🎧 TOEIC Listening – Parts 1–4 essentials · Vocabulary by Exam · 108 words

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lean against /ˈliːn əˌɡenst/ phr v	to rest your body or an object on a surface for support A man is leaning against the railing while he talks on the phone.
lean over /ˌliːn ˈəʊvə/ phr v	to bend your body forward across something The woman is leaning over the counter to look at the menu.
kneel down /ˌniːl ˈdaʊn/ phr v	to go down onto your knees A gardener is kneeling down to plant some flowers.
crouch /kraʊtʃ/ v	to bend your knees and lower your body close to the ground The mechanic is crouching beside the car to check a tyre.
bend over /ˌbend ˈəʊvə/ phr v	to move the top part of your body forward and down A worker is bending over to pick up a box.
reach for /ˈriːtʃ fɔː/ phr v	to stretch out your arm to get something The customer is reaching for an item on the top shelf.
point at /ˈpɔɪnt æt/ phr v	to show something by holding out your finger towards it One of the men is pointing at a chart on the screen.
glance at /ˈɡlɑːns æt/ phr v	to look at something quickly The woman is glancing at her watch while waiting for the train.
be seated /biː ˈsiːtɪd/ phrase	to be sitting down, often in a formal setting Several people are seated around a conference table.
face each other /ˌfeɪs iːtʃ ˈʌðə/ phrase	to be turned towards one another Two colleagues are sitting at a table facing each other.
shake hands /ˌʃeɪk ˈhændz/ phrase	to hold someone's hand and move it up and down as a greeting Two businessmen are shaking hands in front of the building.
hand out /ˌhænd ˈaʊt/ phr v	to give something to each person in a group A presenter is handing out brochures to the audience.
water the plants /ˌwɔːtə ðə ˈplɑːnts/ phrase	to pour water on plants to help them grow A woman is watering the plants on the balcony.
mop the floor /ˌmɒp ðə ˈflɔː/ phrase	to clean a floor with a wet mop A janitor is mopping the floor in the hallway.
rake leaves /ˌreɪk ˈliːvz/ phrase	to gather fallen leaves with a long-handled tool A man is raking leaves into a pile near the path.
trim the hedge /ˌtrɪm ðə ˈhedʒ/ phrase	to cut a row of bushes to make it neat A worker is trimming the hedge outside the office.
sip /sɪp/ v	to drink something slowly, taking small mouthfuls A woman is sipping coffee while reading a newspaper.
stroll /strəʊl/ v	to walk somewhere slowly in a relaxed way A couple is strolling along the beach at sunset.
push a cart /ˌpʊʃ ə ˈkɑːt/ phrase	to move a wheeled trolley forward by pushing A shopper is pushing a cart down the supermarket aisle.
load a vehicle /ˌləʊd ə ˈviːəkl/ phrase	to put goods into a car, truck or van Workers are loading boxes into a vehicle parked by the warehouse.
examine a document /ɪɡˌzæmɪn ə ˈdɒkjumənt/ phrase	to look closely at a paper to check its details The man is examining a document at his desk.
take notes /ˌteɪk ˈnəʊts/ phrase	to write down information while listening Some participants are taking notes during the presentation.
address an audience /əˌdres ən ˈɔːdiəns/ phrase	to speak formally to a group of people A speaker is addressing an audience from a podium.
try on /ˌtraɪ ˈɒn/ phr v	to put on clothes to see if they fit A customer is trying on a jacket in front of a mirror.
plug in /ˌplʌɡ ˈɪn/ phr v	to connect a machine to the electricity supply The technician is plugging in a laptop at the front of the room.
be stacked /biː ˈstækt/ phrase	to be arranged in a neat pile, one on top of another Chairs are stacked against the wall of the empty hall.
be piled up /biː ˌpaɪld ˈʌp/ phrase	to be put in a heap Some boxes are piled up next to the loading dock.
