A is for Abundance: 62 Things That Start With A to Amaze and Amuse
The world is filled with a wondrous array of objects, each with its own unique name and purpose.
Many of these words, interestingly enough, begin with the first letter of the alphabet: A.
From the everyday fruits we enjoy to the fascinating animals that roam the Earth, the letter A represents a diverse collection of things.
In this exploration, we’ll delve into a list of 62 distinct items that all share this initial letter, showcasing the breadth and depth of language’s ability to label the world around us.
Things That Start with an A
- Apple
- Apricot
- Artichoke
- Avocado
- Almond
- Aardvark
- Alligator
- Ant
- Antelope
- Armadillo
- Acorn
- Airplane
- Anchor
- Anvil
- Axe
- Antler
- Ankle
- Arm
- Armband
- Arrow
- Arch
- Attic
- Atlas
- Apron
- Amulet
- Anklet
- Aquarium
- Ash
- Ashtray
- Asterisk
- Asteroid
- Astronaut
- Atom
- Attic
- Autograph
- Axe
- Animal
- Ape
- Alligator
- Albatross
- Amp
- Amplifier
- Amphitheater
- Antenna
- Antacid
- Anorak (jacket)
- Antibiotic
- App
- Appliance
- Arch
- Archipelago
- Arena
- Armchair
- Arrowhead
- Artwork
- Aspirin
- Auger
- Auto
- Automobile
- Aubergine (eggplant)
- Agate (stone)
- Airship
- Altar
1. Apple
Who doesn’t know an apple?
A for apple. We have been hearing it since the age of 2.
An apple is a sweet, edible fruit produced by an apple tree.
They come in various colors, including red, green, and yellow, and are known for their crisp texture.
Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, making them a popular and healthy snack.
2. Apricot
Apricots are small, orange fruits with velvety skin and a sweet-tart flavor.
They are rich in vitamins A and C and are often eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams and desserts.
Apricots also provide dietary fiber and antioxidants.
3. Artichoke
Artichokes are the flower buds of a thistle plant that are harvested before they bloom.
They are usually boiled or steamed and eaten by peeling off the leaves and consuming the tender base and heart.
Artichokes are high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
4. Avocado
Avocados are creamy, nutrient-dense fruits that are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
They are commonly used in salads and sandwiches and as the main ingredient in guacamole.
Avocados are also high in vitamins E, K, and B6, as well as potassium and fiber.
5. Almond
Almonds are the edible seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree.
They are known for their high content of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as vitamin E and magnesium.
Almonds can be eaten raw, roasted, or used in a variety of dishes and products like almond milk and butter.
6. Aardvark
Aardvarks are nocturnal mammals native to Africa, known for their long snouts and ability to dig.
They primarily eat ants and termites, using their powerful claws to break into insect nests.
Aardvarks have a keen sense of smell and long, sticky tongues to capture their prey.
7. Alligator
Alligators are large reptiles found in freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and swamps in the southeastern United States and China.
They have powerful jaws, a muscular tail, and a thick hide.
Alligators are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, birds, and mammals.
8. Ant
Ants are small, social insects that live in colonies consisting of workers, soldiers, and queens.
They are known for their complex societies, division of labor, and ability to carry objects many times their own weight.
Ants communicate and cooperate using chemicals called pheromones.
9. Antelope
Antelopes are a diverse group of herbivorous mammals in Africa and Eurasia, known for their slender bodies and long legs.
They are adapted for fast running to escape predators.
Antelopes have various species, including gazelles, impalas, and oryxes, each with unique adaptations.
10. Armadillo
Armadillos are small to medium-sized mammals with a distinctive armor-like shell.
They are primarily found in the Americas and are known for their ability to dig and burrow.
Armadillos eat insects, small invertebrates, and plants and are known for their unique defense mechanism of rolling into a ball.
11. Acorn
An acorn is the nut of oak trees, consisting of a single seed enclosed in a tough, leathery shell.
Acorns are a crucial food source for various wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and deer.
They are also used in some cultures as a food source after proper preparation to remove tannins.
