Labour Party political term guide

Kyrgyzstan noun [ U ]
See table of Geographical names .

L noun LETTER
1. ( ALSO l ) [ C ] the 12th letter of the English alphabet
L noun NUMBER
2. ( ALSO l ) [ C ] the sign used in the Roman system for the number 50
L noun LAKE
3. WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR lake
L. Ontario
L adjective
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR large (especially used on clothing to show its size)
l noun [ C ] LINE OF PRINTING
1. WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR line
l noun [ C ] LITRE
2. WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR litre
L8R , l8r
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR later
la , lah noun [ S or U ]
the sixth note in the sol-fa musical scale
lab noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a laboratory
a science lab
a lab technician
Lab
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR Labour (POLITICAL PARTY)
label noun [ C ] SIGN
1. a piece of paper or other material which gives you information about the object
it is fixed to
Remember to put some address labels on the suitcases.
Washing instructions should be on the label.
See picture label
2. a word or a phrase which is used to describe the characteristics or qualities of
people, activities or things, often in a way that is unfair
He seems to be stuck with the label of 'troublemaker'.
label noun [ C ] COMPANY
3. a company which produces goods for sale, the goods themselves, or the
company's name or symbol
Her favourite designer label (= maker of expensive clothes) is Armani.
Their own-label vegetarian products have been a huge success.
The group have just signed (= arranged to record) with a new record label.
label verb [ T ]
to fasten a label to
[ + adjective ] The parcel was clearly labelled 'Fragile'.
If you spend any time in prison, you're labelled as a criminal for the rest of your
life.
label noun [ C ] SIGN
1. a piece of paper or other material which gives you information about the object
it is fixed to
Remember to put some address labels on the suitcases.
Washing instructions should be on the label.
See picture label
2. a word or a phrase which is used to describe the characteristics or qualities of
people, activities or things, often in a way that is unfair
He seems to be stuck with the label of 'troublemaker'.
label noun [ C ] COMPANY
3. a company which produces goods for sale, the goods themselves, or the
company's name or symbol
Her favourite designer label (= maker of expensive clothes) is Armani.
Their own-label vegetarian products have been a huge success.
The group have just signed (= arranged to record) with a new record label.
label verb [ T ]
to fasten a label to
[ + adjective ] The parcel was clearly labelled 'Fragile'.
If you spend any time in prison, you're labelled as a criminal for the rest of your
life.
labia plural noun SPECIALIZED
folds on the outside of the female sex organs
Labor noun [ S + sing/pl verb ] ( ABBREVIATION ALP )
the Labor Party, an Australian political party that believes in social equality and
the rights of workers
See also Labour
laboratory noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL lab )
a room or building with scientific equipment for doing scientific tests or for
teaching science, or a place where chemicals or medicines are produced
research laboratories
a computer laboratory
Laboratory tests suggest that the new drug may be used to treat cancer.
laborious adjective
needing a lot of time and effort
a laborious task
laboriously adverb
He wrote out the list laboriously by hand.
ˈ labor ˌ union noun [ C ]
US FOR trade union
labour UK , US labor noun WORK
1. [ U ] practical work, especially that which involves physical effort
The car parts themselves are not expensive, it's the labour that costs the money.
manual labour (= hard work using the hands)
2. [ U ] workers, especially people who do practical work with their hands
skilled/unskilled labour
3. labours
LITERARY all the effort and hard work that have been involved in doing a particular
piece of work
Are you tired after your labours?
West was paid very little for his labours.
Retirement is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labours.
labour UK , US labor noun BIRTH
4. [ C or U ] the last stage of pregnancy from the time when the muscles of the
womb start to push the baby out of the body until the baby appears
labour pains
She went into (= started) labour at twelve o'clock last night.
I was in labour for twelve hours with my first baby.
No two labours are ever the same.
ˌ labour of ˈ love
a piece of hard work which you do because you enjoy it and not because you will
receive money or praise for it, or because you need to do it
He's always working on his car - it's a labour of love.
labour UK , US labor verb
1. [ I ] to do hard physical work
He travelled around Europe labouring to pay his way.
[ + to infinitive ] Three hours after the explosion, rescue teams were still
labouring to free those trapped.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to do something slowly with great physical or
mental effort
He laboured up the hill with his heavy load.
She's been labouring over the same article for days.
labour the point
to try too hard to express an idea, feeling or opinion, repeating it unnecessarily
Look, there's no need to labour the point - I made a mistake - I admit it!
labour under the delusion/illusion/misapprehension, etc.
to wrongly believe that something is true
At the time I was still labouring under the delusion that the project might be a
success.
Labour noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
the Labour Party, the political party in Britain that believes in social equality , a
more equal sharing out of wealth , and the rights of workers
Labour are sure to get in at the next election.
I voted Labour in the last election.
Labour adjective
belonging or relating to the Labour Party
the Labour Party
Labour voters
the Labour candidate
Labour noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
the Labour Party, the political party in Britain that believes in social equality , a
more equal sharing out of wealth , and the rights of workers
Labour are sure to get in at the next election.
I voted Labour in the last election.
Labour adjective
belonging or relating to the Labour Party
the Labour Party
Labour voters
the Labour candidate
ˈ labour ˌ camp UK , US labor camp noun [ C ]
a place in which people are kept as prisoners and forced to do hard physical work
in bad conditions
ˈ labour ˌ day UK , US labor day noun [ C usually singular ]
a public holiday which celebrates the worker
May 1st is labour day in a lot of countries.
laboured UK , US labored adjective
needing a lot of effort, often because someone is tired
Her breathing was heavy and laboured.
a laboured joke
labourer UK , US laborer noun [ C ]
a person who does unskilled physical work, especially outside
a farm labourer
ˈ labour ˌ force UK , US labor force noun [ U ]
all the people in a particular country who are of the right age to work or all the
people who work for a particular company
labour-intensive UK , US labor-intensive adjective
Industries and methods which are labour-intensive need a lot of workers
A lot of farming techniques have been abandoned because they were too labour-
intensive.
ˈ labour ˌ market UK , US labor market noun [ C ]
the supply of people in a particular country or area who are able and willing to
work
More women are being encouraged into the labour market these days.
ˈ labour re ˌ lations UK , US labor relations plural noun
the relationships between employees and employers
The firm prided itself on its good labour relations.
labour-saving UK , US labor-saving adjective
describes a device or method which saves a lot of effort and time
labour-saving UK , US labor-saving adjective
describes a device or method which saves a lot of effort and time
Labrador noun [ C ]
a big yellow or black dog with short hair
Labradors are used as guide-dogs for blind people.
laburnum noun [ C or U ]
a small tree with groups of yellow flowers hanging down
labyrinth noun [ C ] LITERARY
1. a confusing set of connecting passages or paths in which it is easy to get lost
Finally, through a labyrinth of corridors she found his office.
2. something which is very confusing
He was no stranger to the labyrinth of love.
labyrinthine adjective LITERARY
describes something that has a lot of parts and is therefore confusing
Beneath the city lies a labyrinthine network of tunnels.
It takes a fair amount of concentration to follow the film's labyrinthine plot.
lace noun MATERIAL
1. [ U ] a decorative cloth which is made by weaving thin thread in delicate
patterns with holes in them
lace curtains
lace noun STRING
2. [ C usually plural ] a string which you use to fasten openings, especially in
shoes, by putting it through two lines of small holes and tying the ends together
Your shoe laces are undone.
lace verb [ T ] ADD ALCOHOL
1. to add alcohol or drugs to food or drink, often secretly
coffee laced with brandy
lace verb [ T ] STRING
2. to put the lace of a shoe or boot through its holes, or to fasten a shoe or boot
by tying a lace
lace sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to fasten shoes, boots or a piece of clothing by tying the laces
She can lace up her shoes and she's only five!
lace-up shoes
lacerate verb [ T ] FORMAL
to cut or tear something, especially flesh
The man's face was severely lacerated in the accident.
lacerate verb [ T ] FORMAL
to cut or tear something, especially flesh
The man's face was severely lacerated in the accident.
laceration noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
a cut
The boy had received horrific injuries in the attack, including lacerations to both
arms.
The body showed signs of laceration and bruising.
lace-ups plural noun
shoes or boots which are fastened using laces
a pair of lace-ups
lachrymose adjective LITERARY
sad or likely to cry often and easily
He is better known for his lachrymose ballads than hard rock numbers.
lack noun
lack of sth
when something is not available or when there is not enough of it
Her only problem is lack of confidence.
Lack of sleep had made him irritable.
If he fails it won't be for/through lack of effort (= he has certainly tried) .
We won't be going on holiday this year - lack of funds, I'm afraid.
lack verb [ T ]
to not have or not have enough of something that is needed or wanted
He just lacks a little confidence.
What we lack in this house is space to store things.
We are lacking three members of staff due to illness.
lackadaisical adjective FORMAL
showing little enthusiasm and effort
The food was nice enough but the service was rather lackadaisical.
lackadaisically adverb
lackey noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a servant or someone who behaves like one by obeying someone else's orders or
by doing all their unpleasant work for them
He treats us all like his lackeys.
lackey noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a servant or someone who behaves like one by obeying someone else's orders or
by doing all their unpleasant work for them
He treats us all like his lackeys.
lacking adjective
1. be lacking
If something that you need is lacking, you do not have enough of it
Enthusiasm has been sadly lacking these past months at work.
2. be lacking in sth
to not have a quality
He's totally lacking in charm.
lacklustre UK , US lackluster , adjective
without energy and effort
Britain's number-one tennis player gave a disappointingly lacklustre performance.
laconic adjective FORMAL
using very few words to express what you mean
She had a laconic wit.
laconically adverb
lacquer noun [ U ] WOOD/METAL
1. a liquid which is painted on wood or metal and forms a hard, shiny, protective
surface when it dries
lacquer noun [ U ] HAIR
2. ( ALSO hair lacquer ) UK FOR hair spray
lacquer verb [ T ]
lacrosse noun [ U ]
a game played by two teams in which the players each use a long stick with a net
at the end to catch, carry and throw a small ball, and try to get the ball in the other
team's goal
lactate verb [ I ] SPECIALIZED
(of a woman or female mammal) to produce milk
lactation noun [ U ]
lactic adjective SPECIALIZED
relating to milk
lactic adjective SPECIALIZED
relating to milk
ˌ lactic ˈ acid noun [ U ]
an acid that exists in old sour milk and is produced in muscles after a lot of
exercise
lactose noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of sugar which is found in milk
ˈ lactose in ˌ tolerant adjective
unable to digest lactose (= a substance in milk)
lactose intolerance noun [ U ]
lacuna noun [ C ] FORMAL
an absent part, especially in a book or other piece of writing
lacy adjective
made of or decorated with lace (= decorative cloth)
lacy underwear
lad noun [ C ]
a boy or young man
A group of young lads were standing outside the shop.
He's a nice lad.
The Prime Minister's a local lad (= he was born and lived in this area) .
OLD-FASHIONED OR NORTHERN lads and lasses (= boys and girls)
[ as form of address ] Come on, lads, let's get this job finished, shall we!
a bit of a lad UK INFORMAL
a young man who has sex with a lot of different women
the lads UK INFORMAL
used to refer to the group of men that a young man spends time with socially,
especially those who he drinks alcohol with or plays sport with
I'm having a night out with the lads.
ladder noun EQUIPMENT
ladder
1. [ C ] a piece of equipment used for climbing up and down, which consists of
two vertical bars or pieces of rope joined to each other by a set of horizontal steps
She was up a ladder, cleaning the window.
ladder noun SERIES OF STAGES
2. [ S ] a series of increasingly important jobs or stages in a particular type of
work or process
Once he started at Paramount in 1967, he moved rapidly up the corporate ladder.
a first rung/step on the employment ladder
ladder noun HOLE
3. [ C ] UK ( US run ) a long vertical hole in a pair of tights or a stocking
ladder noun COMPETITION
4. [ C ] ( ALSO ladder tournament ) MAINLY UK (in particular sports) a system in
which all the players who play regularly are given a position in a list and can improve
their position by beating other players in that list
a squash ladder
ladder verb [ I or T ] UK
If a pair of tights or stockings ladder or if you ladder them, a long hole appears in
them
Damn! That's the second pair of tights I've laddered today!
ladder noun EQUIPMENT
ladder
1. [ C ] a piece of equipment used for climbing up and down, which consists of
two vertical bars or pieces of rope joined to each other by a set of horizontal steps
She was up a ladder, cleaning the window.
ladder noun SERIES OF STAGES
2. [ S ] a series of increasingly important jobs or stages in a particular type of
work or process
Once he started at Paramount in 1967, he moved rapidly up the corporate ladder.
a first rung/step on the employment ladder
ladder noun HOLE
3. [ C ] UK ( US run ) a long vertical hole in a pair of tights or a stocking
ladder noun COMPETITION
4. [ C ] ( ALSO ladder tournament ) MAINLY UK (in particular sports) a system in
which all the players who play regularly are given a position in a list and can improve
their position by beating other players in that list
a squash ladder
ladder verb [ I or T ] UK
If a pair of tights or stockings ladder or if you ladder them, a long hole appears in
them
Damn! That's the second pair of tights I've laddered today!
laddie noun [ as form of address ]
SCOTTISH INFORMAL FOR lad
laddish adjective UK DISAPPROVING
describes the noisy, energetic and sometimes rude behaviour that some young
men show in social groups
laddishness noun [ U ]
laden adjective
carrying or holding a lot of something
He always comes back from France laden with presents for everyone.
The table, as always, was laden with food.
ladette noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a young woman who drinks a lot of alcohol, uses rude language, and behaves in a
noisy way
la-di-da , lah-di-dah adjective OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
describes speech or behaviour which is not sincere because the person, usually a
woman, is pretending to belong to a higher social class
ladies' fingers plural noun UK OLD-FASHIONED
okra
ladies' man noun [ C usually singular ] OLD-FASHIONED
a man who gives women a lot of attention and likes to be with them
John was always a bit of a ladies' man.
ladies' room noun [ S ] US ( UK ladies )
a women's toilet in a public building such as a hotel or restaurant
ladle noun [ C ]
a very big spoon with a long handle and a deep cup-shaped part, used especially
for serving soup
a soup ladle
ladle verb [ T ] ( ALSO ladle out )
to put soup or other liquid food into bowls to give to people, using a ladle
ladle sth out phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to give money or goods in a (too) generous way to a lot of people
In those days doctors ladled out antibiotics to patients.
ladle noun [ C ]
for serving soup
a soup ladle
ˈ lad ˌ mag noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a magazine for men
lady noun
1. [ C ] a polite or old fashioned way of referring to or talking to a woman
There's a young lady here to see you.
Mind your language - there are ladies present!
Say "thank you" to the lady, children.
OLD-FASHIONED Is the lady of the house (= the most important or only woman
who lives in the house) at home?
2. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED a woman who behaves in a way that is traditionally
considered to be suitable for a woman
Of course I remember Mrs Connor - she was a real lady.
3. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED sometimes used before the name of a job done by a woman
a lady doctor
4. [ as form of address ] US used to talk to a woman in a way that is not polite
and is considered offensive by many women
Hey, lady, what's the rush?
5. ladies UK ( US ladies' room )
[ S + singular or plural verb ] a women's toilet in a public place or building such
as a hotel or restaurant
I'm just going to the ladies.
Is there a ladies on this floor?
6. ladies and gentlemen
used to talk to the members of the audience when you are making a speech
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Theatre Royal.
Lady noun [ C ]
a title given in Britain to a woman or girl who has the social rank of a peer , or to
the wife of a peer or knight
Lady Diana Spencer
Sir Charles and Lady Finlater
Compare Lord
ladybird noun [ C ] UK ( US ladybug )
a small red beetle which is round and has black spots
ˌ Lady ˈ Bountiful noun [ S ] DISAPPROVING
a woman who enjoys showing people how rich and kind she is by giving things to
poor people
ladle noun [ C ]
for serving soup
a soup ladle
ˈ lad ˌ mag noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a magazine for men
lady noun
1. [ C ] a polite or old fashioned way of referring to or talking to a woman
There's a young lady here to see you.
Mind your language - there are ladies present!
Say "thank you" to the lady, children.
OLD-FASHIONED Is the lady of the house (= the most important or only woman
who lives in the house) at home?
2. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED a woman who behaves in a way that is traditionally
considered to be suitable for a woman
Of course I remember Mrs Connor - she was a real lady.
3. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED sometimes used before the name of a job done by a woman
a lady doctor
4. [ as form of address ] US used to talk to a woman in a way that is not polite
and is considered offensive by many women
Hey, lady, what's the rush?
5. ladies UK ( US ladies' room )
[ S + singular or plural verb ] a women's toilet in a public place or building such
as a hotel or restaurant
I'm just going to the ladies.
Is there a ladies on this floor?
6. ladies and gentlemen
used to talk to the members of the audience when you are making a speech
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Theatre Royal.
Lady noun [ C ]
a title given in Britain to a woman or girl who has the social rank of a peer , or to
the wife of a peer or knight
Lady Diana Spencer
Sir Charles and Lady Finlater
Compare Lord
ladybird noun [ C ] UK ( US ladybug )
a small red beetle which is round and has black spots
ˌ Lady ˈ Bountiful noun [ S ] DISAPPROVING
a woman who enjoys showing people how rich and kind she is by giving things to
poor people
lady-in-waiting noun [ C ]
a woman whose job is to help a queen or other woman of high social position
lady-killer noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a sexually attractive man who has sexual relationships with many women
ladylike adjective OLD-FASHIONED
graceful , controlled and behaving in a way that is socially acceptable for a woman
Well, it might not be ladylike but I'm going to pull my skirt up to get over this
fence.
ˌ Lady ˈ Muck noun [ S ] UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a woman who thinks she is very important and should be treated better than
everyone else
Look at Lady Muck over there, expecting everyone to wait on her!
ladyship noun FORMAL
her/your ladyship
a respectful way of referring to or talking to a woman or girl who has the rank of a
peer or knight without using her title
We are honoured to welcome your ladyship (= you) here tonight.
Compare lordship
lag verb MOVE SLOWLY
1. [ I ] to move or make progress so slowly that you are behind other people or
things
He's lagging behind a bit - I think we'd better wait for him to catch us up.
Sales are lagging at the moment.
lag verb COVER
2. [ T ] to cover something with a thick layer of material in order to stop heat
from escaping or to stop water from freezing
to lag pipes
lag verb PRISON
3. [ T ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL to send someone to prison or to arrest someone
lag noun [ C ] DELAY
1. a delay between two things happening
You have to allow for a time lag between order and delivery.
lag noun [ C ] PRISONER
2. UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a prisoner or a person who has often been a prisoner
in the past
an old lag
lag verb MOVE SLOWLY
1. [ I ] to move or make progress so slowly that you are behind other people or
things
He's lagging behind a bit - I think we'd better wait for him to catch us up.
Sales are lagging at the moment.
lag verb COVER
2. [ T ] to cover something with a thick layer of material in order to stop heat
from escaping or to stop water from freezing
to lag pipes
lag verb PRISON
3. [ T ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL to send someone to prison or to arrest someone
lag noun [ C ] DELAY
1. a delay between two things happening
You have to allow for a time lag between order and delivery.
lag noun [ C ] PRISONER
2. UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a prisoner or a person who has often been a prisoner
in the past
an old lag
lager noun [ C or U ]
a type of beer which is pale in colour and usually contains a lot of bubbles
Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps, please.
ˈ lager ˌ lout noun [ C usually plural ] UK INFORMAL
a young man whose behaviour is noisy, offensive and often violent after drinking
too much alcohol
laggard noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
someone or something that is very slow
lagging noun [ U ]
a thick layer of material used to cover pipes, water tanks (= large containers) and
other surfaces in order to stop heat from escaping or water from freezing
lagoon noun [ C ]
an area of sea water separated from the sea by a reef (= a line of rocks and sand)
a tropical lagoon
lah-di-dah adjective
la-di-da
laid verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF lay
be laid up
to be forced to stay in bed because of an illness or accident
She's been laid up in bed with flu for a week.
laid-back adjective INFORMAL
relaxed in manner and character; not usually worried about other people's
behaviour or things that need to be done
I've never seen her worried or anxious in any way - she's so laid-back.
lain verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF lie (POSITION)
lain verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF lie (POSITION)
lair noun [ C usually singular ]
a place where a wild animal lives, often underground and hidden, or a place
where a person hides
a fox's lair
the thieves' lair
laird noun [ C ]
a Scottish man who owns a large area of land
lairy adjective UK SLANG
behaving in a loud, excited manner, especially when you are enjoying yourself or
drinking alcohol
The bar was full of lairy, pint-swilling lads in football shirts.
laissez-faire noun [ U ] ( ALSO laisser-faire )
1. unwillingness to get involved in or influence other people's activities
The problems began long before he became headteacher, but they worsened with
his laissez-faire approach/attitude .
2. If a government is laissez-faire, it does not have many laws and rules which
control the buying and selling of goods and services.
the laity noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
all the people who are involved with a church but who are not priests
lake noun [ C ]
1. a large area of water surrounded by land and not connected to the sea except
by rivers or streams
We used to go boating on that lake.
Lake Windermere
2. milk/oil/wine, etc. lake
DISAPPROVING when too much of a liquid product is produced, making it necessary
to store it or waste it
Overproduction caused butter mountains and wine lakes.
lakeside noun [ S ]
the area at the edge of a lake
a walk by the lakeside
a lakeside chalet
lakh , number
an Indian English word for one hundred thousand
The total cost of the project is around Rs 50 lakh.
lakh , number
an Indian English word for one hundred thousand
The total cost of the project is around Rs 50 lakh.
la-la land noun INFORMAL
be/live in la-la land
to not be realistic but to think that things which are completely impossible might
happen
lam noun US
on the lam
to be escaping, especially from the police
The robbers were on the lam for several days before they were caught.
lama noun [ C ]
a title given to a Tibetan Buddhist spiritual teacher
See also the Dalai Lama
Lamaism noun [ U ]
Tibetan Buddhism
lamb noun [ C or U ]
a young sheep, or the flesh of a young sheep eaten as meat
lambs gambolling about in the fields
lamb chops
roast lamb
See also mutton
Lamb of God
in the Christian religion, a name for Christ
like a lamb to the slaughter
If a person does something or goes somewhere like a lamb to the slaughter, they
do it without knowing that something bad is going to happen and therefore act calmly
and without fighting against the situation.
lamb verb [ I ]
When sheep lamb, they give birth to lambs.
lambada noun [ C ]
a dance, originally from Brazil, in which two people hold each other closely and
move their hips at the same time
lambaste , lambast verb [ T ]
to criticize someone or something severely
His first novel was well and truly lambasted by the critics.
lambent adjective LITERARY
1. shining gently
a lambent glow
2. lambent wit
the ability to use words in a clever and humorous way without being unkind
ˈ lambing ˌ season noun [ C usually singular ]
the time in the year when sheep give birth to lambs
lambskin noun [ U ]
leather made from the skin of a lamb with the wool still joined to it
lambswool noun [ U ]
the soft wool from a young sheep, used especially to make clothes
a lambswool sweater
lame adjective UNABLE TO WALK
1. (especially of animals) not able to walk correctly because of physical injury to
or weakness in the legs or feet
lame adjective NOT SATISFACTORY
2. (especially of an excuse or argument) weak and unsatisfactory
a lame excuse
lamely adverb
lameness noun [ U ]
lamé noun [ U ]
a type of cloth with threads of gold or silver in it
gold/silver lamé
ˌ lame ˈ duck noun [ C ] UNSUCCESSFUL
1. an unsuccessful person or thing
ˌ lame ˈ duck noun [ C ] AMERICAN POLITICS
2. US in American politics, an elected official whose power is reduced because the
person who will replace them has already been elected
lambent adjective LITERARY
1. shining gently
a lambent glow
2. lambent wit
the ability to use words in a clever and humorous way without being unkind
ˈ lambing ˌ season noun [ C usually singular ]
the time in the year when sheep give birth to lambs
lambskin noun [ U ]
leather made from the skin of a lamb with the wool still joined to it
lambswool noun [ U ]
the soft wool from a young sheep, used especially to make clothes
a lambswool sweater
lame adjective UNABLE TO WALK
1. (especially of animals) not able to walk correctly because of physical injury to
or weakness in the legs or feet
lame adjective NOT SATISFACTORY
2. (especially of an excuse or argument) weak and unsatisfactory
a lame excuse
lamely adverb
lameness noun [ U ]
lamé noun [ U ]
a type of cloth with threads of gold or silver in it
gold/silver lamé
ˌ lame ˈ duck noun [ C ] UNSUCCESSFUL
1. an unsuccessful person or thing
ˌ lame ˈ duck noun [ C ] AMERICAN POLITICS
2. US in American politics, an elected official whose power is reduced because the
person who will replace them has already been elected
lament verb [ I or T ]
to express sadness and feeling sorry about something
The poem opens by lamenting (over) the death of a young man.
My grandmother, as usual, lamented the decline in moral standards in today's
society.
The late lamented (= dead and remembered with love) Frank Giotto used to live
here.
lament noun [ C ] FORMAL
a song, poem or other piece of writing which expresses sadness about someone's
death
The whole play can be interpreted as a lament for lost youth.
lament verb [ I or T ]
to express sadness and feeling sorry about something
The poem opens by lamenting (over) the death of a young man.
My grandmother, as usual, lamented the decline in moral standards in today's
society.
The late lamented (= dead and remembered with love) Frank Giotto used to live
here.
lament noun [ C ] FORMAL
a song, poem or other piece of writing which expresses sadness about someone's
death
The whole play can be interpreted as a lament for lost youth.
lamentable , adjective FORMAL
deserving severe criticism; very bad
the lamentable state of the economy
lamentably adverb
The government, says the report, have carried out lamentably few of their
promises.
lamentation noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
sadness and feeling sorry, or something that expresses these feelings
For all the lamentations that schools do not teach the game, it is still played in
some areas.
laminate noun [ C or U ]
any material which is made by sticking several layers of the same material
together
a laminate finish
laminated adjective
consisting of several thin layers of wood, plastic, glass, etc. stuck together, or (of
surfaces) covered with a thin protective layer of plastic
The recipe cards are laminated so they can be wiped clean.
lamington noun [ C or U ] AUSTRALIAN
a cake covered with a chocolate layer and coconut
lamp noun [ C ]
1. a device for giving light, especially one that has a covering or is contained
within something
an electric/oil/gas lamp
a street lamp
a table/bedside lamp
See also sunlamp
2. any of various devices that produce particular types of light
an infrared lamp
lamplight noun [ U ] LITERARY
light from a lamp, especially light which is not very bright and only shines over a
small area
She studied the pale skin of his face in the dim lamplight.
small area
lampoon noun [ C ]
a piece of writing, a drawing, etc. which criticizes in a humorous way a famous
person or a public organization, allowing their bad qualities to be seen and making them
seem stupid
The magazine is famed for its merciless political lampoons.
lampoon verb [ T ]
lamppost noun [ C ]
a tall post which holds a light at the side of roads and in other public places
lamprey noun [ C ]
a long snake-like fish which uses its sucking mouth to feed off the blood of other
animals
lampshade noun [ C ]
a decorative covering around an electric light which reduces its brightness or
controls where it shines
lampstand noun [ C ]
a heavy, often decorative, base for an electric light which stands on a table or the
floor
LAN noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR local area network: a system for connecting the computers of
people who work in the same building
Compare WAN
lance noun [ C ]
a long thin pole with a sharp point which soldiers used in the past as a weapon
when riding horses
lance verb [ T ]
to cut the skin with a sharp tool in order to release infected matter that has
collected under it
She had a boil lanced at the doctor's this morning.
ˌ lance ˈ corporal noun [ C ]
a soldier who has the second lowest rank in the British, Australian or other army
small area
lampoon noun [ C ]
seem stupid
lampoon verb [ T ]
lamppost noun [ C ]
lamprey noun [ C ]
animals
floor
LAN noun [ C ]
Compare WAN
lance noun [ C ]
when riding horses
lance verb [ T ]
collected under it
lancer noun [ C ]
a soldier who belongs to the part of an army that used lances in the past
the Queen's Royal Lancers
lancet noun [ C ]
a small knife with two cutting edges and a sharp point that a doctor uses when
cutting the skin
land noun DRY SURFACE
1. [ U ] the surface of the Earth that is not covered by water
It is cheaper to drill for oil on land than at sea.
The treaty has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of land -based missiles
in Europe.
The military commanders won't deploy their land forces until they're satisfied
that the air attacks have done their job.
2. [ U ] an area of ground, especially when used for a particular purpose such as
farming or building
This sort of land is no good for growing potatoes.
I always prosecute people who trespass on my land.
We want to buy a plot of land to build a house.
3. the land
farms, farming and the countryside
Most of the families lived off the land (= grew their own food etc.) .
My parents worked (on) the land.
land noun COUNTRY
4. [ C ] LITERARY a country
a land of ice and snow
The group want to promote their ideas in schools throughout the land.
See also fatherland ; homeland ; motherland
be in the land of nod OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to be sleeping
Jamie's in the land of nod at last.
be in the land of the living HUMOROUS
to be awake or to be alive
She was partying till the early hours, so I don't imagine she'll be in the land of the
living before lunchtime.
find out/see how the land lies
to wait until you have all the available information about a situation before you
take any action
land of milk and honey
a country where living conditions are good and people have the opportunity to
make a lot of money
Many Mexicans regard the United States as a land of milk and honey.
the land of the midnight sun
the part of Norway, Sweden and Finland inside the Arctic Circle where the sun is
in the sky very late at night in the summer
the Land of the Rising Sun
Japan
land verb ARRIVE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) arrive at a place after moving down through the air
We should land in Madrid at 7am.
You can land a plane on water in an emergency.
FIGURATIVE The report first landed on my desk this morning.
2. [ I ] to arrive in a boat
We landed at Port Said in the early evening.
land verb UNLOAD
3. [ T ] to unload people or things from a ship or aircraft onto the ground
The general's plan involved landing troops behind enemy lines.
land verb CATCH
4. [ T ] to catch a fish with a hook (= curved piece of wire) or net and remove it
from the water
He landed a huge salmon.
land verb ACHIEVE
5. [ T ] to get or achieve something good, especially in a way which seems easy
or unexpected
He's just landed a senior editorial job.
land on your feet
to return to a good situation after experiencing problems, especially because of
good luck rather than skill or hard work
She's really landed on her feet with this new job.
land sb in sth phrasal verb
to cause someone to be in a difficult situation
Revealing confidential information to a rival company could land you in serious
trouble with your boss.
The demonstration outside the embassy landed some of the protesters in jail
overnight.
He landed himself in deep/hot water (= in a very difficult or unpleasant
situation) by lying to the tax office about his earnings.
land up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to finally be in a particular place, state or situation, especially without having
planned it
When we accepted that lift in Paris, we never expected to land up in Athens.
He'll land up in hospital if he carries on drinking like that.
land sb with sth phrasal verb
If someone or something lands you with something, they cause problems for you
I hope you don't mind me landing you with the children at such short notice.
Alan's gone off on holiday and I've been landed with the job of sorting out his
mistakes.
landbanking noun [ U ]
a way of making a profit, by buying fields and selling them at a much higher price
to people who hope they can build houses on them in the future
landbanker noun [ C ]
small area
lampoon noun [ C ]
seem stupid
lampoon verb [ T ]
lamppost noun [ C ]
lamprey noun [ C ]
animals
floor
LAN noun [ C ]
Compare WAN
lance noun [ C ]
when riding horses
lance verb [ T ]
collected under it
lancer noun [ C ]
a soldier who belongs to the part of an army that used lances in the past
the Queen's Royal Lancers
lancet noun [ C ]
a small knife with two cutting edges and a sharp point that a doctor uses when
cutting the skin
land noun DRY SURFACE
1. [ U ] the surface of the Earth that is not covered by water
It is cheaper to drill for oil on land than at sea.
The treaty has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of land -based missiles
in Europe.
The military commanders won't deploy their land forces until they're satisfied
that the air attacks have done their job.
2. [ U ] an area of ground, especially when used for a particular purpose such as
farming or building
This sort of land is no good for growing potatoes.
I always prosecute people who trespass on my land.
We want to buy a plot of land to build a house.
3. the land
farms, farming and the countryside
Most of the families lived off the land (= grew their own food etc.) .
My parents worked (on) the land.
land noun COUNTRY
4. [ C ] LITERARY a country
a land of ice and snow
The group want to promote their ideas in schools throughout the land.
See also fatherland ; homeland ; motherland
be in the land of nod OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to be sleeping
Jamie's in the land of nod at last.
be in the land of the living HUMOROUS
to be awake or to be alive
She was partying till the early hours, so I don't imagine she'll be in the land of the
living before lunchtime.
find out/see how the land lies
to wait until you have all the available information about a situation before you
take any action
land of milk and honey
a country where living conditions are good and people have the opportunity to
make a lot of money
Many Mexicans regard the United States as a land of milk and honey.
the land of the midnight sun
the part of Norway, Sweden and Finland inside the Arctic Circle where the sun is
in the sky very late at night in the summer
the Land of the Rising Sun
Japan
land verb ARRIVE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) arrive at a place after moving down through the air
We should land in Madrid at 7am.
You can land a plane on water in an emergency.
FIGURATIVE The report first landed on my desk this morning.
2. [ I ] to arrive in a boat
We landed at Port Said in the early evening.
land verb UNLOAD
3. [ T ] to unload people or things from a ship or aircraft onto the ground
The general's plan involved landing troops behind enemy lines.
land verb CATCH
4. [ T ] to catch a fish with a hook (= curved piece of wire) or net and remove it
from the water
He landed a huge salmon.
land verb ACHIEVE
5. [ T ] to get or achieve something good, especially in a way which seems easy
or unexpected
He's just landed a senior editorial job.
land on your feet
to return to a good situation after experiencing problems, especially because of
good luck rather than skill or hard work
She's really landed on her feet with this new job.
land sb in sth phrasal verb
to cause someone to be in a difficult situation
Revealing confidential information to a rival company could land you in serious
trouble with your boss.
The demonstration outside the embassy landed some of the protesters in jail
overnight.
He landed himself in deep/hot water (= in a very difficult or unpleasant
situation) by lying to the tax office about his earnings.
land up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to finally be in a particular place, state or situation, especially without having
planned it
When we accepted that lift in Paris, we never expected to land up in Athens.
He'll land up in hospital if he carries on drinking like that.
land sb with sth phrasal verb
If someone or something lands you with something, they cause problems for you
I hope you don't mind me landing you with the children at such short notice.
Alan's gone off on holiday and I've been landed with the job of sorting out his
mistakes.
landbanking noun [ U ]
a way of making a profit, by buying fields and selling them at a much higher price
to people who hope they can build houses on them in the future
landbanker noun [ C ]
landed adjective [ before noun ]
describes people whose families have owned a lot of land for many generations (=
family age groups)
the landed gentry
landfall noun [ C or U ]
(an arrival on) the first land that is reached or seen at the end of a journey across
the sea or through the air
Shannon Airport in Ireland was the first European landfall for airplanes flying from
North America.
landfill noun [ C or U ]
getting rid of large amounts of rubbish by burying it, or a place where rubbish is
buried
Ninety per cent of American rubbish is dumped in landfill sites .
landholding noun [ C ]
an area of land that someone owns or rents
landholder noun [ C ]
landing noun [ C ] PLANE
1. an arrival on the ground of an aircraft or boat
One person has died after the pilot of a light aircraft was forced to make a
crash/emergency landing in a field.
landing noun [ C ] FLOOR
2. an area of floor joining two sets of stairs, or an area of floor or a passage at the
top of a set of stairs which leads to bedrooms and other rooms
landing noun [ C ] PLANE
1. an arrival on the ground of an aircraft or boat
One person has died after the pilot of a light aircraft was forced to make a
crash/emergency landing in a field.
landing noun [ C ] FLOOR
2. an area of floor joining two sets of stairs, or an area of floor or a passage at the
top of a set of stairs which leads to bedrooms and other rooms
ˈ landing ˌ craft noun [ C ]
a small boat with a flat bottom that opens at one end and is used to take soldiers
and their equipment from a ship onto land that is controlled by enemy forces
ˈ landing ˌ gear noun [ U ] ( UK ALSO undercarriage )
the set of wheels and other parts which support a plane when it is on the ground
and make it possible to take off and land
See picture planes
ˈ landing ˌ stage noun [ C ]
a flat structure, often wooden and floating, that acts as a bridge with the land
when taking goods on or off boats or ships
ˈ landing ˌ strip noun [ C ]
a long flat area of ground that is used by aircraft with wings when taking off and
landing
landlady noun [ C ] OWNER
1. a woman who is paid rent by people for the use of a room, building, or piece of
land which she owns
landlady noun [ C ] BAR MANAGER
2. a woman who is in charge of a pub or bar
landless adjective
describes people who do not have any land for farming or who are prevented from
owning the land that they farm by the economic system or by rich people who own a lot
of land
landless labourers/peasants
landline noun [ C ]
1. a cable (= set of wires) that carries telephone signals under the ground
2. a telephone that is not a mobile phone
landlocked adjective
surrounded by the land of other countries and having no sea coast
landlocked adjective
surrounded by the land of other countries and having no sea coast
landlord noun [ C ] OWNER
1. a person or organization that owns a building or an area of land and is paid by
other people for the use of it
The landlord had promised to redecorate the bedrooms before we moved in.
