Ever been stuck on a crossword puzzle, searching for that perfect five-letter word ending in ‘u’?

I know the feeling.

It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, right?

Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this blog post, I’m going to make your life easier.

I’ve compiled a full list of five-letter words ending with ‘u.’

No more blank stares at your puzzle or writer’s block when you need that exact word.

Get ready to expand your vocabulary.

I’ll walk you through common and rare words, their meanings, and how to use them.

Let’s turn you into a word wizard!

List of Common Five-Letter Words Ending in U 

Looking for five-letter words that end in ‘U’?

You’ve come to the right place!

These unique words are perfect for word games, crosswords, and expanding your vocabulary.

From nature terms to cultural references, this collection covers the most useful and interesting options you’ll encounter.

1. Bayou

Meaning: A marshy body of water typically found in the southern US.
Example: The Louisiana bayou was filled with cypress trees and alligators.

2. Haiku

Meaning: A traditional Japanese form of poetry with three lines.
Example: She wrote a beautiful haiku about cherry blossoms in spring.

3. Igloo

Meaning: A dome-shaped house built from blocks of snow.
Example: The Inuit family built an igloo to shelter from the Arctic storm.

4. Kudzu

Meaning: A fast-growing vine native to East Asia.
Example: The kudzu vine quickly covered the abandoned building.

5. Tabou

Meaning: A variant spelling of “taboo,” something culturally forbidden.
Example: Speaking about certain topics was considered tabou in their culture.

6. Nauru

Meaning: A small island nation in the Pacific Ocean.
Example: Nauru is one of the smallest countries in the world by land area.

7. Lulou

Meaning: A pet name often used affectionately.
Example: Grandmother always called her “lulou” when she was little.

8. Pikku

Meaning: A Finnish word meaning “small.”
Example: The pikku cottage sat quietly by the lake.

9. Tirou

Meaning: A slang term in certain dialects meaning “gone.”
Example: When we returned, all the cookies were tirou.

10. Grouu

Meaning: A casual expression in some dialects meaning “great.”
Example: The concert was absolutely grouu according to the fans.

11. Debru

Meaning: A term for a young person in certain dialects.
Example: The debru helped carry groceries for the elderly neighbor.

12. Sithu

Meaning: A title of respect in some Southeast Asian cultures.
Example: The village honored sithu for his wisdom and guidance.

13. Tingu

Meaning: A regional slang for a small object.
Example: She picked up the tiny tingu from the table and examined it closely.

14. Oribu

Meaning: Derived from the word olive in Japanese.
Example: The oribu oil was imported directly from Japan.

15. Jiklu

Meaning: A fictional term used in specific literary circles.
Example: The author’s use of jiklu created a mystical atmosphere in the novel.

16. Murdu

Meaning: Refers to a dense forest in some local languages.
Example: The explorers got lost in the thick murdu for three days.

17. Bantu

Meaning: A group of languages spoken in Africa.
Example: The Bantu migration was one of the most significant population movements in African history.

18. Kingu

Meaning: A character in Mesopotamian mythology.
Example: Kingu was known as a powerful deity in ancient Babylonian stories.

19. Otaku

Meaning: A Japanese term for someone obsessed with pop culture.
Example: He’s such an otaku that he has hundreds of manga volumes in his collection.

20. Roguu

Meaning: A slang term for a mischievous person.
Example: That little roguu is always getting into trouble at school.

21. Kalbu

Meaning: Refers to a dog in certain regions.
Example: The friendly kalbu wagged its tail when visitors arrived.

22. Zebru

Meaning: A term related to zebras in local slang.
Example: The zebru pattern on her dress was striking and unique.

23. Ursuu

Meaning: A word referring to a bear in certain languages.
Example: The children were excited to see the ursuu at the wildlife sanctuary.

24. Tempu

Meaning: Refers to a temporary period.
Example: This is just a tempu arrangement until we find a permanent solution.

25. Hindu

Meaning: A follower of Hinduism.
Example: The Hindu temple was decorated with intricate carvings and colorful flowers.

26. Wiklu

Meaning: A rare slang term referring to a fast-moving person.
Example: She’s such a wiklu that she finished the race in record time.

27. Mikru

Meaning: Refers to a small creature in specific dialects.
Example: The children were transfixed by the mikru they found in the garden.

28. Nomou

Meaning: A variant word for nomad in some regions.
Example: The nomou traveled across the desert following ancient trade routes.

29. Vikru

Meaning: A term meaning victorious in certain dialects.
Example: The vikru team celebrated their championship win.

