its snout. There are five species of rhinoceros, including the white rhinoceros and the black rhinoceros.

Words with R and O

Words that contain the letters “r” and “o” can be found in many different parts of speech and have a wide range of meanings. Here are a few examples of words that contain “r” and “o”:

Rock: A large, hard mass of stone or mineral; a type of music characterized by a strong beat and electric instruments.
Rob: To steal from someone, especially by using force or threats; to deprive someone of something.
Roll: To move or cause to move in a circular or curving motion; a small, cylindrical loaf of bread.
Root: The part of a plant that grows underground and absorbs water and nutrients; the basic cause or source of something.
Room: A part of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling, used for a particular purpose; space or room to do something.
Rose: A flowering plant with fragrant, colorful petals, often used as an ornamental plant or in perfumes.
Rot: To decay or decompose, especially as a result of being exposed to the elements or dampness.
Row: A line of things arranged side by side, typically in a straight line; to move a boat or other watercraft using oars.
Rod: A thin, straight piece of wood, metal, or other material; a stick or bar used for measuring, guiding, or supporting something.
Robe: A long, loose outer garment, typically worn for warmth or as a form of clothing.
Rainbow: An arch of colors formed in the sky by the refraction and scattering of light through rain or other water droplets.
Rainforest: A dense, tropical forest characterized by high levels of rainfall and a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Railroad: A transportation system consisting of tracks, trains, and related equipment, used for carrying passengers or goods.
Rainbow: An arch of colors formed in the sky by the refraction and scattering of light through rain or other water droplets.
Raincoat: A waterproof coat worn to protect against rain.
Raindrop: A drop of liquid water that falls from the sky, especially during rain.
Rainbow trout: A species of fish native to the western United States and Canada, known for its colorful markings.
Rainbow flag: A flag with stripes of various colors, often used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.
Rainbow bridge: A metaphorical place where pets go after they die, according to some beliefs.
Rainbow Serpent: A mythical creature in Indigenous Australian mythology, often associated with water, fertility, and the creation of the world

In short, there are many words that start with the letter R that can be interesting and educational for kids. These words can be used in stories, games, and other activities to help children learn and practice their vocabulary. Additionally, introducing kids to words that start with R can also be a fun way to teach them about the alphabet and the different sounds that different letters make. By exploring and learning about R words, children can expand their understanding of language and communication, which can be an important step in their overall language development.