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Words that start with ped

This list focuses on words that start with the letters ped, many of which come from the Latin root for foot or the Greek root for child. It is useful for students studying word roots, anyone building vocabulary around health and transportation terms, and word-game players hunting for a strong opening cluster.

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Words that start with ped

25 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
pedalnounA foot-operated lever used to control or power a machine, such as a bicycle or car.He pressed the brake pedal firmly as the light suddenly turned red.
pedalonounA small pleasure boat propelled by pedals turned by the rider, used on lakes and at seaside resorts.We rented a pedalo and spent the afternoon paddling slowly around the lake.
peddleverbTo sell goods, especially by traveling from place to place or in a small, informal way.The old man used to peddle vegetables from a cart around the neighborhood.
peddlernounA person who travels around selling small goods, often door to door or from a cart.A peddler passed through the village once a month, selling pots and ribbons.
pedigreedadjectiveHaving a documented line of ancestors, especially a distinguished one, as with a purebred animal.The show featured only pedigreed cats with papers proving their lineage.
pedestriannounA person who is walking, especially in a place where vehicles usually travel.The pedestrian waited at the crosswalk until the light finally turned green.
pedestrianizeverbTo convert a street or area so that only pedestrians, not vehicles, may use it.The city voted to pedestrianize the main square to reduce traffic and noise downtown.
pedestalnounA base or support on which a statue, column, or object is displayed.The marble statue stood on a stone pedestal in the center of the courtyard.
pedigreenounThe recorded ancestry of a person or animal, especially one showing distinguished or purebred lineage.The show dog's pedigree traced back five generations of championship winners.
pedicurenounA cosmetic treatment for the feet and toenails, including trimming, shaping, and polishing.She treated herself to a relaxing pedicure before the beach vacation.
pedicuristnounA person trained to give pedicures, caring for feet and toenails professionally.The pedicurist gently massaged her feet before applying the polish.
pediatricadjectiveRelating to the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.She was rushed to the pediatric ward after a bad fall at school.
pediatriciannounA medical doctor who specializes in treating infants, children, and adolescents.The pediatrician checked the baby's weight and reflexes during the routine visit.
pediatricsnounThe branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of children.She decided to specialize in pediatrics after volunteering at a children's hospital.
pedodonticsnounThe branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health and dental care of children.She chose to specialize in pedodontics after enjoying her rotation with young patients.
pedagoguenounA teacher, especially one regarded as strict, formal, or overly concerned with rules.The old pedagogue insisted on perfect posture and silence throughout every single lesson.
pedagogynounThe theory and practice of teaching, especially how it affects student learning.The university offers a course on modern pedagogy for future elementary school teachers.
pedagogicaladjectiveRelating to the methods and practice of teaching, especially the theory behind how students learn.The workshop introduced new pedagogical strategies for teaching reading to young children.
pedantnounA person who is overly concerned with minor details, rules, or precise correctness.The editor was such a pedant that she flagged every single split infinitive.
pedanticadjectiveOverly concerned with minor details, rules, or academic precision in a way that seems tiresome or show-offy.His pedantic insistence on correcting everyone's grammar made the meeting drag on forever.
pedantrynounExcessive attention to minor details, rules, or formal correctness, especially in a tiresome way.The debate collapsed into pedantry over the exact wording of a single footnote.
pedometernounA small device that counts the number of steps a person takes while walking.Her pedometer showed she had already walked six thousand steps by lunchtime.
pedwaynounAn elevated or enclosed walkway that lets pedestrians move between buildings, often above street level.Office workers used the pedway to cross downtown without stepping outside in winter.
pedicabnounA small vehicle with pedals, used to carry passengers for hire, similar to a rickshaw.Tourists hired a pedicab to tour the old city's narrow, crowded streets.
pedimentnounA triangular section above the entrance of a building, especially in classical architecture.Carved figures decorated the pediment above the temple's massive columns.

Two roots behind ped words

Ped- words split into two families. Words like pedal, pedestrian, and pedicure trace back to the Latin word for foot, so they relate to walking or the feet. Others, like pediatric, pedagogy, and pedagogue, come from the Greek word for child, so they relate to raising, teaching, or treating young people. Knowing which root applies helps a learner guess an unfamiliar word's meaning.

Frequently asked questions

What words start with ped?

Common examples include pedal, pedestrian, pedicure, pediatrician, and pedagogy, covering meanings related to feet, walking, and children.

Why do pediatric and pedal both start with ped?

They look alike but come from different roots: pedal is from the Latin word for foot, while pediatric is from the Greek word for child.