All 26 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -u (With Meanings & Examples)
Affiliate Disclosure
Hey fellow impactful ninja ?
You may have noticed that Impactful Ninja is all about providing helpful information to make a positive impact on the world and society. And that we love to link back to where we found all the information for each of our posts.
Most of these links are informational-based for you to check out their primary sources with one click.
But some of these links are so-called "affiliate links" to products that we recommend.
Why do we add these product links?
First and foremost, because we believe that they add value to you. For example, when we wrote a post about the environmental impact of long showers, we came across an EPA recommendation to use WaterSense showerheads. So we linked to where you can find them. Or, for many of our posts, we also link to our favorite books on that topic so that you can get a much more holistic overview than one single blog post could provide.
And when there is an affiliate program for these products, we sign up for it. For example, as Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
What do these affiliate links mean for you?
First, and most importantly, we still only recommend products that we believe add value for you.
When you buy something through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission - but at no additional costs to you.
And when you buy something through a link that is not an affiliate link, we won’t receive any commission but we’ll still be happy to have helped you.
What do these affiliate links mean for us?
When we find products that we believe add value to you and the seller has an affiliate program, we sign up for it.
When you buy something through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra costs to you).
And at this point in time, all money is reinvested in sharing the most helpful content with you. This includes all operating costs for running this site and the content creation itself.
What does this mean for me personally?
You may have noticed by the way Impactful Ninja is operated that money is not the driving factor behind it. It is a passion project of mine and I love to share helpful information with you to make a positive impact on the world and society. However, it's a project in that I invest a lot of time and also quite some money.
Eventually, my dream is to one day turn this passion project into my full-time job and provide even more helpful information. But that's still a long time to go.
Stay impactful,
Guru, jujitsu, and chapeau—these words, each ending in -u, are part of a larger collection that beneficially helps expand your vocabulary. So, we had to ask: What are all the positive and impactful words ending in -u?
Some of the most used positive & impactful words ending in -u include guru, menu, haiku, jujitsu, nouveau, ubuntu, virtu, tableau, impromptu, and chapeau. In total, there are just a few dozen of these positive & impactful words.
Join us as we delve into the beauty and significance of these words, uncovering their meanings and embracing the power they hold to create a positive impact in our daily lives. We’ll then also share the most used words ending in -u, ten interesting facts about words ending in -u, and a brief history of the development of our alphabet.
Here Are All 26 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -u
In the diverse landscape of English grammar, words are categorized into various groups based on their functions within sentences. These groups, referred to as ‘part-of-speech,’ are the building blocks of language, enabling you to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively.
Noun: A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.
Adjective: An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun.
Verb: A verb is a word that represents an action, an occurrence, or a state of being.
Adverb: An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
Interjection: An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses strong emotion or surprise; it can stand alone or be inserted into a sentence.
These ‘part-of-speech’ are the building blocks for you to choose the right grammatical type of word.
These Are All Words Ending in -u That Are Inherently Positive & Impactful
Quick info: Please note that some words in the table below may appear more than once. This is because they can serve different roles in a sentence (their ‘part-of-speech’), such as being both an adjective and an adverb. In this case, we present you the word along with a description and an example sentence for each of their part-of-speech.
| Words Ending in -u | Description (with synonyms) | Example sentence |
| Beau | A man who is exceptionally attractive, often used to describe someone who is handsome and charming (attractive, charming, appealing). | “He was the perfect beau, with his dashing looks and captivating charm.” |
| Bunraku | A traditional form of Japanese puppet theater, characterized by intricate puppetry and storytelling, captivating audiences with its artistry and cultural significance (puppet theater, performance art, traditional). | “I was mesmerized by the intricate puppetry and storytelling of Bunraku, a traditional form of Japanese puppet theater.” |
| Chapeau | An exclamation of admiration or approval, often used to acknowledge a clever or impressive idea or action (Bravo, Well done, Kudos). | “Chapeau! That was an incredibly insightful analysis.” |
| Guru | A spiritual teacher or guide, someone who provides wisdom and guidance to others, often in a religious or philosophical context (wise mentor, spiritual leader, sage). | “My guru taught me the importance of mindfulness and helped me find inner peace.” |
| Haiku | A traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines, with the first and third lines having five syllables and the second line having seven syllables, often used to express nature and emotions (expressive, concise, evocative). | “Her haiku about the cherry blossoms captured the beauty and fleeting nature of spring in just seventeen syllables.” |
| Impromptu | Done without preparation or planning, often resulting in creativity and spontaneity (unrehearsed, spontaneous, impulsive). | “The impromptu speech given by the student was so captivating that it earned her a standing ovation from the audience.” |
| Jujitsu | A martial art that emphasizes using an opponent’s strength against them, often resulting in throws or joint locks. (Jujitsu is a valuable skill for self-defense, allowing individuals to protect themselves without relying on weapons or brute force.) (Martial arts, self-defense, combat). | “Jujitsu is a great way to learn how to defend yourself without having to rely on weapons or brute force.” |
| Jujitsu | An exclamation used to express surprise or admiration, often in response to a skillful or impressive maneuver, demonstrating respect and appreciation (Wow, impressive, skilled). | “Jujitsu! That was an incredible move, I’m blown away by your skill and talent.” |