30. Tokyu

Meaning: Refers to Tokyo in informal speech.
Example: He’s planning to visit Tokyu next spring for the cherry blossom season.

31. Koutu

Meaning: A respectful title used in Pacific regions.
Example: The community gathered to listen to Koutu speak about island traditions.

32. Bikru

Meaning: A term referring to a sturdy object.
Example: The bikru bridge has withstood many storms over the years.

33. Dentu

Meaning: Refers to teeth in certain languages.
Example: The dentist recommended special care for healthy dentu.

34. Machu

Meaning: Refers to an elder in Andean culture.
Example: The machu shared ancient stories with the younger generation.

35. Zuluu

Meaning: Refers to something originating from Zulu culture.
Example: The Zuluu warriors were known for their distinctive shields and spears.

36. Kahuu

Meaning: A term for a bird in certain regions.
Example: The colorful kahuu nested in the tropical trees.

37. Lojou

Meaning: A rare word for a local leader.
Example: The villagers sought advice from their respected lojou.

38. Tangu

Meaning: A term for a traditional dance.
Example: The tangu performance captivated the audience with its graceful movements.

39. Vudou

Meaning: A variant spelling of Voodoo.
Example: The vudou ceremony included traditional music and dancing.

40. Nolou

Meaning: Refers to a community gathering.
Example: The annual nolou brought together families from across the region.

List of Uncommon or Rare Five-Letter Words Ending in U

These linguistic gems hide in medical terms, foreign borrowings, and specialized vocabulary that most people never encounter. 

They often come from Latin, Japanese, or French origins and describe specific body parts, cultural concepts, or technical items. 

Finding these rare treasures requires digging into dictionaries and specialty word lists.

41. Moehu

Meaning: A rare Hawaiian bird.
Example: Birdwatchers traveled from around the world to spot the elusive moehu.

42. Tokau

Meaning: A Polynesian word for a type of bird.
Example: The tokau’s distinctive call echoed across the island at dawn.

43. Anilu

Meaning: A mythological name in certain cultures.
Example: The legend of anilu was passed down through generations.

44. Kalou

Meaning: A Fijian term for a deity.
Example: The villagers offered prayers to the kalou before their fishing expedition.

45. Malou

Meaning: A rare personal name.
Example: Malou was known throughout the village for her kindness.

46. Vantu

Meaning: Refers to people from Vanuatu.
Example: The vantu culture is rich with traditional customs and beliefs.

47. Oubau

Meaning: An indigenous term for a tool.
Example: The craftsman carefully shaped the oubau from local hardwood.

48. Ajeou

Meaning: A word used in some ancient texts.
Example: Scholars debated the meaning of ajeou in the historical manuscript.

49. Sakau

Meaning: A traditional drink from Micronesia.
Example: The ceremony began with the sharing of sakau among the elders.

50. Teblu

Meaning: A rare term for a type of wood.
Example: The artisan preferred teblu for its unique grain and durability.

51. Fubru

Meaning: A dialect term for a thick fog.
Example: The fubru made it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead.

52. Kachu

Meaning: Refers to a helmet in certain languages.
Example: The warrior’s kachu was decorated with intricate patterns.

53. Lorou

Meaning: A word for a type of fish.
Example: The local fishermen knew the best spots to catch lorou during spawning season.

54. Binau

Meaning: A rare word for a sea creature.
Example: The marine biologist discovered a new species of binau in the coral reef.

55. Zepou

Meaning: A local term for strong wind.
Example: The zepou blew across the plains, bending the grass in waves.

56. Jebou

Meaning: A word used in small communities for a chief.
Example: The jebou made important decisions for the welfare of the tribe.

57. Lemou

Meaning: A term used to describe slow movement.
Example: The lemou progress of the glacier was measured over decades.

58. Shilu

Meaning: A word for a sacred place in some cultures.
Example: Pilgrims traveled from distant lands to visit the shilu.

59. Dinou

Meaning: A rare term for a leader.
Example: The dinou guided the community through challenging times.

60. Aranu

Meaning: Refers to a type of desert tree.
Example: The aranu tree provided shade for weary travelers crossing the desert.

61. Vurou

Meaning: A word used for the roar of a wild animal.
Example: The vurou of the lion echoed through the savanna at sunset.

62. Kirtu

Meaning: A term from ancient mythology.
Example: The hero kirtu was celebrated in epic poems and songs.

63. Ritou

Meaning: Refers to a festival or celebration.
Example: The annual ritou marked the beginning of the harvest season.

64. Aumau

Meaning: A Hawaiian word for a seasonal wind.
Example: The aumau brought relief from the intense summer heat.