Housing associations are the biggest landlords in this area.
landlord noun [ C ] BAR MANAGER
2. UK ( MAINLY AUSTRALIAN publican ) a man who is in charge of a pub or bar
landlubber noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a person who has little knowledge or experience of ships and travelling by sea
landmark noun [ C ] OBJECT
1. a building or place that is easily recognized, especially one which you can use
to judge where you are
The Rock of Gibraltar is one of Europe's most famous landmarks.
landmark noun [ C ] STAGE
2. an important stage in something's development
The invention of the silicon chip was a landmark in the history of the computer.
In a landmark case/decision , the Governor pardoned a woman convicted of
killing her husband, who had physically abused her.
landmarked building noun [ C ]
US FOR listed building
landmass noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a large area of land that is in one piece and not broken up by seas
landmine noun [ C ] ( ALSO mine )
a bomb which is put on or under the ground and explodes when a person steps on
it or a vehicle drives over it
landowner noun [ C ]
someone who owns land, often a lot of land
landowning adjective [ before noun ]
She was born into a wealthy landowning family .
Land Rover noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a strong, powerful vehicle designed for travelling over rough or steep ground and
used especially by people who work in the countryside
landscape noun
1. [ C ] a large area of countryside, especially in relation to its appearance
a rural/barren landscape
The landscape is dotted with the tents of campers and hikers.
The cathedral dominates the landscape for miles around.
2. [ C or U ] a view or picture of the countryside, or the art of making such
pictures
a watercolour landscape.
J.M.W. Turner is one of Britain's best-known landscape painters .
landscape verb [ T ]
to change the appearance of an area of land, especially next to a building or road
so that it looks more like natural countryside
landscape adjective
describes a computer document which is to be printed with the longer side of the
paper at the top and bottom
Compare portrait
ˌ landscape ˈ gardening noun [ U ]
the art of making gardens, parks and areas around buildings look more natural
and attractive
landscape gardener noun [ C ] ( US ALSO landscaper )
someone whose job is doing this
landslide noun [ C ] FALLING EARTH
1. ( ALSO landslip ) a mass of rock and earth moving suddenly and quickly down a
steep slope
landslide noun [ C ] VICTORY
2. the winning of an election with an extremely large number of votes
The opinion polls are predicting a Liberal landslide in next week's election.
a landslide victory
ˈ land ˌ tenure noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the rules and arrangements connected with the ownership of land, especially land
that is used for farming
landscape noun
pictures
landscape adjective
Compare portrait
and attractive
steep slope
a landslide victory
lane noun [ C ] ROAD
1. a narrow road in the countryside or in a town
He drives so fast along those narrow country lanes.
I live at the end of Church Lane.
lane noun [ C ] STRIP
2. a special strip of a road, sports track or swimming pool that is used to keep
vehicles or competitors separate
a bus/cycle lane
The northbound lane is closed because of an accident.
I find driving in the fast lane rather stressful.
The British runners/swimmers are in lanes 4 and 6.
3. a route through the sea or the air which ships or aircraft regularly sail or fly
along
The English Channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world.
language noun [ C or U ]
a system of communication consisting of sounds, words and grammar, or the
system of communication used by the people of a particular country or profession
She does research into how children acquire language.
Do you speak any foreign languages?"
I'm hopeless at learning languages.
the English language
legal/technical language
the language of business
Java and Perl are both important computer programming languages (= systems of
writing instructions for computers) .
speak/talk the same language
to have similar ideas and similar ways of expressing them
We come from similar backgrounds, so we speak the same language.
ˈ language la ˌ boratory noun [ C ] ( ALSO language lab )
a room in a school or college in which students can use equipment to help them
practise listening to and speaking a foreign language
landscape noun
pictures
landscape adjective
Compare portrait
and attractive
steep slope
a landslide victory
lane noun [ C ] ROAD
1. a narrow road in the countryside or in a town
He drives so fast along those narrow country lanes.
I live at the end of Church Lane.
lane noun [ C ] STRIP
2. a special strip of a road, sports track or swimming pool that is used to keep
vehicles or competitors separate
a bus/cycle lane
The northbound lane is closed because of an accident.
I find driving in the fast lane rather stressful.
The British runners/swimmers are in lanes 4 and 6.
3. a route through the sea or the air which ships or aircraft regularly sail or fly
along
The English Channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world.
language noun [ C or U ]
a system of communication consisting of sounds, words and grammar, or the
system of communication used by the people of a particular country or profession
She does research into how children acquire language.
Do you speak any foreign languages?"
I'm hopeless at learning languages.
the English language
legal/technical language
the language of business
Java and Perl are both important computer programming languages (= systems of
writing instructions for computers) .
speak/talk the same language
to have similar ideas and similar ways of expressing them
We come from similar backgrounds, so we speak the same language.
ˈ language la ˌ boratory noun [ C ] ( ALSO language lab )
a room in a school or college in which students can use equipment to help them
practise listening to and speaking a foreign language
languid adjective LITERARY
moving or speaking slowly with little energy, often in an attractive way
a languid manner/voice
languidly adverb
languish verb [ I ]
to exist in an unpleasant or unwanted situation, often for a long time
After languishing in obscurity for many years, her early novels have recently
been rediscovered.
He has been languishing in jail for the past twenty years.
The ruling party is languishing in third place in the opinion polls.
languor noun [ U ] LITERARY
pleasant mental or physical tiredness or lack of activity
She missed Spain and the languor of a siesta on a hot summer afternoon.
languorous adjective
languorously adverb
la Niña noun [ S ]
the cooling of the water in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean that happens
every few years and that affects the weather in many places
la Niña noun [ S ]
the cooling of the water in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean that happens
every few years and that affects the weather in many places
lank adjective
Lank hair is not attractive because it is completely straight and thin
His hair was lank and greasy and looked like it hadn't been washed for a month.
lankly adverb
lankness noun [ U ]
lanky adjective
tall and thin and often moving awkwardly as a result
I was your typical lanky teenager.
lanolin noun [ U ] ( ALSO lanoline )
a substance containing a lot of fat that is obtained from wool and used in skin
creams to soften the skin
lantern noun [ C ]
a light inside a container which has a handle for holding it or hanging it up, or the
container itself
lanthanide noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
any chemical element in the group that have the atomic numbers 57 to 71 in the
periodic table
lanyard noun [ C ]
1. a string worn around the neck on which a whistle, key, knife, etc. is hung
2. a string which is used for fastening ropes on a ship
Laos noun [ U ]
Laotian noun [ C ] , adjective
lap noun LEGS
1. [ C usually singular ] the top surface of the upper part of the legs of a person
who is sitting down
Come and sit on my lap and I'll read you a story.
lap noun RACING
2. [ C ] a complete journey around a race track that is repeated several times
during a competition
He recorded the fastest lap in last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.
After a strong start, she was passed by several runners in/on the final/last lap
and finished ninth.
3. lap of honour UK ( US victory lap )
a journey around a track or sports field that is made by a winner of a race or a
team that has won a game
in the lap of luxury
living in very comfortable conditions because you have a lot of money
in the lap of the gods UK
describes a situation that cannot be controlled and which depends only on good
luck
The doctors have done everything possible for him, so his recovery now is in the
lap of the gods.
lap verb RACING
1. [ T ] to go past someone in a race who has been round the track one less time
than you
He finished last after being lapped twice by the leading runners.
2. [ I ] to make one complete journey around a track
lap verb DRINK
3. [ T ] (of an animal) to drink a liquid by taking it in small amounts into the
mouth with a lot of short quick movements of the tongue
lap verb HIT GENTLY
4. [ I or T ] (of waves) to hit something gently, producing quiet sounds
The water lapped against the side of the pool.
The waves gently lapped the shore.
lap sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to enjoy something very much
We walked around the city, lapping up the atmosphere.
Everyone clapped and cheered and you could see he was lapping it up.
lap noun LEGS
1. [ C usually singular ] the top surface of the upper part of the legs of a person
who is sitting down
Come and sit on my lap and I'll read you a story.
lap noun RACING
2. [ C ] a complete journey around a race track that is repeated several times
during a competition
He recorded the fastest lap in last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.
After a strong start, she was passed by several runners in/on the final/last lap
and finished ninth.
3. lap of honour UK ( US victory lap )
a journey around a track or sports field that is made by a winner of a race or a
team that has won a game
in the lap of luxury
living in very comfortable conditions because you have a lot of money
in the lap of the gods UK
describes a situation that cannot be controlled and which depends only on good
luck
The doctors have done everything possible for him, so his recovery now is in the
lap of the gods.
lap verb RACING
1. [ T ] to go past someone in a race who has been round the track one less time
than you
He finished last after being lapped twice by the leading runners.
2. [ I ] to make one complete journey around a track
lap verb DRINK
3. [ T ] (of an animal) to drink a liquid by taking it in small amounts into the
mouth with a lot of short quick movements of the tongue
lap verb HIT GENTLY
4. [ I or T ] (of waves) to hit something gently, producing quiet sounds
The water lapped against the side of the pool.
The waves gently lapped the shore.
lap sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to enjoy something very much
We walked around the city, lapping up the atmosphere.
Everyone clapped and cheered and you could see he was lapping it up.
ˈ lap ˌ dancing noun [ U ]
an activity in a bar or nightclub in which a woman who is not wearing many
clothes dances very close to a customer in exchange for money
lapdog noun [ C ] DOG
1. a small pet dog that is given a lot of attention by its owner
lapdog noun [ C ] PERSON
2. DISAPPROVING someone who is willing to do anything that a more important
person tells them to do
Opposition parties accuse the newspaper's editor of being a government lapdog.
lapel noun [ C ]
a strip of cloth which is part of the front of a jacket or coat. It is joined to the
collar and folded back onto the chest
A flower was pinned to/in her lapel.
See picture clothes 6 (parts of)
lapse noun FAILURE
1. [ C ] a temporary failure
a lapse of concentration
The management's decision to ignore the safety warnings demonstrated a
remarkable lapse of judgment.
a memory lapse
lapse noun PERIOD
2. [ C usually singular ] a period of time passing between two things happening
a time lapse/a lapse of time
He turned up again after a lapse of two years.
lapse verb [ I ]
to end legally or officially by not being continued or made effective for a longer
period
The association needs to win back former members who have allowed their
subscriptions to lapse.
lapse into sth phrasal verb LESS ACTIVE
1. to start speaking or behaving in a less active or acceptable way
No one could think of anything more to say, and the meeting lapsed into silence .
lapse into sth phrasal verb WORSE
2. to gradually get into a worse state or condition
He lapsed into a coma and died four days later.
lapsed adjective [ before noun ]
1. no longer involved in an activity or organization
a lapsed Catholic
2. no longer being continued or paid
a lapsed subscription
lapsed adjective [ before noun ]
1. no longer involved in an activity or organization
a lapsed Catholic
2. no longer being continued or paid
a lapsed subscription
laptop (computer) noun [ C ]
laptop (computer)
a computer which is small enough to be carried around easily and is designed for
use outside an office
A laptop would be really useful for when I'm working on the train.
lapwing noun [ C ] ( ALSO peewit )
a small dark bird with a white chest and raised feathers on its head
larceny noun [ C or U ] LEGAL
stealing, especially (in the US) the crime of taking something that does not belong
to you, without getting illegally into a building to do so
larcenous adjective US LEGAL
larch noun [ C ]
a tall tree which grows in cold northern countries and loses its leaves that are
shaped like needles in winter
lard noun [ U ]
a white substance made from pig fat and used in cooking
lard verb
lard sth with sth phrasal verb
If speech or a piece of writing is larded with a particular type of language, it has a
lot of that type of language
Her speech was larded with literary quotations.
larder noun [ C ]
a cupboard or small room used, especially in the past, for storing food in a
person's home
a well-stocked (= full of food) larder
large adjective
big in size or amount
a large house
the world's largest computer manufacturer
We need a larger car.
We didn't expect such a large number of people to attend the concert.
We've made good progress, but there's still a large amount of work to be done.
There was a larger-than-expected fall in unemployment last month.
Researchers have just completed the largest-ever survey of criminal behaviour in
the UK.
The population faces starvation this winter without large-scale emergency food
aid.
by and large
when everything about a situation is considered together
There are a few small things that I don't like about my job, but by and large it's
very enjoyable.
(as) large as life
used as a way of describing a person you see, and are surprised to see, in a
particular place
I looked up from my newspaper and there he was, as large as life, Tim Trotter!
larger than life
If someone is larger than life, they attract a lot of attention because they are
more exciting or interesting than most people
Most characters in his films are somewhat larger than life.
large noun
at large
generally
This group is not representative of the population at large.
be at large
If someone dangerous is at large, they are free when they should not be
Twelve prisoners are at large following a series of escapes.
large verb
larging it
INFORMAL enjoying yourself very much by spending a lot of money, often in a way
that attracts attention
We were larging it at a club last night.
large adjective
big in size or amount
a large house
the world's largest computer manufacturer
We need a larger car.
We didn't expect such a large number of people to attend the concert.
We've made good progress, but there's still a large amount of work to be done.
There was a larger-than-expected fall in unemployment last month.
Researchers have just completed the largest-ever survey of criminal behaviour in
the UK.
The population faces starvation this winter without large-scale emergency food
aid.
by and large
when everything about a situation is considered together
There are a few small things that I don't like about my job, but by and large it's
very enjoyable.
(as) large as life
used as a way of describing a person you see, and are surprised to see, in a
particular place
I looked up from my newspaper and there he was, as large as life, Tim Trotter!
larger than life
If someone is larger than life, they attract a lot of attention because they are
more exciting or interesting than most people
Most characters in his films are somewhat larger than life.
large noun
at large
generally
This group is not representative of the population at large.
be at large
If someone dangerous is at large, they are free when they should not be
Twelve prisoners are at large following a series of escapes.
large verb
larging it
INFORMAL enjoying yourself very much by spending a lot of money, often in a way
that attracts attention
We were larging it at a club last night.
ˌ large in ˈ testine noun [ C usually singular ] SPECIALIZED
the lower part of the bowels in which water is removed from digested food before
it is passed out of the body as solid waste
largely adverb
almost completely
a largely male company
Their complaints have been largely ignored.
Until recently the civil war had been largely unreported in the press.
largesse , largess noun [ U ] FORMAL
willingness to give money, or money given to poor people by rich people
The national theatre will be the main beneficiary of the millionaire's largesse.
largish adjective
quite large, although not very large
Their new house is largish, but it's not as big as their old one.
lark noun [ C ] BIRD
1. ( ALSO skylark ) a small brown bird which is known for its beautiful singing
lark noun [ C ] ACTIVITY
2. INFORMAL an activity done for a joke, which is slightly bad but is not intended to
cause serious harm or damage
The kids hid their teacher's bike for a lark.
3. this ... lark INFORMAL
a way of referring to an activity or a situation that you are not enjoying
I don't really think I'm suited to this marriage lark.
I've had enough of this commuting lark.
be up with the lark MAINLY UK
to get out of bed very early in the morning
Bugger/Sod, etc. this for a lark! UK OFFENSIVE
used to show that you are extremely annoyed or bored with an activity and that
you will not continue doing it
I'd been waiting for him for an hour and I thought, sod this for a lark - I'm going
home!
lark verb
lark about/around phrasal verb INFORMAL
to behave in a silly or playful way
I was woken up by a couple of drunks larking around with a dustbin in the street.
We were just larking about - we didn't mean to do any damage.
larva noun [ C ]
a form of an insect or an animal such as a frog that has left its egg but is not yet
completely developed
larval adjective
larva noun [ C ]
a form of an insect or an animal such as a frog that has left its egg but is not yet
completely developed
larval adjective
laryngitis noun [ U ]
a painful swelling of the larynx that is usually caused by an infection
larynx noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL voice box ) SPECIALIZED
a muscular hollow organ between the nose and the lungs which contains the
tissue that moves very quickly to create the human voice and many animal sounds
lasagne , US USUALLY lasagna noun [ U ]
thin wide sheets of pasta, or savoury food consisting of layers of this combined
with cheese and meat or vegetables
lascivious adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
expressing a strong desire for sexual activity
a lascivious smile
lasciviously adverb
lasciviousness noun [ U ]
laser noun [ C ]
(a device which produces) a powerful narrow beam of light that can be used as a
tool to cut metal, to perform medical operations, or to create patterns of light for
entertainment
laser beam
laser surgery
ˈ laser ˌ disc noun [ C ]
a disc which stores information in a form that can be obtained using a laser
ˈ laser ˌ printer noun [ C ]
a computer printer that produces very clear text and pictures by means of a laser
beam
laser printing noun [ U ]
lash verb HIT
1. [ I or T ] to hit with a lot of force
The prisoners were regularly lashed with electric cable.
The sound of the rain lashing against the windows was deafening.
See also lash out
lash verb CRITICIZE
2. [ T ] to criticize someone severely
lash verb TIE
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to tie together tightly and firmly
I've lashed your case to the roof rack.
These poles will be easier to carry if we lash them together with a rope.
lash out (sth) phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
to spend a large amount of money in an unnecessary or wasteful way
He lashed out £5000 on his daughter's wedding.
lash out phrasal verb
to suddenly attack someone or something physically or criticise them in an angry
way
I was only teasing him and suddenly he lashed out ( at me) and hit me in the
face.
Why's Tina in such a bad mood? She really lashed out at me when I was late for
work.
lash noun HAIR
1. [ C usually plural ] an eyelash
lash noun HIT
2. [ C or S ] a thin strip of leather at the end of a whip, or a hit with this,
especially as a form of punishment
He received 30 lashes for the crime.
The punishment for disobedience was the lash.
See also whiplash
3. [ C ] a sudden violent movement of something that can bend
With a powerful lash of its tail, the fish jumped out of the net and back into the
river.
come/suffer under the lash
to be severely criticized
The sales team came under the lash for poor results.
lash verb HIT
1. [ I or T ] to hit with a lot of force
The prisoners were regularly lashed with electric cable.
The sound of the rain lashing against the windows was deafening.
See also lash out
lash verb CRITICIZE
2. [ T ] to criticize someone severely
lash verb TIE
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to tie together tightly and firmly
I've lashed your case to the roof rack.
These poles will be easier to carry if we lash them together with a rope.
lash out (sth) phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
to spend a large amount of money in an unnecessary or wasteful way
He lashed out £5000 on his daughter's wedding.
lash out phrasal verb
to suddenly attack someone or something physically or criticise them in an angry
way
I was only teasing him and suddenly he lashed out ( at me) and hit me in the
face.
Why's Tina in such a bad mood? She really lashed out at me when I was late for
work.
lash noun HAIR
1. [ C usually plural ] an eyelash
lash noun HIT
2. [ C or S ] a thin strip of leather at the end of a whip, or a hit with this,
especially as a form of punishment
He received 30 lashes for the crime.
The punishment for disobedience was the lash.
See also whiplash
3. [ C ] a sudden violent movement of something that can bend
With a powerful lash of its tail, the fish jumped out of the net and back into the
river.
come/suffer under the lash
to be severely criticized
The sales team came under the lash for poor results.
lashing noun [ C usually singular ] PUNISHMENT
1. when someone is hit with a whip as a punishment
FIGURATIVE He was given a tongue lashing (= criticized severely) after the game.
lashing noun [ C usually singular ] A LOT
2. lashings UK OLD-FASHIONED OR HUMOROUS
[ plural ] a lot of food or drink
scones with lashings of cream
lashings of ginger beer
lass noun [ C ] ( ALSO lassie ) MAINLY SCOTTISH AND NORTHERN ENGLISH
a girl or young woman
lassi noun [ C or U ]
a South Asian drink made from yogurt (= slightly sour liquid made from milk)
lassitude noun [ U ] FORMAL
physical or mental tiredness
Shareholders are blaming the company's problems on the lassitude of the
managing director.
lasso noun [ C ]
a rope which is shaped in a ring at one end, which can be tightened by pulling the
other end
Lassos are used particularly by cowboys to catch cattle and horses.
lasso verb [ T ]
to catch an animal by throwing the ring of a lasso over its head and then
tightening it around its neck
last adjective , adverb , pronoun , noun
1. (the person or thing) after everyone or everything else
[ + to infinitive ] I hate being the last one to arrive at a meeting.
Our house is the last one on the left before the traffic lights.
The Mets will surely finish the season in last place (= at the lowest rank of their
division) .
I know Johnson finished last in the race, but who was second to last (= the one
before the one at the end) ?
I don't know why he bothers to bet - his horses always come in last.
At the last moment (= as late as possible) he changed his mind.
He always leaves important decisions to the last (possible) moment (= as late as
possible) .
2. at (long) last
finally
I've finished my essay at last!
At long last the government is starting to listen to our problems.
3. the last person/thing, etc.
the least expected or wanted person or thing
Three extra people to feed - that's the last thing I need!
The last thing I wanted was to make you unhappy.
Matthew is the last person I'd expect to be interested in dance.
He's the last person I'd trust with my keys.
4. last thing (at night)
at the latest time in the day
I'll switch on the washing machine last thing so it'll be finished when I get up in
the morning.
5. the last time
If you say that it is the last time you will do something, you mean that you will
never do it again
He never even thanked me, so that's the last time I do him a favour.
have the last laugh
to finally get an advantage from an argument or disagreement, when it seemed
that you would not
last but not least
importantly, despite being mentioned after everyone else
I would like to thank my publisher, my editor and, last but not least, my husband.
the last but one ( US ALSO the next to last )
the one before the final one
I'm almost finished - this is the last but one box to empty.
to the last FORMAL
1. until something is complete or has been achieved
I think my position is right, and I'll defend it to the last.
2. until the end of someone's life
She was a true patriot to the last.
(down) to the last ...
including all of the thing mentioned: used to emphasize what you are saying
The model of the village is accurate down to the last detail.
He has calculated the costs down to the last penny.
to the last (man)
until every person is dead
Both sides have declared themselves ready to fight to the last man.
last adjective [ before noun ] , noun , pronoun , noun [ U ]
(being) the only one or part that is left
Do you mind if I have the last chocolate?
I'm down to my last 50p - could I borrow some money for lunch?
I'm afraid Martha's eaten the last of the ice cream.
She was the last of the great educational reformers.
as a last resort ( UK ALSO in the last resort )
if all other methods fail
British police are supposed to use guns only as a last resort.
hear/see the last of sth INFORMAL
If you hear/see the last of something or someone unpleasant or difficult, they do
not cause you trouble again
I paid them £100 for the damage and I hope that's the last I'll hear of it.
You haven't heard the last of this! - I'll see you in court.
He's horrible - I really hope we've seen the last of him.
not hear the end/last of sth
to be told repeatedly about something
We'll never hear the last of it if they win that competition.
on your last legs INFORMAL
A person who is on their last legs is very tired or near to death
We'd been out walking all day and I was on my last legs when we reached the
hotel.
It looks as though her grandfather's on his last legs.
on its last legs INFORMAL
Something that is on its last legs is in such bad condition that it will soon be
unable to work as it should
I've had the same TV for fifteen years now and it's really on its last legs.
last adjective , adverb , pronoun
(being) the most recent or the one before the present one
Did you hear the storm last night (= during the previous night) ?
Did you see the news on TV last night (= yesterday evening) ?
They got married last November.
When was the last time you had a cigarette?
When did you last have a cigarette?
She's been working there for the last month (= for the four weeks until now) .
FORMAL Could you account for your whereabouts on Sunday last?
The/These last five years have been very difficult for him.
The last we heard of her, she was working as an English teacher in France.
Each of her paintings has been better than the last.
the week/month/year before last
during the week/month/year before the previous one
We had lunch together the week before last.
last adjective
last verb [ I L only + noun ]
1. to continue to exist
The meeting lasted two hours.
The drought lasted for several months.
They say the snow will last until the end of next week.
I can't see the ceasefire lasting.
They haven't had an argument for two weeks, but it's too good to last (= they'll
have an argument soon) .
I doubt their enthusiasm will last.
He's working very efficiently at the moment, but it won't last.
2. to continue being good or suitable
There's no point buying something that isn't going to last.
The cheaper washing machines should last about five years.
This pen should last (you) a lifetime if you look after it.
Her previous secretary only lasted a month (= left after this period) .
not last long ( UK ALSO not last five minutes )
to fail or be unsuccessful very soon
You won't last long in your job if you carry on being so rude to the customers.
He wouldn't last five minutes in the police force - it's far too tough for him.
last out phrasal verb [ L ]
to manage to stay alive
How long can they last out without food?
He won't last out the night.
last-ditch adjective ( ALSO last-gasp )
last-ditch attempt/effort
an effort or attempt which is made at the end of a series of failures to solve a
problem, and is not expected to succeed
In a last-ditch attempt to save his party from electoral defeat, he resigned from
the leadership.
the leadership.
ˌ last hur ˈ rah noun [ C usually singular ] MAINLY US
1. Someone's last hurrah is their final effort after a long period of work
Petersen has said that this season will be his last hurrah as a player.
2. Someone or something's last hurrah is their last period of influence or power
This huge, unfinished building represents the last hurrah of the former regime.
lasting adjective
continuing to exist for a long time or forever
Few observers believe that the treaty will bring a lasting peace to the region.
Did any of your teachers make a lasting impression on you?
The tablets make you feel better for a while but the effect isn't (long-) lasting.
the ˌ last ˈ judgment noun [ S ]
Judgment Day
lastly adverb ( ALSO last )
used to show when something comes after all the other things in a list
In accepting this award, I would like to thank the producer, the director, the
scriptwriter and, lastly, the film crew.
the ˌ last ˈ minute noun [ S ]
the latest possible opportunity for doing something
They only told me at the last minute that they couldn't come.
Why do you always leave everything till the last minute?
last-minute adjective
a last-minute cancellation
ˈ last ˌ name noun [ C ] MAINLY US
your family name, that you use in formal situations or with people you do not
know well
ˌ last ˈ orders plural noun
in a British pub, the last drinks that customers are allowed to buy just before the
bar closes
Last orders, please!
the leadership.
lasting adjective
Judgment Day
know well
bar closes
the ˌ last ˈ post noun [ S ]
a tune that is played on a bugle at military funerals or when it is time for soldiers
to go to bed
the ˌ last ˈ rites plural noun
a religious ceremony performed by a priest for a person who is dying
the ˌ Last ˈ Supper noun [ S ]
the meal that Jesus Christ ate with his friends the night before he died
ˌ last will and ˈ testament noun [ S ]
your written instructions about what should happen to your body and the things
that you own after your death
ˌ last ˈ word noun [ S ]
the final remark in an argument or discussion
You're not going, Helena, and that's my last word on the matter.
She always has to have the last word (= win the argument) .
be the last word in sth
to be the best or most modern example of something
It's a nice enough restaurant and it's very reasonably priced but it's not exactly
the last word in style.
the leadership.
lasting adjective
Judgment Day
know well
bar closes
the ˌ last ˈ post noun [ S ]
a tune that is played on a bugle at military funerals or when it is time for soldiers
to go to bed
the ˌ last ˈ rites plural noun
a religious ceremony performed by a priest for a person who is dying
the ˌ Last ˈ Supper noun [ S ]
the meal that Jesus Christ ate with his friends the night before he died
ˌ last will and ˈ testament noun [ S ]
your written instructions about what should happen to your body and the things
that you own after your death
ˌ last ˈ word noun [ S ]
the final remark in an argument or discussion
You're not going, Helena, and that's my last word on the matter.
She always has to have the last word (= win the argument) .
be the last word in sth
to be the best or most modern example of something
It's a nice enough restaurant and it's very reasonably priced but it's not exactly
the last word in style.
lat noun [ U ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR latitude (POSITION)
lat noun [ U ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR latitude (POSITION)
latch noun [ C ]
1. a device for keeping a door or gate closed that consists of a metal bar which
fits into a hole and which is lifted by pushing down on another bar
2. on the latch UK
closed but not fastened
Don't forget to leave the front door on the latch if you go to bed before I get
back.
latch verb [ I or T ]
to close a door etc. with a latch
latch on phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
to begin to understand something
It took me ages to latch on to what she was talking about.
latch onto sth phrasal verb BECOME CONNECTED
1. to become connected to something
The antibodies work by latching onto proteins on the surfaces of the viruses and
bacteria.
latch onto sth phrasal verb BECOME INTERESTED
2. INFORMAL to become interested in an idea, story or activity, and to start to use it
Unfortunately the press have already latched onto the story.
latch onto sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to stay close to someone or spend a lot of time with them, usually when they do
not want you with them
She latched onto me as soon as she arrived, and I had to spend the rest of the
evening talking to her.
latchkey kid noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a child who has a key to his or her home and is often alone at home after school
has finished for the day because his or her parents are out at work
late adjective , adverb NEAR THE END
1. (happening or being) near the end of a period of time
It was late at night.
We talked late into the night.
Is that the time? I'd no idea it was so late.
It was late summer when it happened.
It was built in the late nineteenth century.
He's probably in his late twenties.
As late (= As recently) as the 1980s they were still using horses on this farm.
late adjective , adverb AFTER
2. (happening or arriving) after the planned, expected, usual or necessary time
This train is always late.
You'll be late for your flight if you don't hurry up.
Sorry I'm late. I was held up in the traffic.
It's too late to start complaining now.
We always have a late breakfast on Sunday mornings.
Some late news (= news of something which happened after the news
programme started) has just come in - a bomb has exploded in central London.
Our ferry was two hours late because of the strike.
Kathryn's just phoned to say she's working late this evening.
See also latecomer
lateness noun [ U ]
FORMAL the fact of being late
It was no great surprise that you were tired given the lateness of the hour .
late in the day
too late to be useful
It's rather late in the day to start studying - your exams are next week.
of late FORMAL
recently
We haven't spoken of late.
too little, too late
not enough of something which should have been provided earlier
A spokeswoman described the aid for the refugees as too little, too late.
late adjective [ before noun ]
describes someone who has died, especially recently
She gave her late husband's clothes to charity.
latecomer noun [ C ]
a person who arrives late
We regret that latecomers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the
performance.
latecomer noun [ C ]
a person who arrives late
We regret that latecomers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the
performance.
ˌ late de ˈ veloper noun [ C ] UK ( US late bloomer )
someone who becomes good at something after people usually become good at it
At school she was a late developer, and it wasn't until she went to university that
her talents became apparent.
lately adverb
recently
I haven't been feeling so well lately.
Have you been doing anything interesting lately?
latent adjective
present but needing particular conditions to become active, obvious or completely
developed
Recent developments in the area have brought latent ethnic tension out into the
open.
We're trying to bring out the latent artistic talents that many people possess
without realising it.
latency noun [ U ] FORMAL
ˈ latent ˌ heat noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the heat that is absorbed or released by a substance when it changes state, for
example from a liquid to a gas, while the temperature of the substance remains
unchanged
later adverb
1. at a time in the future or after the time you have mentioned
He'll be back later.
We could always go later in the season.
Police questioned him and he was later arrested.
2. later on
at a time in the future, or after the time you have mentioned
What are you doing later on this evening?
Shall I go and fetch her later on?
Later on, we could go and have a meal if you like.
3. no/not later than
not after
She said she'd prefer us to arrive no later than nine o'clock.
See/Catch you later. INFORMAL
a way of saying goodbye
"Bye." "See you later."
later adjective [ before noun ] IN THE FUTURE
1. happening at a time in the future, or after the time you have mentioned
We could catch a later train.
You can always change your password at a later date.
later adjective [ before noun ] TOWARDS THE END
2. happening towards the end of a period of time or the end of someone's life
He needed round-the-clock care in the later stages of his illness.
During his later years, he lived in London.
later adjective [ before noun ] RECENT
3. more modern or recent
Later versions of the software are much better.
Later models included a 2.5 litre engine.
I prefer her earlier paintings to her later work.
later exclamation ( ALSO laters ) INFORMAL
a way of saying goodbye
Laters, Mike.
lateral adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
relating to the sides of an object or to sideways movement
lateral movement
Trim the lateral shoots of the flower (= the ones which grow sideways from the
main stem of a plant) .
laterally adverb
lateral movement
laterally adverb
ˌ lateral ˈ thinking noun [ U ]
a way of solving a problem by thinking about it in a different and original way and
not using traditional or expected methods
laterite noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of reddish clay soil containing iron and aluminium, found especially in
tropical areas
latest adjective [ before noun ]
being the newest or most recent or modern
Have you seen her latest movie?
the latest fashions
latest noun
1. the latest
the most recent news or technical development
Have you heard the latest (= the most recent news) about Jilly and Patrick -
they're getting a divorce.
This machine is the latest in video recorder technology.
2. at the (very) latest
used to emphasize that something must happen or be done before a stated time
or day
I have to get this finished by Friday at the latest.
latex noun [ U ]
a white liquid produced by many plants, especially rubber trees, or a rubber-like
substance made from this or from plastic, which is used in making clothes, paint, glue,
etc
a latex mask
a pair of latex surgical gloves
lath noun [ C ]
a long thin flat strip of wood, used to make a structure to support plaster on walls
or tiles on the roof of a building
lathe noun [ C ]
a machine for changing the shape of a piece of wood, metal, etc. which works by
turning the material while a sharp tool is pressed against it
lather noun
1. [ S ] a pale, usually white, mass of small bubbles produced especially when
soap is mixed with water
Wet the hair, apply shampoo and massage into a rich lather.
2. [ U ] small bubbles of sweat on a horse's skin, produced by physical effort
lathery adjective
be in a lather INFORMAL
to be very worried or nervous about something
She was in a lather when I left because she couldn't find her ticket.
get into a lather INFORMAL
It's not worth getting into a lather over.
lather verb [ I or T ]
to produce a lather from soap, or to cover something or someone in lather
[ R ] He stood under the shower lathering him self with the soap.
lateral movement
laterally adverb
tropical areas
the latest fashions
latest noun
1. the latest
or day
latex noun [ U ]
etc
a latex mask
lath noun [ C ]
lathe noun [ C ]
lather noun
lathery adjective
Latin noun [ U ]
the language used by ancient Romans and as the language of educated people in
many European countries in the past
Latin adjective
1. written in Latin
a Latin poem
2. relating to (people or things in) countries which use a language which
developed from Latin
his Latin good looks
ˌ Latin A ˈ merican adjective
from or relating to South America or Central America
lateral movement
laterally adverb
tropical areas
the latest fashions
latest noun
1. the latest
or day
latex noun [ U ]
etc
a latex mask
lath noun [ C ]
lathe noun [ C ]
lather noun
lathery adjective
Latin noun [ U ]
the language used by ancient Romans and as the language of educated people in
many European countries in the past
Latin adjective
1. written in Latin
a Latin poem
2. relating to (people or things in) countries which use a language which
developed from Latin
his Latin good looks
ˌ Latin A ˈ merican adjective
from or relating to South America or Central America
Latino noun [ C ] MAINLY US
someone who lives in the US and who comes from or whose family comes from
Latin America
latitude noun POSITION
1. [ C or U ] the position north or south of the equator measured from 0° to 90°
Compare longitude
2. latitudes
an area near to a particular latitude
At these latitudes the sun does not rise at all on winter days.
latitude noun FREEDOM
3. [ U ] FORMAL freedom to behave, act or think in the way you want to
Courts can show a considerable degree of latitude when it comes to applying the
law.
latitudinal adjective SPECIALIZED
latrine noun [ C ]
a toilet, especially a simple one such as a hole in the ground, used in a military
area or when camping
latte noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO cafe latte )
a hot drink made from espresso (= strong coffee) and milk
latte noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO cafe latte )
a hot drink made from espresso (= strong coffee) and milk
latter adjective [ before noun ]
near or towards the end of something
Building of the new library should begin in the latter part of next year.