| Juju | A West African term for a fetish or charm believed to have magical powers, often made from natural materials (magical object, talisman, amulet). | “I always carry my juju with me for good luck.” |
| Juju | Expressing excitement or approval, signifying enthusiasm and positivity (wow, awesome, amazing). | “Juju! That was an incredible performance!” |
| Kinkajou | A small, nocturnal mammal native to Central and South America, known for its long tongue and ability to climb trees with ease, making it an important seed disperser in its ecosystem (tree-climbing, seed-dispersing, arboreal). | “The kinkajou’s arboreal lifestyle and seed-dispersing abilities make it a crucial member of its ecosystem.” |
| Landau | A type of carriage with a convertible top, often used for leisurely rides in the countryside, symbolizing luxury and relaxation (luxury, leisure, comfort). | “The couple rode through the rolling hills in their elegant landau, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.” |
| Nouveau | Referring to something new or modern, indicating innovation and freshness (innovative, fresh, modern). | “The restaurant’s nouveau menu featured unique and creative dishes that left a lasting impression on its customers.” |
| Nouveau | Referring to a new or modern style or design, indicating innovation and creativity (fresh, original, contemporary). | “The artist’s work was a perfect example of nouveau, with its unique blend of traditional techniques and modern design.” |
| Quipu | A recording device used by the Incas consisting of variously colored threads knotted in different ways to represent numbers, dates, and other information, demonstrating the ingenuity and advanced mathematical knowledge of ancient civilizations (ingenious, advanced, sophisticated). | “The discovery of the quipu has shed light on the incredible mathematical abilities of the ancient Incas.” |
| Tableau | A representation of a scene or event, often in a dramatic or artistic form, used to convey a message or tell a story, showcasing the creativity and imagination of the artist (display, exhibit, portrayal). | “The tableau at the art exhibit was breathtaking, showcasing the artist’s incredible talent and imagination.” |
| Tonneau | A type of cover for the back of a pickup truck or convertible car, providing protection and security for cargo (truck bed cover, cargo cover, convertible top cover). | “The tonneau cover on my pickup truck keeps my tools and equipment safe and secure during transport.” |
| Trousseau | A collection of clothing and linens that a bride assembles for her marriage (bridal outfit, wedding trousseau, marriage wardrobe). | “The bride’s trousseau was a stunning display of elegant dresses, delicate lingerie, and luxurious bedding, all carefully chosen to make her wedding day and married life unforgettable.” |
| Ubuntu | A philosophy of African humanism emphasizing community and interconnectedness, promoting compassion and hospitality towards others (humanity, kindness, generosity). | “The concept of Ubuntu has had a profound impact on my life, as it has taught me the importance of treating others with kindness and generosity.” |
| Uhu | Expressing agreement or acknowledgement, indicating active listening and understanding (yes, I see, understood). | “Uhu, that sounds like a great idea. Let’s do it!” |
| Virtu | Virtu refers to the love of or taste for fine objects of art, representing an appreciation for artistry, culture, and refinement (artistry, culture, refinement). | Her collection of antique sculptures reflected her virtu for the arts. |
| Xanadu | An idealized place of great or idyllic magnificence and beauty, providing a sense of peace and serenity (paradise, utopia, heaven). | “Her garden was her xanadu, offering a peaceful escape from the stress of daily life.” |
These Are All Words Ending in -u That Can Be Used In a Positive & Impactful Way
Now that we’ve covered all words ending in -u that inherently exude positivity and impact, let’s complete the list and shift gears to another exciting set of words. These next words might not generally spell ‘positivity’ or ‘impact’ but when used thoughtfully, can surely add a positive & impactful spin to any conversation.
This next set of words exemplifies the beauty of language – their meaning is not just fixed but can be shaped by the context they are used in. So, try to use these words too, to have a bigger positive impact with your conversations.
| Words Ending in -u | Description (with synonyms) | Example sentence |
| Bureau | A piece of furniture with drawers and compartments for storing documents and other items, providing organization and efficiency (desk, cabinet, workstation). | “I organized all my important documents in the bureau.” |
| Jambeau | A type of armor that covers the leg, especially used in medieval times, providing protection in battle and jousting (protective leg armor, greave, shin guard). | “The knight’s jambeau protected his leg from the opponent’s sword during the jousting tournament.” |
| Kudzu | A fast-growing, invasive vine native to Asia, used for erosion control and as a medicinal herb (groundcover, creeper, climbing plant). | “The kudzu plant has been found to have potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving cognitive function.” |
| Milieu | The environment or setting in which something occurs, often used to describe a cultural or social context. (The novel’s milieu was set in 1920s Paris, providing a rich backdrop for the characters’ experiences) (setting, context, atmosphere). | “The artist’s work was heavily influenced by the milieu of the urban street art scene, resulting in a unique and impactful style.” |
| Nu | Expressing surprise or disbelief, Nu can be used to convey a sense of shock or amazement (wow, really, unbelievable). | “Nu, I can’t believe you got the job! Congratulations!” |
| Plateau | A flat-topped area of land elevated above the surrounding land, often with steep cliffs on one or more sides, providing a unique ecosystem for flora and fauna (tableland, mesa, upland). | “The plateau provided a perfect habitat for the endangered species of birds, allowing them to thrive in their natural environment.” |
| Menu | A menu is a list of dishes available in a restaurant or a set of options available in a software system, symbolizing its variety, selection, and guidance (variety, selection, guidance). | The restaurant’s menu offered an impressive range of gourmet dishes. |
10 Most Used Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -u
Yet, some words that end in -u are used more often than others. Below are some of the most used positive and impactful words ending in -u:
- Guru
- Menu
- Haiku
- Jujitsu
- Nouveau
- Ubuntu
- Virtu
- Tableau
- Impromptu
- Chapeau
10 Interesting Facts About Words Ending in -u
Let’s take a step back and have a look at some interesting facts about words ending in -u. We discover its intriguing features and enduring influence on the English language.