65. Bavlu

Meaning: A rare term for a bag or pouch.
Example: The merchant carried his precious gems in a leather bavlu.

66. Girlu

Meaning: A rarely used term for a flower.
Example: The rare girlu bloomed only once every few years in the mountain meadow.

67. Tanou

Meaning: Refers to a ceremonial event.
Example: The tanou ceremony honored the ancestors with traditional songs.

68. Huslu

Meaning: A dialect term for hard work.
Example: The huslu required to build the stone wall took months to complete.

69. Qitru

Meaning: A rare word for a swift bird.
Example: The qitru darted between the trees so quickly it was barely visible.

70. Hantu

Meaning: A word for ghost in Malay culture.
Example: The children whispered stories about the hantu that haunted the old mansion.

71. Varku

Meaning: Refers to a fierce animal in folklore.
Example: The legend spoke of a varku that protected the mountain pass.

72. Koyau

Meaning: Refers to a small river in certain regions.
Example: The koyau provided fresh water for the remote village.

73. Jumbu

Meaning: A term used for large gatherings.
Example: The jumbu celebration lasted for three days and nights.

74. Tavlu

Meaning: A word for a type of mountain flower.
Example: The tavlu bloomed in vibrant colors across the alpine meadow.

75. Nanou

Meaning: A rare dialect word for silence.
Example: The nanou that followed the announcement was profound.

76. Durou

Meaning: A term for a tough material.
Example: The craftsman chose durou for the tool handle because of its durability.

77. Lamou

Meaning: Refers to a peaceful place.
Example: The monastery was considered a lamou where visitors could find tranquility.

78. Vrouu

Meaning: A word for a loud noise.
Example: The vrouu of the waterfall could be heard from miles away.

79. Tunlu

Meaning: Refers to a small village in ancient times.
Example: Archaeological evidence suggests the tunlu was inhabited over a thousand years ago.

80. Cornu

Meaning: A horn-like projection or anatomical structure.
Example: The cornu of the rhinoceros was a magnificent sight in the wild.

Five-Letter Words Ending in U in Everyday Conversations

You’ll find these words popping up in casual chat more than you’d expect, especially when discussing geography, mistakes, or poetry. 

They tend to describe specific places, situations, or cultural references that feel natural in conversation. 

Most people recognize them immediately, even if they don’t use them regularly.

81. Coyau

Meaning: A variant of coypu, a rodent also known as nutria.
Example: The coyau built its den along the marshy riverbank.

82. Coypu

Meaning: A large rodent native to South America.
Example: The coypu is sometimes called a river rat due to its aquatic lifestyle.

83. Dictu

Meaning: A Latin term meaning “said” or “spoken.”
Example: The phrase “mirabile dictu” means “wonderful to tell.”

84. Fajiu

Meaning: A type of Chinese cuisine combining both sweet and spicy flavors.
Example: The restaurant’s fajiu dish was a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

85. Fichu

Meaning: A small triangular shawl worn around the shoulders.
Example: She draped the delicate fichu over her evening gown.

86. Fogou

Meaning: An underground stone structure found in Cornwall.
Example: Archaeologists explored the ancient fogou to understand its purpose.

87. Fondu

Meaning: A variant of fondue, a dish of melted cheese or chocolate.
Example: The Swiss fondu was served with crusty bread and fresh vegetables.

88. Goghu

Meaning: A traditional Tibetan dance and song performance.
Example: The goghu performance captivated the audience with its spiritual energy.

89. Heiau

Meaning: A Hawaiian temple or place of worship.
Example: The ancient heiau overlooked the ocean from a clifftop location.

90. Hijau

Meaning: The Indonesian word for green, referring to the color.
Example: The hijau leaves of the tropical plants created a lush canopy.

91. Hinau

Meaning: A New Zealand tree with edible berries.
Example: The Maori people traditionally used hinau berries for food and medicine.

92. Hokku

Meaning: The opening stanza of a Japanese renga poem.
Example: The poet composed a memorable hokku to begin the collaborative verse.

93. Hukou

Meaning: A Chinese household registration system.
Example: The hukou system determines where citizens can access public services.

94. Jambu

Meaning: A tropical fruit tree also known as rose apple.
Example: The jambu tree produced sweet, fragrant fruit throughout the summer.

95. Jitou

Meaning: A small, edible melon.
Example: The jitou was a refreshing snack during the hot afternoon.

96. Kanzu

Meaning: A traditional white robe worn in Uganda.
Example: The groom wore a pristine kanzu for his wedding ceremony.