In the latter stages of the fight he began to tire.
latter noun [ S ]
1. the latter
the second of two people, things or groups previously mentioned
She offered me more money or a car and I chose the latter.
Compare the former
2. NOT STANDARD the last of more than two people, things or groups previously
mentioned
latter-day adjective [ before noun ]
describes a person or thing that is similar to someone or something that existed
in the past
the evil actions of a latter-day Caligula
latterly adverb FORMAL
recently
Latterly, her concentration hasn't been so good.
lattice noun [ C ] ( ALSO latticework )
a structure made from strips of wood or other material which cross over each
other with spaces between
ˌ lattice ˈ window noun [ C ]
a window made from small pieces of glass which are held in place by metal strips
Latvia noun [ U ]
Latvian noun [ C ] , adjective
laud verb [ T ] FORMAL
to praise
The German leadership lauded the Russian initiative.
laud verb [ T ] FORMAL
to praise
The German leadership lauded the Russian initiative.
laudable adjective FORMAL
(of actions and behaviour) deserving praise, even if there is little or no success
a laudable aim/ambition
The recycling programme is laudable, but does it save much money?
laudably adverb
laudatory adjective FORMAL
expressing praise
laugh verb [ I ]
to smile while making sounds with your voice that show you think something is
funny or you are happy
They laughed at her jokes.
I couldn't stop laughing.
I said he'd have to give a talk and he laughed nervously.
She's so funny - she really makes me laugh.
It's very rare that a book is so good you actually laugh out loud .
It was so funny, I burst out laughing (= laughed suddenly and loudly) .
I laughed till I cried .
be laughed out of court
to be considered as too silly or impossible to take seriously, especially in a court
of law
The proposal will be laughed out of court.
be laughing ( ALSO will be laughing ) UK INFORMAL
used to tell someone that they should not be worried by a particular situation,
because they will get an advantage from it
If the loan's approved you're laughing.
be laughing all the way to the bank INFORMAL
to be earning a lot of money easily
We'll be laughing all the way to the bank if this deal works out.
be laughing on the other side of your face UK ( US laugh out of the other side of
your mouth )
used to tell someone that although they are pleased now, they will not be pleased
later when things do not happen as they expected or planned
She's pleased with her promotion but she'll be laughing on the other side of her
face when she sees the extra work.
be no laughing matter
to be very serious
It might seem funny but I tell you what, getting stuck up a tree is no laughing
matter.
Don't make me laugh! INFORMAL
said to someone to show that you cannot take their suggestion seriously
You'll pay? Don't make me laugh!
He who laughs last, laughs longest/best. SAYING
said to emphasize that the person who has control of a situation in the end is
most successful, even if other people had seemed originally to have an advantage
laugh your head off ( ALSO laugh yourself silly ) INFORMAL
to laugh a lot, loudly
You laughed your head off when I fell!
laugh in sb's face
to make it obvious to someone that you do not respect them
They'd laugh in your face if you suggested me for the post.
laugh like a drain UK INFORMAL
to laugh a lot, very loudly
laugh up your sleeve
to secretly find something funny
They're very polite in your presence, but you get the feeling they're laughing up
their sleeves.
you've got to laugh ( ALSO you have to laugh ) INFORMAL
said when you can see something funny in a difficult situation
laugh at sb/sth phrasal verb
1. to show that you think someone or something is stupid
I can't go into work looking like this - everyone will laugh at me.
2. to treat someone or something as if they are not important or do not deserve
serious attention
If you say that, people will just laugh at you.
laugh sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to make yourself laugh about something unpleasant in order to make it seem less
important or serious
She tried to laugh off their remarks, but I could see she was hurt.
laugh noun [ C ]
1. the act or sound of laughing
a loud/nervous laugh
I was embarrassed at the time, but I had a good laugh about it later.
2. INFORMAL an enjoyable or funny activity
"How was the party?" "Oh, it was a laugh."
3. MAINLY UK INFORMAL someone who is funny
You'd like Sharon - she's a good laugh.
for a laugh INFORMAL
If you do something for a laugh, you do it for enjoyment
Just for a laugh, I pretended that I'd forgotten it was his birthday.
You're having a laugh. UK INFORMAL
used to show that you think that what someone has just said is not reasonable or
fair
£500 to cut down a tree - you're having a laugh, mate!
laughable adjective
silly and not deserving to be seriously considered
Privately they thought the idea laughable.
laughable adjective
silly and not deserving to be seriously considered
Privately they thought the idea laughable.
ˈ laughing ˌ gas noun [ U ] INFORMAL
a type of gas which is used as an anaesthetic (= substance which stops pain)
laughingly adverb
1. If you do something laughingly, you are laughing while you are doing it
He laughingly pointed out our mistakes.
2. DISAPPROVING If you say something is laughingly described in a particular way,
you think this thing is so bad that it does not deserve the description
It is only one of the absurd rules in the system of law laughingly known as British
justice.
ˈ laughing ˌ stock noun [ S ]
someone or something which seems stupid or silly, especially by trying to be
serious or important and not succeeding
Another performance like that and this team will be the laughing stock of the
league.
laughter noun [ U ]
the act or sound of laughing
She roared with laughter (= laughed very loudly) .
As we approached the hall we could hear the sound of laughter.
Laughter is the best medicine. SAYING
said to mean that trying to be happy is a good way to stop worrying
launch noun [ C ] EVENT
1. an event to celebrate or introduce something new
How much champagne will we need for the launch?
Illness prevented her attending the launch party for her latest novel.
launch noun [ C ] LEAVE LAND
2. when a ship is sent to see, or a rocket into space, for the first time
The launch of the space shuttle was delayed for 24 hours because of bad weather.
launch noun [ C ] BOAT
3. a boat which has an engine and carries passengers for short distances,
especially on a lake or a river, or from the land to a larger boat
launch verb BEGIN
1. [ I or T ] to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such
as a product
The scheme was launched a year ago.
The airline will launch its new transatlantic service next month.
A devastating attack was launched on the rebel stronghold.
[ + adverb or preposition ] UK After working for the company for several years
she decided to launch out on her own and set up in business.
launch verb SEND
2. [ T ] to send something out, such as a new ship into water or a rocket into
space
A spokesman for the dockyard said they hoped to launch the first submarine
within two years.
to launch a missile
3. launch yourself
MAINLY UK to jump with great force
The defender launched himself at the attacking player, bringing him to the
ground.
launch into sth phrasal verb
to start saying something or criticizing something with a lot of energy or anger
He launched into a verbal attack on her handling of the finances.
launcher noun [ C ]
a device that sends something such as a rocket or a missile into the air with force
a mobile rocket launcher
launcher noun [ C ]
ˈ launch ˌ pad noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO launching pad )
a special area from which rockets or missiles are sent into the sky
The rocket blew up on the launch pad.
FIGURATIVE Soap operas have long been a launch pad for film actors.
See picture pad
launder verb [ T ] CLOTHES
1. to wash, dry and iron clothes, sheets etc
freshly laundered sheets
launder verb [ T ] MONEY
2. to move money which has been obtained illegally through banks and other
businesses to make it seem to have been obtained legally
Officials were accused of laundering the stolen funds overseas before returning
them to the US.
launderette , laundrette noun [ C ] ( US ALSO TRADEMARK laundromat ) MAINLY UK
a shop where you pay to use the machines there which will wash and dry clothes
laundromat noun [ C ] US TRADEMARK
a launderette
laundry noun
1. [ U ] the dirty clothes and sheets which need to be, are being or have been
washed
I've got to do (= wash) my laundry.
2. [ C ] a business which washes clothes, sheets, etc. for customers
a laundry list MAINLY US
a long list of subjects
It wasn't much of a speech - just a laundry list of accusations against the
government.
ˈ laundry ˌ basket noun [ C ] ( US ALSO hamper )
a large container in which dirty clothes are kept until they are washed
launcher noun [ C ]
ˈ launch ˌ pad noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO launching pad )
a special area from which rockets or missiles are sent into the sky
The rocket blew up on the launch pad.
FIGURATIVE Soap operas have long been a launch pad for film actors.
See picture pad
launder verb [ T ] CLOTHES
1. to wash, dry and iron clothes, sheets etc
freshly laundered sheets
launder verb [ T ] MONEY
2. to move money which has been obtained illegally through banks and other
businesses to make it seem to have been obtained legally
Officials were accused of laundering the stolen funds overseas before returning
them to the US.
launderette , laundrette noun [ C ] ( US ALSO TRADEMARK laundromat ) MAINLY UK
a shop where you pay to use the machines there which will wash and dry clothes
laundromat noun [ C ] US TRADEMARK
a launderette
laundry noun
1. [ U ] the dirty clothes and sheets which need to be, are being or have been
washed
I've got to do (= wash) my laundry.
2. [ C ] a business which washes clothes, sheets, etc. for customers
a laundry list MAINLY US
a long list of subjects
It wasn't much of a speech - just a laundry list of accusations against the
government.
ˈ laundry ˌ basket noun [ C ] ( US ALSO hamper )
a large container in which dirty clothes are kept until they are washed
laureate noun [ C ]
a person who has been given a very high honour because of their ability in a
subject of study
a Nobel laureate
laurel noun [ C or U ] TREE
1. a small evergreen (= never losing its leaves) tree which has shiny leaves and
small black fruit
laurel noun [ C or U ] PRAISE
2. laurels FORMAL
praise for a person because of something which they have done, usually in sport,
the arts or politics
The actors are very good, but when all is considered the laurels must surely go to
the director of the play.
ˈ laurel ˌ wreath noun [ C ]
1. a circle of leaves which, in the past, was worn on the head by an important
person or the winner of a competition
2. an honour
lav noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR lavatory (= toilet)
lava noun [ U ]
hot liquid rock which comes out of the Earth through a volcano, or the solid rock
formed when it cools
molten lava
lava noun [ U ]
hot liquid rock which comes out of the Earth through a volcano, or the solid rock
formed when it cools
molten lava
ˈ lava ˌ lamp noun [ C ]
a decorative electric lamp in which a brightly coloured amount of wax moves up
and down a container full of transparent liquid, forming new shapes as it does so
lavatorial adjective UK DISAPPROVING
describes jokes that refer to toilets or excretion
lavatorial humour
lavatory noun [ C ] MAINLY UK FORMAL
a toilet
lavender noun [ U ] PLANT
1. a plant which has grey-green leaves like needles and small, pale purple flowers
with a strong smell, or its dried flowers and stems which have a pleasant smell
a lavender bush
lavender noun [ U ] COLOUR
2. a pale purple colour
lavender adjective
of a pale purple colour
ˈ lavender ˌ language noun [ U ] INFORMAL
special words and phrases that homosexual people use
lavish adjective
more than enough, especially if expensive; very generous
lavish gifts/promises/praise
lavish spending
lavish banquets
The evening was a lavish affair with glorious food and an endless supply of
champagne.
The lavish production makes this musical truly memorable.
lavishly adverb
The dining room was lavishly decorated.
lavishness noun [ U ]
lavish verb
lavish sth on sb/sth phrasal verb
to give someone a lot, or too much, of something such as money, presents or
attention
She lavishes money on her grandchildren.
The committee lavished praise on the project.
law noun RULE
1. [ C or U ] a rule, usually made by a government, that is used to order the way
in which a society behaves, or the whole system of such rules
There are laws against drinking in the street.
The laws governing the possession of firearms are being reviewed.
They led the fight to impose laws on smoking.
They have to provide a contract by law.
She's going to study law at university.
[ or+ -ing verb + to infinitive ] Many doctors want to see a law bann ing / to ban
all tobacco advertising.
See also bylaw ; lawsuit ; lawyer
2. the law
a. [ S ] the system of rules of a particular country
What does the law say about having alcohol in the blood while driving?
Of course robbery is against the law!
The judge ruled that the directors had knowingly broken the law.
You can't take that course of action and remain within the law.
b. [ S ] INFORMAL the police
The law was/were out in force at the demonstration.
3. go to law
When someone goes to law about something, they ask a court to decide if it was
done legally.
law noun PRINCIPLE
4. [ C ] a general rule which states what always happens when the same
conditions exist
Newton's laws of motion
the laws of nature/physics
HUMOROUS The first law of (= the most important principle in) politics is - if you're
going to lie, don't get found out!
See also Murphy's law ; Parkinson's law
be a law unto yourself DISAPPROVING
to behave in a way which is independent and does not follow the usual rules for a
situation
Charlie, of course, never fills in the record forms but then he's a law unto himself.
the law of averages
the belief that if something happens often then it will also happen regularly
the law of the jungle
the idea that people who care only about themselves will be most likely to
succeed in a society or organization
We hope for a world where the rule of law, not the law of the jungle, governs the
conduct of nations.
take the law into your own hands
to do something illegal and often violent in order to punish someone because you
know the law will not punish that person
One day, after years of violent abuse from her husband, she took the law into her
own hands.
There's one law for the rich and another for the poor. SAYING
said when a rich person has not been punished for something that a poor person
would be punished for
law noun RULE
1. [ C or U ] a rule, usually made by a government, that is used to order the way
in which a society behaves, or the whole system of such rules
There are laws against drinking in the street.
The laws governing the possession of firearms are being reviewed.
They led the fight to impose laws on smoking.
They have to provide a contract by law.
She's going to study law at university.
[ or+ -ing verb + to infinitive ] Many doctors want to see a law bann ing / to ban
all tobacco advertising.
See also bylaw ; lawsuit ; lawyer
2. the law
a. [ S ] the system of rules of a particular country
What does the law say about having alcohol in the blood while driving?
Of course robbery is against the law!
The judge ruled that the directors had knowingly broken the law.
You can't take that course of action and remain within the law.
b. [ S ] INFORMAL the police
The law was/were out in force at the demonstration.
3. go to law
When someone goes to law about something, they ask a court to decide if it was
done legally.
law noun PRINCIPLE
4. [ C ] a general rule which states what always happens when the same
conditions exist
Newton's laws of motion
the laws of nature/physics
HUMOROUS The first law of (= the most important principle in) politics is - if you're
going to lie, don't get found out!
See also Murphy's law ; Parkinson's law
be a law unto yourself DISAPPROVING
to behave in a way which is independent and does not follow the usual rules for a
situation
Charlie, of course, never fills in the record forms but then he's a law unto himself.
the law of averages
the belief that if something happens often then it will also happen regularly
the law of the jungle
the idea that people who care only about themselves will be most likely to
succeed in a society or organization
We hope for a world where the rule of law, not the law of the jungle, governs the
conduct of nations.
take the law into your own hands
to do something illegal and often violent in order to punish someone because you
know the law will not punish that person
One day, after years of violent abuse from her husband, she took the law into her
own hands.
There's one law for the rich and another for the poor. SAYING
said when a rich person has not been punished for something that a poor person
would be punished for
law-abiding adjective
Someone who is law-abiding obeys the law
Such actions against law-abiding citizens will not be tolerated.
ˌ law and ˈ order noun [ U ]
when the laws of a country are being obeyed, especially when the police or army
are used to make certain of this
a complete breakdown in law and order
law-breaker noun [ C ]
a person who does not obey the law, especially intentionally and often
ˌ law en ˈ forcement noun [ U ] MAINLY US
the activity of making certain that the laws of an area are obeyed
a law-enforcement officer
lawful adjective FORMAL
allowed by the law
Judge Keenan concluded that the surveillance had been lawful.
He said he was going about his lawful business as a journalist.
lawfully adverb
lawless adjective
not controlled by laws, or illegal
The film is set in a lawless city sometime in the future.
lawlessly adverb
lawlessness noun [ U ]
lawmaker noun [ C ]
someone, such as a politician, who is responsible for making and changing laws
lawn noun [ C or U ]
an area of grass, especially near to a house or in a park, which is cut regularly to
keep it short
Will you mow the lawn at the weekend?
lawn noun [ C or U ]
an area of grass, especially near to a house or in a park, which is cut regularly to
keep it short
Will you mow the lawn at the weekend?
ˈ lawn ˌ bowling noun [ U ]
US FOR bowls .
lawnmower noun [ C ]
lawnmower
a machine used for cutting grass
ˈ lawn ˌ party noun [ C ]
US FOR garden party
ˌ lawn ˈ tennis noun [ U ] FORMAL OR SPECIALIZED
tennis
lawsuit noun [ C ] ( ALSO suit )
a problem taken to a court of law, by an ordinary person or an organization rather
than the police, for a legal decision
Two of the directors have brought/ MAINLY US filed a lawsuit against their former
employer.
lawyer noun [ C ] ( US ALSO attorney )
someone whose job is to give advice to people about the law and speak for them
in court
I want to see my lawyer before I say anything.
lax adjective
without much care, attention or control; not severe or strong enough
He took a gun through baggage control to highlight the lax security.
The subcommittee contends that the authorities were lax in investigating most of
the cases.
laxity noun [ U ] ( ALSO laxness )
laxly adverb
laxative noun [ C ]
a substance that makes the waste from someone's bowels come out
laxative noun [ C ]
a substance that makes the waste from someone's bowels come out
lay verb PUT DOWN
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to put something in especially a flat or
horizontal position, usually carefully or for a particular purpose
She laid the baby on the bed.
He laid the tray down on the table.
She laid aside her book and went to answer the phone.
We're having a new carpet laid in the hall next week.
The plan is to lay (= build) the foundations for the new apartments in October.
2. [ T ] to prepare a plan or a method of doing something
Even the best laid plans go wrong sometimes.
lay verb LIE
3. PAST SIMPLE OF lie (POSITION)
lay verb PRODUCE EGGS
4. [ I or T ] (of an animal or bird) to produce eggs from out of the body
Thousands of turtles drag themselves onto the beach and lay their eggs in the
sand.
lay verb HAVE SEX
5. [ T ] SLANG to have sex with someone
So did you get laid (= find someone to have sex with) ?
lay verb RISK MONEY
6. [ T ] to risk something, usually money, on the result of an event
She won't get the job - I'd lay money on it!
lay verb EXPRESS
7. [ T ] to express a claim , legal statement, etc. in a serious or official way
She can't accept she made a mistake and now she's trying to lay the blame on
(= accuse) her assistant.
SPECIALIZED Do you understand the seriousness of the charge (= legal accusation)
which has been laid against you?
8. lay claim to sth
to say that you own something
Two companies have laid claim to the design.
lay sth at sb's door MAINLY UK
to blame someone for something
Blame for the accident has been laid at the government's door.
lay sb low
to cause someone to be unable to do what they usually do
A kidney infection laid her low for a couple of months.
lay sth on the line
1. to risk harm to something
I'd be laying my career/life on the line by giving you that information.
2. INFORMAL to say very clearly that something is the case
You're just going to have to lay it on the line and tell her that her work's not good
enough.
lay yourself open to attack/criticism/ridicule, etc.
to make it easy for people to attack/criticise/ridicule you
She lays herself open to criticism with such unashamedly extreme views.
lay sb to rest
to bury a dead person
She was laid to rest next to her husband.
lay sth to rest
to end a worry or fear
I hope what he said has laid your fears to rest.
lay sth to waste ( ALSO lay waste )
to completely destroy something
The bomb laid the city centre to waste.
lay a finger on sb
to harm someone even slightly
Don't you dare lay a finger on me.
lay a hand on sb
to harm someone
I never laid a hand on her!
lay bare sth
to make something known
It's been promoted as the biography that lays bare the truth behind the legend.
lay down your life for sth
to die for something you believe in strongly
Today we remember those who laid down their lives for their country.
lay it on a bit thick ( ALSO lay it on with a trowel ) INFORMAL
to praise someone too much
She went on and on about how she admired his work - laid it on a bit thick, if you
ask me.
lay the basis/foundations for sth
to prepare for or start an activity or task
The initial negotiations are seen as laying the basis for more detailed talks.
lay the ghost of sth (to rest)
to finally stop being worried or upset about something that has worried or upset
you for a long time
With one stunning performance, Chelsea have laid to rest the ghost of their
humiliating defeat at Old Trafford last season.
lay up trouble for yourself
to do something that will cause you trouble in the future
You're laying up trouble for yourself if you ignore health problems now.
lay sth aside phrasal verb [ M ] STOP
1. to stop doing or thinking about something, usually for a short period of time
He's temporarily laid aside some quite interesting projects to write the script.
lay sth aside phrasal verb [ M ] MONEY
2. to keep something, usually money, for use in the future
She's trying to lay something aside (= save some money) for her retirement.
lay sth down phrasal verb [ M ] WINE
1. SPECIALIZED to store wine for drinking in the future
lay sth down phrasal verb [ M ] WEAPONS
2. If someone lays down their weapons, they stop fighting
They laid down their weapons and surrendered.
Mediators have persuaded both sides to lay down their arms .
lay sth down phrasal verb [ M ] RULES
3. to officially establish a rule, or to officially state the way in which something
should be done
This is in line with the policy laid down by the management.
lay down the law INFORMAL
to forcefully make known what you think should happen
She can't just come into this office and start laying down the law.
lay sth in phrasal verb [ M ]
to get a supply of something because you will probably need it in the future
We'd better lay in plenty of food in case we're cut off when it snows.
lay into sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to attack someone physically or to criticise them in an angry way
In the middle of the meeting she suddenly laid into him for no apparent reason.
lay sb off phrasal verb [ M often passive ]
to stop employing someone, usually because there is no work for them to do
Because of falling orders, the company has been forced to lay off several hundred
workers.
lay off (sth/sb) phrasal verb INFORMAL
to stop using or doing something
You'd better lay off alcohol for a while.
Why can't you lay off (= stop criticising or hurting) the kid for once!
lay sth on phrasal verb [ M ] PROVIDE
1. to provide something for a group of people
They lay on free entertainment at the club every day.
They laid on a wonderful buffet after the wedding.
lay sth on phrasal verb [ M ] TELL
2. MAINLY US SLANG to tell someone something they did not know
I hate to be the one to lay this on you, but your girlfriend has just left with
another guy.
lay sth out phrasal verb [ M ] ARRANGE
1. to arrange something on a flat surface
Most of Manhattan is laid out in/on a grid pattern with avenues going north-
south and streets east-west.
We laid the pieces of the dress pattern out on the floor.
lay sth out phrasal verb [ M ] SPEND MONEY
2. INFORMAL to spend money, especially a large amount
It's not every day you lay out £2000 on a holiday.
See also outlay
lay sb out phrasal verb [ M ] DEAD BODY
1. to prepare a dead person's body to be buried
lay sb out phrasal verb [ M ] HIT
2. INFORMAL to hit someone so hard that they fall down and become unconscious
Tyson was laid out for several minutes by a blow to the head.
lay adjective [ before noun ] NOT TRAINED
1. not trained in or not having a detailed knowledge of a particular subject
From a lay viewpoint the questionnaire is virtually incomprehensible.
See also layman
lay adjective [ before noun ] CHURCH
2. having a position in an organization, especially a religious one, that is not a
full-time job and is not paid
a lay preacher
See also layman
lay noun [ C ] SLANG
used to describe how good someone is at sex, or how often they have sex
She's a good lay (= Sex with her is enjoyable) .
She got a reputation as an easy lay (= She slept with a lot of people) .
layabout noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who is unwilling to work
layabout noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who is unwilling to work
layaway noun [ U ] US ( AUSTRALIAN lay-by )
a system of paying for goods in small amounts and receiving the goods after the
full amount has been paid, or goods bought in this way
Could I buy/put the dress on layaway?
ˈ lay ˌ brother/ ˌ sister noun [ C ]
someone who belongs to a religious group, especially a group living together in a
monastery or convent , and who does simple work for the group, such as preparing food
lay-by noun ROAD
1. [ C ] UK a place at the side of a road where a vehicle can stop for a short time
without interrupting other traffic
We pulled into a lay-by to look at the map.
See also rest stop
lay-by noun PAYMENT
2. [ U ] AUSTRALIAN layaway
layer noun [ C ]
a level of material, such as a type of rock or gas, which is different from the
material above or below it, or a thin sheet of a substance
the ozone layer
A thick layer of clay lies over the sandstone.
There was a thin layer of oil on the surface of the water.
We stripped several layers of paint off the door.
layer verb [ T ]
to arrange something in layers
Layer the pasta with slices of tomato.
potatoes layered with onions
layered adjective
ˈ layer ˌ cake noun [ C ] US
two or more soft cakes put on top of each other with icing (= a sweet creamy
mixture) between the cakes and covering the top and sides
layette noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a complete set of clothes, sheets, bed covers and the other things needed for a
baby who has recently been born
layette noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a complete set of clothes, sheets, bed covers and the other things needed for a
baby who has recently been born
layman noun [ C ] ( ALSO layperson ) CHURCH
1. someone who is part of a religious organization but who is not paid or specially
trained
layman noun [ C ] ( ALSO layperson ) NOT TRAINED
2. someone who is not trained in or does not have a detailed knowledge of a
particular subject
layoff , lay-off noun
1. [ C often plural ] when someone stops employing someone, sometimes
temporarily, because there is no money to pay them or because there is no work for
them
The recent economic crisis has led to massive layoffs.
2. [ C usually singular ] a period when someone is not working
Foster is playing again after a six-week layoff due to injury.
layout noun [ C ]
the way that something is arranged
I like the the layout of the house.
Application forms vary greatly in layout and length.
layover noun [ C ]
US FOR stopover (= a short stay between parts of a journey, especially a plane
journey)
We had a four-hour layover in Chicago.
laywoman noun [ C ]
a female layman
laze verb [ I + adv/prep ]
to relax and enjoy yourself, doing very little
We spent the day lazing around in the garden.
lazy adjective
1. DISAPPROVING not willing to work or use any effort
Managers had complained that the workers were lazy and unreliable.
Get out of bed you lazy thing!
He's too lazy to walk to work.
2. APPROVING slow and relaxed
We spent a lazy day on the beach sunbathing.
lazily adverb
Palm trees swayed lazily in the soft breeze.
laziness noun [ U ]
I could go to the gym - it's just laziness that stops me.
lazybones noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who is lazy
[ as form of address ] Hey lazybones, get up from the sofa and help me with the
dishes!
lazybones noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who is lazy
[ as form of address ] Hey lazybones, get up from the sofa and help me with the
dishes!
lazy Susan noun [ C ]
a circular piece of wood or plastic which is put on a table and can be turned
around so that everyone can reach the food that is on it
lb noun [ C ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR pound
a 3lb bag of flour
I weighed 10lbs at birth.
lbw adjective , adverb
ABBREVIATION FOR leg before wicket: (in cricket) describes a way of ending the
batsman 's (= person who is trying to hit the ball) period of batting by hitting his legs
with the ball
LCD noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR liquid-crystal display
leach verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to remove a substance from a material, especially from earth, by the process of
water moving through the material, or to remove parts of a material using water
The soil has been so heavily leached through intensive farming that it is no longer
fertile.
lead verb CONTROL
1. [ I or T ] to control a group of people, a country, or a situation
I think we've chosen the right person to lead the expedition.
I've asked Gemma to lead the discussion.
Who will be leading the inquiry into the accident?
lead verb BE WINNING
2. [ I or T ] (especially in sport or other competitions) to be in front, to be first or
to be winning
After thirty minutes the challengers were leading by two goals.
With two laps to go Ngomo led by less than two seconds.
The Lions lead the Hawks 28 - 9.
lead verb INFLUENCE
3. [ T ] to cause someone to do something, especially something bad
[ + to infinitive ] The brochure led me to believe that the price included home
delivery.
It's worrying that such a prominent politician is so easily led.
He was a weak man, led astray by ambition.
lead verb SHOW WAY
4. [ I ] to show the way to a group of people, animals, vehicles, etc. by going in
front of them
I don't know the way, so you'd better lead.
If you lead in the jeep, we'll follow behind on the horses.
5. [ T ] To lead a group of moving people or vehicles is to walk or drive in front of
them
The local youth band will lead the parade this weekend.
A large black hearse led the funeral procession.
6. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to take someone somewhere, by going
with them
She led them down the hall.
The waiter led us to our table.
Our guide led us through the mountains.
7. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to take hold of a person or an animal, or
of something fastened to them, and take them somewhere
She took the child by the hand and led him upstairs to bed.
He led the horse out of the stable.
8. lead the way
a. to show the way by going in front
You've been there before - why don't you lead the way?
b. to make more progress than other people in the development of something
The company has been leading the way in network applications for several years.
lead verb DIRECTION
9. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] (especially of roads, paths, doors,
signs, information, etc.) to go in a particular direction or have a particular result, or to
allow or cause this
There's a track that leads directly to the reservoir.
The French windows lead out onto a wide shady terrace.
A narrow trail of blood led directly into the cave.
This information led the police to a house near the harbour.
lead verb LIVE
10. lead a busy/normal/quiet, etc. life
to live a particular type of life
He was able to lead a normal life, despite the illness.
We certainly don't lead a life of luxury but we're not poor either.
lead sb a (merry) dance INFORMAL
to cause someone a lot of trouble, especially by getting them to do a lot of things
that are not necessary
lead sb by the nose INFORMAL
to control someone and make them do exactly what you want them to do
lead sb up the garden path INFORMAL
to deceive someone
It seems as if we've been led up the garden path about the position of our hotel -
it's miles from the beach!
lead the field/pack/world
to be better than all other people or things
Their scientists lead the world in nutrition research.
lead sb on phrasal verb DISAPPROVING
to persuade someone to believe something that is untrue
All that time she'd been leading him on (= pretending she liked him) , but she
was only interested in his money.
lead to sth phrasal verb
If an action or event leads to something, it causes that thing to happen or exist
Reducing speed limits should lead to fewer deaths on the roads.
lead up to sth phrasal verb HAPPEN
1. If a period of time or series of events leads up to an event or activity, it
happens until that event or activity begins
The pilot had no recollection of the events leading up to the crash.
lead up to sth phrasal verb TALK
2. to prepare to talk about something by gradually mentioning the subject you
want to talk about
He started telling me about a wonderful new restaurant he'd been to and I
wondered what he was leading up to.
lead noun BE WINNING
1. [ S ] a winning position during a race or other situation where people are
competing
For the first time in the race Harrison is in the lead.
With a final burst of speed she went/moved into the lead.
After last night's win Johnson has taken (over) the lead in the championship
table.
By the end of the day's play Davies had a lead of three points.
lead noun SHOWING WAY
2. [ C usually singular ] when you show a person or group of people what to do
We'll go through the dance routine again - follow my lead (= do what I do) .
lead noun INFORMATION
3. [ C ] a piece of information which allows a discovery to be made or a solution
to be found
A lead from an informer enabled the police to make several arrests.
lead noun ACTOR
4. the lead
the main actor in a film or play
lead noun ANIMAL
5. [ C ] MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US leash ) a piece of rope, chain, etc. tied to an animal,
especially to a dog at its collar when taking it for a walk
Please keep your dog on a lead when on the beach.
lead noun ELECTRICAL
6. [ C ] ( UK ALSO flex , US ALSO cord , ALSO wire ) a wire covered in plastic and
used to connect electrical equipment to the electricity supply
lead noun [ U ]
1. [ U ] a very dense (= heavy in relation to its size) , soft, dark-grey, poisonous
metal, used especially in the past on roofs and for pipes and also for protection against
radiation
lead pipes
2. [ C or U ] (the narrow strip of) coloured material, usually black and made of
graphite , in the centre of a pencil
go down like a lead balloon HUMOROUS
If something that you say or show to people goes down like a lead balloon, they
do not like it at all
My joke about the alcoholic went down like a lead balloon.
lead noun [ U ]
1. [ U ] a very dense (= heavy in relation to its size) , soft, dark-grey, poisonous
metal, used especially in the past on roofs and for pipes and also for protection against
radiation
lead pipes
2. [ C or U ] (the narrow strip of) coloured material, usually black and made of
graphite , in the centre of a pencil
go down like a lead balloon HUMOROUS
If something that you say or show to people goes down like a lead balloon, they
do not like it at all
My joke about the alcoholic went down like a lead balloon.
leaded adjective
describes petrol (= fuel) with small amounts of lead in it
See also unleaded
ˌ leaded ˈ window noun [ C ]
a window made from small pieces of glass fixed together with lead strips
leaden adjective GREY
1. LITERARY dark grey
leaden skies
leaden adjective NO ENERGY
2. DISAPPROVING without energy or feeling
a leaden expression/performance
leader noun [ C ] CONTROLLING
1. a person in control of a group, country or situation
a religious leader
The Russian leader wants to introduce further changes.
He's a natural leader.
She was elected as leader of the campaign group.
leader noun [ C ] WINNING
2. someone or something that is winning during a race or other situation where
people are competing
He's fallen two laps behind the leaders.
Microsoft is a world leader in software design.
leader noun [ C ] NEWSPAPER
3. UK editorial
leader noun [ C ] MUSIC
4. UK ( US concertmaster ) the most important violin player in an orchestra
leadership noun [ U ]
1. the set of characteristics that make a good leader
What the company lacks is leadership.
He lacks leadership qualities/skills.
2. the position or fact of being the leader
The group flourished under her firm leadership.
R&M gained market leadership (= sold more goods than other companies) by
selling products that were of superior quality.
3. the leadership
the person or people in charge of an organization
There is growing discontent with the leadership.
The election for the leadership of the council will take place on Tuesday.
lead-in noun [ C ]
something that introduces something else, such as the words and music that are
used to introduce a television programme
lead-in noun [ C ]
something that introduces something else, such as the words and music that are
used to introduce a television programme
leading adjective [ before noun ]
very important or most important
a leading expert on the country's ecology
the world's leading manufacturer of audio equipment
leading noun [ U ] UK
the lead (= type of metal) used to cover (parts of) a roof
ˌ leading ˈ article noun [ C ] UK
editorial
ˌ leading ˈ edge noun [ S ]
the most advanced position in an area of activity
scientists at the leading edge of cancer research
leading-edge adjective [ before noun ]
leading-edge technology
ˌ leading ˈ hand noun [ C usually singular ] AUSTRALIAN
the most experienced person in a factory etc.
ˌ leading ˈ lady noun [ C ]
the female actor who has the most important part in a play or a film
ˌ leading ˈ light noun [ C ]
an important and respected person in a group or organization
A leading light in/of the art and ballet world, he was a close friend of the
Princess.
ˌ leading ˈ man noun [ C ]
the actor who has the most important part in a play or a film
ˌ leading ˈ question noun [ C ]
a question that tricks someone into answering in a particular way
lead-poisoning noun [ U ]
an illness that happens when lead is absorbed by the body
Some types of paint on toys can cause lead-poisoning in children.
lead-poisoning noun [ U ]
an illness that happens when lead is absorbed by the body
Some types of paint on toys can cause lead-poisoning in children.
ˌ lead ˈ singer noun [ C ]
the main singer in a band
ˈ lead ˌ time noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
The lead time for a new product is the time needed to design it before it can be
made.
leaf noun [ C ] PLANT
leaf
1. one of the flat, usually green parts of a plant which are joined at one end to the
stem or branch
a palm leaf
autumn leaves
He was sweeping up leaves in his garden.
See also picture leaf
2. be in leaf/come into leaf
When a plant is in leaf or when it comes into leaf, it has or gets leaves on it
The trees are in leaf early this year.
The bushes are just coming into leaf.
leaf noun [ C ] PAPER
3. a thin sheet of paper
See picture leaf
leaf noun [ C ] TABLE
4. an extra part of a table that can be folded away when not being used
See picture leaf
take a leaf out of sb's book
to copy something that someone else does because it will bring you advantages
Maybe I should take a leaf out of Rick's book and start coming in at ten every
morning.
leaf verb
leaf through sth phrasal verb
to quickly turn the pages of a book or a magazine, reading only a little of it
The waiting room was full of people leafing through magazines.
leaflet noun [ C ]
a piece of paper which gives you information or advertises something
Demonstrators handed out leaflets to passers-by.