12. Airplane
An airplane is a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and engines that enable it to fly through the air.
Used for the transportation of passengers and cargo, airplanes come in various sizes and designs, from small private planes to large commercial jets.
They revolutionized travel by significantly reducing travel time over long distances.
13. Anchor
An anchor is a heavy device attached to a ship or boat by a cable or chain and used to moor the vessel to the sea bottom.
It prevents the boat from drifting due to wind or current. Anchors are designed to dig into the seabed, providing stability and security for the vessel.
14. Anvil
An anvil is a heavy, typically steel, iron block with a smooth, flat top surface used as a workbench for metalworking.
Blacksmiths and metalworkers use anvils for forging and shaping metals by hammering them.
The anvil’s hard surface provides a sturdy platform for these tasks.
15. Axe
An axe is a tool with a heavy-bladed head mounted across a handle, used for chopping wood, cutting down trees, and other similar tasks.
Axes have been used since ancient times and come in various designs for different purposes, such as felling axes, splitting axes, and hatchets.
16. Antler
Antlers are branched, bony extensions of the skull found in members of the deer family.
They are typically grown and shed annually by males, used primarily during the mating season for fighting and attracting females.
Antlers are made of bone and covered in a soft tissue called velvet during growth.
17. Ankle
The ankle is the joint connecting the foot with the leg, allowing for movement and stability.
It consists of bones, ligaments, and tendons that support and facilitate walking, running, and jumping.
The ankle is crucial for maintaining balance and bearing the body’s weight.
18. Arm
The arm is the upper limb of the human body, extending from the shoulder to the hand.
It consists of bones (humerus, radius, and ulna), muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
The arm provides a wide range of motion and strength, allowing for various activities and functions.
19. Armband
An armband is a piece of material worn around the upper arm, often used for identification, decoration, or carrying small items.
Armbands can signify membership, rank, or support for a cause.
They are also used in sports to hold electronic devices or for visibility and safety.
20. Arrow
An arrow is a slender, pointed projectile designed to be shot from a bow.
It typically consists of a shaft with a pointed tip, stabilizing fletching, and a nock for fitting onto the bowstring.
Arrows are used for hunting, sport, and historical warfare.
21. Arch
An arch is a curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight from above.
Common in architecture and engineering, arches are used in bridges, buildings, and monuments for their strength and aesthetic appeal.
The arch’s shape allows it to distribute weight evenly, providing stability.
22. Attic
An attic is a space or room located directly below the roof of a building, often used for storage.
Attics can also be converted into living spaces, such as bedrooms or offices.
They provide additional space in a home and are often insulated to help regulate temperature.
23. Atlas
An atlas is a collection of maps or charts, typically bound into a book.
Atlases provide detailed geographical information about different regions of the world, including physical features, political boundaries, and demographic data.
They are valuable resources for education, travel, and research.
24. Apron
An apron is a protective garment worn over clothing to shield it from spills, stains, and dirt.
Commonly used in cooking, cleaning, and various trades, aprons come in various materials and styles.
They help keep clothes clean and provide convenient pockets for tools and utensils.
25. Amulet
An amulet is a small object believed to have magical or protective powers, often worn as jewelry.
Amulets have been used throughout history in various cultures for protection, good luck, and spiritual purposes.
They can be made from different materials, including metals, stones, and carved symbols.
26. Anklet
An anklet is a piece of jewelry worn around the ankle, often made of metal, beads, or fabric.
Anklets are popular accessories in many cultures and can be simple or adorned with charms and pendants.
They add a decorative touch to the lower leg and foot.
27. Aquarium
An aquarium is a transparent tank or container filled with water, where fish, plants, and other aquatic organisms are kept.
Aquariums come in various sizes, from small home tanks to large public exhibits.
They provide a controlled environment for studying and enjoying aquatic life.
28. Ash
Ash is the residue left after the combustion of a material, such as wood or coal.
It consists primarily of mineral components and is often used in agriculture as a soil amendment.
Ash can also be a byproduct of industrial processes and energy production.
