Learning three letter words beginning with X introduces students to some interesting and unusual vocabulary. While X words are not very common in daily use, they are fun to explore and can help learners notice how letters work together in different ways. In this article, we will look at useful 3 letter words starting with X, their meanings, and examples that make them easier to understand.
In This Page
Complete List of 3 Letter Words that Start with X
Here is a collection of simple X words to practice:
- Xat
- Xeb
- Xed
- Xem
- Xer
- Xes
- Xis
- Xiv
- Xix
- Xma
- Xoi
- Xox
- Xus
- Xyl
- Xyr

Common Everyday Three Letter Words with X
Even though X words are less frequent, some are useful in reading, word games, or cultural contexts.
- Xis – plural of xi, the Greek letter
- Xiv – Roman numeral for 14
- Xix – Roman numeral for 19
- Xma – short for Xmas (Christmas)
- Xoi – a Vietnamese sticky rice dish
- Xus – plural of xu, Vietnamese currency
Three Letter X Words in Different Groups
Action Words
X words rarely show actions, but a few are used in writing or puzzles.
- Xed – marked with an X or crossed out
- Xes – plural of “X,” often used in games or shorthand
People and Body
Some X words connect to names or personal references.
- Xia – name of an ancient Chinese dynasty and also used as a given name
- Xiu – a common personal name in Chinese
Objects at Home
Though uncommon, a few X words are tied to items or symbols.
- Xma – short form of Xmas, linked with Christmas decorations
- Xer – short form for xerox, used for copies
Animals and Nature
Some X words appear in science or natural contexts.
- Xis – plural of xi, used in math and science notation
- Xyr – short botanical form found in plant taxonomy
Food and Drink
A few X words relate to food traditions.
- Xoi – a Vietnamese dish made with sticky rice
- Xia – sometimes linked in Chinese cultural food references
3 Letter X Words with Meanings
- Xis – plural form of the Greek letter xi
- Xia – name of a dynasty and personal name
- Xoi – a dish of sticky rice in Vietnam
- Xiv – Roman numeral representing 14
- Xen – prefix form meaning strange or foreign
- Xiu – a Chinese given name
3 Letter Words with X at the Start
- Xis
- Xia
- Xoi
- Xen
- Xiv
- Xii
- Xat
3 Letter Words with X in the Middle
- Axe
- Oxo
- Exo
3 Letter Words with X at the End
- Fix
- Mix
- Box
- Hex
Sentences Using Three Letter X Words for Beginners
- The boy can fix his toy.
- Please mix the juice well.
- She opened a red box.
- The math teacher wrote XIV on the board.
- Sticky rice called xoi is very tasty.
Teaching the Short-X Sound with CVC Patterns
Since X often appears at the end of short words, families help children blend sounds quickly.
-ix Family Words
- Fix
- Mix
- Six
-ox Family Words
- Box
- Fox
- Ox
-ex Family Words
- Hex
- Rex
- Tex
FAQs on 3 Letter Words That Start with X
Some of the more common ones include xis, the plural of the Greek letter xi, xia, which is both a name and an old dynasty, and xoi, a tasty sticky rice dish from Vietnam.
They are not as common as other short words, but they still appear in names, food terms, Roman numerals, and word games like Scrabble or crosswords.
A few are straightforward, such as xoi (food), while others like xis or xiv may need extra explanation since they come from Greek letters or Roman numerals.
Yes, phonics families like -ix (fix, mix, six), -ox (box, fox, ox), and -ex (hex, rex, Tex) help children recognize patterns and practice blending sounds.
There are fewer than with most letters, but learners can still find 10–15 useful ones in areas like food, names, numbers, and science terms.
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