A leaflet about the new bus services came through the door today.
leaflet verb [ I or T ]
to give out leaflets to people
leaflet noun [ C ]
a piece of paper which gives you information or advertises something
Demonstrators handed out leaflets to passers-by.
A leaflet about the new bus services came through the door today.
leaflet verb [ I or T ]
to give out leaflets to people
They leafleted the area two weeks before the event.
ˈ leaf ˌ mould noun [ U ]
a type of fertilizer (= substance that makes plants grow) made from leaves which
fall from trees in the autumn
leafy adjective
A leafy place is pleasant and has a lot of trees
a leafy lane/suburb
league noun [ C ] SPORT

1. a group of teams playing a sport who take part in competitions between each
other
Who do you think will win the league championship this year?
Liverpool were top of the Football League that year.
They are currently bottom of the league.
league noun [ C ] ORGANIZATION
2. a group of people or countries who join together because they have the same
interest
the League of Nations
be in a different league
to be much better than something or someone else
Our last hotel was quite good but this was in a different league.
be in league with sb
to be secretly working or planning something with someone, usually to do

something bad
be out of your league
to be too good or too expensive for you
He was so good-looking and so popular that I felt he was out of my league.
not be in the same league
to be not as good as someone or something else
Her latest film is quite watchable but it's not in the same league as her first two
epics.
leak verb [ I or T ] LIQUID/GAS
1. (of a liquid or gas) to escape from a hole or crack in a pipe or container or (of a
container) to allow liquid or gas to escape
Water was leaking from the pipe.
Oil leaked out of the car.
The tin was leaking.
The car leaked oil all over the drive.
leak verb [ I or T ] INFORMATION
2. to allow secret information to become generally known
He leaked the names to the press.

News of the pay cuts had somehow leaked out .
leak like a sieve INFORMAL
to leak a lot
leak noun [ C ] LIQUID/GAS
1. a hole or space through which a liquid or gas can flow out of a container, or the
liquid or gas that comes out
There's water on the floor - we must have a leak.
If you suspect a gas leak, phone the emergency number.
leak noun [ C ] INFORMATION
2. the origin of secret information which becomes known, or the act of making it
known
There have been several security leaks recently.
They traced the leak to a secretary in the finance department.
take a leak/have a leak SLANG
to urinate
leakage noun [ C or U ] LIQUID/GAS
1. the act of leaking or the leak itself
The leakage was traced to an oil pipe in the cellar.
A lot of water is wasted through leakage.
leakage noun [ C or U ] INFORMATION
2. making known secret information
They leafleted the area two weeks before the event.

leakage noun [ C or U ] LIQUID/GAS
1. the act of leaking or the leak itself
The leakage was traced to an oil pipe in the cellar.
A lot of water is wasted through leakage.
leakage noun [ C or U ] INFORMATION
2. making known secret information
leaky adjective
Something that is leaky has a hole in it and liquid or gas can get through
leaky pipes
a leaky valve
lean verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to (cause to) slope in one direction, or to move the top part of the body in a
particular direction
She leaned forward and whispered something in my ear.
I sat down next to Bernard, who leaned over to me and said "You're late."
Lean your head back a bit.
That fence is leaning to the right.
lean ( sth ) against/on sth phrasal verb
to sit or stand with part of your body touching something as a support
He leaned against the wall.
She leaned her head on his shoulder.
ˌ lean sth against/on sth phrasal verb
to put something against a wall or other surface so that it is supported
She leant the brush against the wall.
lean on sb/sth phrasal verb
to use someone or something to help you, especially in a difficult situation
He's always had his big brother to lean on.
lean on sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to try to make someone do what you want by threatening or persuading them
We may have to lean on them a bit if we want our money.
lean adjective NO FAT
1. describes meat that has little fat
2. thin and healthy
lean and fit
lean adjective NOT ENOUGH
3. If a period of time is lean, there is not enough of something, especially money
or food, at that time
It has been a particularly lean year for the education department.
lean adjective EFFICIENT
4. APPROVING A lean company or organization uses only a small number of people
and a small amount of money etc. so that there is no waste
Nowadays even efficient, lean, well-run industries are failing.
lean and hungry
showing a very strong and determined wish to get something
He's got that lean and hungry look.
leaning noun [ C usually plural ]
a preference for a particular set of beliefs, opinions, etc
I don't know what his political leanings are.
leaning noun [ C usually plural ]
a preference for a particular set of beliefs, opinions, etc
I don't know what his political leanings are.
lean-to noun [ C ]
1. a building joined to one of the sides of a larger building with which it shares
one wall
a cottage with a lean-to garage
2. US a shelter or simple building with a roof that slopes in one direction, which is
slept in when camping
leap verb MOVE SUDDENLY
1. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to make a large jump or sudden movement,
usually from one place to another
He leapt out of his car and ran towards the house.
I leaped up to answer the phone
The dog leapt over the gate into the field.
leap verb HAPPEN SUDDENLY
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to provide help, protection etc. very quickly
He leapt to his friend's defence.
Scott leapt to the rescue when he spotted the youngster in difficulty.
Mr Davies leapt in to explain.
3. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to achieve something, usually fame, power or
importance, suddenly
Rufus Sewell leapt to fame after his lead performance as Will Ladislaw in the
BBC's production of Middlemarch.
4. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to increase, improve or grow very quickly
Shares in the company leapt 250%.
leap at sth phrasal verb
to eagerly accept the chance to do or have something
When I offered her the job, she leapt at it.
leap out at sb phrasal verb
If something leaps out at you, you notice it immediately
As I turned the page his picture leapt out at me.
leap noun [ C ] SUDDEN CHANGE
1. a big change, increase or improvement
a leap in profits
It takes quite a leap of the imagination to believe that it's the same person.
leap noun [ C ] MOVEMENT
2. a large jump or sudden movement
With one leap he crossed the stream.
by/in leaps and bounds
If someone or something gets better by/in leaps and bounds, they improve very
quickly
Her Spanish has come on (= improved) in leaps and bounds this year.
a leap in the dark
something you do without being certain what will happen as a result
I had very little information about the company, so writing to them was a bit of a
leap in the dark.
leapfrog noun [ U ]
a children's game in which a number of children bend down and another child
jumps over them one at a time
leapfrog verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to improve your position by going past other people quickly or by missing out
some stages
They've leapfrogged from third to first place.
She leapfrogged several older colleagues to get the manager's post.
leapfrog noun [ U ]
a children's game in which a number of children bend down and another child
jumps over them one at a time
leapfrog verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to improve your position by going past other people quickly or by missing out
some stages
They've leapfrogged from third to first place.
She leapfrogged several older colleagues to get the manager's post.
ˈ leap ˌ year noun [ C ]
a year that happens every four years and has an extra day on 29 February
learn verb
1. [ I or T ] to get knowledge or skill in a new subject or activity
They learn Russian at school.
"Can you drive?" "I'm learning."
I've learned a lot about computers since I started work here.
[ + to infinitive ] I'm learning to play the piano.
[ + question word + to infinitive ] First you'll learn (how) to use this machine.
2. [ T ] to make yourself remember a piece of writing by reading it or repeating it
many times
I don't know how actors manage to learn all those lines.
We were told to learn Portia's speech by heart (= be able to say it from memory)
for homework.
3. [ I or T ] to start to understand that you must change the way you behave
She'll have to learn that she can't have everything she wants.
She soon learnt not to contradict him.
He's not afraid to learn from his mistakes .
4. [ I or T ] to be told facts or information that you did not know
We were all shocked to learn of his death.
[ + ( that ) ] I later learnt (that) the message had never arrived.
I only learnt about the accident later.
learn your lesson
to suffer a bad experience and know not to do it again
I got horribly drunk once at college and that was enough - I learnt my lesson.
learn to live with sth
to accept a new but unpleasant situation that you cannot change
It's hard not having him around but I've learned to live with it.
learned adjective EDUCATED
1. FORMAL describes someone who has studied for a long time and has a lot of
knowledge
a learned professor
learned adjective COPIED
2. SPECIALIZED describes behaviour which has been copied from others
This sort of aggression is learned behaviour - people aren't born that way.
learned adjective EDUCATED
1. FORMAL describes someone who has studied for a long time and has a lot of
knowledge
a learned professor
learned adjective COPIED
2. SPECIALIZED describes behaviour which has been copied from others
This sort of aggression is learned behaviour - people aren't born that way.
learner noun [ C ]
a person who is still learning something
He's a quick learner.
MAINLY UK a learner driver
learning noun [ U ]
1. the activity of obtaining knowledge
This technique makes learning fun.
For the first month in her new job she was on a steep learning curve (= she
learnt a lot quickly) .
2. knowledge obtained by study
His friends praised his generosity, wit and learning.
ˈ learning ˌ curve noun [ C ]
the rate of someone's progress in learning a new skill
It's a steep learning curve when you're thrown into a job.
ˈ learning ˌ difficulties plural noun
mental problems which affect a person's ability to learn things
Some of the children have specific learning difficulties.
lease verb [ T ]
to make a legal agreement by which money is paid in order to use land, a
building, a vehicle or a piece of equipment for an agreed period of time
The estate contains 300 new homes, about a third of which are leased to the
council.
[ + two objects ] It was agreed they would lease the flat to him/lease him the
flat.
lease noun [ C ]
a legal agreement in which you pay money in order to use a building, piece of
land, vehicle, etc. for a period
He has the flat on a long lease.
The lease runs out/expires in two years' time.
We signed a three-year lease when we moved into the house.
leaseback noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a legal agreement by which the owner of a thing allows the previous owner to
continue to use it for a regular amount of money
leaseback noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a legal agreement by which the owner of a thing allows the previous owner to
continue to use it for a regular amount of money
leasehold noun [ C or U ]
the legal right to live in or use a building, piece of land, etc. for an agreed period
of time
His family held the leasehold/ had the property on leasehold.
Compare freehold
leasehold adjective
leasehold offices and shops
leaseholder noun [ C ]
the person who pays the owner of a piece of land, a building, etc. in order to be
able to use it
leash noun [ C ]
MAINLY US FOR lead (ANIMAL)
ˈ leash ˌ law noun [ C ]
a law in many US cities and towns that says people must keep their dogs on a
leash when they are outside their home
least adverb , determiner , pronoun
less than anything or anyone else; the smallest amount or number
This group is the least likely of the four to win.
Disaster struck when we least expected it.
It was the answer she least wanted to hear.
I like the green one least of all.
He's the relative I like (the) least.
No one believed her, least of all (= especially not) the police.
They refused to admit her, not least because (= there were several reasons but
this was an important one) she hadn't got her membership card with her.
at least
1. as much as, or more than, a number or amount
It will cost at least $100.
It will be £200 at the very least.
You'll have to wait at least an hour.
2. used to reduce the effect of a statement
I've met the President - at least, he shook my hand once.
See also leastways
3. used to emphasize that something is good in a bad situation
It's a small house but at least there's a garden.
4. used to say that someone should give a small amount of help although they do
not intend to give a lot
Even if she didn't want to send a present, she could at least have sent a card.
it's the least I can do
a polite answer to someone who thanks you, usually when you feel you should do
more to help
"Thanks for cleaning up" "It's the least I can do, seeing as I'm staying here rent-
free."
Least said soonest mended. UK SAYING
This means a bad situation can be quickly forgotten if people stop talking about it.
not in the least
not in any way
"Are you dissatisfied with the results?" "Not in the least."
not the least
used for emphasis with nouns
I haven't the least idea (= I do not know) who he was.
She hasn't the least interest (= She has no interest) in the project.
leastways adverb US
used to reduce the effect of a statement
He said he'd be back later - leastways, I think he did.
See also at least
leastways adverb US
used to reduce the effect of a statement
He said he'd be back later - leastways, I think he did.
See also at least
leather noun [ U ]
animal skin treated in order to preserve it, and used to make shoes, bags,
clothes, equipment, etc
a leather coat/belt/handbag
leatherette noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
an artificial material which is made to look like leather
leatherneck noun [ C ] US SLANG
a soldier in the US Marine Corps
leathery adjective
with the look and feel of leather
leathery skin/hands
leave verb GO AWAY
1. [ I or T ] to go away from someone or something, for a short time or
permanently
I'll be leaving at five o'clock tomorrow.
He left the house by the back door.
She left the group of people she was with and came over to speak to us.
The bus leaves in five minutes.
leave verb NOT TAKE
2. [ T ] to not take something or someone with you when you go, either
intentionally or by accident
Hey, you've left your keys on the table.
Can I leave a message for Sue?
Why don't you leave the kids with me on Friday?
leave verb REMAIN
3. If something leaves something else, a part or effect of it stays after it has gone
or been used
His shoes left muddy marks on the floor.
There's some food left over from the party.
[ + two objects ] If I give you £10 that won't leave me enough cash to pay the
bill.
[ + object + adjective ] Far from improving things the new law has left many
people worse off (= they are now in a worse situation) than before.
4. [ T ] If you leave something in a particular condition you do not touch it, move
it or act to change it in any way, so that it stays in the same condition
Leave that chair where it is.
He left most of his dinner (= did not eat much of it) .
[ + object + adjective ] The family were left (= became and continued to be)
homeless.
I'll have to go back - I think I've left the iron on.
You can leave the window open.
Leave your sister alone (= Stop annoying her) .
5. [ T + object + -ing verb ] If you leave something or someone doing something,
when you go away they are still doing it
I left the children watch ing television.
He left the engine runn ing .
leave verb STOP
6. [ T ] to stop doing something, or to leave a place because you have finished an
activity
Many children leave school at sixteen.
He left work in June for health reasons.
She left home (= stopped living with her parents) at 18.
She's left her husband (= stopped living with him) and gone to live with another
man.
Could we leave that subject (= stop discussing that subject) for the moment and
go on to the next item on the agenda?
leave verb WAIT
7. [ T ] If you leave (doing) something, you wait before you do it
I'll leave these letters till Monday (= write them on Monday) .
Don't leave it too late (= Don't wait too long to do it) .
[ + -ing verb ] They left book ing their holiday till/to the last minute.
leave verb AFTER DEATH
8. [ T ] To leave a wife, husband or other close family member is to die while
these family members are still alive
He left a wife and two children.
9. [ + two objects ] If you leave money or things that you own to someone, you
say they should receive it or them when you die
He left his nieces all his money./He left all his money to his nieces.
leave verb GIVE RESPONSIBILITY
10. [ T ] to allow someone to make a choice or decision about something, or to
make someone responsible for something
I left the decision (up) to her.
[ + to infinitive ] I left it to her to make the decision.
Leave it (= the problem) with me, I'll see what I can do.
I'll leave it to chance (= wait and see what happens without planning) .
be left holding the baby ( US be left holding the bag )
to suddenly have to deal with a difficult situation because others have decided
that they do not want the responsibility
The other investors pulled out of the project and we were left holding the baby.
leave sb be
to not worry someone, or to allow them to continue what they are doing
She's only having a bit of fun - leave her be.
leave sb cold
to not make you feel interested or excited
I'm afraid opera leaves me cold.
leave sb in the lurch
to leave someone at a time when they need you to stay and help them
leave sb out in the cold
to not allow someone to become part of a group or an activity
leave sb standing ( ALSO leave sb on the sidelines )
to be much better than other people or things of the same type
Her voice is excellent - it leaves the others standing.
leave sb to their own devices
to allow someone to make their own decisions about what to do
He seemed to be a responsible person, so I left him to his own devices.
leave a bad taste in your mouth
If an experience leaves a bad taste in your mouth, you have an unpleasant
memory of it
I think we all felt he'd been treated very unfairly and it left a bad taste in our
mouths.
leave a lot to be desired
to be much worse than you would like
Apparently, Meg's cooking leaves a lot to be desired.
leave go/hold of sth INFORMAL
to stop holding on to something
Leave go of my arm!
leave it at that
to agree that there has been enough discussion, study, etc. and that it is time to
stop
Let's leave it at that for today and meet again tomorrow.
Leave it out! UK SLANG
1. stop doing or saying that
Hey, leave it out! That hurt.
2. I do not believe you
"I tell you, he was driving a sports car." "Leave it out!"
leave no stone unturned
to do everything you can to achieve a good result, especially when looking for
something
He left no stone unturned in his search for his natural mother.
leave well alone
to allow something to stay as it is because doing more might make things worse
It's going to get in a muddle if you carry on. I should just leave well alone if I
were you.
leave sth aside phrasal verb [ M ]
to not discuss one subject so that you can discuss a different subject
Leaving aside the question of cost, how many people do we need on the job?
leave sth/sb behind phrasal verb [ M ]
to leave a place without taking someone or something with you
We left in a hurry and I must have left my keys behind.
He was forced to leave the country, leaving behind his wife and children.
leave sth behind phrasal verb [ M ]
to cause a situation to exist after you have left a place
The army left a trail of destruction behind them.
leave sth for/to sb phrasal verb
to give someone responsibility for dealing with something
I've left the paperwork for you.
Leave it to me - I'll sort it out tomorrow.
leave sth/sb off sth phrasal verb
to not include something or someone on a list
He left three people off the list by mistake.
leave off ( sth/doing sth ) phrasal verb
to stop, or to stop doing something
This film begins where the other one leaves off.
I've decided to leave off eating meat for a while.
Leave off! OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to tell someone to stop being annoying
Hey, leave off! I hate people touching my hair.
leave sb/sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to not include someone or something
You can leave the butter out of this recipe if you're on a low-fat diet.
I've made a list of names - I hope I haven't left anyone out.
None of the other children play with her, and I think she feels rather left out (=
feels that no one wants to be her friend) .
leave noun HOLIDAY
1. [ U ] time allowed away from work for holiday or illness
How much annual/paid leave do you get?
She's (gone) on leave (= holiday) .
I've asked if I can take a week's unpaid leave.
2. leave of absence
formal permission to be away from work or studies
leave noun PERMISSION
3. [ U ] FORMAL permission or agreement
He did it without (my) leave.
[ + to infinitive ] Did you get leave to do that?
leave noun GOODBYE
4. take leave
to say goodbye
He decided the time had come to take leave of his home town.
take leave of your senses
to lose your good judgment
You can't take the children out sailing in this weather! Have you completely taken
leave of your senses?
without so much as a by-your-leave OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING
without asking for permission
That's twice now he's just walked in here without so much as a by-your-leave and
picked a book off the shelf!
leaven verb [ T ]
1. to add a substance to bread or another food made with flour to make it get
bigger when it is cooked
2. FORMAL to make something less boring
Even a speech on a serious subject should be leavened with a little humour.
leaven verb [ T ]
1. to add a substance to bread or another food made with flour to make it get
bigger when it is cooked
2. FORMAL to make something less boring
Even a speech on a serious subject should be leavened with a little humour.
leaves
PLURAL OF leaf
leave-taking noun [ C ] FORMAL
an act of saying goodbye
Lebanese noun [ C ]
Lebanon noun [ U ]
lech noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR lecher
lech verb
lech after sb phrasal verb INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to show too much sexual interest in someone, in an unpleasant way
He's always leching after younger women.
lecher noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL lech , ALSO letch ) DISAPPROVING
a lecherous person
lecherous adjective DISAPPROVING
(especially of men) showing a strong sexual interest in people
He gave her a lecherous look.
lechery noun [ U ] FORMAL DISAPPROVING
lecithin noun [ U ]
a substance found in plant and animal tissue which is often used in food products
to help the different parts mix together well
lectern noun [ C ]
a piece of furniture with a sloping part on which a book or paper is put to be read
from
lectern noun [ C ]
a piece of furniture with a sloping part on which a book or paper is put to be read
from
lecture noun [ C ]
1. a formal talk on a serious or specialist subject given to a group of people,
especially students
We went to a lecture on Italian art.
Who's giving the lecture this afternoon?
Compare seminar
2. an angry or serious talk given to someone in order to criticize their behaviour
My dad gave me a lecture on the evils of alcohol last night.
lecture verb
1. [ I ] to give a formal talk to a group of people, often at a university
For ten years she lectured in law.
She travelled widely in North America, lecturing on women's rights.
2. [ T ] to talk angrily to someone in order to criticize their behaviour
His parents used to lecture him on his table manners.
lecturer noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
someone who teaches at a college or university
a senior lecturer
a lecturer in psychology
lectureship noun [ C ]
a teaching job in a British university at the lowest rank
a lectureship in linguistics
led verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF lead
-led suffix
planned or controlled by a particular person or thing
child-led activities (= children deciding what to do)
LED noun [ C ]
SPECIALIZED ABBREVIATION FOR light-emitting diode: a device which produces a light
especially on electronic equipment
ˌ LE ˈ D dis ˌ play noun [ C ]
the letters or numbers shown in lights on a piece of electronic equipment
ˌ LE ˈ D dis ˌ play noun [ C ]
the letters or numbers shown in lights on a piece of electronic equipment
ledge noun [ C ]
a narrow shelf which sticks out from a vertical surface
ledger noun [ C ]
a book in which things are regularly recorded, especially business activities and
money received or paid
lee noun
1. [ S ] the side of hill, wall, etc. that provides shelter from the wind
2. the lees
the substance which is left at the bottom of a container of liquid, especially in a
bottle of wine
leech noun [ C ]
1. a fat worm which lives in wet places and fastens itself onto the bodies of
humans and animals to take their blood
2. DISAPPROVING a person who gives attention to someone over a long period in
order to get their money or support
leek noun [ C ]
leek
a vegetable which looks like a white stick with long green leaves on top and which
tastes and smells like an onion
leer verb [ I ]
(especially of men) to look at someone in an unpleasant and sexually interested
way
He was always leering at female members of staff.
leer noun [ C ]
a drunken leer
leery adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
not trusting of someone or something and usually avoiding them if possible; wary
I've always been a bit leery of authority figures.
leeward adjective SPECIALIZED
(on the side of a ship, etc.) facing away from the wind
leeway noun [ U ] FREEDOM
1. freedom to act within particular limits
Local councils will be given some leeway as to how they implement the
legislation.
leeway noun [ U ] PERIOD OF TIME
2. UK an amount or period of time, which might be extra or wasted
There is a lot of leeway to make up after the holiday period.
left adjective , adverb
on or towards the side of your body that is to the west when you are facing north
His left eye was heavily bandaged.
Turn left at the lights.
Compare right
left noun DIRECTION
1. [ S ] the left side
First I'll introduce the speaker sitting on my left.
Take the first/second/third on the left.
It's the shop to the left of the pub.
US After the grocery store I made/took/ INFORMAL hung a left (= turned into the
next road on the left side) .
left noun POLITICS
2. the left
the political groups that believe wealth and power should be shared between all
parts of society
The war is generally opposed on the left.
Compare the right
left verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF leave
left adjective
relating to political groups that believe wealth and power should be shared
between all parts of society
The left wing of the party is unhappy with the legislation.
ˈ left ˌ click verb [ I ]
to press the button on the left of a computer mouse in order to make the
computer do something
leeward adjective SPECIALIZED
(on the side of a ship, etc.) facing away from the wind
leeway noun [ U ] FREEDOM
1. freedom to act within particular limits
Local councils will be given some leeway as to how they implement the
legislation.
leeway noun [ U ] PERIOD OF TIME
2. UK an amount or period of time, which might be extra or wasted
There is a lot of leeway to make up after the holiday period.
left adjective , adverb
on or towards the side of your body that is to the west when you are facing north
His left eye was heavily bandaged.
Turn left at the lights.
Compare right
left noun DIRECTION
1. [ S ] the left side
First I'll introduce the speaker sitting on my left.
Take the first/second/third on the left.
It's the shop to the left of the pub.
US After the grocery store I made/took/ INFORMAL hung a left (= turned into the
next road on the left side) .
left noun POLITICS
2. the left
the political groups that believe wealth and power should be shared between all
parts of society
The war is generally opposed on the left.
Compare the right
left verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF leave
left adjective
relating to political groups that believe wealth and power should be shared
between all parts of society
The left wing of the party is unhappy with the legislation.
ˈ left ˌ click verb [ I ]
to press the button on the left of a computer mouse in order to make the
computer do something
ˌ left ˈ field noun [ S ]
the left part of the field in baseball
be out in left field US INFORMAL
1. to be completely wrong
2. to be very strange or very different from other people or things
She's kind of out in left field but she's fun.
come out of left field US INFORMAL
to be completely unexpected and often strange
Her comments came out of left field.
left-hand adjective [ before noun ]
on or to the left
the left-hand side
ˌ left-hand ˈ drive adjective
describes a vehicle which has the steering wheel on the left-hand side
left-hand drive noun [ S ]
left-handed adjective
1. using your left hand to write and do most things
Are you left-handed?
a left-handed bowler
2. designed to be used by a left-handed person
left-handed scissors
3. done using the left hand
a left-handed stroke
left-handed adverb
left-handedness noun [ U ]
left-handed adjective
1. using your left hand to write and do most things
Are you left-handed?
a left-handed bowler
2. designed to be used by a left-handed person
left-handed scissors
3. done using the left hand
a left-handed stroke
left-handed adverb
left-handedness noun [ U ]
ˌ left-handed ˈ compliment noun [ C ] US ( UK back-handed compliment )
a remark that seems to say something pleasant about a person but could also be
an insult
left-hander noun [ C ]
1. someone who uses their left hand to write and do most things
2. ( ALSO left ) INFORMAL a hit with the left hand
a powerful left-hander
leftie noun [ C ] ( ALSO lefty ) INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a supporter of the political left
leftist noun [ C ]
a supporter of the political left
leftist adjective
supporting the political left
leftism noun [ U ]
left-luggage office noun [ C ] UK ( US baggage room )
a place at a station, airport, hotel, etc. where you can put your bags for a short
time until you need them
Compare cloakroom
ˌ left of ˈ centre UK , US left of center adjective
describes a political belief that is accepted by most people and contains some
socialist ideas
leftover adjective [ before noun ]
describes part of something that has not been used or eaten when the other parts
have been
some leftover curry from last night's meal
leftover noun
leftovers
food remaining after a meal
This recipe can serve four easily, and the leftovers are just as good eaten cold.
leftwards adverb ( MAINLY US leftward )
towards the left in politics
He accused the party leadership of moving leftwards.
leftwards adverb ( MAINLY US leftward )
towards the left in politics
He accused the party leadership of moving leftwards.
left-wing adjective
relating to the belief that wealth and power should be shared equally
Her views are fairly left-wing.
left-winger noun [ C ]
leg noun [ C ] BODY PART
1. one of the parts of the body of a human or animal that is used for standing or
walking, or one of the thin vertical parts of an object on which it stands
My legs were tired after so much walking.
He broke his leg skiing.
The horse broke its front leg in the fall.
a chair/table leg
2. the part of a piece of clothing that you put your leg in
He rolled up his trouser legs and waded into the water.
leg noun [ C ] STAGE
3. a particular stage of a journey, competition or activity
He has tickets for the first leg of the UEFA Cup tie.
The last leg of the race was Paris to London.
get your leg over UK SLANG
(of a man) to have sex
give sb a leg up INFORMAL
1. to help someone to climb over something
2. to help someone to improve their situation, especially at work
have a leg up on sb US INFORMAL
to have an advantage over someone
have legs INFORMAL
1. If a story in the news has legs, it will continue for a long time
This latest scandal has legs - you'll probably still be reading about it in a year's
time.
2. If something has legs, it can continue to exist and be successful
The business has legs.
leg before wicket ( ABBREVIATION lbw )
in the game of cricket, when your time as the person trying to hit the ball is
ended because the ball has hit your leg when it should not have
not have a leg to stand on
to be in a situation where you cannot prove something
If you haven't got a witness, you haven't got a leg to stand on.
pull sb's leg INFORMAL
to try to persuade someone to believe something which is not true as a joke
Is it really your car or are you pulling my leg?
leg verb UK INFORMAL
leg it
to run away in order to escape from something
They legged it round the corner when they saw the police coming.
legacy noun [ C ]
1. money or property that you receive from someone after they die
An elderly cousin had left her a small legacy.
2. something that is a part of your history or which stays from an earlier time
The Greeks have a rich legacy of literature.
The war has left a legacy of hatred.
legacy noun [ C ]
legal adjective
1. connected with the law
legal advice
a legal obligation/requirement
legal status
your legal rights
legal action/proceedings
my legal representatives (= my lawyers)
2. allowed by the law
Is abortion legal in your country?
Opposite illegal
make legal history
If you make legal history, the case you win in court or take to court is the first of
its type and changes the way future cases will be dealt with.
ˌ legal ˈ aid noun [ U ]
a system of providing free advice about the law and practical help with legal
matters for people who are too poor to pay for it
Will we qualify for legal aid?
legalese noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
language used by lawyers and in legal documents, which is difficult for ordinary
people to understand
legalistic adjective DISAPPROVING
giving too much attention to legal rules and details
legalistically adverb
legality noun [ U ]
1. the fact that something is allowed by the law
Six journalists sought to challenge in court the legality of the ban on
broadcasting.
2. legalities
the things which are demanded by law
I'm not sure about the legalities, but I suggest we go ahead with the plan and see
what happens.
legalize , UK USUALLY legalise verb [ T ]
to allow something by law
The Irish government announced it was to legalize homosexuality.
legalization , UK USUALLY legalisation noun [ U ]
the legalization of drugs
legacy noun [ C ]
legal adjective
1. connected with the law
legal advice
a legal obligation/requirement
legal status
your legal rights
legal action/proceedings
my legal representatives (= my lawyers)
2. allowed by the law
Is abortion legal in your country?
Opposite illegal
make legal history
If you make legal history, the case you win in court or take to court is the first of
its type and changes the way future cases will be dealt with.
ˌ legal ˈ aid noun [ U ]
a system of providing free advice about the law and practical help with legal
matters for people who are too poor to pay for it
Will we qualify for legal aid?
legalese noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
language used by lawyers and in legal documents, which is difficult for ordinary
people to understand
legalistic adjective DISAPPROVING
giving too much attention to legal rules and details
legalistically adverb
legality noun [ U ]
1. the fact that something is allowed by the law
Six journalists sought to challenge in court the legality of the ban on
broadcasting.
2. legalities
the things which are demanded by law
I'm not sure about the legalities, but I suggest we go ahead with the plan and see
what happens.
legalize , UK USUALLY legalise verb [ T ]
to allow something by law
The Irish government announced it was to legalize homosexuality.
legalization , UK USUALLY legalisation noun [ U ]
the legalization of drugs
legally adverb
as stated by the law
Children under sixteen are not legally allowed to buy cigarettes.
ˌ legal ˈ tender noun [ U ]
the money which can be officially used in a country
legation noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
1. a group of officials who represent their government in a foreign country but
who have less importance than an embassy
Britain has sent a legation to discuss trade and tariffs.
2. the office in which these officials work
legato adjective , adverb SPECIALIZED
describes music that is played in a smooth continuous way, or this way of playing
music
smooth legato phrasing
legend noun STORY
1. [ C or U ] a very old story or set of stories from ancient times, or the stories,
not always true, that people tell about a famous event or person
The dance was based on several Hindu legends.
She is writing a thesis on Irish legend and mythology.
Legend has it (= People say) that he always wore his boots in bed.
This match will go into tennis legend (= it will always be remembered) .
legend noun FAME
2. [ C ] someone or something very famous and admired, usually because of their
ability in a particular area
Jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald, once sang in this bar.
legend noun EXPLANATION
3. [ C ] FORMAL the words written on or next to a picture, map, coin, etc. that
explain what it is about or what the symbols on it mean
be a legend in your own lifetime
to be very famous while you are still alive
Garbo was a legend in her own lifetime.
legend noun STORY
1. [ C or U ] a very old story or set of stories from ancient times, or the stories,
not always true, that people tell about a famous event or person
The dance was based on several Hindu legends.
She is writing a thesis on Irish legend and mythology.
Legend has it (= People say) that he always wore his boots in bed.
This match will go into tennis legend (= it will always be remembered) .
legend noun FAME
2. [ C ] someone or something very famous and admired, usually because of their
ability in a particular area
Jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald, once sang in this bar.
legend noun EXPLANATION
3. [ C ] FORMAL the words written on or next to a picture, map, coin, etc. that
explain what it is about or what the symbols on it mean
be a legend in your own lifetime
to be very famous while you are still alive
Garbo was a legend in her own lifetime.
legendary adjective FAMOUS
1. very famous and admired or spoken about
He became editor of the legendary Irish journal 'The Bell'.
The British are legendary (= well known) for their incompetence with languages.
legendary adjective FROM A STORY
2. from a legend
a legendary Greek hero
Was King Arthur a real or a legendary character?
-legged suffix
having the number or type or legs mentioned
a three-legged stool
a six-legged creature
leggings plural noun
a pair of very tight trousers made from a material that stretches easily, usually
worn by women
See pictures clothes 2 , clothes 5 (trousers)
leggy adjective
A leggy woman or girl has long legs
She was a tall leggy blonde.
legible adjective
describes writing or print that can be read easily
Her handwriting is barely legible.
Opposite illegible
legibly adverb
legion noun [ C ] SOLDIERS
1. a large group of soldiers who form a part of an army, especially the ancient
Roman army
Caesar's legions marched through France and crossed into Britain.
legion noun [ C ] MANY
2. legions of sb
large numbers of people
He failed to turn up for the concert, disappointing the legions of fans waiting
outside.
legion adjective [ after verb ] FORMAL
very large in number
The difficulties surrounding the court case are legion.
Legionnaire's disease noun [ U ]
a serious and infectious disease of the lungs caused by bacteria in the air
Legionnaire's disease noun [ U ]
a serious and infectious disease of the lungs caused by bacteria in the air
legislate verb [ I ] FORMAL
If a government legislates, it makes a new law
They promised to legislate against cigarette advertising.
It's hard to legislate for (= make a law that will protect) the ownership of an idea.
legislation noun [ U ]
a law or set of laws suggested by a government and made official by a parliament
[ + to infinitive ] The government has promised to introduce legislation to limit
fuel emissions from cars.
legislative adjective FORMAL
relating to laws or the making of laws
The European Parliament will have greater legislative powers (= ability to make
laws) .
ˌ legislative as ˈ sembly noun [ C usually singular ] ( US USUALLY assembly )
one of the two parts of the organization that makes laws in some American and
Australian states, most Canadian provinces and some countries
ˌ legislative ˈ council noun [ C usually singular ]
one of the two parts of the organization which makes laws in some Australian and
Indian states
legislator noun [ C ] FORMAL
a member of a group of people who together have the power to make laws
legislature noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] FORMAL
the group of people in a country or part of a country who have the power to make
and change laws
legit adjective [ after verb ] INFORMAL
legitimate
I'm not getting involved in this fund-raising scheme if it isn't legit.
legitimacy noun [ U ]
the quality of being legal or acceptable
The government expressed serious doubts about the legitimacy of military action.
legitimacy noun [ U ]
the quality of being legal or acceptable
The government expressed serious doubts about the legitimacy of military action.
legitimate adjective
1. allowed by law
The army must give power back to the legitimate government.
2. reasonable and acceptable
He claimed that the restaurant bill was a legitimate business expense.
3. A legitimate child is one whose parents are legally married at the time of his or
her birth.
legitimately adverb
Most foreign visitors to Britain enter the country legitimately (= legally) .
legitimize , UK USUALLY legitimise verb [ T ] ( US legitimate ) FORMAL
to make something legal or acceptable
The government fears that talking to terrorists might legitimize their violent
actions.
legless adjective [ after verb ] UK SLANG
extremely drunk
Lego noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a toy for children consisting of small plastic bricks and other pieces such as
wheels and windows, which can be joined together to make models of many different
objects
legroom noun [ U ]
the amount of space available for your legs when you are sitting behind another
seat
a car with plenty of legroom
legume noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a plant that has its seeds in a pod, such as the bean or pea
leguminous adjective
leguminous plants
legwarmers plural noun
long knitted coverings for the legs, similar to socks but without feet, worn mainly
by dancers to keep the lower leg muscles warm
legwarmers plural noun
long knitted coverings for the legs, similar to socks but without feet, worn mainly
by dancers to keep the lower leg muscles warm
legwork noun [ U ] INFORMAL
the practical or boring work that needs to be done
lei noun [ C ]
a circle of flowers, usually worn around the neck
leisure noun [ U ]
the time when you are not working or doing other duties
leisure activities
Most people only have a limited amount of leisure time .