29. Ashtray
An ashtray is a receptacle used for collecting ash and cigarette butts.
Ashtrays are commonly made of glass, metal, or ceramic and are used to keep smoking areas clean.
They often have a central indentation for holding lit cigarettes.
30. Asterisk
An asterisk is a typographical symbol (*) used in writing and printing to indicate a footnote, reference, or annotation.
It is often used to draw attention to additional information or corrections in a text.
The asterisk is also used in mathematics and computing for various purposes.
31. Asteroid
Asteroids are small rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
They vary in size and shape and are remnants of the early solar system.
Some asteroids occasionally collide with Earth, leading to meteorites.
32. Astronaut
An astronaut is a person trained to travel and perform tasks in space.
Astronauts work on missions involving space exploration, scientific research, and technology development.
They undergo rigorous physical and technical training to operate spacecraft and conduct experiments in microgravity.
33. Atom
An atom is the smallest unit of ordinary matter that forms a chemical element.
Each atom consists of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.
Atoms combine to form molecules, which make up the substances we encounter in everyday life.
34. Attic
An attic is a space or room located directly below the roof of a building, often used for storage.
Attics can also be converted into living spaces, such as bedrooms or offices.
They provide additional space in a home and are often insulated to help regulate temperature.
35. Autograph
An autograph is a person’s handwritten signature, often collected as a keepsake or memento.
Autographs are sought after by fans of celebrities, athletes, and historical figures.
They can be found on various items, including photographs, books, and sports memorabilia.
36. Animal
Animals are multicellular organisms that form the biological kingdom Animalia.
They are characterized by their ability to move, consume organic material, breathe oxygen, and reproduce sexually.
Animals range from simple organisms like sponges to complex beings like humans.
37. Ape
Apes are a group of primates that includes gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans.
They are known for their high intelligence, lack of a tail, and ability to use tools.
Apes are found in various habitats, from tropical rainforests to savannas.
38. Alligator
Alligators are large reptiles found in freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and swamps in the southeastern United States and China.
They have powerful jaws, a muscular tail, and a thick hide.
Alligators are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, birds, and mammals.
39. Albatross
Albatrosses are large seabirds known for their long wingspans, which allow them to glide effortlessly over the ocean for long distances.
They are found mainly in the Southern Hemisphere and are known for their long-distance migrations. Albatrosses feed on fish, squid, and krill.
40. Amp
An amp, short for amplifier, is an electronic device that increases the power of a signal, commonly used in audio equipment to amplify sound.
Amps are essential in music production, live performances, and home audio systems.
They come in various types and sizes, from small portable units to large professional amplifiers.
41. Amplifier
An amplifier is an electronic device used to increase the amplitude of a signal, typically used in audio and communication systems. It boosts the power of the input signal, making it stronger and louder.
Amplifiers are used in various applications, including music systems, radios, and televisions.
42. Amphitheater
An amphitheater is an open-air venue with tiered seating, typically used for entertainment, performances, and sports events.
Ancient amphitheaters, like the Colosseum in Rome, were built by the Greeks and Romans and are still used today for concerts and theatrical performances.
Modern amphitheaters often have improved acoustics and seating arrangements.
43. Antenna
An antenna is a device used to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves, such as radio or television signals.
Antennas come in various shapes and sizes, depending on their function and frequency range.
They are essential components of communication systems, including radios, televisions, and cell phones.
44. Antacid
An antacid is a medication that neutralizes stomach acidity and is used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.
Antacids contain ingredients like calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminum hydroxide.
They provide quick relief by raising the pH level in the stomach.
45. Anorak (jacket)
An anorak is a waterproof jacket, typically with a hood, designed for cold and wet weather.
Originally worn by Inuit people, modern anoraks are made from synthetic materials for improved insulation and water resistance.
They are commonly used in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.
46. Antibiotic
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
They are essential in modern medicine for treating diseases like pneumonia, strep throat, and urinary tract infections.
Antibiotics must be prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed to avoid resistance.
