Did you know the alphabet wasn’t always what it is now? It took many years, many people, and many changes to shape it. At one time, not all letters even had names! The letter “D” didn’t always look like it does today. D started as a curved line and slowly became more like a half-circle. Today, it starts with lots of fun words. We are going to explore many of them together.
You’ll find animals, foods, places, and other cool stuff that begin with the letter D. Some will be easy. Also, others might surprise you. So, let’s dive in and see how many D-things you can discover!
Things That Start with D – A to Z List
Animals Starting with D

Here are some of the most exciting and diverse animals starting with D:
- Dolphin – Known for their intelligence and friendly nature, dolphins are often seen in marine life documentaries.
- Duck – A common waterfowl known for its quacking sound and webbed feet.
- Deer – A graceful herbivore often seen in forests or fields.
- Dingo – A wild dog found in Australia, known for its keen hunting instincts.
- Dhole – A wild dog native to Asia, recognized for its social behavior and hunting in packs.
- Dik-Dik – A small antelope native to Africa, with a distinctive size and quick movements.
- Draco lizard – A species of lizard known for its ability to glide through the air, using flaps of skin.
- Dragonfly – A colorful and agile insect often found near ponds or streams, known for its impressive flying abilities.
- Darwin’s Frog – A small frog from Chile that carries its tadpoles in its mouth until they mature.
- Dusky Shark – A species of shark found in coastal waters, known for its aggressive nature and sharp hunting instincts.
- Damaraland Mole Rat – A highly social, burrowing rodent native to Namibia, notable for living in large colonies.
Fun Fact: Did you know dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors, which is a sign of their high intelligence?
Places and Countries Starting with D

There are many fascinating places and countries that start with D:
- Denmark – A Scandinavian country known for its rich history and Viking heritage.
- Dominican Republic – A Caribbean nation famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture.
- Djibouti – A small country in the Horn of Africa, with stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
- Dubai – A modern city in the United Arab Emirates, famous for its luxurious lifestyle and towering skyscrapers.
- Dominica – An island country in the Caribbean, known for its lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – A large country in Central Africa, rich in natural resources and home to the Congo River.
- Durban – A coastal city in South Africa, famous for its beaches, warm climate, and cultural diversity.
- Düsseldorf – A city in Germany known for its fashion industry, art scene, and vibrant nightlife.
- Derry – A historic city in Northern Ireland, known for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved medieval walls.
- Darwin – The capital of the Northern Territory in Australia, famous for its tropical climate and proximity to natural wonders.
Fun Fact: Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet)!
Cities and landmarks starting with D:

- Dallas – A bustling city in Texas, known for its cultural and historical significance.
- Dhaka – The capital of Bangladesh, known for its rich cultural history.
- Dead Sea – A saltwater lake bordered by Jordan and Israel, famous for its buoyant waters.
Foods and Drinks Starting with D

The world of food is filled with delicious options that start with D:
- Donuts – A popular treat, often deep-fried and coated with glaze or powdered sugar.
- Dumplings – A diverse dish that can be savory or sweet, typically made with dough and filling.
- Dates – A sweet fruit, often consumed as a healthy snack, rich in potassium.
- Dandelion Greens – A nutritious leafy green that can be used in salads or cooked dishes, known for its bitter taste.
- Deviled Eggs – A popular appetizer made from boiled eggs, halved and filled with a seasoned yolk-mayo-mustard mixture.
- Dragon Fruit – A tropical fruit with vibrant pink skin and white flesh, known for its mild sweetness and crunchy texture.
Fun Fact: Did you know Dates are commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts like Baklava?
Drinks that start with D:

- Daiquiri – A classic cocktail made with rum, lime, and sugar.
- Dr. Pepper – A unique soda known for its 23 flavors.
Objects and Things Starting with D

Everyday objects and miscellaneous items that start with D:
- Desk – A common piece of furniture used for writing, working, and studying.
- Door – An essential element in any building, allowing access to rooms.
- Dice – Small cubes used in board games to generate random numbers.
- Drum – A musical instrument, typically cylindrical, played by striking with hands or sticks.
- Duster – A cleaning tool used to remove dust from surfaces.
- Dish – A shallow container used for holding food, often made of ceramic or glass.
Other objects with D include:

- Djembe – A type of drum originating from West Africa.
- Dagger – A small, pointed weapon used for stabbing.
People and Characters Starting with D

Let’s take a look at some famous people and fictional characters:
- David Bowie – The legendary British musician known for his influence on rock and pop music.
- Diana Ross – A renowned American singer and actress, known for her powerful voice.
- Denzel Washington – An American actor acclaimed for his dramatic roles.
Famous characters:

- Darth Vader – A villainous character from Star Wars, one of the most iconic figures in film history.
- Dracula – The infamous vampire character from Bram Stoker’s novel.
Fun Fact: Darth Vader’s helmet design is one of the most recognized in pop culture, symbolizing the character’s dark presence.
Unique and Fun Categories of Things That Start with D

Uncommon Words Starting with D
Here are a few uncommon but interesting words starting with D:
- Dapper – A word used to describe someone who is neat and stylish in their appearance.
- Diligent – A term used to describe someone who works hard and is dedicated to their tasks.
- Dichotomy – A division into two parts or categories, often with contrasting elements.
Interesting D-Words in Science and Nature
Here are some D-words that play important roles in science and nature:
- DNA – The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.
- Deforestation – The clearing of trees to make room for urbanization or agriculture, which negatively impacts ecosystems.
- Dinosaurs – Prehistoric reptiles that once roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
Popular D-Words in Technology
Here are a few D-terms frequently used in the tech world:
- Data – Information that is processed or stored by computers.
- Database – A collection of organized information, typically in digital form.
- Debugging – The process of finding and fixing errors in software or hardware.
- Deployment – The process of distributing and installing software or systems on servers or devices for use.
- DNS (Domain Name System) – A system that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses.
- Download – The process of transferring data from a remote server to a local device, typically for software or files.
- Digitalization – The conversion of information into a digital format that can be processed by computers and stored electronically.
Fun Trivia and Games with the Letter D

Word Games Using D
Here are some fun games to try with D-words:
- D Word Bingo – Create bingo cards filled with words starting with D. Players must match them as they’re called out.
- D Word Scramble – Scramble up D-words and challenge players to unscramble them.
Challenge:
Can you think of any creative D-words? Drop them in the comments below!
Trivia Questions
Try answering these D-themed trivia questions:
- Which city is home to the world’s tallest building?
- What fruit is known for being rich in potassium and is often eaten as a snack?
- Who is the famous actor who played Darth Vader in Star Wars?
Why the Letter D Is So Significant
The Phonetic and Linguistic Importance of D
The letter D has a strong presence in many languages and cultures. It’s one of the most common letters used in English and can be found in many fundamental words that describe our world, such as “day,” “dance,” and “dream.”
Famous Quotes Starting with D
Here are some inspirational quotes that start with D:
- “Do it now.” – A call to action, encouraging us to take action immediately.
- “Dream big.” – A reminder to set high goals and aim for greatness.
Things That Start with D: The Final Word
You’ve now explored a big list of things starting with D. What do you think of fun, tasty, and weird things? The letter D has helped build so many words we use every day. Want to keep growing your word list? Check out the things starting with A! And, if you have a favorite D-word, share it in the comments! Have fun with the alphabet starting today.
Ready to explore more letters? Check out items starting with A, items starting with B, and items starting with C to continue your alphabet adventure with fun and learning for the whole family!