The town lacks leisure facilities such as a swimming pool or squash courts.
at (your) leisure
when you want to and when you have time to
You can take the documents home and study them at (your) leisure.
ˈ leisure ˌ centre noun [ C ] UK
a building containing a swimming pool and other places where you can play sports
leisurely adjective
describes an action that is done in a relaxed way, without hurrying
We enjoyed a leisurely picnic lunch on the lawn.
ˈ leisure ˌ wear noun [ U ]
clothes that are worn for relaxing in
leitmotiv noun [ C ] ( ALSO leitmotif ) SPECIALIZED
a phrase or other feature that is repeated often in a work of art, literature or
especially music and that tells you something important about it
Death and renewal are leitmotivs running through the whole novel.
lemming noun [ C ]
an animal that looks like a large mouse and lives in cold northern areas.
Lemmings migrate (= move from one place to another) in large groups and are often,
but wrongly, thought to jump off cliffs together.
like lemmings
in a silly way, without thinking, and in large numbers
People rushed like lemmings to invest in the company.
lemming noun [ C ]
an animal that looks like a large mouse and lives in cold northern areas.
Lemmings migrate (= move from one place to another) in large groups and are often,
but wrongly, thought to jump off cliffs together.
like lemmings
in a silly way, without thinking, and in large numbers
People rushed like lemmings to invest in the company.
lemon noun FRUIT
lemon
1. [ C or U ] an oval fruit which has a thick yellow skin and sour juice
For this recipe you need the juice of two lemons.
Would you like a slice of lemon in your tea?
lemon juice
2. [ U ] the juice of a lemon or a drink made from this juice
lemon noun COLOUR
3. [ U ] a pale yellow colour
lemon noun STUPID PERSON/THING
4. [ C ] UK INFORMAL a very silly person
I felt such a lemon when I discovered I'd missed my appointment.
5. [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL something that does not work
Only one of his inventions turned out to be a lemon.
lemonade noun [ U ]
1. UK a cold sweet fizzy (= with bubbles) drink with a lemon flavour
2. MAINLY US a drink made with the juice of lemons, water and sugar
ˌ lemon ˈ curd noun [ U ] MAINLY UK ( AUSTRALIAN lemon butter )
a thick sweet substance made from lemons, sugar, eggs and butter that you can
spread on bread or cakes
ˈ lemon ˌ grass noun [ U ]
a tropical grass with a flavour like lemon, used especially in South East Asian
cooking
ˌ lemon ˈ sole noun [ C usually singular ]
a flat fish that can be cooked and eaten
lemur noun [ C ]
a small animal similar to a monkey from Madagascar with thick fur and a long tail,
which lives in trees and is active at night
lemur noun [ C ]
lend verb GIVE
1. [ T ] to give something to someone for a short period of time, expecting it to
be given back
She doesn't like lending her books.
[ + two objects ] If you need a coat I can lend you one/lend one to you.
2. [ I or T ] If a bank or other organization lends money, it gives money to
someone who agrees that they will pay the money back in the future, usually with extra
money added to the original amount
The bank refuses to lend to students.
[ + two objects ] The bank agreed to lend him $5000.
lend verb ADD TO
3. [ T ] If something lends a particular quality to something else, it adds that
quality to it
[ + two objects ] Vases of flowers all around the room lent the place a cheerful
look/lent a cheerful look to the place.
FORMAL These events lend support to the view that the law is inadequate.
lend verb
4. lend itself to sth FORMAL
If something lends itself to something else, it is suitable for that thing or can be
considered in that way
The novel's complex, imaginative style does not lend itself to translation.
lend your name to sth
to give something your support
Some of the world's top dancers have lent their names to the project.
lend an ear OLD-FASHIONED
to listen to someone with sympathy
Claire's always one to lend a sympathetic ear if you have problems.
lender noun [ C ]
someone or something that lends money, especially a large financial organization
such as a bank
The smaller local lenders charge high interest rates.
ˈ lending ˌ library noun [ C ]
OLD-FASHIONED FOR public library
lemur noun [ C ]
lend verb GIVE
1. [ T ] to give something to someone for a short period of time, expecting it to
be given back
She doesn't like lending her books.
[ + two objects ] If you need a coat I can lend you one/lend one to you.
2. [ I or T ] If a bank or other organization lends money, it gives money to
someone who agrees that they will pay the money back in the future, usually with extra
money added to the original amount
The bank refuses to lend to students.
[ + two objects ] The bank agreed to lend him $5000.
lend verb ADD TO
3. [ T ] If something lends a particular quality to something else, it adds that
quality to it
[ + two objects ] Vases of flowers all around the room lent the place a cheerful
look/lent a cheerful look to the place.
FORMAL These events lend support to the view that the law is inadequate.
lend verb
4. lend itself to sth FORMAL
If something lends itself to something else, it is suitable for that thing or can be
considered in that way
The novel's complex, imaginative style does not lend itself to translation.
lend your name to sth
to give something your support
Some of the world's top dancers have lent their names to the project.
lend an ear OLD-FASHIONED
to listen to someone with sympathy
Claire's always one to lend a sympathetic ear if you have problems.
lender noun [ C ]
someone or something that lends money, especially a large financial organization
such as a bank
The smaller local lenders charge high interest rates.
ˈ lending ˌ library noun [ C ]
OLD-FASHIONED FOR public library
ˈ lending ˌ rate noun [ C ] ( ALSO interest rate ) MAINLY UK
the amount that a bank charges on money that it lends
Banks have raised their lending rates by 2%.
length noun DISTANCE
1. [ C or U ] the measurement of something from end to end or along its longest
side
The boat is ten metres in length.
The length of the bay is approximately 200 miles.
She planted rose bushes (along) the length of the garden (= the whole distance
along it) .
2. [ C ] a piece of something such as string or pipe
a length of rope
3. [ C ] a unit used in describing the distance by which a horse or boat wins a
race, which is equal to the measurement from one end of the horse or boat to the other
We won by two lengths.
4. [ C ] the distance from one end of a swimming pool to the other
She swims forty lengths a day.
length noun TIME
5. [ C ] the amount of time something takes
the length of a film/speech/play
He is unable to concentrate on his work for any length of time (= for anything
more than a short time) .
6. [ C or U ] the amount of writing in a book or document
He's written books of various lengths on the subject.
All of your essays will be about the same length.
7. at length
a. for a long time
George went on at great length about his various illnesses.
b. FORMAL If something happens at length, it happens after a long period of time
At length, the authorities allowed her to go home.
go to great lengths ( ALSO go to any lengths )
to try very hard to achieve something
Some people go to great lengths to make their homes attractive.
He'll go to any lengths to get what he wants.
the length and breadth of somewhere
If you travel the length and breadth of a place, you go to every part of it
She travelled the length and breadth of Ireland looking for her missing brother.
-length suffix DISTANCE
1. long enough to reach the stated place
a knee-length skirt
shoulder-length hair
-length suffix TIME
2. of the stated amount of time
a full-length movie (= one which has not been shortened)
-length suffix DISTANCE
1. long enough to reach the stated place
a knee-length skirt
shoulder-length hair
-length suffix TIME
2. of the stated amount of time
a full-length movie (= one which has not been shortened)
lengthen verb [ I or T ]
1. to make something longer, or to become longer
I'll have to lengthen this skirt.
lengthening waiting lists
Opposite shorten
2. If you lengthen something, or it lengthens, it takes longer to happen
There is a plan to lengthen the three-year course to four years.
lengthways adverb ( ALSO lengthwise )
in the direction of the longest side
Cut the beans in half lengthways.
lengthy adjective
continuing for a long time
a lengthy discussion/process
Many airline passengers face lengthy delays because of the strike.
lenient adjective
not as severe or strong in punishment or judgment as would be expected
They believe that judges are too lenient with terrorist suspects.
In view of the quantity of drugs involved, 16 years was the most lenient
sentence (= punishment) the judge could impose.
leniency noun [ U ]
The defending lawyer asked for leniency on the grounds of her client's youth.
leniently adverb
Leninism noun [ U ]
the social, political and economic principles and theories developed from Marxism
by the Russian politician V.I. Lenin, supporting direct rule by workers
Leninist noun [ C ]
lens noun [ C ] GLASS
1. a curved piece of glass, plastic or other transparent material used in cameras,
glasses and scientific equipment, which makes objects seem closer, larger, smaller, etc
a camera with a zoom lens
See picture frame
2. contact lens
lens noun [ C ] EYE
3. the part of the eye behind the pupil (= the black hole at the front of the eye)
that helps you to see clearly by focusing (= collecting) light onto the retina
lens noun [ C ] GLASS
1. a curved piece of glass, plastic or other transparent material used in cameras,
glasses and scientific equipment, which makes objects seem closer, larger, smaller, etc
a camera with a zoom lens
See picture frame
2. contact lens
lens noun [ C ] EYE
3. the part of the eye behind the pupil (= the black hole at the front of the eye)
that helps you to see clearly by focusing (= collecting) light onto the retina
lent verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF lend
Lent noun [ U ]
in the Christian religion, the 40 days before Easter , a period during which, for
religious reasons, some people stop doing particular things that they enjoy
The children have promised to give up sweets for Lent.
lentil noun [ C ]
a very small dried bean that is cooked and eaten
lentil soup
red/green/brown lentils
Leo noun [ C or U ]
the fifth sign of the zodiac, relating to the period 23 July to August 22,
represented by a lion, or a person born during this period, or a particular group of stars
leonine adjective FORMAL
(often of a person's head or hair) like a lion
leopard noun [ C ]
leopard
a large wild cat that has yellow fur with black spots on it and lives in Africa and
southern Asia
A leopard can't/doesn't change its spots. SAYING
something you say which means a person's character, especially if it is bad, will
not change, even if they pretend it does
leotard noun [ C ]
a tight piece of clothing that covers the body but not the legs, usually worn by
female dancers or women doing physical exercise
leper noun [ C ]
1. a person who has leprosy
2. a person who is strongly disliked and avoided by other people because of
something bad that he or she has done
She claimed that the rumours had made her a social leper.
leprechaun noun [ C ]
(in old Irish stories) a magical creature in the shape of a little old man who likes
to cause trouble
leprechaun noun [ C ]
(in old Irish stories) a magical creature in the shape of a little old man who likes
to cause trouble
leprosy noun [ U ]
an infectious disease that damages a person's nerves and skin
leptospirosis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
an infectious disease that damages the liver and kidneys , found mainly in dogs
and farm animals and caused by bacteria
lesbian noun [ C ]
a woman who is sexually attracted to other women
gays and lesbians
lesbian adjective
lesbianism noun [ U ]
the condition of being a lesbian
lesion noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an injury to a person's body or to an organ inside their body
skin/brain lesions
Lesotho noun [ U ]
less determiner , pronoun , adverb
1. a smaller amount (of); not so much, or to a smaller degree
We must try to spend less money.
Exercise more and eat less.
I eat less chocolate and fewer biscuits than I used to.
Getting out of bed in summer is less difficult than in winter.
2. less than ...
describes behaviour which does not have a stated characteristic that is good or
attractive
I think he was less than honest with me.
3. less and less
If something happens less and less, it becomes gradually smaller in amount or
happens less often
He's less and less able to look after himself.
much/still less FORMAL
used to make a negative statement stronger
At the age of fourteen I had never even been on a train, much less an aircraft.
no less HUMOROUS
used to show the importance of someone or something
Who should arrive at the party but the Prime Minister, no less!
no less than
used to show your surprise at a large number
There were no less than a thousand people there buying tickets.
less preposition
minus (SUBTRACTION)
The total is thirty pounds, less the five pounds deposit that you've paid.
-less , suffix
used to form adjectives meaning 'without (the thing mentioned)'
meaningless
friendless
-less , suffix
used to form adjectives meaning 'without (the thing mentioned)'
meaningless
friendless
lessen verb [ I or T ]
If something lessens or is lessened, it becomes less strong
A healthy diet can lessen the risk of heart disease.
lesser adjective [ before noun ]
used to describe something that is not as great in size, amount or importance as
something else
A lesser man (= a man who was not as strong or brave) might have given up at
that point.
The charge of murder was altered to the lesser (= less serious) charge of
manslaughter.
Ethiopia and, to a lesser extent/degree , Kenya will be badly affected by the
drought.
lesser noun
the lesser of two evils
the less unpleasant of two choices, neither of which are good
But allowing a criminal to go free is perhaps the lesser of two evils if the
alternative is imprisoning an innocent person.
lesser-known adjective
not as popular or famous as something else
We stayed on one of the lesser-known Greek islands.
lesson noun [ C ]
1. a period of time in which a person is taught about a subject or how to do
something
How can we make science lessons more interesting?
She has never had/taken any acting lessons.
He gives French lessons.
2. an experience which teaches you how to behave better in a similar situation in
the future
There is a lesson for all parents in this tragic accident.
My parents made me pay back all the money and it was a lesson I never forgot.
We can learn important lessons (= gain new understanding) from this disaster.
lest conjunction LITERARY
in order to prevent any possibility that something will happen
They were afraid to complain about the noise lest they annoyed the neighbours.
let verb ALLOW
1. [ T + infinitive without to ] to allow something to happen or someone to do
something by not doing anything to stop an action or by giving your permission
She wanted to go but her parents wouldn't let her.
He decided to let his hair grow long.
Let your shoes dry completely before putting them on.
I'm letting you stay up late, just this once.
Don't let it worry you.
If he needs money, let him (= he should) earn it!
2. [ T + object + infinitive without to not in past tenses ] used to show that you
accept what is going to happen, although you do not like it
Let it rain - it won't spoil our afternoon.
let verb SUGGEST
3. let's
ALSO FORMAL let us used to express a suggestion or request which includes you and
the other person or people
Let's go out to dinner.
Let us consider all the possibilities.
Let's not argue/ UK ALSO Don't let's argue.
let verb RENT
4. [ T ] MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US rent ) to allow your house or land to be lived in or
used by someone else in exchange for a regular payment
They are letting their house (out) for the summer.
He's let his flat to a young couple.
She has a room to let in her house.
let sb be
to stop criticizing or annoying someone
let yourself go
1. INFORMAL to allow yourself to become less attractive or healthy
It's easy to let yourself go when you've got small kids.
2. to relax completely and enjoy yourself
It's a party - let yourself go!
let sth go/pass
to not correct or argue with something that a person says or does that is wrong
I know what he said wasn't strictly accurate but I let it pass anyway.
let your hair down OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to allow yourself to behave much more freely than usual and enjoy yourself
Oh let your hair down for once!
let sb have it SLANG
to attack someone with words or physically
let sb in on a secret
to allow someone to know something that you have not told anyone else
Shall I let you in on a little secret?
let sb know
to tell someone something
Let us know wh en you get there.
Let me know if you need any help.
Thank you for coming to the interview - we'll let you know (= tell you whether we
are going to offer you a job) in the next week.
let sth slip
to tell people about something without intending to
He let it slip that he hadn't actually read the report.
let go
to stop holding something
Hold on tight and don't let go!
Let go of my hand, you're hurting me!
let it all hang out OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
to behave freely without being shy or feeling worried about what other people will
think of you
let it be known FORMAL
to make certain that people know something
I let it be known that I was not happy about the decision that had been made.
let it lie ( ALSO let things lie )
to take no action about something
Instead of going to the police they let things lie for a couple of months.
let rip/fly INFORMAL
to behave in an angry and emotional way
She let rip about the state of the kitchen.
let the side down MAINLY UK INFORMAL
to behave in a way that embarrasses or causes problems for a group of people
that you are part of
let's face it
said before stating something that is unpleasant but true
Let's face it, we're not going to win.
let's see ( ALSO let me see/think )
used when you want to think carefully about something or are trying to remember
Next Saturday, let's see, that's when we're going to the theatre.
The last time I spoke to her was, now let me think, three weeks ago.
let sb down phrasal verb [ M ]
to disappoint someone by failing to do what you agreed to do or were expected to
do
You will be there tomorrow - you won't let me down, will you?
When I was sent to prison, I really felt I had let my parents down.
let sth down phrasal verb [ M ] CLOTHES
1. If you let down a piece of clothing, you make it longer
My trousers shrank in the wash so I let them down.
let sth down phrasal verb [ M ] AIR
2. UK If you let down something filled with air, you cause the air to go out of it
Someone let my tyres down while I was at the gym.
let sb/sth in phrasal verb [ M ]
to allow someone or something to enter
She opened the door and let me in.
These shoes are starting to let water in.
let yourself in for sth phrasal verb
to become involved in a difficult or unpleasant situation without intending to
Do you realize how much extra work you're letting yourself in for?
let sb in on sth phrasal verb
to tell someone about something that is secret, or to allow someone to become
involved in something which only very few people are involved in
Debbie agreed to let me in on her plans.
let sth into sth phrasal verb UK
to put something into a flat surface so that it does not stick out
A skylight had been let into the roof.
let sb off phrasal verb [ M ]
to not punish someone who has committed a crime or done something wrong, or
to not punish them severely
Instead of a prison sentence they were let off with a fine.
You won't be let off so lightly (= you will be punished more severely) the next
time.
let sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to fire a gun or make something such as a bomb or fireworks explode
Don't let off fireworks near the house.
let on phrasal verb INFORMAL
to tell other people about something that you know, especially when it is a secret
I suspect he knows more this than he's letting on.
let sb/sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to allow someone or something to leave a place, especially by opening a closed or
fastened door
I heard a voice from the cupboard shouting "Let me out!"
let sth out phrasal verb [ M ] ESCAPE
1. to cause something to come out
He let the air out of the balloon.
She let out a scream (= She made this noise) .
let sth out phrasal verb [ M ] CLOTHES
2. to make a piece of clothing wider by removing the sewing from the sides and
sewing closer to the edge of the material
These trousers are too tight - I'm going to have to let them out.
let out phrasal verb US
When something that people go to, such as school or a show, lets out, it ends and
everyone leaves
When does school let out for the summer?
let up phrasal verb INFORMAL IMPROVE
1. If bad weather or an unpleasant situation lets up, it stops or improves
When the rain lets up we'll go for a walk.
let up phrasal verb INFORMAL STOP
2. to stop doing something that you have been doing continuously or in a
determined way
Neil spent the entire evening moaning about his job - he just wouldn't let up.
The police insist that they are not letting up on their campaign against drugs.
let adverb
let alone
used after a negative statement to emphasize how unlikely a situation is because
something much more likely has never happened
Some people never even read a newspaper, let alone a book.
let noun SPORT
1. [ C ] (in tennis or similar games) a situation in which the ball touches the net
as it crosses it, so that you have to play the point again
let noun LAW
2. without let or hindrance SPECIALIZED
without being prevented from doing something
People will be able to travel from country to country without let or hindrance.
let noun RENT
3. [ C ] UK the act of allowing someone to use your house, land, etc. in exchange
for regular payments
a five-year let on a flat
-let suffix
small, not very important
piglet
letch noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR lecher
letdown noun [ S ] INFORMAL
a disappointment
After all I'd heard about the film, it turned out to be a bit of a letdown.
lethal adjective
able to cause or causing death; extremely dangerous
Three minutes after the fire started, the house was full of lethal fumes.
In the car the police found guns, knives and other lethal weapons (= weapons
which can kill) .
A 59-year-old man was executed by lethal injection (= by having a poisonous
substance put into his body) this morning.
INFORMAL That combination of tiredness and alcohol is lethal (= has a very bad
effect) .
lethally adverb
lethargic adjective
having little energy; feeling unwilling and unable to do anything
I was feeling tired and lethargic.
lethargy noun [ U ]
letter noun [ C ] MESSAGE
1. a written message from one person to another, usually put in an envelope and
sent by the post
I got a letter from the bank this morning.
letter noun [ C ] SYMBOL
2. any of the set of symbols used to write a language, representing a sound in the
language
the letter D
3. the letter of the law FORMAL
the exact words of the law and not its more important general meaning
to the letter
If you obey instructions or rules to the letter, you do exactly what you have been
told to do, giving great attention to every detail
I followed the instructions to the letter and it still went wrong.
ˈ letter ˌ bomb noun [ C ]
a small bomb that is put in an envelope or parcel and sent to someone by post
-let suffix
piglet
letch noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR lecher
a disappointment
lethal adjective
which can kill) .
effect) .
lethally adverb
lethargic adjective
lethargy noun [ U ]
sent by the post
language
the letter D
to the letter
letterbox noun [ C ] UK
1. ( US mail slot ) a rectangular hole in the door or in a wall near the entrance of
a house or other building, through which letters, etc. are delivered
2. ( US mailbox ) a large, metal container in a public place where you can post
letters
ˈ letter ˌ carrier noun [ C ]
US FOR postman
letterhead noun [ C ]
the top part of a piece of writing paper where the name and address of a person
or business is printed
lettering noun [ U ]
writing in a particular colour, style etc
a black box with gold lettering
ˌ letter of ˈ credit noun [ C ]
a letter from a bank allowing the person who has it to take a particular amount of
money from a bank in another country
ˌ letter ˈ perfect adjective
US FOR word perfect
-let suffix
piglet
letch noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR lecher
a disappointment
lethal adjective
which can kill) .
effect) .
lethally adverb
lethargic adjective
lethargy noun [ U ]
sent by the post
language
the letter D
to the letter
letterbox noun [ C ] UK
1. ( US mail slot ) a rectangular hole in the door or in a wall near the entrance of
a house or other building, through which letters, etc. are delivered
2. ( US mailbox ) a large, metal container in a public place where you can post
letters
ˈ letter ˌ carrier noun [ C ]
US FOR postman
letterhead noun [ C ]
the top part of a piece of writing paper where the name and address of a person
or business is printed
lettering noun [ U ]
writing in a particular colour, style etc
a black box with gold lettering
ˌ letter of ˈ credit noun [ C ]
a letter from a bank allowing the person who has it to take a particular amount of
money from a bank in another country
ˌ letter ˈ perfect adjective
US FOR word perfect
letting noun [ C ] UK
a room or building that can be rented
The town offers several holiday lettings.
lettuce noun [ C or U ]
lettuce
a plant with large green leaves, eaten raw in salads
let-up noun
[ C usually singular ] INFORMAL a reduction in strength or intensity
The airline authorities are not expecting a let-up in delays (= are not expecting
delays to stop) for the rest of the summer.
leucocyte noun [ C ] ( US leukocyte ) SPECIALIZED
a white blood cell
leucotomy noun [ C ]
UK FOR lobotomy
leukaemia , MAINLY US leukemia noun [ U ]
a serious disease in which the body produces too many white blood cells
the Levant noun [ S ]
the countries and islands of the eastern Mediterranean
Levantine noun [ C ] , adjective
levee noun [ C ]
a wall made of land or other materials that is built next to a river to stop the river
from overflowing (= coming out of a place because it is too full)
level noun [ C ] HEIGHT
1. the height of something
The water level in the lake is much higher after heavy rain.
2. the amount or number of something
Inflation is going to rise 2% from its present level.
Chess requires a very high level of concentration.
There is some danger of low level (= a continuing small amount of) radiation.
level noun [ C ] ABILITY
3. someone's ability compared to other people
a course for advanced level students
Students at this level require a lot of help.
The exam can be taken at three levels.
level noun [ C ] FLOOR
4. a floor in a large building
The library has three levels, with a conference centre at ground level.
The exhibition is on level three of the building.
level noun [ C ] RANK
5. a position within a system in which people are arranged according to their
importance
These are subjects for discussion at management level.
6. at local/national level
relating to a particular area of the country/the whole of the country
These sorts of policies are made at local level.
be on the level
to be acting or speaking honestly
It seems too good to be true. Are you sure this guy's on the level?
find your own level
to find out how much ability you have and find a position which is therefore
suitable
on one level...on another level
something that you say when you are speaking about two opposite ways of
thinking about or responding to a situation
On one level I quite like the attention but on another level, I suppose I find it a bit
disturbing.
level adjective AT SAME HEIGHT
1. [ after verb ] at the same height
The top of the tree is level with his bedroom window.
level adjective FLAT
2. flat or horizontal
Make sure the camera is level before you take the picture.
Before I bang the nails in, would you say this picture was level?
3. level spoonful/cupful
an amount of a liquid or substance which fills a spoon/cup but does not go above
the edges, used as a measure in cooking
level adjective EQUAL
4. having the same value, amount, number of points, etc
The unions are fighting to keep wages level ( US USUALLY even ) with inflation.
Chiappucci would have to win the next three stages in order to draw level with
(= reach the same position as) Indurain in the Tour de France.
level adjective CONTROLLED
5. [ before noun ] If you speak in a level voice or give someone a level look, you
do it in a calm and controlled way
In a level voice, he ordered the soldiers to aim and fire.
levelly adverb
He looked levelly (= calmly and without excitement) across at me.
do your level best
to try as hard as you can
Tickets are hard to come by but I'll do my level best to get you one.
level pegging UK
in an equal position in a competition or game
Both teams are level pegging.
a level playing field
a situation in which everyone has the same chance of succeeding
If the tax systems are different in each European country, how can industries
start on a level playing field?
level verb [ T ] MAKE FLAT
1. to make a surface flat
Level the wet cement before it sets.
level verb [ T ] DESTROY
2. to completely destroy a building or area
The bombing levelled the village.
level sth against/at sb phrasal verb
to accuse someone in public of doing something wrong
Criticism has been levelled at senior figures in the industry.
Charges of corruption have been levelled against him.
level sth at sb phrasal verb
to aim something such as a weapon at someone
She picked up the gun and levelled it at me.
level off phrasal verb
If a rate or amount levels off, it stops rising or falling and stays at the same level
House prices now seem to be levelling off after the steep rises of the last few
years.
Unemployment rose to 10% and then levelled off.
level off/out phrasal verb
If an aircraft levels off/out, it starts to travel horizontally rather than going up or
down
The jet levelled off at 10, 000 feet.
level with sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to tell someone the truth about something
I'll level with you - the salary's not particularly good, and there's little chance of
promotion.
ˌ level ˈ crossing noun [ C ] UK ( US grade crossing )
a place where a railway and a road cross each other, usually with gates that stop
the traffic while a train goes past
level-headed adjective
calm and able to deal easily with difficult situations
leveller , US USUALLY leveler noun [ C usually singular ]
something, typically death, that affects people of every class and rank in the
same way, making everyone seem equal
death, the great leveller
lever noun [ C ] BAR/HANDLE
1. a bar or handle which moves around a fixed point, so that one end of it can be
pushed or pulled in order to control the operation of a machine or move a heavy or stiff
object
lever noun [ C ] ADVANTAGE
2. something you use, often unfairly, to try to persuade someone to do what you
want
lever verb [ T usually + adverb or preposition ]
She levered up the drain cover.
object
want
leverage noun [ U ] ACTION
1. the action or advantage of using a lever
leverage noun [ U ] POWER
2. power to influence people and get the results you want
If the United Nations had more troops in the area, it would have greater leverage.
leverage noun [ U ] VALUE
3. US ( UK gearing ) the ratio between the amount of money that a company owes
to banks and the value of the company
leverage verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to use borrowed money to buy a company
leveraged adjective
The company is highly leveraged and struggling with interest payments.
ˌ leveraged ˈ buyout noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
when a small company buys a larger one using money borrowed against the value
of the equipment, buildings, etc. of both companies
ˌ lever ˌ arch ˈ file noun [ C ]
lever arch file
a type of large container used to hold paper, in which paper is held on two big
curved pieces of metal which are opened or closed using a metal bar
leviathan , Leviathan noun [ C ] LITERARY
something or someone that is extremely large and powerful
The US is seen as an economic leviathan.
Levi's plural noun TRADEMARK
a type of jeans
object
want
leverage noun [ U ] ACTION
1. the action or advantage of using a lever
leverage noun [ U ] POWER
2. power to influence people and get the results you want
If the United Nations had more troops in the area, it would have greater leverage.
leverage noun [ U ] VALUE
3. US ( UK gearing ) the ratio between the amount of money that a company owes
to banks and the value of the company
leverage verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to use borrowed money to buy a company
leveraged adjective
The company is highly leveraged and struggling with interest payments.
ˌ leveraged ˈ buyout noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
when a small company buys a larger one using money borrowed against the value
of the equipment, buildings, etc. of both companies
ˌ lever ˌ arch ˈ file noun [ C ]
lever arch file
a type of large container used to hold paper, in which paper is held on two big
curved pieces of metal which are opened or closed using a metal bar
leviathan , Leviathan noun [ C ] LITERARY
something or someone that is extremely large and powerful
The US is seen as an economic leviathan.
Levi's plural noun TRADEMARK
a type of jeans
levitate verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) rise and float in the air without any physical support
levitation noun [ U ]
levity noun [ U ] FORMAL
humour or lack of seriousness, especially during a serious occasion
a brief moment of levity amid the solemn proceedings
levy noun [ C ]
an amount of money, such as a tax, that you have to pay to a government or
organization
They imposed a 5% levy on alcohol.
levy verb [ T ]
A new tax was levied on consumers of luxury goods.
lewd adjective DISAPPROVING
(of behaviour, speech, dress, etc.) sexual in an obvious and rude way
Ignore him - he's being lewd.
a lewd suggestion
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun [ U ]
lexical adjective SPECIALIZED
relating to words
lexicographer noun [ C ]
a person whose job is to write dictionaries
lexicography noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the activity or job of writing dictionaries
lexicon noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
(a list of) all the words used in a particular language or subject, or a dictionary
lexis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
all the words of a language
ley line noun [ C ]
an imaginary line between some important places such as hills or very old
churches in Britain, believed to be where there were very old paths
ley line noun [ C ]
an imaginary line between some important places such as hills or very old
churches in Britain, believed to be where there were very old paths
liability noun RESPONSIBILITY
1. [ U ] when you are legally responsible for something
He denies any liability for the damage caused.
2. liabilities SPECIALIZED
debts
The business has liabilities of £2 million.
Compare asset
liability noun RISK
3. [ S ] something or someone that causes you a lot of trouble, often when they
should be helping you
After a certain age, a car's just a liability.
Sue always manages to upset somebody when we go out - she's a real liability.
liable adjective [ after verb ] RESPONSIBLE
1. SPECIALIZED having (legal) responsibility for something or someone
The law holds parents liable if a child does not attend school.
If we lose the case we may be liable for (= have to pay) the costs of the whole
trial.
liable adjective [ after verb ] LIKELY
2. very likely to happen
The areas of town near the river are liable to flooding (= are often flooded) .
[ + to infinitive ] He's liable to make a fuss if you wake him.
liaise verb [ I ]
to speak to people in other organizations in order to exchange information with
them
Our head office will liaise with the suppliers to ensure delivery.
liaison noun LINK BETWEEN
1. [ S or U ] communication between people or groups who work with each other
He blamed the lack of liaison between the various government departments.
The police have appointed a liaison officer to work with the local community.
2. [ C ] MAINLY US someone who helps groups to work effectively with each other
She served as a liaison between the different groups.
liaison noun RELATIONSHIP
3. [ C ] FORMAL a sexual relationship, especially between two people not married to
each other
He's had a number of liaisons.
liar noun [ C ]
someone who tells lies
He's such a liar - you can't trust a word he says.
[ as form of address ] You liar - I never touched it!
liar noun [ C ]
lib noun [ U ]
(especially in informal names of organizations which try to remove the
disadvantages experienced by particular groups within society) liberation
women's lib
libber noun [ C ] INFORMAL
She's a women's libber.
Lib adjective
UK ABBREVIATION FOR liberal (POLITICS)
libation noun [ C ]
1. FORMAL an amount of alcoholic drink poured out or drunk in honour of a god or a
dead relation
2. FORMAL HUMOROUS a drink of alcohol
Would you care for a libation?
ˌ Lib ˈ Dem noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a member of the Liberal Democrats
libel noun [ C or U ]
a piece of writing which contains bad and false things about a person
She threatened to sue the magazine for libel.
Compare slander
libel verb [ T ]
libellous , US USUALLY libelous adjective
libellous accusations
liberal , adjective SOCIETY
1. respecting and allowing many different types of beliefs or behaviour
a liberal society/attitude
Her parents were far more liberal than mine.
Opposite illiberal or intolerant
liberal , adjective POLITICS
2. (of a political party or a country) believing in or allowing more personal
freedom and a development towards a fairer sharing of wealth and power within society
liberal , adjective GENEROUS
3. FORMAL giving or given in a generous way
He was very liberal with the wine.
liberal , adjective NOT EXACT
4. not exact; without attention to or interest in detail
a liberal interpretation of the law
liberalism , noun [ U ]
liberality noun [ U ] FORMAL
liberally , adverb FORMAL
Apply the cream liberally to the affected area.
liberal , noun [ C ]
someone who respects many different types of beliefs or behaviour
He's a good old-fashioned liberal.
ˌ liberal ˈ arts plural noun MAINLY US
college or university subjects such as history, languages and literature
liar noun [ C ]
lib noun [ U ]
women's lib
Lib adjective
libation noun [ C ]
dead relation
Compare slander
libel verb [ T ]
liar noun [ C ]
lib noun [ U ]
women's lib
Lib adjective
libation noun [ C ]
dead relation
Compare slander
libel verb [ T ]
liar noun [ C ]
lib noun [ U ]
women's lib
Lib adjective
libation noun [ C ]
dead relation
Compare slander
libel verb [ T ]
ˌ Liberal ˈ Democrats plural noun
in Britain, a political party that believes in more power for local government, more
personal freedom and a gradual development towards a fairer sharing of wealth and
power within society
liberalize , UK USUALLY liberalise , verb [ T ]
to make laws, systems or opinions less severe
They have plans to liberalize the prison system.
liberalization MAINLY US , UK USUALLY liberalisation , noun [ U ]
Political reform and economic liberalization don't always go together.
the ˈ Liberal ˌ Party noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
in Britain, a political party that joined with the Social Democratic Party to become
the 'Liberal Democrats'
liberate verb [ T ]
1. to help someone or something to be free
They said they sent troops in to liberate the people/the country from a dictator.
2. HUMOROUS to steal something
She liberated those spoons from a restaurant last week.
liberator noun [ C ]
People came out into the streets to welcome the liberators.
liberated adjective
not following traditional ways of behaving or old ideas
She's chosen career advancement instead of having children - does that make her
a liberated woman?
liberating adjective
making you feel free and able to behave as you like
Taking all your clothes off can be a very liberating experience.
liberation noun [ U ]
1. when something or someone is released or made free
the liberation of France from Nazi occupation
Leaving school was such a liberation for me.
2. used to refer to activities connected with removing the disadvantages
experienced by particular groups within society
the women's liberation ( INFORMAL lib ) movement
animal liberation organizations
liber ˌ ation the ˈ ology noun [ U ]
in the Roman Catholic countries of South America, a form of Catholic religious
teaching which aims to improve people's social, political and economic situation
Liberia noun [ U ]
Liberian noun [ C ] , adjective
libertarian noun [ C ]
a person who believes that people should be free to think and behave as they
want and should not have limits put on them by governments
Civil libertarians are worried about what they see as government censorship.
libertarian adjective
libertine noun [ C ] FORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person, usually a man, who lives in a way that is not moral, having sexual
relationships with many people
liberty noun FREEDOM
1. [ U ] FORMAL the freedom to live as you wish or go where you want
For most citizens, liberty means the freedom to practise their religious or political
beliefs.
Hundreds of political prisoners are to be given their liberty (= released from
prison) .
Of the ten men who escaped this morning from Dartmoor Prison, only two are still
at liberty (= free or not yet caught) .
2. be at liberty to do sth FORMAL
to be allowed to do something
I'm not at liberty to reveal any names.
3. liberties FORMAL
freedom to live as you wish or go where you want
These laws will restrict our ancient rights and liberties.
liberty noun BAD BEHAVIOUR
4. [ C ] an example of speech or behaviour that upsets other people because it
shows little respect or does not follow what is thought to be polite or acceptable
What a liberty, to refuse the invitation on your behalf, without even asking you!
5. take liberties (with sth )
to change something, especially a piece of writing, in a way that people disagree
with
6. take liberties (with sb ) OLD-FASHIONED
to be too friendly with someone, usually in a sexual way
Some of the younger women complained that he'd been taking liberties with
them.
take the liberty of doing sth FORMAL
to do something that will have an effect on someone else, without asking their
permission
I took the liberty of booking theatre seats for us.
libidinous adjective FORMAL
having or showing strong sexual desires
libido noun [ C ]
a person's sexual energy
Symptoms include weight gain, sleep disorders and loss of libido.