be lined up /biː ˌlaɪnd ˈʌp/ phrase	to be arranged in a straight row Bicycles are lined up along the side of the street.
be propped against /biː ˈprɒpt əˌɡenst/ phrase	to be placed leaning on something for support A ladder is propped against the side of the house.
be mounted /biː ˈmaʊntɪd/ phrase	to be fixed firmly onto a wall or surface A television is mounted on the wall above the counter.
be hanging /biː ˈhæŋɪŋ/ phrase	to be attached at the top with the lower part free Several paintings are hanging on the gallery wall.
be on display /biː ɒn dɪˈspleɪ/ phrase	to be arranged so people can see it A variety of hats are on display in the shop window.
be stocked with /biː ˈstɒkt wɪð/ phrase	to be filled with a supply of goods The shelves in the storeroom are stocked with canned food.
be scattered /biː ˈskætəd/ phrase	to be spread over an area in an untidy way Papers and folders are scattered across the desk near the window.
be reflected /biː rɪˈflektɪd/ phrase	to appear as an image on water, glass or a mirror The buildings are reflected in the calm water of the river.
cast a shadow /ˌkɑːst ə ˈʃædəʊ/ phrase	to block light so that a dark shape appears A large tree is casting a shadow over the picnic table.
be docked /biː ˈdɒkt/ phrase	to be tied up at a harbour or pier Several small fishing boats are docked at the pier this morning.
be under construction /biː ˌʌndə kənˈstrʌkʃn/ phrase	to be in the process of being built A new office tower is under construction near the station.
be closed off /biː ˌkləʊzd ˈɒf/ phrase	to be blocked so that people cannot enter Part of the road has been closed off for repairs.
be unoccupied /biː ʌnˈɒkjupaɪd/ phrase	to be empty, with nobody using it All of the seats in the waiting area are unoccupied.
awning /ˈɔːnɪŋ/ n	a sheet of cloth above a window or door that gives shade Customers are sitting under a striped awning outside the café.
railing /ˈreɪlɪŋ/ n	a fence made of metal or wooden bars Tourists are leaning on the railing to enjoy the view.
wheelbarrow /ˈwiːlbærəʊ/ n	a small cart with one wheel at the front, used for carrying loads A worker is pushing a wheelbarrow full of bricks.
crate /kreɪt/ n	a large box used for transporting goods Crates of fruit are being unloaded from the truck.
podium /ˈpəʊdiəm/ n	a small raised platform for a speaker The chairperson is standing at the podium with a microphone.
easel /ˈiːzl/ n	a wooden stand that holds a picture or board An artist is painting at an easel in the park.
potted plant /ˌpɒtɪd ˈplɑːnt/ n	a plant growing in a container A potted plant has been placed in the corner of the lobby.
pier /pɪə/ n	a long platform built out over water People are fishing from the end of the pier.
I'm afraid /aɪm əˈfreɪd/ phrase	a polite phrase used before giving bad news I'm afraid the manager is out of the office until Friday.
not that I know of /ˌnɒt ðæt aɪ ˈnəʊ əv/ phrase	a reply meaning no, as far as you know Has the meeting been moved? — Not that I know of.
it's up to you /ɪts ˌʌp tə ˈjuː/ phrase	used to let someone else make the decision Should we take a taxi or the subway? — It's up to you.
either is fine /ˌaɪðər ɪz ˈfaɪn/ phrase	used to say you do not mind which of two options Would you like the window or aisle seat? — Either is fine.
I'd be happy to /aɪd biː ˈhæpi tuː/ phrase	a polite way of agreeing to help Could you review my report? — I'd be happy to.
that sounds good /ðæt ˌsaʊndz ˈɡʊd/ phrase	used to agree with a suggestion Let's meet at the café at noon. — That sounds good.
why don't we /ˌwaɪ ˈdəʊnt wiː/ phrase	used to make a suggestion Why don't we order lunch in since we're so busy?
would you mind /wʊd ju ˈmaɪnd/ phrase	a polite way to ask someone to do something Would you mind closing the door behind you?
