Buzz
The letter "X" might appear to be the most challenging to use at the start of a word in the English language, but you'd be surprised by the number of words that begin with it. Photo credit: dorisj / Getty ImagesWord games such as Scrabble and Wordle offer a blend of difficulty and fun, particularly when you encounter the rare "X" tile. Learning new X-starting words can greatly increase your score, as these uncommon terms often come with high point values.
Building your vocabulary with these distinctive words not only improves your gameplay but also helps you wow friends and rivals. Whether you're playing casually or in an online competition, mastering "X" words can provide a tactical edge and make your word skills shine.
2-Letter 'X' Words for Scrabble
As the Scrabble bag dwindles, you draw the feared X tile. It feels like realizing you’ve run out of snacks mid-movie marathon. Choices are scarce, but you still have a few strategic moves to make.
- Xi: The 14th letter of the Greek alphabet
- Xu: A minor currency unit in Vietnam
3-Letter 'X' Word for Scrabble
Drawing an "X" tile during a Scrabble match is akin to spotting a unicorn in your garden: rare and challenging to manage. However, a three-letter word can come to your rescue.
- Xis: Plural of Xi, the 14th letter of the Greek alphabet
4-Letter 'X' Word for Scrabble
Think of the X tile in Scrabble as the eccentric guest at a gathering — tricky yet entertaining. Only one four-letter word starting with X is allowed in Scrabble, so you’ll need a bit of luck to make this unique addition work.
- Xyst: A covered walkway in ancient Greek architecture
Keep in mind that Xmas (short for Christmas), X-ray (a type of electromagnetic radiation used for imaging), and xeno (referring to foreigners or strangers) are not valid words, as per the official Scrabble dictionary.
5-Letter 'X' Words for Scrabble, Wordle and Other Word Games
Consider the X tile your hidden ace. Below are five-letter words beginning with X that can give you a competitive edge.
- Xebec: A three-masted ship for Mediterranean sailing
- Xenia: The pollen-induced effect on genes
- Xenic: Relating to a culture with at least one unidentified organism
- Xenon: A chemical element, a noble gas
- Xeric: Relating to an extremely dry habitat
- Xerox: To copy a document using a xerographic process
- Xerus: A type of African ground squirrel
- Xylan: A polysaccharide found in plant cell walls
- Xylem: The vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved nutrients
- Xylol: Another name for the chemical xylene
- Xylyl: A specific type of radical derived from three xylenes
- Xysti: Plural of xystus
- Xysts: Plural of xyst
6-Letter 'X' Words for Wordle, Scrabble and Other Word Games
In games like Scrabble or Words With Friends, having an "X" tile can be a game-changer. These six-letter words can help you rack up points effectively.
- Xebecs: Plural of xebec
- Xenial: Pertaining to hospitality
- Xenias: Plural of xenia
- Xenons: Plural of xenon
- Xylans: Plural form of xylan, a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls
- Xylems: Plural of xylem
- Xylene: Chemical name for a group of toxic, flammable hydrocarbons
- Xyloid: Possessing wood-like qualities
- Xylols: Plural form of xylol, another term for xylene, a type of aromatic hydrocarbon
- Xylose: A type of sugar found in wood and some other plant tissues
- Xylyls: Plural of xylyl
- Xyster: A surgical instrument used for scraping bone
- Xystoi: Alternative form of xystus
- Xystos: Plural of xystoi
- Xystus: A long and open structure in ancient Greece or Rome
7-Letter Words That Start With 'X' for a Scrabble Bingo
Aiming for that game-changing bingo in Scrabble? Check out these seven-letter words starting with X to secure your win.
- Xanthan: A type of gum substance
- Xanthic: Relating to a yellow color
- Xanthin: A yellow pigment
- Xenopus: A type of frog from southern Africa
- Xerarch: Developing in an arid vicinity
- Xeroses: Plural of xerosis
- Xerosis: Atypical skin dryness
- Xerotic: Pertaining to xerosis
- Xeroxed: Past tense of Xerox, meaning to have made a photocopy
- Xeroxes: Plural form of Xerox, referring to multiple copies made using a xerographic process
- Xiphoid: Part of the sternum
- Xylenes: Plural form of xylene, a type of aromatic hydrocarbon
- Xylidin: A derivative of xylene, used in the manufacture of dyes
- Xylitol: A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener
- Xyloses: Plural of xylose
- Xysters: Plural of xyster
Beyond Your Scrabble Rack
Occasionally, luck is on your side in Scrabble, granting you the ideal combination of letters on your rack and the perfect spot on the board to play a word longer than seven letters. Surprisingly, there are over 40 words starting with X that fit these criteria!
Searching for words starting with X that have eight or nine letters? "Xenolith" and "xylophone" are excellent examples.
Alfred Butts, the creator of Scrabble, first called the game "Lexiko" and then "Criss-Cross Words" before finally naming it "Scrabble." Butts, an architect, developed the game after being unemployed during the Great Depression. He wanted to merge his passion for games and language. Despite the game's slow start, Butts remained determined, and Scrabble eventually grew into one of the most beloved word games globally.