Libra noun [ C or U ]
the seventh sign of the zodiac, relating to the period 23 September to 22 October,
represented by a pair of measuring scales , or a person born during this period
Libran noun [ C ]
a Libra
librarian noun [ C ]
a person who works in a library
library , noun [ C ]
1. a building, room or organization which has a collection, especially of books, for
people to read or borrow usually without payment
a public/university library
a record library
a library book
2. a collection or set of books, records or other things, all produced in the same
style or about the same subject
the Penguin Shakespeare Library
librettist noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a person who writes the words for an opera or a musical
libretto noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the words that are sung or spoken in an opera or a musical
Libya noun [ U ]
Libyan noun [ C ] , adjective
lice
PLURAL OF louse
licence UK , US license noun
1. [ C ] an official document which gives you permission to own, do or use
something, usually after you have paid money and/or taken a test
a dog licence
a driving licence/ US driver's license
a TV licence
2. [ S or U ] FORMAL permission or freedom to do what you want
As parents, they allowed their children very little licence.
[ + to infinitive ] He was given licence to reform the organization.
3. artistic/poetic licence
the freedom of artists, writers etc. to change the facts of the real world when
producing art
4. under licence
with special permission from the maker of a product
It's a German product, made under licence in British factories.
be a licence to print money
If a company or activity is a licence to print money, it causes people to become
very rich without having to make any effort.
license verb [ T ]
to give someone official permission to do or have something
[ + to infinitive ] Several companies have been licensed to sell these products.
licensed adjective
a licensed pilot
a licensed (= allowed to sell alcohol) restaurant
license verb [ T ]
to give someone official permission to do or have something
[ + to infinitive ] Several companies have been licensed to sell these products.
licensed adjective
a licensed pilot
a licensed (= allowed to sell alcohol) restaurant
ˌ licensed ˌ practical ˈ nurse noun [ C ]
a nurse in the US who has been trained to do practical nursing but who is not
allowed to give medicines without permission
licensee noun [ C ] FORMAL
a person who has official permission to do something, especially to sell alcoholic
drinks
ˈ license ˌ plate noun [ C ]
US FOR number plate
ˈ licensing ˌ laws plural noun
in Britain, the laws which control when and where alcoholic drinks can be sold
licentious adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
(especially of a person or their behaviour) sexual in an uncontrolled and socially
unacceptable way
licentiously adverb
licentiousness noun [ U ]
lichen , noun [ C or U ]
a grey, green or yellow plant-like organism that grows especially on rocks, walls
and trees
lick verb MOVE TONGUE
lick
1. [ T ] to move the tongue across the surface of something
He licked the chocolate off his fingers.
She licked the stamps and stuck them on the parcel.
2. [ T I + prep ] If flames or waves lick something, they pass over it quickly or
touch it lightly like a tongue
Within a few seconds flames were licking at the curtains.
lick verb DEFEAT
3. [ T ] INFORMAL to defeat easily in a competition, fight, etc
We'll lick the other teams.
have (got) sth licked INFORMAL
to have solved a problem
lick sb's boots ( OFFENSIVE lick sb's arse/ass ) INFORMAL
to try very hard to please someone in authority, usually in order to get an
advantage
He needn't expect me to go licking his boots!
lick your lips
1. to move your tongue along your lips
She took a bite of doughnut and licked her lips.
2. to feel pleasure at the thought of something
He licked his lips at the thought of all that money.
lick your wounds
to spend time getting back your strength or happiness after a defeat or bad
experience
lick noun HIT
1. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL when you hit someone with something such as a
whip
lick noun SPEED
2. at a hell of lick UK INFORMAL
at a fast speed
The trains go by at a hell of a lick.
lick noun SMALL AMOUNT
3. [ C ] INFORMAL a small amount or thin layer
The living room could do with a lick of paint .
lick noun MUSIC
4. [ C ] SPECIALIZED in jazz or rock music, a short series of notes played by one
musician
lick noun TONGUE
5. [ C ] the action of licking something
Can I have a lick of your ice cream?
a lick and a promise OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a quick and careless cleaning or wash
lickety-split adverb OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
very quickly
very quickly
licking noun [ S ] DEFEAT
1. INFORMAL a defeat in a competition
The home team were given a good licking.
licking noun [ S ] PUNISHMENT
2. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL when someone is hit as a punishment
licorice , noun [ U ]
MAINLY US FOR liquorice
lid noun [ C ]
1. a cover on a container, which can be lifted up or removed
Can you get the lid off this jar?
Put a lid on the saucepan.
2. an eyelid (= either of the two pieces of skin which can close over each eye)
She looked at him from under half-closed lids.
blow/take the lid off sth ( ALSO lift the lid on sth ) INFORMAL
to cause something bad that was previously kept secret to be known by the public
In 1989 they started an investigation that was to blow the lid off corruption in the
police force.
keep the lid on sth INFORMAL
to control the level of something in order to stop it increasing
The government have intervened to keep a lid on inflation.
put the lid on sth UK OLD-FASHIONED
If something that happens puts the lid on a plan, it causes the plan to fail
Well, James' resignation just about puts the lid on it /the project.
lido , noun [ C ] MAINLY UK OLD-FASHIONED
a public swimming pool which is outside, or part of a beach where people can
swim, lie in the sun or do water sports
lie verb POSITION
1. [ I + adverb or preposition L ] to be in or move into a horizontal position on a
surface
to lie in bed
to lie on a beach
to lie on your side
A cat lay in front of the fire.
He lies awake at night, worrying.
A pen lay on the desk.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition L ] If something lies in a particular place, position or
direction, it is in that place, position or direction
There's an old pair of shoes of yours lying at/in the bottom of the wardrobe.
The river lies 30km to the south.
Cambridge United are lying third in the league.
Here lies the body of Mary Taylor (= This is where Mary Taylor is buried) .
There are several houses lying empty in the town.
The town lay in ruins.
The ship lies off (= is positioned near) the coast of Spain.
3. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to exist
The hardest part of the competition still lies ahead of us.
4. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] If responsibility, blame, a decision, a
choice, etc. lies with someone, they have responsibility, must make the decision, etc.
Responsibility for the disaster must ultimately lie with the government.
Where does the blame lie?
5. lie in state
When the dead body of an important person lies in state, it is arranged so that the
public can see and honour it before it is buried.
lie verb SPEAK FALSELY
6. [ I ] to say or write something which is not true in order to deceive someone
Are you lying to me?
Don't trust her - she's lying.
I suspect he lies about his age.
See also liar
lie doggo UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to keep still and hide so that you cannot be found
lie down on the job MAINLY US DISAPPROVING
to fail to work as hard or as well as you should
lie low INFORMAL
to try not to be noticed
I'd lie low if I were you till the trouble passes.
lie through your teeth INFORMAL
to tell someone something which you know is completely false
He asked me how old I was and, lying through my teeth, I said '29'.
not take sth lying down
to refuse to be treated badly by someone
He can't treat you like that! Surely you're not going to take that lying down!
lie about/around phrasal verb
If things are lying about/around, they are left in places where they should not be
Has anyone seen my keys lying about?
I wouldn't leave any money lying around the office if I were you.
lie around phrasal verb
to spend time lying down and doing very little
I spent a week in Spain, lying around on the beach.
lie back phrasal verb
to move the top half of your body from a sitting to a lying position
She lay back in the dentist's chair and tried to relax.
lie behind sth phrasal verb
If something lies behind something else, it is the hidden cause of it
Do you know what lies behind their decision?
lie down phrasal verb
to move into a position in which your body is flat, usually in order to sleep or rest
He lay down on the bed and tried to relax.
lie-down noun [ S ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL
a short rest, usually in bed
I usually have a bit of a lie down after lunch.
She said she was going for a lie down.
lie in phrasal verb UK
to stay in bed later than usual in the morning
It was a Sunday, so she could lie in till almost lunch time.
lie-in noun [ C usually singular ] UK
I'm not working tomorrow so I can have a bit of a lie-in.
lie in sth phrasal verb UK
to exist or be found in something
His skill lies in his ability to communicate quite complex ideas very simply.
The play's interest lies in the questions it raises about sexuality.
lie up phrasal verb MAINLY UK
to hide from police officers, soldiers, etc. who are looking for you
The escaped prisoners lay up in a barn for a few weeks, until the search had been
called off.
lie noun [ C ]
something that you say which you know is not true
I told a lie when I said I liked her haircut.
be a pack of lies ( FORMAL be a tissue of lies )
to be completely untrue
The whole report is a pack of lies.
give the lie to sth
to prove that something is not true
The fact that the number of deaths from cancer in the area has doubled surely
gives the lie to official assurances of the safety of nuclear power.
I tell a lie MAINLY UK
something you say when you have just said something wrong and want to correct
it
Her name is Paula, no, I tell a lie (= I'm wrong) - it's Pauline.
the lie of the land UK ( US the lay of the land )
the shape or height of the land
very quickly
licking noun [ S ] DEFEAT
1. INFORMAL a defeat in a competition
The home team were given a good licking.
licking noun [ S ] PUNISHMENT
2. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL when someone is hit as a punishment
licorice , noun [ U ]
MAINLY US FOR liquorice
lid noun [ C ]
1. a cover on a container, which can be lifted up or removed
Can you get the lid off this jar?
Put a lid on the saucepan.
2. an eyelid (= either of the two pieces of skin which can close over each eye)
She looked at him from under half-closed lids.
blow/take the lid off sth ( ALSO lift the lid on sth ) INFORMAL
to cause something bad that was previously kept secret to be known by the public
In 1989 they started an investigation that was to blow the lid off corruption in the
police force.
keep the lid on sth INFORMAL
to control the level of something in order to stop it increasing
The government have intervened to keep a lid on inflation.
put the lid on sth UK OLD-FASHIONED
If something that happens puts the lid on a plan, it causes the plan to fail
Well, James' resignation just about puts the lid on it /the project.
lido , noun [ C ] MAINLY UK OLD-FASHIONED
a public swimming pool which is outside, or part of a beach where people can
swim, lie in the sun or do water sports
lie verb POSITION
1. [ I + adverb or preposition L ] to be in or move into a horizontal position on a
surface
to lie in bed
to lie on a beach
to lie on your side
A cat lay in front of the fire.
He lies awake at night, worrying.
A pen lay on the desk.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition L ] If something lies in a particular place, position or
direction, it is in that place, position or direction
There's an old pair of shoes of yours lying at/in the bottom of the wardrobe.
The river lies 30km to the south.
Cambridge United are lying third in the league.
Here lies the body of Mary Taylor (= This is where Mary Taylor is buried) .
There are several houses lying empty in the town.
The town lay in ruins.
The ship lies off (= is positioned near) the coast of Spain.
3. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to exist
The hardest part of the competition still lies ahead of us.
4. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] If responsibility, blame, a decision, a
choice, etc. lies with someone, they have responsibility, must make the decision, etc.
Responsibility for the disaster must ultimately lie with the government.
Where does the blame lie?
5. lie in state
When the dead body of an important person lies in state, it is arranged so that the
public can see and honour it before it is buried.
lie verb SPEAK FALSELY
6. [ I ] to say or write something which is not true in order to deceive someone
Are you lying to me?
Don't trust her - she's lying.
I suspect he lies about his age.
See also liar
lie doggo UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to keep still and hide so that you cannot be found
lie down on the job MAINLY US DISAPPROVING
to fail to work as hard or as well as you should
lie low INFORMAL
to try not to be noticed
I'd lie low if I were you till the trouble passes.
lie through your teeth INFORMAL
to tell someone something which you know is completely false
He asked me how old I was and, lying through my teeth, I said '29'.
not take sth lying down
to refuse to be treated badly by someone
He can't treat you like that! Surely you're not going to take that lying down!
lie about/around phrasal verb
If things are lying about/around, they are left in places where they should not be
Has anyone seen my keys lying about?
I wouldn't leave any money lying around the office if I were you.
lie around phrasal verb
to spend time lying down and doing very little
I spent a week in Spain, lying around on the beach.
lie back phrasal verb
to move the top half of your body from a sitting to a lying position
She lay back in the dentist's chair and tried to relax.
lie behind sth phrasal verb
If something lies behind something else, it is the hidden cause of it
Do you know what lies behind their decision?
lie down phrasal verb
to move into a position in which your body is flat, usually in order to sleep or rest
He lay down on the bed and tried to relax.
lie-down noun [ S ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL
a short rest, usually in bed
I usually have a bit of a lie down after lunch.
She said she was going for a lie down.
lie in phrasal verb UK
to stay in bed later than usual in the morning
It was a Sunday, so she could lie in till almost lunch time.
lie-in noun [ C usually singular ] UK
I'm not working tomorrow so I can have a bit of a lie-in.
lie in sth phrasal verb UK
to exist or be found in something
His skill lies in his ability to communicate quite complex ideas very simply.
The play's interest lies in the questions it raises about sexuality.
lie up phrasal verb MAINLY UK
to hide from police officers, soldiers, etc. who are looking for you
The escaped prisoners lay up in a barn for a few weeks, until the search had been
called off.
lie noun [ C ]
something that you say which you know is not true
I told a lie when I said I liked her haircut.
be a pack of lies ( FORMAL be a tissue of lies )
to be completely untrue
The whole report is a pack of lies.
give the lie to sth
to prove that something is not true
The fact that the number of deaths from cancer in the area has doubled surely
gives the lie to official assurances of the safety of nuclear power.
I tell a lie MAINLY UK
something you say when you have just said something wrong and want to correct
it
Her name is Paula, no, I tell a lie (= I'm wrong) - it's Pauline.
the lie of the land UK ( US the lay of the land )
the shape or height of the land
Liechtenstein noun [ U ]
Liechtenstein adjective
Liechtensteiner noun [ C ]
ˈ lie de ˌ tector noun [ C ] ( SPECIALIZED polygraph )
a piece of equipment used to try to discover if someone is telling lies
Both men refused to take a lie detector test.
lien noun [ C ] LEGAL
an official order that allows someone to keep the property of a person who owes
them money until it has been paid
lieu noun FORMAL
in lieu (of)
instead (of)
The paintings were left to the nation by the Duke of Norfolk in lieu of inheritance
taxes.
Lieut noun [ before noun ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR lieutenant
lieutenant noun [ C ]
(the title of) an officer of middle rank in the armed forces
first/second lieutenant
life noun
1. [ C or U ] the period between birth and death; the experience or state of being
alive
Life's too short to worry about money!
I'm not sure I want to spend the rest of my life with him.
Unfortunately, accidents are part of life.
He went mad towards the end of his life.
Cats are supposed to have nine lives.
He doesn't know what he really wants in/out of life.
The accident changed my whole outlook on life.
He lost his life (= died suddenly because of a violent event or accident) in the
Great War.
A simple mixture of glucose and water can save lives in many parts of the world.
He ran off with her life savings (= all the money she had saved) .
See also afterlife ; pro-life
2. [ C or U ] way of living or a particular part of someone's life
her family/private/sex life
my working life
We interviewed senior politicians, famous writers and others in public life.
Drugs and violence are deeply rooted in American life.
I left home at 16 to see life (= have different experiences with a lot of people in
lots of places) .
Teaching has been her life (= the most important and enjoyable thing in her life) .
3. [ C usually singular ] the period for which a machine or organization lasts
The newer batteries have a much longer life.
Careful use will prolong the life of your machine.
The legislation won't be passed during the life of the present parliament.
4. [ U ] the quality which makes people, animals and plants different from
objects, substances, and things which are dead
The doctor could find no sign of life in the old man's body.
FIGURATIVE I looked through the window but I couldn't see any signs of life (=
people moving) .
5. [ U ] energy or enthusiasm
She's so full of life.
6. [ U ] everything which is alive
human/marine/plant life
7. [ U ] SPECIALIZED In art, if you work from life, you paint, draw, etc. real people
or objects usually while they are in front of you rather than from memory
life drawing classes
8. [ C ] INFORMAL especially in children's games, one of the limited number of times
that you can lose, but still continue playing
Every time the little man gets hit, you lose a life.
9. bring sth to life ( ALSO come to life )
to make something more real or exciting, or to become more real or exciting
It's always been an interesting period in history and this film really brought it to
life.
10. for life
for the whole of a person's life
I believe marriage is for life.
11. give your life ( ALSO lay down your life )
to be willing to die in order to defend or support someone or something
They were ready to give their lives for their country.
12. life after death
If you believe in life after death, you believe that people continue to exist in some
form after they die.
13. start a new life ( ALSO make a new life for yourself )
to completely change how or where you live
She decided to start a new life in Australia.
be (all) part of life's rich tapestry/pageant
to be one of the difficult or bad experiences that is part of a full and varied life
be one/another of life's great mysteries
to be something which is very difficult to understand
The market for those dreadful compilation records you see advertised on TV is
just another of life's great mysteries.
for the life of you INFORMAL
although you are trying very hard
I can't remember her name for the life of me.
Get a life! INFORMAL
something you say to a boring person when you want them to do more exciting
things
Don't tell me you're cleaning the house on a Saturday night? Get a life, Hannah!
give your life to sth
to continue to have a close involvement in a particular thing for the whole of your
life
She gave her life to cancer research.
How's life (treating you)?
said as an informal greeting
lead/live the life of Riley OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to live an easy and comfortable life, without any need to work hard
life and soul of the party
someone who is energetic and funny and at the centre of activity during social
occasions
the man/woman in sb's life INFORMAL
your romantic/sexual partner
Who's the new man in your life, eh?
Not on your life! INFORMAL
said as a way of strongly refusing someone's suggestion or request
"So you're going to bring Kev, are you?" "Not on your life!"
scare/frighten the life out of sb
to frighten someone very much
take your (own) life FORMAL
to kill yourself
take sb's life FORMAL
to kill someone
take your life in your hands
to do something that is very dangerous, especially where you risk death
Every time you go parachuting you're taking your life in your hands.
that's life INFORMAL
said after something bad or unlucky has happened, to express your feeling that
such events will sometimes happen and have to be accepted
No, I didn't get the job but that's life, isn't it?
This is the life! INFORMAL
said to mean that you are very much enjoying the situation you are in
to the life OLD-FASHIONED
If a picture or description is someone to the life it is exactly like them
That sketch is Joanna to the life.
life-affirming adjective
If you describe something as life-affirming, you mean that it makes you feel
positive about life
Such a warm, life-affirming film!
life-affirming adjective
If you describe something as life-affirming, you mean that it makes you feel
positive about life
Such a warm, life-affirming film!
ˈ life ˌ belt noun [ C ] ( ALSO life buoy )
a piece of equipment, usually a ring filled with air or light material that floats,
which is designed to help someone float if they fall into water
lifeblood noun [ U ]
the thing which is most important to the continuing success and existence of
something else
Tourism is the lifeblood of Hawaii's economy.
lifeboat noun [ C ]
a large boat which is kept ready to go out to sea and save people who are in
danger, or a smaller boat kept on a ship for people to leave in if the ship is not safe or
might sink
See picture ships and boats 1
ˈ life ˌ coach noun [ C ]
someone who you pay to give you advice about how to improve your life
ˈ life ˌ cycle noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO life history )
the series of changes that a living thing goes through from the beginning of its life
until death
ˈ life ex ˌ pectancy noun [ C usually singular ]
the length of time that a living thing, especially a human being, is likely to live
Life expectancy in Europe has increased greatly in the 20th century.
ˈ life ˌ form noun [ C ]
any living thing
They are searching for intelligent life forms in other solar systems.
life-giving adjective
necessary for life or giving energy
lifeguard noun [ C ] ( AUSTRALIAN lifesaver )
a person on a beach or at a swimming pool whose job is to make certain that the
swimmers are safe and save them if they are in danger
lifeguard noun [ C ] ( AUSTRALIAN lifesaver )
a person on a beach or at a swimming pool whose job is to make certain that the
swimmers are safe and save them if they are in danger
ˌ life ˈ history noun [ C ]
all the things that happen during the life of a living thing
See also life story
ˌ life im ˈ prisonment noun [ U ] ( INFORMAL life )
the punishment of being put in prison for a very long time without an arranged
time for release or, in the US, until death
See also life sentence
ˈ life in ˌ surance noun [ U ] ( UK USUALLY life assurance )
a system in which you make regular payments to an insurance company in
exchange for a fixed amount of money which will be paid to someone you have named,
usually a member of your family, when you die
ˈ life ˌ jacket noun [ C ]
life jacket
a piece of equipment, like a jacket without sleeves, that is filled with air or light
material and is designed to help someone float if they fall into water
lifeless adjective
1. dead
His lifeless body lay on the floor.
2. showing little energy or interest
a lifeless performance
3. not filled with or used by people
The offices are still empty and lifeless.
lifelessly adverb
lifelessness noun [ U ]
lifelike adjective
describes something that appears real or very similar to reality
a lifelike portrait of the queen
The mask was so lifelike it was quite frightening.
lifelike adjective
describes something that appears real or very similar to reality
a lifelike portrait of the queen
The mask was so lifelike it was quite frightening.
lifeline noun [ C ]
1. something, especially a way of getting help, on which you depend to lead your
life in a satisfactory way
For many old people living on their own the telephone is their lifeline to the
outside world.
2. a rope which is thrown to someone who is in the water, especially the sea, and
is in danger
lifelong adjective [ before noun ]
lasting for the whole of a person's life
She was a lifelong member of the Labour party.
a lifelong habit
ˌ life ˈ peer noun [ C ]
in Britain, a person who is given the honour of a title such as 'Lord' and a place in
the House of Lords as a reward for the good things they have done for the country
ˈ life ˌ peerage noun [ C ]
the honour and position of being a life peer
life preserver noun [ C ]
US FOR life belt or life jacket
lifer noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone who has been punished by being put in prison for a very long time or, in
the US, until they die
ˈ life ˌ raft noun [ C ]
a type of boat which is carried on a large ship and is used in emergencies, for
example when the ship is sinking, to take people to safety
life-saver noun [ C ] WATER
1. AUSTRALIAN lifeguard
life-saver noun [ C ] HELP
2. someone or something that gives you a lot of help when you are in a very
difficult situation
When you're stuck in traffic, a mobile phone's an absolute life-saver.
life-saving , lifesaving adjective
done to prevent someone from dying
She had a life-saving operation to remove a blood clot.
the charity's life-saving work in Africa
life-saving , lifesaving noun [ U ]
when you learn how to save someone's life when they have fallen into water
a certificate in life-saving
life-saving , lifesaving adjective
done to prevent someone from dying
She had a life-saving operation to remove a blood clot.
the charity's life-saving work in Africa
life-saving , lifesaving noun [ U ]
when you learn how to save someone's life when they have fallen into water
a certificate in life-saving
ˈ life ˌ science noun [ C usually plural ]
one of the sections of science dealing with the structure and behaviour of living
things, such as botany , zoology , biochemistry and anthropology
ˌ life ˈ sentence noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL life )
the punishment of being put in prison for a very long time, or, in the US, until
death
See also life imprisonment ; lifer
life-size(d) adjective
describes a work of art or model that is the same size as the person or thing that
it represents
a life-size statue of the Prime Minister
lifespan noun [ C ]
the length of time for which a person, animal or thing exists
The average human lifespan in the developed countries has increased over the
last hundred years.
The project's lifespan is estimated at about five years.
ˈ life ˌ story noun [ C ]
everything that has happened to someone during their life
The last time you sat me next to Alberto I had to hear his whole life story!
lifestyle noun [ C ]
someone's way of living; the things that a person or particular group of people
usually do
He doesn't have a very healthy lifestyle.
She needs a pretty high income to support her lifestyle.
an alternative lifestyle
ˈ lifestyle ˌ manager noun [ C ]
someone who you pay to give you advice about how to improve your life
life-support system noun [ C ]
1. the equipment used to keep a person alive when they are very ill or injured
He's been on a life-support system since the crash.
2. the natural structures and systems that are necessary for living things,
especially humans, to be able to live
The lack of rain is threatening all the region's life-support systems (= the Earth,
trees and rivers) .
life-support system noun [ C ]
1. the equipment used to keep a person alive when they are very ill or injured
He's been on a life-support system since the crash.
2. the natural structures and systems that are necessary for living things,
especially humans, to be able to live
The lack of rain is threatening all the region's life-support systems (= the Earth,
trees and rivers) .
life's work noun [ U ] UK ( US life work )
A person's life's work is the work which is most important to them and to which
they give a lot of time and effort
Her garden was her life's work.
life-threatening adjective
A life-threatening disease is a very serious one that can cause death
life-threatening diseases such as cancer
lifetime noun [ C usually singular ]
the period of time during which someone lives or something exists
We'll see a tremendous lot of technological changes during/in our lifetime.
Winners of the competition will receive the holiday of a lifetime (= the best
holiday they will ever have) .
I've only been working here two days, but it seems like a lifetime.
A watch of this quality should last a lifetime.
Enter our competition and this once-in-a -lifetime experience could be yours!
Marriage is no longer always seen as a lifetime commitment.
You could win a lifetime's supply of toothpaste.
lift verb RAISE
1. [ T ] to move something from a lower to a higher position
Could you help me lift this table, please?
Could you lift your chair a bit - I've got my bag caught under it.
She lifted the cigarette (up) to her lips.
He lifted his eyes (= looked up) from the paper and glared.
2. [ T ] SPECIALIZED to dig underground vegetables or plants out of the ground
They're lifting potatoes.
lift verb TAKE HOLD
3. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to take hold of and raise in order to
remove, carry or move to a different position
She lifted the baby out of her chair.
He lifted the box carefully down from the shelf.
lift verb MAKE LOUD
4. [ T ] LITERARY to make your voice louder, especially when performing
lift verb MAKE INTERESTING
5. [ T ] INFORMAL to make something more interesting or enjoyable
The article is informative enough, but it's a bit dull - we need something to lift it.
lift verb MAKE HAPPY
6. lift sb's spirits INFORMAL
to make someone happier
Nothing - not even the prospect of dinner - could lift his spirits.
lift verb GO AWAY
7. [ I ] (of mist or fog) to go away until none is left
The morning mist had lifted and the sun was starting to come through.
lift verb END
8. [ T ] to end a rule or law
The restrictions on water usage have been lifted now that the river levels are
normal.
At last they've lifted the ban on jeans at the club.
lift verb STEAL
9. [ T ] INFORMAL to steal something
10. [ T ] INFORMAL to use someone else's writing, music or idea, pretending that it
is your own
He'd lifted whole passages from a journal.
lift noun CARRYING DEVICE
1. [ C ] UK ( US elevator ) a device like a box which moves up and down, carrying
people or goods from one floor of a building to another or taking people up and down
underground in a mine
Take the lift to the sixth floor.
lift noun RAISE
2. [ C or U ] an act of lifting or raising something
Give it one more lift and we'll have it at the top of the stairs.
3. [ U ] SPECIALIZED the force on the wing of a bird or aircraft that keeps it in the
air as it moves forward
lift noun JOURNEY
4. [ C usually singular ] a free journey in another person's vehicle, especially a car
I'll give you a lift to the station if you like.
He hitched a lift (= stood by the road and made a signal asking a car to stop and
take him) to Birmingham.
lift noun MAKE HAPPY
5. give sb a lift
to make someone happier
She'd been feeling a bit low but hearing that she'd got the job gave her a lift.
lift-off noun [ C or U ]
when a spacecraft or rocket leaves the ground
We have lift-off.
We have lift-off.
ligament noun [ C ]
any of the strong strips of tissue in the body that connect bones together, limiting
movements in joints (= places where two bones are connected) and supporting muscles
and other tissue
ligature noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a thread or wire used for tying something, especially a blood vessel
Ligatures are used in surgery to stop the flow of a bleeding artery.
light noun BRIGHTNESS
1. [ U ] the brightness that comes from the sun, fire, etc. and from electrical
devices, and that allows things to be seen
a bright light
fluorescent/ultraviolet light
a beam/ray of light
Light was streaming in through the open door.
It's a north-facing room so it doesn't get much light (= brightness from the sun) .
2. [ C ] a piece of equipment which produces light, such as a lamp or a light bulb
Could you switch/turn the light on/off , please?
She could see the city lights in the distance.
As the lights went down, the audience grew quiet.
My front bike light isn't working.
light noun FLAME
3. a light
something which will produce a flame and cause burning, such as a match or a
cigarette lighter
Have you got a light, please?
4. set light to sth UK
to cause something to start burning
The lamp caught fire and set light to the curtains.
cast/shed/throw light on sth
Something or someone that casts/sheds/throws light on a situation provides an
explanation for it or information which makes it easier to understand
As an economist, he was able to shed some light on the problem.
come to light ( ALSO bring sth to light )
If facts come to light or are brought to light, they become known
Fresh evidence has recently come to light which suggests that he didn't in fact
commit the murder.
go out like a light INFORMAL
to go to sleep very quickly or to become unconscious very quickly
in the light of sth ( US USUALLY in light of )
because of
In the light of recent incidents, we are asking our customers to take particular
care of their personal belongings.
light at the end of the tunnel
signs of improvement in a situation which has been bad for a long time, or signs
that a long and difficult piece of work is almost finished
As the exams approached, she felt that at last she could see the light at the end
of the tunnel.
the light of your life HUMOROUS
the person you love most
show someone in a bad light
to make someone seem to be a bad person
He was concerned that the film had shown him in a bad light.
light adjective NOT HEAVY
1. not heavy
Here, take this bag - it's quite light.
He's a few pounds lighter than he used to be.
How do you get your cakes so wonderfully light, Felicity?
He has a very light (= gentle) touch , which is what is required in massage.
She's very light on her feet (= she moves gracefully) .
2. describes clothes that are made of thin material which allows you to be cool
a light summer dress
light adjective BRIGHT
3. lit by the natural light of the day
The big windows make the room feel wonderfully light and airy.
It gets light very early these summer mornings.
Summer is coming and the evenings are getting lighter (= getting dark later) .
light adjective PALE
4. (of colours) pale
light blue/green
Opposite dark
light adjective NOT SERIOUS
5. entertaining and easily understood, but not serious and not intended to make
you think
I want some light reading for the summer holidays - a romance or something.
A lively argument between the two main speakers provided a bit of light relief (=
something enjoyable or amusing) in an otherwise dull conference.
6. make light of sth
to behave as if a situation, especially a problem, is not serious or important
It is easy to make light of other people's problems.
light adjective NOT MUCH
7. not great in strength or amount
A light wind was blowing.
The traffic was quite light so we got through London quickly.
It's only light rain - you don't need an umbrella.
8. light eater/drinker/smoker
someone who eats/drinks/smokes only a little
9. light sleeper
someone who is easily woken up by noise, etc.
light adjective MEAL/DRINK
10. A light meal is small and easy to digest
I don't eat much for lunch - just a light snack.
11. describes alcoholic drinks that are not strong in flavour
It's described on the label as 'light, fruity wine'.
light adjective NOT SEVERE
12. needing only a very small amount of effort
light exercise, such as walking
a bit of light housework
13. A light sentence in prison is a short one
He got off with a fairly light sentence because it was his first conviction.
14. make light work of sth/doing sth
to do something quickly and easily
Heather made light work of painting the walls.
You made light work of that chocolate cake (= you ate it quickly) !
(as) light as a feather
very light
light verb START FLAMES
1. [ I or T ] to start to burn or to make something start to burn
to light a fire
I can't get the cooker to light.
He lit his fifth cigarette in half an hour.
light verb MAKE BRIGHT
2. [ T ] to produce light which makes an object or area bright or easy to see
The stage had been lit with candles.
Fireworks lit up the sky (= made the sky bright) .
light on/upon sth phrasal verb FORMAL
to find or think of something unexpectedly
We lighted upon the solution entirely by accident.
light (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] EXPRESSION
1. If your face or eyes light up, or if a smile lights up your face, you suddenly look
happy
Rosie's whole face lit up with excitement when she saw the presents.
light (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] CIGARETTE
2. to light a cigarette
I was lighting up when I noticed a 'no smoking' sign.
ˌ light ˈ aircraft noun [ C or U ]
a small plane suitable for carrying small loads
We have lift-off.
ligament noun [ C ]
any of the strong strips of tissue in the body that connect bones together, limiting
movements in joints (= places where two bones are connected) and supporting muscles
and other tissue
ligature noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a thread or wire used for tying something, especially a blood vessel
Ligatures are used in surgery to stop the flow of a bleeding artery.
light noun BRIGHTNESS
1. [ U ] the brightness that comes from the sun, fire, etc. and from electrical
devices, and that allows things to be seen
a bright light
fluorescent/ultraviolet light
a beam/ray of light
Light was streaming in through the open door.
It's a north-facing room so it doesn't get much light (= brightness from the sun) .
2. [ C ] a piece of equipment which produces light, such as a lamp or a light bulb
Could you switch/turn the light on/off , please?
She could see the city lights in the distance.
As the lights went down, the audience grew quiet.
My front bike light isn't working.
light noun FLAME
3. a light
something which will produce a flame and cause burning, such as a match or a
cigarette lighter
Have you got a light, please?
4. set light to sth UK
to cause something to start burning
The lamp caught fire and set light to the curtains.
cast/shed/throw light on sth
Something or someone that casts/sheds/throws light on a situation provides an
explanation for it or information which makes it easier to understand
As an economist, he was able to shed some light on the problem.
come to light ( ALSO bring sth to light )
If facts come to light or are brought to light, they become known
Fresh evidence has recently come to light which suggests that he didn't in fact
commit the murder.
go out like a light INFORMAL
to go to sleep very quickly or to become unconscious very quickly
in the light of sth ( US USUALLY in light of )
because of
In the light of recent incidents, we are asking our customers to take particular
care of their personal belongings.
light at the end of the tunnel
signs of improvement in a situation which has been bad for a long time, or signs
that a long and difficult piece of work is almost finished
As the exams approached, she felt that at last she could see the light at the end
of the tunnel.
the light of your life HUMOROUS
the person you love most
show someone in a bad light
to make someone seem to be a bad person
He was concerned that the film had shown him in a bad light.
light adjective NOT HEAVY
1. not heavy
Here, take this bag - it's quite light.
He's a few pounds lighter than he used to be.
How do you get your cakes so wonderfully light, Felicity?
He has a very light (= gentle) touch , which is what is required in massage.
She's very light on her feet (= she moves gracefully) .
2. describes clothes that are made of thin material which allows you to be cool
a light summer dress
light adjective BRIGHT
3. lit by the natural light of the day
The big windows make the room feel wonderfully light and airy.
It gets light very early these summer mornings.
Summer is coming and the evenings are getting lighter (= getting dark later) .
light adjective PALE
4. (of colours) pale
light blue/green
Opposite dark
light adjective NOT SERIOUS
5. entertaining and easily understood, but not serious and not intended to make
you think
I want some light reading for the summer holidays - a romance or something.
A lively argument between the two main speakers provided a bit of light relief (=
something enjoyable or amusing) in an otherwise dull conference.
6. make light of sth
to behave as if a situation, especially a problem, is not serious or important
It is easy to make light of other people's problems.
light adjective NOT MUCH
7. not great in strength or amount
A light wind was blowing.
The traffic was quite light so we got through London quickly.
It's only light rain - you don't need an umbrella.
8. light eater/drinker/smoker
someone who eats/drinks/smokes only a little
9. light sleeper
someone who is easily woken up by noise, etc.
light adjective MEAL/DRINK
10. A light meal is small and easy to digest
I don't eat much for lunch - just a light snack.
11. describes alcoholic drinks that are not strong in flavour
It's described on the label as 'light, fruity wine'.
light adjective NOT SEVERE
12. needing only a very small amount of effort
light exercise, such as walking
a bit of light housework
13. A light sentence in prison is a short one
He got off with a fairly light sentence because it was his first conviction.
14. make light work of sth/doing sth
to do something quickly and easily
Heather made light work of painting the walls.
You made light work of that chocolate cake (= you ate it quickly) !
(as) light as a feather
very light
light verb START FLAMES
1. [ I or T ] to start to burn or to make something start to burn
to light a fire
I can't get the cooker to light.
He lit his fifth cigarette in half an hour.
light verb MAKE BRIGHT
2. [ T ] to produce light which makes an object or area bright or easy to see
The stage had been lit with candles.