- Rare Usage: The “-u” ending is uncommon in English, making words that end with it quite distinctive.
- Foreign Origin: Many words ending in “-u” are borrowed from other languages, especially Japanese (like “haiku”) and other Asian languages.
- Phonetic Uniqueness: Words ending in “-u” often retain a pronunciation closer to their language of origin, which can be distinct from typical English phonetic patterns.
- Limited to Specific Word Types: Most “-u” ending words in English are nouns, and they rarely form other parts of speech.
- Cultural Significance: Many “-u” words in English carry significant cultural, historical, or geographical connotations from their languages of origin.
- Use in Specialized Contexts: These words are often used in specific contexts, such as cuisine, martial arts, or cultural practices.
- Preservation of Original Spelling: When borrowed from other languages, the “-u” ending words typically maintain their original spelling, which can be different from common English spelling conventions.
- Variety of Sources: Beyond Asian languages, some “-u” words also come from African and Indigenous languages, reflecting a diverse linguistic influence.
- Distinctive Appearance in Text: The “-u” ending makes these words stand out in English text due to their rarity and exotic appearance.
- Contribution to English Diversity: The inclusion of “-u” ending words adds to the richness and diversity of the English language, demonstrating its capacity as a global lingua franca.
A Brief History of Our Alphabet
The story of our alphabet has a rich and compelling history, beginning with ancient civilizations and carrying forward into the present day.
The history of our modern alphabet is a fascinating journey that spans several millennia and cultures. It’s commonly referred to as the Latin or Roman alphabet, and here’s a brief overview of its evolution:
- Phoenician Alphabet (circa 1050 BCE): The story begins with the Phoenician alphabet, one of the oldest writing systems known to use a one-to-one correspondence between sounds and symbols. This Semitic alphabet had about 22 consonants, but no vowels, and was primarily used for trade.
- Greek Alphabet (circa 800 BCE): The Greeks borrowed and adapted the Phoenician script. Crucially, they introduced vowels, making it one of the first true alphabets where each symbol represented a distinct sound (both vowel and consonant). The Greek alphabet had a significant influence on the development of other alphabets.
- Etruscan Alphabet (circa 700 BCE): The Etruscan civilization in Italy adapted the Greek alphabet to their own language. While Etruscan was largely replaced by Latin, their version of the alphabet was a key predecessor to the Roman one.
- Latin Alphabet (circa 700 BCE – Present): The Latin alphabet emerged from the adaptation of the Etruscan script. Ancient Rome used this alphabet, and it spread across Europe as the Roman Empire expanded. The original Latin alphabet did not contain the letters J, U, and W. These were added much later along with other modifications to suit different languages and phonetic needs.
- Modern Variations: Today, the Latin alphabet is the most widely used alphabetic writing system in the world. It has undergone various changes to accommodate different languages and sounds. For instance, English—among other languages—added letters like ‘J’, ‘U’, and ‘W’, while other languages incorporate additional characters like ‘Ñ’ in Spanish or ‘Ç’ in French.
This evolution reflects not just linguistic changes but also cultural and historical shifts, as the alphabet was adapted by different societies across centuries.
Final Thoughts
Expanding your vocabulary is akin to broadening your intellectual horizons and enhancing your capacity to express your thoughts and emotions with precision. By embracing additional words ending in -u, you’re not just learning new terms, but you’re also gaining nuanced ways to communicate positivity and impact.
The more words you have at your disposal, the more accurately and vividly you can paint your thoughts into speech and writing. So, by growing your vocabulary, especially with positive and impactful words, you’re empowering yourself to engage more effectively and inspiringly with the world around you.
Stay impactful,
Sources
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With A
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With B
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With C
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With D
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With E
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With F
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With G
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With H
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With I
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With J
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With K
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With L
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With M
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With N
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With O
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With P
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Q
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With R
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With S
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With T
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With U
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With V
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With W
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With X
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Y
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Z
- Wikipedia: Part of Speech
- David Sacks: Letter Perfect: The Marvelous History of Our Alphabet From A to Z