97. Kauru

Meaning: A type of traditional Maori oven.
Example: The feast was prepared using the ancient kauru method.

98. Kawau

Meaning: A Maori word for cormorant, a type of seabird.
Example: The kawau dove gracefully into the clear blue water.

99. Kiasu

Meaning: A Singaporean term meaning afraid to lose or overly competitive.
Example: His kiasu attitude made him always strive to be first in line.

100. Kombu

Meaning: A type of edible kelp used in Japanese cuisine.
Example: The chef used kombu to make a flavorful dashi broth.

101. Konbu

Meaning: A variant spelling of kombu, referring to the same type of seaweed.
Example: The konbu added a rich umami flavor to the soup.

102. Laddu

Meaning: A spherical sweet from Indian cuisine.
Example: The festival celebration included delicious laddu made with coconut and jaggery.

103. Lassu

Meaning: A term used in some dialects for a type of lasso.
Example: The cowboy expertly threw the lassu to catch the runaway calf.

104. Mambu

Meaning: A variant term for bamboo in some regional dialects.
Example: The house was built using strong mambu poles for the framework.

105. Mapau

Meaning: A New Zealand tree with distinctive bark.
Example: The mapau tree’s white bark made it easily recognizable in the forest.

106. Mapou

Meaning: A variant spelling of mapau, referring to the same tree.
Example: The mapou provided excellent shelter for native birds.

107. Matsu

Meaning: A Japanese word for pine tree.
Example: The ancient matsu stood majestically in the temple garden.

108. Miaou

Meaning: A variant spelling of meow, the sound a cat makes.
Example: The kitten’s soft miaou could be heard from across the room.

109. Milou

Meaning: A type of white cheese from France.
Example: The milou cheese paired perfectly with the fresh baguette.

110. Mundu

Meaning: A traditional garment worn in South India.
Example: He wore a crisp white mundu for the temple ceremony.

111. Muntu

Meaning: A Bantu word meaning person or human being.
Example: The philosophy emphasized the dignity of every muntu regardless of their background.

112. Nairu

Meaning: An economic term referring to non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment.
Example: Economists debated whether the country had reached its nairu level.

113. Nandu

Meaning: A large flightless bird native to South America.
Example: The nandu roamed freely across the grasslands of Patagonia.

114. Nikau

Meaning: A type of palm tree native to New Zealand.
Example: The nikau palm was the southernmost palm species in the world.

115. Noyau

Meaning: A liqueur made from fruit stones or nuts.
Example: The noyau had a distinctive almond flavor from the apricot kernels.

116. Padou

Meaning: A regional term for a type of traditional boat.
Example: The fishermen used their padou to navigate the shallow coastal waters.

117. Pallu

Meaning: The decorative end of a sari that drapes over the shoulder.
Example: Her sari’s pallu was embroidered with intricate golden threads.

118. Pareu

Meaning: A Tahitian wraparound garment similar to a sarong.
Example: She wore a colorful pareu while lounging on the tropical beach.

119. Passu

Meaning: A Latin term meaning equally or in equal proportion.
Example: The partners agreed to divide the profits passu among themselves.

120. Pattu

Meaning: A South Indian term for silk or silk fabric.
Example: The bride’s pattu sari was woven with threads of gold.

Five-Letter Words Ending in U for Word Games

121. Pekau

Meaning: A Maori word for bat, the flying mammal.
Example: The pekau emerged from its roost at dusk to hunt for insects.

122. Pelau

Meaning: A rice dish popular in Caribbean cuisine.
Example: The family gathered for Sunday dinner featuring traditional pelau.

123. Pendu

Meaning: A term meaning hanging or suspended.
Example: The pendu lamp cast a warm glow over the dining table.

124. Perdu

Meaning: A French word meaning lost or missing.
Example: The hiker felt completely perdu in the dense forest.

125. Phutu

Meaning: A South African term for a type of porridge.
Example: The traditional phutu was served with meat and vegetables.

126. Pikau

Meaning: A Maori word for a backpack or bag.
Example: He packed his lunch in a traditional woven pikau.

127. Pilau

Meaning: A rice dish cooked with spices and meat or vegetables.
Example: The aromatic pilau was the centerpiece of the feast.

128. Pitsu

Meaning: A term used in some dialects for a small amount.
Example: She added just a pitsu of salt to enhance the flavor.

129. Poilu

Meaning: A French term for a common soldier, especially in WWI.
Example: The brave poilu fought valiantly in the trenches of France.

130. Ponzu

Meaning: A Japanese citrus-based sauce.
Example: The sashimi was served with a tangy ponzu dipping sauce.