I haven't decided yet /aɪ ˌhævnt dɪˈsaɪdɪd ˈjet/ phrase	an indirect answer showing a decision has not been made Which hotel are you booking? — I haven't decided yet.
let me check /ˌlet miː ˈtʃek/ phrase	used when you need to look for information before answering Is the conference room free at three? — Let me check.
I'll look into it /aɪl ˌlʊk ˈɪntuː ɪt/ phrase	a promise to investigate a problem The printer is jammed again. — I'll look into it right away.
get back to /ˌɡet ˈbæk tuː/ phr v	to contact someone later with an answer I'll get back to you with the price by the end of the day.
put through /ˌpʊt ˈθruː/ phr v	to connect a phone caller to another person Please hold while I put you through to the sales department.
leave a message /ˌliːv ə ˈmesɪdʒ/ phrase	to give information for someone who is not available Mr Park isn't here; would you like to leave a message?
extension number /ɪkˈstenʃn ˌnʌmbə/ n	a phone number for a particular line within an organisation You can reach me directly on extension number 254.
voicemail /ˈvɔɪsmeɪl/ n	a system for recording phone messages I left a voicemail, but she hasn't called me back.
conference call /ˈkɒnfərəns kɔːl/ n	a phone call in which several people take part The conference call with the Tokyo office starts at eight.
running late /ˌrʌnɪŋ ˈleɪt/ phrase	later than planned or expected I'm running late because the train was delayed.
behind schedule /bɪˌhaɪnd ˈʃedjuːl/ phrase	later than the planned time The lobby renovation is now two weeks behind schedule.
ahead of schedule /əˌhed əv ˈʃedjuːl/ phrase	earlier than the planned time The new branch opened a month ahead of schedule.
push back /ˌpʊʃ ˈbæk/ phr v	to change an event to a later time We've had to push back the launch until next quarter.
call off /ˌkɔːl ˈɒf/ phr v	to cancel a planned event The outdoor reception was called off because of the storm.
fill in for /ˌfɪl ˈɪn fɔː/ phr v	to do someone's job while they are away Can you fill in for me at the front desk this afternoon?
cover for /ˈkʌvə fɔː/ phr v	to do another person's work while they are absent Jenny will cover for Mark while he's on vacation.
be in charge of /biː ɪn ˈtʃɑːdʒ əv/ phrase	to be responsible for something or someone Ms Lopez is in charge of organising the annual banquet.
fill out /ˌfɪl ˈaʊt/ phr v	to complete a form by writing the required information Please fill out this form and return it to reception.
drop off /ˌdrɒp ˈɒf/ phr v	to deliver something or someone to a place I'll drop off the documents at your office on my way home.
out of order /ˌaʊt əv ˈɔːdə/ phrase	not working properly The elevator is out of order, so please use the stairs.
paper jam /ˈpeɪpə dʒæm/ n	when paper gets stuck inside a printer or copier There's a paper jam in the copier on the second floor.
filing cabinet /ˈfaɪlɪŋ ˌkæbɪnət/ n	a piece of furniture with drawers for storing documents The contracts are in the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet.
workstation /ˈwɜːksteɪʃn/ n	a desk and computer area where one person works Each new employee will be assigned a workstation by Monday.
cubicle /ˈkjuːbɪkl/ n	a small space in an office separated by low walls His cubicle is next to the window on the fourth floor.
bulletin board /ˈbʊlətɪn bɔːd/ n	a board on a wall where notices are posted The new safety rules are posted on the bulletin board.
repair person /rɪˈpeə ˌpɜːsn/ n	a person whose job is fixing things A repair person is coming to fix the air conditioner today.
road work /ˈrəʊd wɜːk/ n	repairs being done to a road, often causing delays Road work on Main Street has caused heavy delays all week.