47. App
An app, short for application, is a software program designed to perform specific tasks on a computer, smartphone, or other digital device.
Apps can range from games and productivity tools to social media platforms and utility programs.
They are available for download from various app stores.
48. Appliance
An appliance is a device or machine designed to perform a specific task, typically used in households.
Common appliances include refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and microwaves.
They make daily chores easier and more efficient, improving the quality of life.
49. Arch
An arch is a curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight from above.
Common in architecture and engineering, arches are used in bridges, buildings, and monuments for their strength and aesthetic appeal.
The arch’s shape allows it to distribute weight evenly, providing stability.
50. Archipelago
An archipelago is a group or chain of islands clustered together in a sea or ocean.
Examples include the Hawaiian Islands, the Maldives, and the Philippines.
Archipelagos can be formed by volcanic activity, tectonic movements, or rising sea levels.
51. Arena
An arena is a large, enclosed space designed for sports events, concerts, and other large gatherings.
Arenas typically feature tiered seating around a central stage or playing area.
They can host a wide range of events, from basketball games to music festivals.
52. Armchair
An armchair is a comfortable chair with armrests, typically found in living rooms and offices.
Armchairs are designed for relaxation and support, often upholstered with cushions for added comfort.
They come in various styles, materials, and sizes to match different interior designs.
53. Arrowhead
An arrowhead is the pointed tip of an arrow, typically made of stone, metal, or another hard material.
Arrowheads are designed to penetrate targets and can vary in shape and size depending on their intended use.
They have been used throughout history for hunting and warfare.
54. Artwork
Artwork refers to any creative work produced by artists, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs.
Artwork is valued for its aesthetic and cultural significance and can be found in galleries, museums, and private collections.
It serves as a means of expression and communication.
55. Aspirin
Aspirin is a medication used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.
It is commonly used to treat headaches, muscle pain, and arthritis.
Aspirin also has blood-thinning properties and is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
56. Auger
An auger is a tool used for drilling holes, typically in wood, soil, or ice.
It consists of a helical blade or screw that removes material as it rotates.
Augers are used in various applications, including construction, agriculture, and ice fishing.
57. Auto
Auto, short for automobile, is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation.
Automobiles are designed to run primarily on roads and typically have seating for one to eight people.
They have revolutionized travel and are an essential part of modern life.
58. Automobile
An automobile is a motor vehicle designed for transporting passengers.
It typically has four wheels and an internal combustion engine or electric motor.
Automobiles are a primary mode of transportation and come in various types, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
59. Aubergine (eggplant)
Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a purple, spongy fruit used as a vegetable in cooking.
It is a versatile ingredient in various cuisines, such as Mediterranean, Indian, and Asian dishes.
Aubergine is rich in fiber and antioxidants.
60. Agate (stone)
Agate is a semi-precious gemstone formed from layers of quartz, known for its colorful, banded appearance.
It is used in jewelry and decorative items and is believed to have healing properties.
Agates can be found in various colors, including blue, red, green, and purple.
61. Airship
An airship, also known as a dirigible, is a lighter-than-air aircraft that can be steered and propelled through the air.
Airships are typically filled with helium or hydrogen and used for surveillance, advertising, and passenger transport.
They have a rigid or semi-rigid structure.
62. Altar
An altar is a raised structure or place that holds significant religious or spiritual meaning.
It serves as a focal point for various rituals, ceremonies, and offerings.
Altars can be found in numerous religious traditions and cultures around the world.
My Take on Things that Start with A
Things that start with the letter “A,” are a collection of items that span the natural world, technology, tools, and cultural artifacts.
From the nutritious apple and versatile avocado to the majestic antelope and the industrious ant, the letter “A” introduces us to various living creatures.
Technological and practical items like the axe, amplifier, and antenna highlight human ingenuity in crafting tools and devices to improve our lives.
Cultural and spiritual elements, such as the amulet and altar, reflect the depth of human beliefs and practices.
More Things that Start With:
A B C D E F G H I J
K L M N O P Q
R S T U V W
X Y Z