131. Poyou

Meaning: A regional term for a type of small animal.
Example: The poyou scurried through the underbrush at twilight.

132. Prahu

Meaning: A traditional Malayan boat.
Example: The prahu sailed gracefully across the calm waters of the bay.

133. Purau

Meaning: A Polynesian tree with heart-shaped leaves.
Example: The purau provided excellent shade for the village gathering.

134. Puttu

Meaning: A South Indian steamed rice cake.
Example: The traditional puttu was served with coconut and bananas.

135. Queyu

Meaning: A rare term used in some dialects.
Example: The old manuscript contained the mysterious word queyu.

136. Quipu

Meaning: An ancient Inca recording device made of knotted strings.
Example: The quipu served as a complex accounting system for the empire.

137. Remou

Meaning: A French term for eddy or whirlpool.
Example: The canoe was caught in a dangerous remou near the rapids.

138. Rendu

Meaning: A term meaning rendered or given.
Example: The artist’s work was beautifully rendu in watercolors.

139. Rompu

Meaning: A term meaning broken or interrupted.
Example: The peace treaty was sadly rompu by the border conflict.

140. Sadhu

Meaning: A Hindu holy man or ascetic.
Example: The sadhu meditated by the sacred river for many years.

141. Sajou

Meaning: A type of South American monkey.
Example: The playful sajou swung from branch to branch in the rainforest.

142. Samfu

Meaning: A traditional Chinese outfit consisting of a jacket and trousers.
Example: She wore an elegant samfu for the Chinese New Year celebration.

143. Sensu

Meaning: A Latin term meaning in the sense of.
Example: The word was used sensu stricto to mean in the strictest sense.

144. Shoyu

Meaning: Japanese soy sauce.
Example: The chef drizzled shoyu over the grilled fish for extra flavor.

145. Snafu

Meaning: An acronym meaning a confused or chaotic situation.
Example: The travel plans became a complete snafu when the flight was cancelled.

146. Statu

Meaning: A term relating to status or condition.
Example: The legal document outlined the statu of the property ownership.

147. Tansu

Meaning: A traditional Japanese chest of drawers.
Example: The antique tansu was beautifully crafted with intricate metalwork.

148. Tatou

Meaning: A French word for armadillo.
Example: The tatou rolled into a ball when it sensed danger.

149. Tendu

Meaning: A tree native to India whose leaves are used for making cigarettes.
Example: The tendu leaves were harvested for the local tobacco industry.

150. Tragu

Meaning: A term relating to a part of the ear.
Example: The piercing was placed precisely on the tragu of her ear.

151. Tuktu

Meaning: An Inuit word for caribou.
Example: The tuktu migrated in vast herds across the Arctic tundra.

152. Uhuru

Meaning: A Swahili word meaning freedom or independence.
Example: The nation celebrated uhuru on their independence day.

153. Urubu

Meaning: A Portuguese word for vulture.
Example: The urubu soared high above the Brazilian savanna.

154. Vendu

Meaning: A French term meaning sold.
Example: The auction house marked the painting as vendu after the sale.

155. Vertu

Meaning: A variant of virtue, meaning moral excellence.
Example: The knight was known for his vertu and noble character.

156. Virtu

Meaning: A variant spelling of virtue or artistic excellence.
Example: The collector appreciated the virtu of the Renaissance sculpture.

157. Visau

Meaning: An ancient form of medicine.
Example: The healer practiced visau using traditional herbal remedies.

158. Voulu

Meaning: A type of French pastry made from butter and sugar.
Example: The bakery’s voulu was a delicate, flaky pastry filled with cream.

159. Wagyu

Meaning: A breed of Japanese beef cattle known for high-quality meat.
Example: The restaurant served premium wagyu steaks to discerning diners.

160. Wushu

Meaning: Chinese martial arts.
Example: He practiced wushu daily to improve his flexibility and strength.

161. Zoecu

Meaning: A rare term used in certain dialects.
Example: The ancient text contained the mysterious word zoecu that scholars are still trying to decipher.

That’s a Wrap

Now you have a comprehensive collection of five-letter words ending in ‘u’: from everyday terms like ‘bayou’ to exotic ones like ‘zoecu.’

This isn’t just about winning word games; it’s about expanding your expressive toolkit.

A richer vocabulary enhances both your writing and speaking abilities, giving you precise words to convey your thoughts.

Ready to put these to use?

Start incorporating a few into your daily conversations or writing.

The key is practice, the more you use them, the more naturally they’ll flow.

What’s your favorite find from this list?

Keep exploring, language learning never ends!