detour /ˈdiːtʊə/ n	a longer route taken to avoid a closed road Drivers must take a detour because the bridge is closed.
traffic jam /ˈtræfɪk dʒæm/ n	a long line of vehicles that cannot move or move slowly I was stuck in a traffic jam for almost an hour.
connecting flight /kəˌnektɪŋ ˈflaɪt/ n	a second flight that continues a journey I missed my connecting flight because the first one was late.
aisle seat /ˈaɪl siːt/ n	a seat next to the passage on a plane or train I'd prefer an aisle seat so I can stretch my legs.
baggage claim /ˈbæɡɪdʒ kleɪm/ n	the area in an airport where passengers collect their bags Our driver will meet you at baggage claim number four.
round-trip /ˌraʊnd ˈtrɪp/ adj	for a journey to a place and back again A round-trip ticket to Chicago costs three hundred dollars.
in stock /ɪn ˈstɒk/ phrase	available in a shop to be sold The blue model is in stock, but the red one is not.
out of stock /ˌaʊt əv ˈstɒk/ phrase	not available in a shop at the moment That printer is out of stock until next Wednesday.
back-ordered /ˌbæk ˈɔːdəd/ adj	ordered but not yet available, to be sent later The chairs you ordered are back-ordered for two weeks.
place an order /ˌpleɪs ən ˈɔːdə/ phrase	to ask a company to supply goods I'd like to place an order for five hundred business cards.
sold out /ˌsəʊld ˈaʊt/ adj	having no more tickets or goods available The concert was sold out within an hour.
attention, passengers /əˌtenʃn ˈpæsɪndʒəz/ phrase	an opening phrase for an announcement on transport Attention, passengers: the 6:15 train to Boston will depart from track nine.
we apologise for any inconvenience /wiː əˈpɒlədʒaɪz fər ˌeni ɪnkənˈviːniəns/ phrase	a formal apology used in announcements The pool is closed for cleaning; we apologise for any inconvenience.
thank you for calling /ˈθæŋk juː fə ˈkɔːlɪŋ/ phrase	a standard opening of a recorded phone message Thank you for calling Riverside Dental; our office is now closed.
press one /ˌpres ˈwʌn/ phrase	an instruction in an automated phone menu To speak to a customer service agent, press one now.
business hours /ˈbɪznəs ˌaʊəz/ n	the hours when a shop or office is open Our business hours are nine to five, Monday to Friday.
grand opening /ˌɡrænd ˈəʊpənɪŋ/ n	the official first day a new business opens, often with events Join us for the grand opening of our new downtown store on Saturday.
limited time offer /ˌlɪmɪtɪd ˈtaɪm ˌɒfə/ n	a special price available only for a short period This limited time offer ends on Sunday, so don't miss out.
keynote speaker /ˌkiːnəʊt ˈspiːkə/ n	the main speaker at a conference Our keynote speaker this morning is a well-known economist.
without further ado /wɪˌðaʊt ˌfɜːðər əˈduː/ phrase	used to introduce a speaker or start something immediately So without further ado, please welcome Dr Helen Kim.
round of applause /ˌraʊnd əv əˈplɔːz/ n	a period of clapping to show approval Let's give our volunteers a big round of applause.
in the meantime /ɪn ðə ˈmiːntaɪm/ phrase	during the time until something happens Your new card will arrive in a week; in the meantime, use the temporary one.
as a reminder /əz ə rɪˈmaɪndə/ phrase	used to tell people something they should not forget As a reminder, all visitors must sign in at the front desk.
weather permitting /ˌweðə pəˈmɪtɪŋ/ phrase	if the weather is good enough Weather permitting, the company picnic will be held at Lake Park.
traffic update /ˈtræfɪk ˌʌpdeɪt/ n	a short report about current road conditions Here's your morning traffic update: expect delays on Highway 5.