Fireworks lit up the sky (= made the sky bright) .
light on/upon sth phrasal verb FORMAL
to find or think of something unexpectedly
We lighted upon the solution entirely by accident.
light (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] EXPRESSION
1. If your face or eyes light up, or if a smile lights up your face, you suddenly look
happy
Rosie's whole face lit up with excitement when she saw the presents.
light (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] CIGARETTE
2. to light a cigarette
I was lighting up when I noticed a 'no smoking' sign.
ˌ light ˈ aircraft noun [ C or U ]
a small plane suitable for carrying small loads
ˈ light ˌ bulb noun [ C ] ( ALSO bulb )
light bulb
a rounded glass container with a thin thread of metal inside which produces light
when an electric current goes through it
lighted adjective [ before noun ]
burning or starting to burn
a lighted candle/match
a lighted fuse
lighten verb MAKE BRIGHT
1. [ I ] to become less dark
The sky had lightened and there were breaks in the clouds.
Opposite darken
lighten verb MAKE LESS HEAVY
2. lighten sb's burden/load, etc.
to make a difficult situation or responsibility easier
Getting a new assistant will lighten (= reduce) the workload considerably.
lighten verb MAKE PALE
3. [ T ] to make something lighter
The sun always lightens my hair.
lighten verb MAKE LESS SERIOUS
4. [ I or T ] to (cause to) become happier and less worried
His mood lightened after the phone call.
He tried to lighten the atmosphere by telling a joke.
lighten sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to make a speech or piece of writing less serious
I thought I'd slip in a few jokes to lighten up the talk.
lighten up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to become more relaxed and less serious
Oh, lighten up! I was only joking!
I wish she'd lighten up a bit.
lighter noun [ C ]
a small device for providing a flame for a cigarette etc
a cigarette lighter
lighter noun [ C ]
a small device for providing a flame for a cigarette etc
a cigarette lighter
light-fingered adjective INFORMAL
If you describe someone as light-fingered you mean that they have a habit of
stealing things.
ˈ light ˌ globe noun [ C ] ( ALSO globe )
AUSTRALIAN light bulb
light-headed adjective
If you feel light-headed you feel weak and as if you are going to lose your balance
She'd had a couple of glasses of champagne and was starting to feel light-headed.
light-hearted adjective
happy and not serious
It was a fairly light-hearted discussion.
ˌ light ˈ heavyweight noun [ C ]
a boxer whose weight is between middleweight and heavyweight
lighthouse noun [ C ]
lighthouse
a tall building by the sea with a flashing light at the top to warn ships of
dangerous rocks
ˌ light ˈ industry noun [ C or U ]
industry which makes small things and does not need to use large heavy
machinery
lighting noun [ U ]
the arrangement of lights used in a room, house, theatre, etc.
lighting-up time noun [ C usually singular ] UK
the time in the afternoon or evening when the law states that vehicles must have
their lights switched on
lighting-up time noun [ C usually singular ] UK
the time in the afternoon or evening when the law states that vehicles must have
their lights switched on
lightly adverb GENTLY
1. gently or using very little of something
She patted him lightly on the shoulder.
Dust the cake lightly with icing sugar.
2. If food is lightly cooked, it is cooked for only a short time
lightly cooked vegetables
lightly adverb NOT SERIOUSLY
3. If you say something lightly, you are not serious when you say it
"Anyway, it won't affect me because I'm leaving, " she said lightly.
4. not do sth lightly
If something is not said or treated lightly, it is said or treated in a serious way,
after great thought
Accusations like these from a top minister are not made lightly.
lightly adverb NOT SEVERELY
5. get off lightly; let sb off lightly
to be punished or punish someone less severely than might have been expected
I think he got off quite lightly considering it's his third driving offence.
ˈ light ˌ meter noun [ C ]
a device for measuring how much light there is, especially to show how much light
should be allowed to reach a film when taking a photograph
lightness noun [ U ]
the state of being light
lightning noun [ U ]
a flash of bright light in the sky which is produced by electricity moving between
clouds or from clouds to the ground
thunder and lightning
a flash of lightning
That tree was struck by lightning.
She changed her clothes with lightning speed (= extremely quickly) .
Lightning never strikes twice (in the same place). SAYING
said to show that it is unlikely that something bad or unusual will happen to the
same person twice
like lightning
extremely quickly
ˈ lightning con ˌ ductor noun [ C ] UK ( US lightning rod )
a strip of metal going from the highest point of a building to the ground, which
prevents lightning from damaging the building by taking the electricity to the ground
before it can reach a dangerous level
ˈ lightning ˌ rod noun [ C ] US
someone or something that takes all the blame for a situation, although other
people or things are responsible too
In a harsh economic climate, raises for teachers have become a lightning rod for
criticism.
ˈ lightning ˌ strike noun [ C ]
US FOR wildcat strike
light-pen noun [ C ]
a pen-shaped device which is used for reading bar codes
ˌ light ˈ railway noun [ C ]
a railway system for transporting people around a city
lights-out , noun [ U ]
(at a school where children live or in the army) the time in the evening when the
lights are switched off in the room where people sleep
No talking after lights-out!
lightweight adjective NOT HEAVY
1. weighing only a little or less than average
I need a lightweight jacket for the summer evenings.
lightweight adjective NOT SERIOUS
2. DISAPPROVING not showing deep understanding or knowledge of any subject
She's the author of some fairly lightweight historical novels.
lightweight noun [ C ] SPORTS PERSON
1. in some sports, including boxing , a person whose weight is between
featherweight and welterweight
Compare heavyweight
lightweight noun [ C ] NOT SERIOUS
2. DISAPPROVING a person whose work in a particular area of activity does not show
a deep understanding or knowledge of that subject
In certain circles he has been dismissed as a literary lightweight.
ˈ light ˌ year noun [ C ]
the distance that light travels in one year (about 9 500 000 000 000 kilometres)
light years away
an extremely long time from now in the past or future
It all happened when I was at college, which seems light years away now that I'm
over fifty.
criticism.
Compare heavyweight
light years away
over fifty.
like verb ENJOY
1. [ T ] to enjoy or approve of something or someone
I like your new haircut.
Do you like fish?
I like it when a book is so good that you can't put it down.
I quite like wine but I could live without it.
He's very well- liked (= popular) at work.
[ + -ing verb ] I don't like upsett ing people.
[ + to infinitive ] He likes to spend his evenings in front of the television.
[ + past participle ] He likes his steak well-done.
2. [ T ] to be annoyed by something
I like the way he just assumes we'll listen to him when he doesn't take in a word
anyone else says!
like verb WANT
3. would like
OR FORMAL should like ... used to say that you want or wish something
I think I'd like the soup for my starter.
I'd like to go to Moscow.
I would like to say a big thankyou to everyone who's helped to make our wedding
such a special occasion!
4. [ + to infinitive ] used in requests
I'd like one of the round loaves, please.
[ + to infinitive ] I'd like to book a seat for tonight's performance.
[ + object + to infinitive ] I'd like you to send this for me first class, please.
[ + past participle ] I would like the whole lot finish ed by the weekend.
How do you like ... ?
1. used when asking someone how they like their drinks made
"How do you like your tea?" "Milk and one sugar, please."
2. used when asking someone for an opinion
How do you like my new shoes?
How would you like ... ? INFORMAL
said to suggest that someone would not like to be in a situation experienced by
someone else
I'm not surprised he shouted at you! How would you like to be pushed into a wall?
I'd like to see ... INFORMAL
said to mean that you do not believe someone can do something
He said women have an easier life than men, did he? - I'd like to see him bring up
children and go to work at the same time.
if you like
used for asking if someone agrees with a suggestion
We can leave now if you like.
I'm not sure if I have the confidence, the nerve if you like (= if this phrase is
suitable) , to apply for the job.
like it or lump it INFORMAL
If you tell someone to like it or lump it, you mean they must accept a situation
they do not like, because they cannot change it
Like it or lump it, romantic fiction is read regularly by thousands.
we like cheap/tall/young, etc. HUMOROUS
used to say that you like or approve of something
Cheap is good - we like cheap.
"He's blond and he's very tall." "We like tall."
Would you like ... ?
used when offering something or inviting someone
Would you like a drink?
Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?
Would you like me to take you in the car?
like preposition , conjunction SIMILAR TO
1. similar to; in the same way or manner as
He looks like his brother.
She's very much like her mother (= She is similar in appearance or character) .
Is Japanese food like Chinese?
I've got a sweater just like that.
Her hair was so soft it was like silk.
You're acting like a complete idiot!
She sings like an angel!
Like I said (= As I have already said) , I don't wear perfume.
Like most people (= As most people would) , I'd prefer to have enough money not
to work
It feels/seems like (= It seems to me) ages since we last spoke.
There's nothing like a good cup of coffee (= it's better than anything) !
like preposition , conjunction AS IF
2. in a way that suggests
It looks like I'm going to be in the office until late tonight.
It looks like rain (= I think it is going to rain) .
It sounds to me like you ought to change jobs.
You look like you've just got out of bed!
NOT STANDARD She acts like she's stupid!
like two peas in a pod
very similar, especially in appearance
The twins are like two peas in a pod.
What are you like? ( ALSO What is she/he like? ) UK INFORMAL
used when someone has said or done something silly
"Of course Emma's only worry was whether her lipstick had smudged." "Emma!
What is she like?"
What is sb/sth like?
something you say to ask someone to describe someone or something
You've met Ben's new girlfriend, haven't you? What's she like?
I've never been to Bruges - what's it like?
So what's it like, then, not having to work?
like preposition TYPICAL OF
1. typical or characteristic of
That's just like Maisie to turn up half an hour late to her own party!
It's not like you to be so quiet - are you all right, my love?
like preposition SUCH AS
2. such as
She looks best in bright, vibrant colours, like red and pink.
like adverb INFORMAL FEELINGS/SPEECH
1. used before you describe how you were feeling or what you said when
something happened to you
Then I saw how late it was and I'm like, so upset.
He started shouting at me and I'm like, "What's your problem? I'm on your side!"
like adverb INFORMAL PAUSE
2. used in conversation as a pause or to emphasize an adjective
He's, like, really friendly - someone you can talk to.
If there's nothing you can do to change the situation, it's like - why bother?
like noun
1. the like of sb/sth ; sb's/sth's like
a person, thing or group similar in character or quality to the one mentioned
He was a very great actor - we won't see his like again.
He described a superlative meal, the like of which he'd never eaten.
2. and such like ( ALSO and the like ) INFORMAL
and similar things
There's a big sports hall for tennis and badminton and such like.
3. likes
the things that someone enjoys
The pop-star lists his likes as 'my new Porsche, my girlfriend and staying up all
night'.
They can't expect me to accommodate all their silly little likes and dislikes .
4. not for the likes of sb ( ALSO like ) INFORMAL
not for the type of people mentioned
First-class travel is for posh people - it's not for the likes of us.
like adjective
be like to do sth OLD USE
to be likely to do something
be of like mind FORMAL
When people are of like mind, they agree.
-like suffix
like the thing mentioned
The paper criticized what it described as the animal-like behaviour of the football
fans.
There was a large, ball-like structure on top of the building.
childlike trust
a cabbage-like vegetable
likeable , US likable adjective
describes a person who is pleasant and easy to like
He's a very likeable sort of bloke.
likelihood noun [ U ]
the chance that something will happen
This latest dispute greatly increases the likelihood of a strike.
[ + that ] There is every likelihood that more jobs will be lost later this year.
There is little likelihood now that interest rates will come down further.
likely adjective
1. describes something that will probably happen or is expected
Do remind me because I'm likely to forget.
What's the likely outcome of this whole business?
I suppose that might happen but it's not very likely.
[ + that ] It's quite likely that we'll be in Spain this time next year.
INFORMAL "Do you want to join me on a ten-mile run?" " Not likely (= certainly not)
!"
Opposite unlikely
2. as likely/like as not
probably
As likely as not, she'll end up in court over this problem.
(That's) a likely story! INFORMAL
said when you do not believe something
"He said he bought them all very cheaply from some bloke he knows." "That's a
likely story!"
like-minded adjective
People who are described as like-minded share the same opinions, ideas or
interests
A dedicated football-fan herself, she started the magazine for like-minded women.
liken verb
liken sb/sth to sb/sth phrasal verb [ often passive ]
to say that someone is similar to or has the same qualities as someone else
She's been likened to a young Elizabeth Taylor.
likeness noun [ C or U ]
1. being similar in appearance
There's a definite family likeness around the eyes.
2. a good/remarkable, etc. likeness
a painting or other representation of a person that looks very like them
likewise adverb
in the same way
Just water these plants twice a week, and likewise the ones in the bedroom.
INFORMAL "I haven't got time to spend hours preparing one dish!" "Likewise (= It's
the same for me) ."
liking noun [ S ]
a feeling that you like someone or something
She has a liking for fine wines.
I'm developing quite a liking for jazz.
FORMAL Is the room to your liking, Sir (= are you satisfied with it) ?
The dessert was a bit sweet for my liking (= I like it less sweet) .
lilac noun [ C or U ] PLANT
1. a bush or small tree with sweet-smelling purple or white flowers
The lilacs are in bloom.
lilac noun [ C or U ] COLOUR
2. a pale colour between pink and purple
lilac adjective
having a pale colour between pink and purple
lilliputian adjective MAINLY HUMOROUS
extremely small
Lilo UK TRADEMARK , US lilo noun [ C ] ( ALSO air mattress )
a type of plastic or rubber mattress which you fill with air and use to lie on or to
float on water
criticism.
Compare heavyweight
light years away
over fifty.
like verb ENJOY
1. [ T ] to enjoy or approve of something or someone
I like your new haircut.
Do you like fish?
I like it when a book is so good that you can't put it down.
I quite like wine but I could live without it.
He's very well- liked (= popular) at work.
[ + -ing verb ] I don't like upsett ing people.
[ + to infinitive ] He likes to spend his evenings in front of the television.
[ + past participle ] He likes his steak well-done.
2. [ T ] to be annoyed by something
I like the way he just assumes we'll listen to him when he doesn't take in a word
anyone else says!
like verb WANT
3. would like
OR FORMAL should like ... used to say that you want or wish something
I think I'd like the soup for my starter.
I'd like to go to Moscow.
I would like to say a big thankyou to everyone who's helped to make our wedding
such a special occasion!
4. [ + to infinitive ] used in requests
I'd like one of the round loaves, please.
[ + to infinitive ] I'd like to book a seat for tonight's performance.
[ + object + to infinitive ] I'd like you to send this for me first class, please.
[ + past participle ] I would like the whole lot finish ed by the weekend.
How do you like ... ?
1. used when asking someone how they like their drinks made
"How do you like your tea?" "Milk and one sugar, please."
2. used when asking someone for an opinion
How do you like my new shoes?
How would you like ... ? INFORMAL
said to suggest that someone would not like to be in a situation experienced by
someone else
I'm not surprised he shouted at you! How would you like to be pushed into a wall?
I'd like to see ... INFORMAL
said to mean that you do not believe someone can do something
He said women have an easier life than men, did he? - I'd like to see him bring up
children and go to work at the same time.
if you like
used for asking if someone agrees with a suggestion
We can leave now if you like.
I'm not sure if I have the confidence, the nerve if you like (= if this phrase is
suitable) , to apply for the job.
like it or lump it INFORMAL
If you tell someone to like it or lump it, you mean they must accept a situation
they do not like, because they cannot change it
Like it or lump it, romantic fiction is read regularly by thousands.
we like cheap/tall/young, etc. HUMOROUS
used to say that you like or approve of something
Cheap is good - we like cheap.
"He's blond and he's very tall." "We like tall."
Would you like ... ?
used when offering something or inviting someone
Would you like a drink?
Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?
Would you like me to take you in the car?
like preposition , conjunction SIMILAR TO
1. similar to; in the same way or manner as
He looks like his brother.
She's very much like her mother (= She is similar in appearance or character) .
Is Japanese food like Chinese?
I've got a sweater just like that.
Her hair was so soft it was like silk.
You're acting like a complete idiot!
She sings like an angel!
Like I said (= As I have already said) , I don't wear perfume.
Like most people (= As most people would) , I'd prefer to have enough money not
to work
It feels/seems like (= It seems to me) ages since we last spoke.
There's nothing like a good cup of coffee (= it's better than anything) !
like preposition , conjunction AS IF
2. in a way that suggests
It looks like I'm going to be in the office until late tonight.
It looks like rain (= I think it is going to rain) .
It sounds to me like you ought to change jobs.
You look like you've just got out of bed!
NOT STANDARD She acts like she's stupid!
like two peas in a pod
very similar, especially in appearance
The twins are like two peas in a pod.
What are you like? ( ALSO What is she/he like? ) UK INFORMAL
used when someone has said or done something silly
"Of course Emma's only worry was whether her lipstick had smudged." "Emma!
What is she like?"
What is sb/sth like?
something you say to ask someone to describe someone or something
You've met Ben's new girlfriend, haven't you? What's she like?
I've never been to Bruges - what's it like?
So what's it like, then, not having to work?
like preposition TYPICAL OF
1. typical or characteristic of
That's just like Maisie to turn up half an hour late to her own party!
It's not like you to be so quiet - are you all right, my love?
like preposition SUCH AS
2. such as
She looks best in bright, vibrant colours, like red and pink.
like adverb INFORMAL FEELINGS/SPEECH
1. used before you describe how you were feeling or what you said when
something happened to you
Then I saw how late it was and I'm like, so upset.
He started shouting at me and I'm like, "What's your problem? I'm on your side!"
like adverb INFORMAL PAUSE
2. used in conversation as a pause or to emphasize an adjective
He's, like, really friendly - someone you can talk to.
If there's nothing you can do to change the situation, it's like - why bother?
like noun
1. the like of sb/sth ; sb's/sth's like
a person, thing or group similar in character or quality to the one mentioned
He was a very great actor - we won't see his like again.
He described a superlative meal, the like of which he'd never eaten.
2. and such like ( ALSO and the like ) INFORMAL
and similar things
There's a big sports hall for tennis and badminton and such like.
3. likes
the things that someone enjoys
The pop-star lists his likes as 'my new Porsche, my girlfriend and staying up all
night'.
They can't expect me to accommodate all their silly little likes and dislikes .
4. not for the likes of sb ( ALSO like ) INFORMAL
not for the type of people mentioned
First-class travel is for posh people - it's not for the likes of us.
like adjective
be like to do sth OLD USE
to be likely to do something
be of like mind FORMAL
When people are of like mind, they agree.
-like suffix
like the thing mentioned
The paper criticized what it described as the animal-like behaviour of the football
fans.
There was a large, ball-like structure on top of the building.
childlike trust
a cabbage-like vegetable
likeable , US likable adjective
describes a person who is pleasant and easy to like
He's a very likeable sort of bloke.
likelihood noun [ U ]
the chance that something will happen
This latest dispute greatly increases the likelihood of a strike.
[ + that ] There is every likelihood that more jobs will be lost later this year.
There is little likelihood now that interest rates will come down further.
likely adjective
1. describes something that will probably happen or is expected
Do remind me because I'm likely to forget.
What's the likely outcome of this whole business?
I suppose that might happen but it's not very likely.
[ + that ] It's quite likely that we'll be in Spain this time next year.
INFORMAL "Do you want to join me on a ten-mile run?" " Not likely (= certainly not)
!"
Opposite unlikely
2. as likely/like as not
probably
As likely as not, she'll end up in court over this problem.
(That's) a likely story! INFORMAL
said when you do not believe something
"He said he bought them all very cheaply from some bloke he knows." "That's a
likely story!"
like-minded adjective
People who are described as like-minded share the same opinions, ideas or
interests
A dedicated football-fan herself, she started the magazine for like-minded women.
liken verb
liken sb/sth to sb/sth phrasal verb [ often passive ]
to say that someone is similar to or has the same qualities as someone else
She's been likened to a young Elizabeth Taylor.
likeness noun [ C or U ]
1. being similar in appearance
There's a definite family likeness around the eyes.
2. a good/remarkable, etc. likeness
a painting or other representation of a person that looks very like them
likewise adverb
in the same way
Just water these plants twice a week, and likewise the ones in the bedroom.
INFORMAL "I haven't got time to spend hours preparing one dish!" "Likewise (= It's
the same for me) ."
liking noun [ S ]
a feeling that you like someone or something
She has a liking for fine wines.
I'm developing quite a liking for jazz.
FORMAL Is the room to your liking, Sir (= are you satisfied with it) ?
The dessert was a bit sweet for my liking (= I like it less sweet) .
lilac noun [ C or U ] PLANT
1. a bush or small tree with sweet-smelling purple or white flowers
The lilacs are in bloom.
lilac noun [ C or U ] COLOUR
2. a pale colour between pink and purple
lilac adjective
having a pale colour between pink and purple
lilliputian adjective MAINLY HUMOROUS
extremely small
Lilo UK TRADEMARK , US lilo noun [ C ] ( ALSO air mattress )
a type of plastic or rubber mattress which you fill with air and use to lie on or to
float on water
lilt noun [ S ]
a gentle and pleasant rising and falling sound in a person's voice
He's got that lovely Irish lilt in his voice.
lilting adjective
A lilting voice or tune gently rises and falls in a way that is pleasant to listen to.
lily noun [ C ]
lily
any of various plants with a large, bell-shaped flower on a long stem
lily-livered adjective LITERARY
cowardly (= not brave)
ˌ lily of the ˈ valley noun [ C/U ]
a small plant with large oval leaves and small bell-shaped white flowers which
smell sweet
ˈ lily ˌ pad noun [ C ]
the large round-shaped leaf of the water lily which floats on the surface of water
See picture pad
lily-white adjective COLOUR
1. OLD-FASHIONED pure white
lily-white adjective RACE
2. US SLANG DISAPPROVING Caucasian
a lily-white suburb
lily-white adjective CHARACTER
3. having a perfect character with no bad qualities
lima bean , noun [ C usually plural ] US ( UK butter bean )
a large, flat, creamy-yellow or pale green bean
limb noun [ C ]
an arm or leg of a person or animal, or a large branch of a tree
The accident victims mostly had injuries to their lower limbs (= legs) .
an artificial limb
out on a limb
having an opinion which is different from most people's and is unpopular
She's going out on a limb in criticizing her own party leadership.
limber adjective
(of a person) able to bend and move easily and smoothly
limber verb
limber up phrasal verb
to do gentle exercises to stretch the muscles in order to prepare the body for
more active physical exercise
The substitutes are beginning to limber up on the sidelines.
limbo noun UNCERTAINTY
1. [ U ] an uncertain situation that you cannot control and in which there is no
progress or improvement
Until we've got official permission to go ahead with the plans we're in limbo.
limbo noun DANCE
2. the ˈ limbo
a dance from the West Indies in which the dancer bends backwards to go under a
low bar which is made lower each time he or she goes under it
lime noun FRUIT
lime
1. [ C or U ] a round fruit containing a lot of juice which is sour like a lemon but
smaller and green, or the small Asian tree on which this fruit grows
lime noun TREE
2. ( ALSO lime tree , US USUALLY linden ) a large tree with leaves shaped like a heart
and pale yellow flowers
lime noun CHEMICAL
3. [ U ] ( ALSO quicklime ) a white powdery substance which is used especially to
spread on the land to improve the quality of earth so that crops grow better
4. [ U ] ( ALSO limescale , OR scale ) white material that collects inside water pipes,
kettles , etc. in areas where the water is hard (= contains a lot of natural chemicals)
lime verb [ T ]
to spread the substance lime on a piece of land
ˌ lime ˈ green noun [ U ] , adjective
(of) a light, bright, greenish-yellow colour
the limelight noun [ S ]
public attention and interest
She's been in the limelight recently, following the release of her controversial new
film.
limerick noun [ C ]
a humorous poem with five lines
limescale noun [ U ]
white material that collects inside water pipes, kettles etc. in areas where water is
hard (= contains a lot of natural chemicals)
limestone noun [ U ]
a white or light grey rock which is used as a building material and in the making
of cement
limey noun [ C ] US OLD-FASHIONED
a British person
limit noun
1. [ C ] the greatest amount, number or level of something that is either possible
or allowed
Is there a limit on the amount of money you can claim?
I think we ought to put a strict limit on the amount of time we can spend on the
project.
There's a limit to the number of times I can stop what I'm doing just so I can help
him!
We set a time limit of thirty minutes for the test.
2. [ U ] INFORMAL the amount of something that is enough and not too much
Three martini cocktails are my limit.
I won't have any more - I know my limit!
3. the limit
OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL something that is very annoying or not convenient
And now you're cutting your toenails in bed! - That really is the limit!
4. the largest amount of alcohol that is legally allowed to be present in the blood
while a person is driving a vehicle
She was definitely driving over the limit.
5. limits
limit
I'd like to play squash, but I'm sixty and I know my limits.
His genius knows no limits.
The pay rise was in excess of spending limits imposed/set by the government.
limit verb [ T ]
to control something so that it is not greater than a particular amount, number or
level
I've been asked to limit my speech to ten minutes maximum.
Having so little money to spend on an apartment does limit you in your choice.
limitation noun [ U ]
1. the act of controlling and especially reducing something
the limitation of nuclear weapons
2. limitations DISAPPROVING
If someone or something has limitations, they are not as good as they could be
Living in a flat is all right, but it has its limitations - for example, you don't have
your own garden.
Despite her limitations as an actress, she was a great entertainer.
limited adjective
1. small in amount or number
a limited choice
limited resources
2. kept within a particular size, range, time, etc
Places on the bus are limited to fifty - so book early!
The problem of stress is certainly not limited to people who work (= it exists for
others too) .
3. ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Ltd ) used in the name of a limited company
ˌ limited ˈ company noun [ C ]
a company, especially one in the UK, whose owners only have to pay part of the
money they owe if the company fails financially
ˌ limited e ˈ dition noun [ C ]
one of a small set of books or pictures that were printed
She's got some very valuable limited editions on her shelves.
limiting adjective
preventing you from having much choice
Not eating meat or fish can be very limiting when you go to a restaurant.
limitless adjective
without limit
the limitless sky
The minister said that the days of limitless spending were over.
limousine noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL limo )
limousine
1. a large expensive car, often driven by a chauffeur (= a person employed to
drive a car for someone else)
2. US a small bus to take people to and from an airport
limp verb PERSON/ANIMAL
1. [ I ] to walk slowly and with difficulty because of having an injured or painful
leg or foot
Three minutes into the match, Jackson limped off the pitch with a serious ankle
injury.
limp verb PROCESS/THING
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to move or develop slowly and with
difficulty
The little boat limped slowly towards the shore.
After limping along for almost two years, the economy is starting to show signs
of recovery.
limp adjective
soft and neither firm nor stiff
a limp lettuce leaf/salad
a limp handshake
limply adverb
She lay limply in his arms.
limpness noun [ U ]
limp noun [ S ]
a way of walking slowly and with diffculty because of having an injured or painful
leg or foot
She has a slight limp.
He walks with a limp.
limpet noun [ C ]
a small sea animal with a cone-shaped shell which fixes itself to rocks
ˈ limpet ˌ mine noun [ C ] UK ( US limpet )
a type of bomb that is fixed to what it is intended to destroy
limpid adjective
1. LITERARY clear and transparent
a limpid pool
2. clearly expressed and easily understood
limpid prose
limpidly adverb
limp wristed adjective
1. describes a man who does not behave in the strong and determined way
traditionally expected in men
2. OFFENSIVE describes a man who seems, by his manner, to be homosexual
limy adjective
describes land that has been covered with lime or contains it naturally
linchpin , lynchpin noun
the linchpin of
the most important member of a group or part of a system, that holds together
the other members or parts or makes it possible for them to operate as intended
Woodford is the linchpin of the British athletics team.
linctus noun [ U ] UK
a thick sweet liquid medicine that is used to treat coughs and sore throats
linden noun [ C ] US
a lime (tree)
line noun LONG MARK
1. [ C ] a long thin mark on the surface of something
a straight line
Sign your name on the dotted line.
She was very old and her face was covered with lines.
My legs felt all wobbly when I stood up and I couldn't walk in a straight line (=
walk without moving to the side while moving forward) .
line noun ROW
2. [ C ] a group of people or things arranged in a row
a line of trees
The prisoners formed a line against the wall.
3. [ C ] US ( UK queue ) a group of people standing one behind the other who are
waiting for something
Just get in line and wait your turn like everyone else.
I had to wait/stand in line for three hours to get tickets.
See picture line
4. a long line of
a series of people or things that follow each other in time
She is the latest in a long line of controversial leaders.
He comes from a long line of doctors (= A lot of his relatives were doctors before
him) .
line noun EDGE
5. [ C ] a long thin and sometimes imaginary mark that forms the edge, border or
limit of something
That ball was definitely in! It was nowhere near the line!
The police couldn't arrest him because he'd fled across the state line.
For many television viewers the dividing line between fact and fiction is
becoming increasingly blurred.
See picture line
line noun TELEPHONE
6. [ C ] a connection to a telephone system
I'm afraid your line's been disconnected because your last bill hasn't been paid.
If you want to air your opinions live on the radio, the lines will be open (= you can
telephone) from eight o'clock.
I've got Chris Foster on the line for you. Do you want to take it now or call her
back later?
FORMAL Please hold the line (= wait) . I'll see if she's available.
See picture line
line noun RAILWAY
7. [ C ] (the route followed by) a railway track
The train was delayed, apparently due to leaves on the line.
The Northern Line is the worst on the London Underground.
Main line services can be very quick, but travelling on the branch lines is much
slower.
See picture line
line noun APPROACH TO SUBJECT
8. [ C ] a way of dealing with or thinking about something or someone
The government's official line has always been to refuse to negotiate with
terrorists.
The courts should take a tougher line with (= punish more severely) sex
offenders.
Several Labour MPs disagree with their party's line on taxation.
What sort of line (= method of arguing) do you think we should take in the pay
negotiations?
The police are confident that this new line of inquiry will lead them to the
murderer.
It seems inevitable that the country will be divided along ethnic lines.
line noun MILITARY
9. [ C ] a row of positions used to defend against enemy attack, especially the
ones closest to enemy positions
They were taken prisoner while on a reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines.
FIGURATIVE In a game of football, the goalkeeper is the last line of defence.
line noun SHAPE
10. [ C ] the shape of something that has been designed or created
They have a reputation for designing cars with elegant aerodynamic lines.
line noun SUPPORT
11. [ C ] a long strong thin piece of material, such as string, rope or wire, that is
used to support something
I'd hung the washing out on the clothes line.
Can you feel the fish tugging on the line?
line noun COMPANY
12. [ C ] a company that transports people or goods
a shipping line
line noun REMARK
13. [ C ] a remark that is intended to entertain, persuade or deceive
a speech full of memorable lines
He keeps giving me that line about not being able to do any work because his
computer isn't working properly.
Who was it who came up with that famous line about "lies, damned lies and
statistics"?
line noun WORDS
14. [ C ] a row of words that form part of a text
We could get more lines on the page if we reduced the type size.
The computer screen displays eighty characters per line.
15. [ C ] a short series of musical notes
16. [ C usually plural ] the words that an actor speaks when performing in a film,
play etc
I only had two lines in the whole play.
She hasn't learned her lines yet, and we've got our first rehearsal tomorrow.
I'm terrified of forgetting my lines.
17. lines UK
a punishment for school students in which a sentence has to be written repeatedly
She got 200 lines for swearing at her teacher.
line noun JOB
18. [ C usually singular ] the kind of job someone does
"What line of work are you in?" "I'm a teacher."
You meet some very interesting people in my line of business.
line noun GOODS
19. [ C ] a range of similar things that are for sale
There are discounts on many items from our older lines.
I was shown all their new lines.
all along the line
ever since the beginning of a relationship or process
The project's been plagued with financial problems all along the line.
along the lines of sth ( ALSO along those lines )
similar in type
I was thinking of doing a meal along the lines of that dinner I did for Annie and
Dave.
They're campaigning for the electoral system to be reformed along the lines of (=
so that it becomes similar to) the one in Germany.
be in line for sth
to be likely to get something, especially something good
If anyone's in line for promotion, I should think it's Helen.
be in line to do sth
to have a very good chance of doing something
Kim Bailey is next in line to replace Chris Finlay as managing director.
be in line to the throne
to be the person who will become king or queen after the present ruler
Prince Charles is first in line to the British throne.
be in line with sth
to be similar to, or at the same level as something
The company's results are in line with stock market expectations.
We're seeking a pay rise that's in line with inflation.
The salaries of temporary employees ought to be brought into line with those of
permanent staff.
be on the line
to be at risk
Almost 3 000 jobs have been lost recently, and a further 3 000 are on the line.
be out of line with sth
to be different from something
Their predictions were hopelessly out of line with the actual results.
get a line on sb MAINLY US
to find out information about someone that you do not know
I've been trying to get a line on the guy they've nominated with no luck.
have a nice/good etc. line in sth UK INFORMAL
to do something skilfully and successfully
He has a good line in anecdotes.
in the line of duty
Something which happens to you in the line of duty happens when you are doing
your job
This year alone eight police officers have been killed in the line of duty.
line of sight
the direction in which a person must look in order to see a particular object
The cannon can be linked to the line of sight of the gunner so that it points in the
same direction that he is looking in.
put/lay sth on the line
to risk something
Firefighters put their lives on the line every working day.
somewhere along the line
at some moment during a relationship or process
I don't know what went wrong with our relationship, but somewhere along the line
we just stopped loving each other.
step/be out of line
to behave in an unsuitable way
It was made quite clear to me that if I stepped out of line again I'd be out of a
job.
line verb [ T ] FORM ROW
1. to form a row along the side of something
Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the presidential procession pass
by.
Police lined the route of the demonstration.
country lanes lined with trees
line verb [ T ] COVER
2. to cover the inside surface of something
I lined the drawers with old wallpaper.
How much would it cost to have this jacket lined?
Full-length mirrors lined each wall of the bathroom.
line your pocket(s)
to earn money using dishonest or illegal methods
Staff at the bank have apparently been lining their pockets with money from
investors' accounts.
line (sb) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to arrange people or things in a row or to stand in a row
A fight broke out behind me as we lined up to receive our food rations.
The soldiers lined us up against a wall and I thought they were going to shoot us.
line sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to prepare, organize or arrange something
Have you got anything exciting lined up for the weekend?
I've lined up a meeting with them for tomorrow morning.
[ + to infinitive ] Have you got anyone lined up to do the catering at the
Christmas party?
lineage noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
the members of a person's family who are directly related to that person and who
lived a long time before him or her
She's very proud of her ancient royal lineage.
lineal adjective
She claims lineal descent from Henry VIII.
lineally adverb
linear adjective LINES
1. consisting of or to do with lines
a linear diagram
linear adjective LENGTH
2. [ before noun ] relating to length, rather than area or volume
linear measurement
linear adjective CONNECTION
3. FORMAL involving a series of events or thoughts in which one follows another one
directly
These mental exercises are designed to break linear thinking habits and
encourage the creativity that is needed for innovation.
4. FORMAL describes a relationship between two things that is direct or clear
Is there a linear relationship between salaries and productivity?
linebacker noun [ C ] US
a player in American football who tries to stop players from the other team from
moving the ball along the field
lined adjective
(of paper) having lines printed across, or (of the skin on the face) having lines
because of age
lined paper
His face was heavily lined.
ˈ line ˌ drawing noun [ C ]
a pen or pencil drawing that consists only of lines
ˈ line ˌ item noun [ C ] US SPECIALIZED
a single part of a financial statement, especially one giving details of the accounts
of a company or government
ˈ line ˌ manager noun
1. sb's line manager
MAINLY UK someone who is responsible for managing someone else in a company
or business
2. one of the managers who are responsible for the most important activities of a
large company, such as production
linen noun [ U ]
1. strong cloth that is woven from the fibres of the flax plant
a linen jacket
the crumpled charm of linen
2. sheets, tablecloths , etc. which are made from linen or a similar material
bed linen
table linen
ˈ linen ˌ basket noun [ C ]
a container for clothes and sheets etc. that need washing
ˌ line of ˈ scrimmage noun [ C usually singular ] US
in American football, the line on which the ball is positioned at the beginning of
play (= a period of action)
lineout noun [ C ] UK
a way of continuing a game of rugby after the ball has gone off the field, in which
the attacking players from both teams form two parallel lines at the edge of the field
and jump to catch the ball when it is thrown between the two lines
liner noun [ C ]
a large ship for carrying passengers in great comfort on long journeys
ˈ liner ˌ note noun [ C ] US
information about a performer or a performance that is supplied with a sound
recording
linesman noun [ C ]
an official in some sports who is responsible for deciding when the ball has
crossed the line that marks the edge of the playing area
line-up , US lineup noun [ C ]
1. UK a group of people that has been brought together to form a team or take
part in an event
Several important changes are expected in the line-up for Thursday's match
against Scotland.
We've got a star-studded line-up of guests on tonight's show.
2. US FOR identity parade
3. US the order in which the players in a baseball team hit the ball
linger verb [ I ]
to take a long time to leave or disappear
After the play had finished, we lingered for a while in the bar hoping to catch sight
of the actors.
The smell from the fire still lingered days later.
It's impossible to forget such horrific events - they linger (on) in the memory
forever.
lingerer noun [ C ]
lingerie noun [ U ]
women's underwear
lingering adjective [ before noun ]
lasting a long time
She gave him a long, lingering kiss.
She's says she's stopped seeing him, but I still have lingering doubts.
The defeat ends any lingering hopes she might have had of winning the
championship.
lingeringly adverb
lingo noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
1. a foreign language
In Italy, of course, Stef can speak the lingo.
2. a type of language that contains a lot of unusual or technical expressions
internet lingo
lingua franca noun [ C usually singular ]
a language which is used for communication between groups of people who speak
different languages but which is not used between members of the same group
The international business community sees English as a lingua franca.
linguine noun [ U ]
pasta in the shape of long flat pieces
linguist noun [ C ]
someone who studies foreign languages or can speak them very well, or someone
who teaches or studies linguistics
linguistic adjective
connected with language or the study of language
I'm particularly interested in the linguistic development of young children.
linguistically adverb
linguistics noun [ U ] ( ALSO linguistic science )
the systematic study of the structure and development of language in general or
of particular languages
liniment noun [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED
an oily liquid, usually containing alcohol, that is rubbed into the skin to reduce
pain or stiffness in a joint (= place where two bones are connected)
lining noun [ C ]
a material or substance that covers the inside surface of something
a coat/jacket lining
the lining of the stomach
See picture lining
link noun [ C ] CONNECTION
1. a connection between two people, things or ideas
There's a direct link between diet and heart disease.
Their links with Britain are still strong.
diplomatic links between the two countries
2. a connection between documents on the Internet
Click on this link to visit our online bookstore.
link noun [ C ] CHAIN
3. one of the rings in a chain
link verb [ T ]
to make a connection between two or more people, things or ideas
The explosions are not thought to be linked in any way.
The use of CFCs has been linked to the depletion of the ozone layer.
link (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to form a connection, especially in order to work or operate together
The organization's aim is to link up people from all over the country who are
suffering from the disease.
We offer advice to Polish companies who want to link up with Western
businesses.
link-up noun [ C ]
linkage noun [ C or U ]
the existence or forming of connections between two things so that one thing
happening or changing depends on the other thing happening or changing
ˈ linking ˌ verb noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a verb which connects the qualities of an object or person to that object or person
In the sentence 'My bags weigh 45kg', 'weigh' is a linking verb.
links noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] ( ALSO golf links )
1. a large area of hills covered with sand near the sea which is used for playing
golf
2. US any area of land which is used for playing golf
linoleum noun [ U ] ( UK ALSO lino )
a stiff smooth material that is used for covering floors
linseed noun [ U ]
a type of flax plant grown for its seeds from which oil is made
ˌ linseed ˈ oil noun [ U ]
oil from linseed which is used for making linoleum , paint and ink, and for
protecting wood
lint noun [ U ] FIBRES
1. UK soft material made from loosely woven cloth threads, used for protecting
injuries
lint noun [ U ] LOOSE MATERIAL
2. MAINLY US FOR fluff (= small loose bits of wool or other soft material)
lintel noun [ C ]
a long piece of stone or wood at the top of a door or window frame which
supports the wall above
lion noun [ C ]
lion
1. ( FEMALE lioness ) a large wild animal of the cat family with yellowish brown fur
which lives in Africa and southern Asia
a pride (= group) of lions
2. someone who is important, successful or powerful
a literary lion
the lion's den
a dangerous or threatening place or situation
the lion's share
the largest part or most of something
Reputable charities spend the lion's share of donations on aid and a tiny fraction
on administration.
lion-hearted adjective LITERARY
very brave
lionize , UK USUALLY lionise verb [ T ]
to make someone famous, or to treat someone as if they were famous
lionization , UK USUALLY lionisation noun [ U ]
lip noun BODY PART
1. [ C ] one of the two soft, red edges of the mouth
She kissed me on the lips.
He licked his lips.
See picture head
lip noun EDGE
2. [ C ] a part of an edge of a container that is shaped to allow liquid to be poured
easily from the container
lip noun SPEECH
3. [ U ] INFORMAL when someone argues in a rude way or in a way that shows little
respect
That's enough of your lip, young lady!
my lips are sealed
said when you are promising to keep a secret
"Oh and please don't tell him you saw me here." "Don't worry. My lips are sealed."
on everyone's lips
being talked about by a lot of people
The question now on everyone's lips is "Will the Prime Minister resign?"
lipase noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a substance that is produced mainly in the pancreas and helps the body to digest
lipids (= fats and oils)
ˈ lip ˌ gloss noun [ C or U ]
a type of make-up that is put on the lips to make them look shiny
Compare lipstick
lipid noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a substance such as a fat, oil or wax that dissolves in alcohol but not in water and
is an important part of living cells
liposome noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an extremely small sac (= bag) made artificially from a type of lipid to carry a
drug, vaccine or other substance to particular cells in the body
liposuction noun [ U ]
an operation in which fat is sucked out from under skin
lippy adjective INFORMAL
showing no respect in the way that you talk to someone
She can get a bit lippy with her parents.
lippy noun [ U ] UK
lipstick
You've got a bit of lippy on your tooth.
lip-read verb [ I or T ]
to understand what someone is saying by watching the movements of their mouth
lip-reading noun [ U ]
ˈ lip ˌ salve noun [ U ]
a type of cream which is used to keep the lips soft or to help sore lips feel better
ˈ lip ˌ service noun
pay lip service to sth
to say that you agree with something but do nothing to support it
She claims to be in favour of training, but so far she's only paid lip service to the
idea.
lip-smacking adjective INFORMAL
tasting extremely good
a restaurant famous for its lip-smacking steaks
lipstick noun [ C or U ]
lipstick
a coloured substance that women put on their lips to make them more attractive
lip-synch verb [ I ]
Performers who lip-synch songs pretend to be singing them when in fact they are
just moving their lips.
liquefy , liquify verb [ I or T ]
to (cause a gas or a solid to) change into a liquid form
Gases liquefy under pressure.
liqueur noun [ C ]
a strong, sweet alcoholic drink which is usually drunk in small amounts at the end
of a meal
liquid noun [ C or U ]
a substance, such as water, that is not solid or a gas and that can be poured
easily
Mercury is a liquid at room temperature.
liquid adjective MONEY
1. in the form of money, rather than investments or property, or able to be
changed into money easily
She has very few liquid assets as most of her wealth is tied up in stocks and
shares.
liquid adjective SUBSTANCE
2. in the form of a liquid
liquid hydrogen
liquidity noun [ U ]
liquidate verb CLOSE
1. [ I or T ] to cause a business to close, so that its assets can be sold to pay its
debts
liquidate verb KILL
2. [ T ] to kill someone who threatens a government or political organization
liquidation noun [ C or U ]
After three years of heavy losses the company went into liquidation with debts
totalling £100 million.
liquidator noun [ C ]
one of the people in charge of closing a company
ˌ liquid ˈ courage noun [ U ] US ( UK Dutch courage )
the confidence some people get from drinking alcohol before they do something
frightening
liquid-crystal display noun [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION LCD )
a screen for showing text or pictures which uses a liquid that becomes dark when
an electric current flows across it
liquidizer , UK USUALLY liquidiser noun [ C ]
UK FOR blender (= electric machine that changes food into a thick liquid)
liquidize , UK USUALLY liquidise verb [ T ]
to change food into a thick liquid using a blender (= electric machine with blades
that turn very quickly)
Compare liquefy
ˌ Liquid ˈ Paper noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a white liquid for covering mistakes in a text or drawing so that they can be
corrected
liquify verb
to liquefy
liquor noun [ U ] US
strong alcoholic drink
liquorice UK , US licorice , noun [ U ]
1. the dried root of a Mediterranean plant which is used in medicines and to give
flavour to food, especially sweets
2. a black sweet made from liquorice
ˈ liquor ˌ store noun [ C ]
US FOR off-licence
lira noun [ C ]
the standard unit of money used in Italy before they started using the Euro, and
also used in Malta and Turkey
lisp verb [ I ]
to pronounce 's' and 'z' sounds like 'th'
lisp noun [ C ]
I was teased a lot at school because I spoke with a lisp.
LISP noun [ U ]
a computer programming language designed for processing lists of text
LISP is the standard research tool of artificial intelligence scientists in the United
States.
lissom , lissome adjective LITERARY
attractively thin and able to move quickly and smoothly
list noun RECORD
1. [ C ] a record of short pieces of information, such as people's names, usually
written or printed with a single thing on each line and often ordered in a way that
makes a particular thing easy to find
a shopping list
Is your name on the list?
I've made a list of places I'd like to visit while we're in Paris.
list noun LEAN
2. If a ship has a list, it leans to one side
a list as long as your arm INFORMAL
a very long list
I've got a list as long as my arm of the things we need to do before we go on
holiday.
list verb MAKE RECORD
1. [ T ] to make a list, or to include something in a list
I've listed some useful reading material on the handout.
list verb LEAN
2. [ I ] (of a ship) to lean to one side, especially as a result of damage
The tanker is listing badly and liable to sink at any moment.
ˌ listed ˈ building noun [ C ] UK ( US landmarked building , AUSTRALIAN heritage-listed
building )
a building of great historical or artistic value which has official protection to
prevent it from being changed or destroyed
ˌ listed ˈ company noun [ C ]
a company whose shares can be traded on a country's main stock market
listen verb [ I ]
to give attention to someone or something in order to hear them
What kind of music do you listen to ?
She does all the talking - I just sit and listen.
You haven't listened to a word I've said!
We listened in silence as the names of the dead were read out.
Listen, we really need to sort out our insurance claim this weekend.
Listen to this ! You can win a holiday for two in the south of France just by
answering three simple questions.
listen noun [ S ]
Have a listen to this! I've never heard anything like it before.
listen in on sth phrasal verb
If you listen in on a conversation, you listen to it, especially secretly, without
saying anything
I wish Dad would stop listening in on my phone conversations.
listen out for sth phrasal verb
to make an effort to hear a noise that you are expecting
Would you listen out for the phone while I'm in the garden?
listen up phrasal verb MAINLY US INFORMAL
something you say to make people listen to you
Okay everyone - listen up! I have an announcement to make.
listener , noun [ C ]
someone who listens
We've received a lot of complaints about the changes from regular listeners to the
programme.
a good listener
someone who gives you a lot of attention when you are talking about your
problems or things that worry you, and tries to understand and support you
listeria noun [ U ]
a bacteria which causes food poisoning, found especially in cheese and other
products made from milk
listeriosis noun [ U ]
a serious type of food poisoning, caused by listeria, which is very harmful to
babies before they are born
listings plural noun
information about different types of entertainment and activities that is published
in newspapers and magazines
listless adjective
having no energy and enthusiasm and unwilling to do anything needing effort
He's been listless and a bit depressed ever since he got his exam results.
listlessly adverb
listlessness noun [ U ]
ˈ list ˌ price noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the price at which the maker of something suggests it should be sold
lit verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF light (START FLAMES) or light (MAKE BRIGHT)
lit noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR literature
a degree in English Lit
litany noun [ C ]
1. a long Christian prayer in which the priest speaks some parts and the other
people at the ceremony speak other parts
2. a litany of sth
a long list of unpleasant things, especially things that are repeated
The manufacturers are reported to have received a litany of complaints from
dissatisfied customers.
litchi noun [ C ]
lychee
lit crit noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR literary criticism
lite adjective FOOD
1. used for describing food or drink that contains fewer calories than usual and is
therefore less likely to make you fat
a lite yogurt
lite adjective NOT SERIOUS
2. used for describing things that are not serious and that are easy to understand
and enjoy
lite news about celebrities
3. [ after noun ] HUMOROUS OR DISAPPROVING not as serious or as good quality as the
real thing
She described their relationship as 'marriage lite'.
liter noun [ C ]
US FOR litre
literacy noun [ U ]
1. the ability to read and write
Far more resources are needed to improve adult literacy.
2. knowledge of a particular subject, or a particular type of knowledge
Computer literacy is becoming as essential as the ability to drive a car.
literal adjective
The literal meaning of a word is its original, basic meaning
The literal meaning of 'television' is 'seeing from a distance'.
You need to demonstrate to the examiners that you have more than a literal
understanding of the text.
Her translation is too literal (= done one word at a time) , resulting in heavy,
unnatural prose.
Compare figurative
literally , adverb
1. INFORMAL used to emphasize what you are saying
He missed that kick literally by miles.
I was literally bowled over by the news.
2. having the real or original meaning of a word or phrase
They were responsible for literally millions of deaths.
We live literally just round the corner from her.
You'll lose marks if you translate too literally (= one word at a time) .
3. INFORMAL simply or just
Then you literally cut the sausage down the middle.
literary adjective
connected with literature
a literary critic
literary prizes
a literary style
ˈ literary ˌ agent noun [ C ]
someone who deals with a writer's business matters
ˌ literary ˈ criticism noun [ U ]
the formal study and discussion of works of literature, which involves judging and
explaining their importance and meaning
literate adjective
1. able to read and write
2. having knowledge of a particular subject, or a particular type of knowledge
computer literate
literati plural noun
people with a good education who know a lot about literature
Her novels are popular with university literati, but they have failed to attract a
wider audience.
Compare glitterati
literature noun [ U ] WRITING
1. written artistic works, especially those with a high and lasting artistic value
classical/modern literature
'Wuthering Heights' is a classic of English literature.
literature noun [ U ] SPECIALIST TEXTS
2. all the information relating to a subject, especially information written by
specialists
It's important to keep up-to-date with the literature in your field.
There is very little literature on the disease.
literature noun [ U ] INFORMATION
3. printed material published by a company which is intended to encourage people
to buy that company's products or services
Could you send me your literature on/about car insurance policies, please?
4. material that an organization publishes in order to persuade people to agree
with its opinions
The Republicans were quick to highlight the Democrats' proposed tax increases in
their campaign literature.
lithe adjective
young, healthy, attractive and able to move and bend smoothly
He had the lithe, athletic body of a ballet dancer.
lithely adverb
lithium noun [ U ]
a soft, silver metal
lithograph noun [ C ]
a picture printed using a stone or metal block on which an image has been drawn
with a thick oily substance that attracts ink
lithographic adjective
lithography noun [ U ]
Lithuania noun [ U ]
Lithuanian noun [ C ] , adjective
litigant noun [ C ] LEGAL
a person who is fighting a legal case
litigate verb [ I or T ] LEGAL
to cause an argument to be discussed in a law court so that a judgment can be
made which must be accepted by both sides
litigation noun [ U ] LEGAL
the process of taking a case to a law court so that an official decision can be made
The company has consistently denied responsibility, but it agreed to the
settlement to avoid the expense of lengthy litigation.
litigator noun [ C ] US LEGAL
a lawyer who specializes in taking legal action against people and organizations
a leading civil rights litigator
litigious adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
too often taking arguments to a law court for a decision
The United States is the most litigious society in the world.
litigiousness noun [ U ]
litmus noun [ U ]
a powder which is turned red by acid and blue by alkali
litmus paper
a litmus test
ˈ litmus ˌ test noun [ C usually singular ]
someone's decision or opinion about something which suggests what they think
about a wider range of related things
The President's policy on abortion is regarded as a litmus test of his views on
women's rights.
litre UK , US USUALLY liter noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION l )
a unit for measuring the volume of a liquid or a gas
The tax increase will add 4p to a litre of petrol.
litter noun RUBBISH
1. [ U ] small pieces of rubbish that have been left lying on the ground in public
places
About 2% of fast-food packaging ends up as litter.
litter noun BABY ANIMALS
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of animals that are born at the same
time and have the same mother
a litter of kittens
litter noun BED
3. [ U ] dried grass or plant stems used by animals as a bed
litter noun ANIMAL TOILET
4. [ U ] a substance that is put in a container to be used as a toilet by pets
cat/pet litter
litter verb
1. [ T ] to spread across an area or place untidily
The park was littered with bottles and cans after the concert.
Dirty clothes littered the floor of her bedroom.
2. be littered with sth
A place, document or other object that is littered with something, has or contains
a lot of that thing
The newspaper has a reputation for being littered with spelling mistakes.
3. [ I ] to drop rubbish on the ground in a public place
People who litter often have no pride in the area.
ˈ litter ˌ bug noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO litter lout ) INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who drops rubbish on the ground in public places
little adjective SMALL
1. small in size or amount
It came in a little box.
a little dog/nose/room
A little old man came into the shop.
He gave a little smile.
It'll only take a little while to clear up the kitchen.
little adjective YOUNG
2. young
When you were little your hair was really curly.
She was my little (= younger) sister and I looked after her.
Her little boy (= Her young son) isn't well.
little adjective EMPHASIZE
3. [ before noun ] used to emphasize an opinion which is being given about
something or someone
That was a nice little suit she was wearing.
It's not a bad little restaurant, this, is it?
He's a nasty little man.
little adjective UNIMPORTANT
4. [ before noun ] not very important or serious
I had a little problem with my car, but it's been fixed now.
It's often the little things that count the most.
Can I have a little word (= a short discussion about something not very
important) with you?
a little bird told me
said if you know who gave you the information being discussed but will not say
who it was
"How did you know he was leaving?" "Oh, let's just say a little bird told me."
make little of sth
to not consider something to be very important
He made little of his ordeal.
little determiner NOT ENOUGH
1. not much or enough
There seems little hope of a ceasefire.
They have very little money.
There's so little choice.
little determiner SMALL AMOUNT
2. a little
a small amount of something
This sauce needs a little salt.
With a little training she could do very well.
Can I give you a little advice?
little pronoun , noun SMALL AMOUNT
1. [ S ] a small amount
I could only hear a little of what they were saying.
He does as little as possible at work.
There's not much flour left but you're welcome to the/what little there is.
little pronoun , noun NOT ENOUGH
2. an amount that is not much or not enough
We did very little on Sunday.
Very little of what he said made any sense to me.
Unfortunately, little of the artist's work has survived.
The government has done little or nothing to help the poorest people in this
country.
The little we do know about the people who lived here suggests they had a very
sophisticated society.
little adverb SMALL AMOUNT
1. a little (bit)
slightly
I was a little bit worried by what she said.
We'll wait a little longer and then I'll phone them.
There's only a little further to go.
2. a little something
a. a small amount of food or drink
I always like to have a little something around 11 o'clock in the morning.
b. a present that is not of great value
I want to buy a little something to give to Val when I visit her in hospital.
3. little by little
slowly or gradually
Little by little she came to understand why he had behaved the way he did.
little adverb NOT ENOUGH
4. not much or not enough
She ate very little at dinner.
a little-known fact
Little did he know what lay in store for him.
ˌ little ˈ finger noun [ C ]
the smallest finger on each hand
See picture hand 1
ˈ little ˌ one noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a young child
The little ones can play in the garden while we get lunch ready.
ˈ little ˌ people plural noun ( ALSO little folk ) MAINLY IRISH
small imaginary creatures, such as leprechauns , which look like small humans
ˌ little ˈ toe noun [ C ]
the smallest toe on each foot
See picture foot
liturgy noun [ C or U ]
(a particular set of) the words, music and actions used in ceremonies in some
religions, especially Christianity
liturgical adjective
livable adjective PLACE
1. ( UK liveable ) ( ALSO livable in ) If a building or place is livable, it is suitable or
good for living in
It's not a luxurious apartment by any means but it's livable in.
It was rated the most livable city in the States.
livable adjective LIFE
2. ( ALSO liveable ) able to be lived
These are the basic requirements that make life livable.
live verb HAVE LIFE
1. [ I ] (to continue) to be alive or have life
He only lived a few days after the accident.
I hope I live to see my grandchildren.
[ + to infinitive ] Her granny lived to the ripe old age of 94.
Can the right to live ever be denied to any human?
She lived on well into her nineties.
live verb HAVE A HOME
2. live in/at, etc.
to have your home somewhere
Where do you live?
We live in London.
Some students live on the University campus.
He lives with four other people in a shared house.
3. [ I ] INFORMAL to be kept usually in a particular place
Where do the knives live in your kitchen?
I'm not sure where this bowl lives.
live verb SPEND LIFE
4. [ I usually + adverb or preposition T ] to spend your life in a particular way
After a while you get used to living alone.
When you retire, you want to live a comfortable life.
So the prince and princess got married, and lived happily ever after .
He simply wants to live (out) (= experience) the rest of his days in peace.
The TV's broken - we'll just have to live without (= not have) it for a while.
She certainly lived her life to the full (= was always doing something interesting)
.
FIGURATIVE The US is living beyond its means (= spending more than it earns) .
live verb STAY ALIVE
5. [ I ] to stay alive, especially by getting enough money to pay for food, a place
in which to stay, clothing, etc
For several years she lived by begging.
She has an inheritance to live off ( US ALSO live off of ) so she doesn't need to
work.
He only agreed to marry her so he could live off her (money).
live verb CONTINUE
6. [ I ] (of things which can not be alive) to exist or continue to exist
The memory of those terrible days lives on .
live verb INTERESTING LIFE
7. [ I ] to have an interesting life
I want to live a bit before I settle down.
If you haven't seen Venice, you haven't lived.
live (on) in the memory
If something lives (on) in the memory, it has such an effect that it is remembered
for a long time.
live your own life
to spend your life doing what you want usually because something is no longer
stopping you from doing so
Now that the children have left home I can live my own life again.
live a lie
to live in a way that is dishonest because you are pretending to be something that
you are not, to yourself or to other people
She doesn't know you're married? You have to stop living a lie and tell her.
live and breathe sth
When a person lives and breathes something, it is extremely important to them
He lives and breathes music.
live and let live
said to mean that people should accept the way other people live and behave,
especially if they do things in a different way
live by your wits
to make money in a clever and usually dishonest way
live in sin HUMOROUS
to live with someone that you are having a sexual relationship with but are not
married to
Last I heard, they'd moved in together and were living in sin.
live it up INFORMAL
to have an exciting and very enjoyable time with parties, good food and drink
He's alive and well and living it up in the Bahamas.
live like a king/lord
to have a luxurious (= spending a lot of money) way of life
live to fight another day
to have another chance to fight in a competition
We didn't win this time, but we live to fight another day.
live to tell the tale
to successfully deal with or continue to live despite a difficult situation or
experience
We had a horrific journey, but we lived to tell the tale.
lived in
regularly used and comfortable
I like a room to look lived in.
never live sth down
to be unable to stop feeling embarrassed about something you have done
I wish I'd never opened my mouth in the meeting - I'm never going to live it
down!
within living memory
If something has happened within living memory, it can be remembered by some
people who are still alive
There is possibly less chance of another World War while the last one is within
living memory.
you live and learn
said when you hear or discover something which is surprising
I had no idea they were related. Oh well, you live and learn.
live for sth/sb phrasal verb
to have something or someone as the most important thing in your life
She just lives for music.
live on sth phrasal verb MONEY
1. If you live on an amount of money, that is the money that you use to buy the
things that you need
We lived on very little when we first got married.
live on sth phrasal verb FOOD
2. to only eat a particular type of food
I more or less live on pasta.
live together phrasal verb
If two people live together, they share a house and have a sexual relationship but
are not married
Nowadays many young people live together before they get married.
live up to sth phrasal verb
to be as good as something
The concert was brilliant - it lived up to all our expectations.
live with sb phrasal verb
to share a home with someone and have a sexual relationship with them although
you are not married
live with sth phrasal verb
to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation
I can't change the situation so I'm going to have to learn to live with it.
live adjective HAVING LIFE
1. [ before noun ] having life
Millions of live animals are shipped around the world each year.
There was a tank of live lobsters in the restaurant.
live adjective AS IT HAPPENS
2. (of a performance) broadcast, recorded or seen while it is happening
This evening there will be a live broadcast of the debate.
a live recording
live adjective ELECTRICITY
3. (of a wire) carrying or charged with electricity
a live wire
live adjective ABLE TO EXPLODE
4. able to explode
live rounds of ammunition
live shells
live adjective BURNING
5. (of a fire, coals or a match) still burning or able to burn
There are live coals in the fireplace.
live adverb
1. broadcast as it happens or performing in front of an audience
I've got two tickets to see them (perform) live.
2. go live
If a new system, especially a computer system, goes live, it starts to operate
Our new payments system will go live at the beginning of next month.
liveable adjective
livable
live-in adjective [ before noun ] RELATIONSHIP
1. describes someone's sexual partner who lives in their home but is not married
to them
a live-in lover
live-in adjective [ before noun ] WORK
2. describes a person who lives in the home where they work
a live-in housekeeper/nanny
livelihood noun [ C or U ]
(the way someone earns) the money people need to pay for food, a place to live,
clothing, etc
Many ship workers could lose their livelihoods because of falling orders for new
ships.
That farm is his livelihood.
See also living
lively adjective
1. having or showing a lot of energy and enthusiasm, or showing interesting and
exciting thought
It's hard work teaching a class of lively children.
a lively city
They take a lively interest in their grandchildren.
There was some lively discussion at the meeting.
2. describes colours that are bright and strong
The room was painted a lively electric blue.
liveliness noun [ U ]
liven verb
liven (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to become more interesting and exciting, or to make something become like this
A new coat of paint would liven the kitchen up.
Liven up your meals with fresh herbs and spices.
The party livened up as soon as Sally arrived.
liven (sb) up phrasal verb
to become more energetic or in a better mood, or to make someone feel this way
She was a bit subdued to start with, but after a while she livened up.
[ R ] I'm going to liven my self up a bit by going for a run.
liver noun [ C or U ]
a large organ in the body which cleans the blood and produces bile , or this organ
from an animal used as meat
liverish adjective UK OLD USE
feeling ill, usually because of having drunk or eaten too much
Liverpudlian noun [ C ]
a person from Liverpool, a city in northwest England
Liverpudlian adjective
a Liverpudlian accent
ˈ liver ˌ sausage noun [ C or U ] ( US USUALLY liverwurst )
a type of cooked sausage which contains liver and is usually eaten cold on bread
ˈ liver ˌ sausage noun [ C or U ] ( US USUALLY liverwurst )
a type of cooked sausage which contains liver and is usually eaten cold on bread
livery noun
1. [ C or U ] a special uniform worn by servants or particular officials
2. [ U ] UK a special pattern or design which is put on the things that a company
owns and sells
lives
PLURAL OF life
livestock plural noun
animals, such as cows and sheep, and birds, such as chickens, kept on a farm
ˈ live ˌ wire noun [ C ]
someone who is very quick and active, both mentally and physically
livid adjective ANGRY
1. extremely angry
He was livid when he found out.
livid adjective COLOUR
2. (especially of marks on the skin) of an unpleasant purple or dark blue colour
He had a long livid scar across his cheek.
living adjective HAVING LIFE
1. alive now
living organisms
He is probably the best known living architect.
living adjective CONTINUING
2. still existing
The pyramids are a living monument to the skill of their builders.
living noun JOB
1. [ C ] the money that you earn from your job
What do you do for a living (= What is your job) ?
I mean, I don't like my job but at least it's a living (= a way of earning money) .
You can make a good living (= earn a lot of money) in sales if you have the right
attitude.
See also livelihood
2. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED in the Church of England, the job, given to a priest, of being
in charge of a particular area
living noun SPENDING LIFE
3. [ U ] the way in which you live your life
country/healthy living
See also cost of living
living noun PEOPLE
4. the living
people who are still alive
On this anniversary of the tragedy we remember the living as well as the dead.
ˌ living ˈ death noun [ S ]
a life that is so full of suffering that it would be better to be dead
She can't walk or feed herself and she can barely speak - it's a living death.
ˌ living ˈ death noun [ S ]
a life that is so full of suffering that it would be better to be dead
She can't walk or feed herself and she can barely speak - it's a living death.
ˈ living ˌ room noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO sitting room , AUSTRALIAN ALSO lounge room )
the room in a house or apartment that is used for relaxing, and entertaining
guests, but not usually for eating
ˈ living room ˌ suite noun [ C ]
US FOR three-piece suite
ˌ living ˈ wage noun [ S ]
enough money to buy the things that are necessary in order to live, such as food
and clothes
He does make a living wage but only by working 72 hours a week.
ˌ living ˈ will noun [ C usually singular ]
a written document in which a person says what type of medical treatment they
would like if they become so ill that they are certain to die and are unable to
communicate their wishes about their treatment
lizard noun [ C ]
a small reptile that has a long body, four short legs, a long tail and thick skin
See picture lizard
'll short form of
will
I'll see you next week.
llama noun [ C ]
a large South American animal with a long neck and long hair, and which is often
kept for its meat, milk, fur and to carry heavy loads
LLB noun [ C ] ( US ALSO BL )
ABBREVIATION FOR Bachelor of Laws: a degree in law, or a person who has this
degree
lo exclamation OLD USE
look
lo and behold HUMOROUS
something that you say when you tell someone about something surprising that
happened
I was in Vienna sitting quietly in a café when, lo and behold, my cousin walked in.
lo exclamation OLD USE
look
lo and behold HUMOROUS
something that you say when you tell someone about something surprising that
happened
I was in Vienna sitting quietly in a café when, lo and behold, my cousin walked in.
load noun AMOUNT CARRIED
1. [ C ] the amount of weight carried, especially by a vehicle, a structure such as
a bridge, or an animal
The maximum load for this elevator is eight persons.
One truck involved in the accident was carrying a heavy load of coal.
2. a load ( ALSO loads ) INFORMAL
a lot
I've got a load of work to get through before tomorrow.
There were a load of people there.
Have some more food - there's loads.
She looks loads better with her new haircut.
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED in an electrical system, an electrical device which takes power,
or the electrical power put into the system
load noun AMOUNT TO DO
4. [ C ] the amount of work to be done by a person
If we share the organization of the party, that will help spread the load a bit.
I've got a heavy/light teaching load this term.
See also caseload ; workload
5. [ S ] a painful, difficult or tiring situation to deal with
I wish I could do something to lighten your load (= make your situation easier) .
Get a load of that! SLANG
used to tell someone to pay attention to a person or thing that is interesting,
surprising or attractive
Get a load of that, lads! Very nice.
a load of crap/nonsense/rubbish, etc. UK INFORMAL
something that is not true, or something of very bad quality
Who said they were cheaper - what a load of rubbish!
He liked the second series and I thought it was a load of crap.
load verb CARRY
1. [ I or T ] to put a lot of things into a vehicle or machine
How long will it take to load this sand onto the lorry?
Let's load up the car and then we can go.
to load the dishwasher/washing machine
See also overload
Opposite unload
2. be loaded down with sth
to have too much to carry, or too much work to do
I was loaded down with shopping.
3. be loaded with sth
to contain a lot of something
Most fast foods are loaded with fat.
load verb PUT INTO
4. [ T ] to put film in a camera or bullets in a gun
Do not load the film (= put it into the camera) in bright light.
-load suffix
all the people or goods in the stated type of vehicle or container
a coachload of football fans
Busloads of tourists pour into this place in the summer.
Truckloads of food and medical supplies arrived in the refugee camp.
-load suffix
all the people or goods in the stated type of vehicle or container
a coachload of football fans
Busloads of tourists pour into this place in the summer.
Truckloads of food and medical supplies arrived in the refugee camp.
loaded adjective PUT INTO
1. a loaded gun has bullets in it
It's dangerous to leave a loaded gun lying around.
loaded adjective NOT FAIR
2. not fair, especially by being helpful to one person instead of another
It seems that the report is loaded in favour of the developers.
3. loaded question
a question that has particular words chosen to suggest the answer that is wanted
A survey should avoid asking loaded questions.
See also leading question
loaded adjective RICH
4. [ after verb ] INFORMAL rich
He inherited the family business - he must be loaded!
loaded adjective DRUNK
5. [ after verb ] MAINLY US SLANG drunk
What a party - everyone was loaded!
ˈ loading ˌ bay noun [ C ] UK ( US loading dock )
a space at the back of a ship where goods are put on or taken away
loaf noun BREAD
loaf
1. [ C ] bread which is shaped and baked in a single piece and can be sliced for
eating
two loaves of white bread
loaf noun FOOD
2. [ C or U ] savoury food cut into small pieces then pressed together and cooked
in a single solid piece
meat/nut loaf
Half a loaf is better than none. OLD-FASHIONED SAYING
said about a situation in which you must accept less than you wanted
Use your loaf. UK OLD-FASHIONED
used to tell someone in a slightly angry way that they should think more carefully
about what they are doing
loaf verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to avoid activity, especially work
Stop loafing (about/around) and get on with cleaning the windows!
loafer noun [ C ] SHOE
1. MAINLY US TRADEMARK a type of leather shoe with a wide strip across the top,
which a person's foot slides into, without any way of fastening it to the foot
loafer noun [ C ] LAZY PERSON
2. someone who avoids doing any work
an idle loafer
loafer noun [ C ] SHOE
1. MAINLY US TRADEMARK a type of leather shoe with a wide strip across the top,
which a person's foot slides into, without any way of fastening it to the foot
loafer noun [ C ] LAZY PERSON
2. someone who avoids doing any work
an idle loafer
loam noun [ U ]
high-quality earth which is a mixture of sand, clay and decaying plant material
loamy adjective
loan noun SUM
1. [ C ] a sum of money which is borrowed, often from a bank, and has to be paid
back, usually together with an extra amount of money that you have to pay as a charge
for borrowing
She's trying to get a $50 000 loan to start her own business.
We could apply for/take out a loan to buy a car.
loan noun BORROW
2. [ C or U ] an act of borrowing or lending something
Thank you very much for the loan of your bike.
This exhibit is on loan (= being borrowed/lent) from/to another museum.
loan verb
[ T ] to lend
This library loans books, CDs and videotapes.
[ + two objects ] I'd loan you the money if I could./I'd loan the money to you if I
could.
ˈ loan ˌ shark noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person who charges very large amounts of money for lending money to
someone
loanword noun [ C ]
a word taken from one language and used in another
loath , loth adjective FORMAL
be loath to do sth
to be unwilling to do something
I'm loath to spend it all at once.
loathe verb [ T ]
to hate someone or something
From an early age the brothers have loathed each other.
"Do you like fish?" "No, I loathe it."
[ + -ing verb ] I loathe do ing housework.
loathe verb [ T ]
to hate someone or something
From an early age the brothers have loathed each other.
"Do you like fish?" "No, I loathe it."
[ + -ing verb ] I loathe do ing housework.
loathing noun [ S or U ] FORMAL
strong hatred
The thought of him touching her filled her with deep loathing.
He approached his rival with fear and loathing.
loathsome adjective
extremely unpleasant
He's a loathsome man.
loathsomeness noun [ U ]
loaves
PLURAL OF loaf (BREAD)
lob verb [ T ]
to kick, hit or throw something, especially a ball in a game, in a high curve
Police started lobbing (= throwing) tear gas canisters into the crowd.
lob noun [ C ]
a high, curving hit of a ball
Jones hit a beautiful lob over his opponent's head.
lobby verb [ I or T ]
to try to persuade a politician, the government or an official group that a
particular thing should or should not happen, or that a law should be changed
Small businesses have lobbied hard for/against changes in the tax laws.
[ + to infinitive ] Local residents lobbied to have the factory shut down.
[ + object + to infinitive ] They have been lobbying Congress to change the
legislation concerning guns.
lobby noun [ C ] PRESSURE GROUP
1. a group of people who try to persuade the government or an official group to
do something
the anti-smoking lobby
lobby noun [ C ] ROOM
2. the (large) room into which the main entrance door opens in a hotel or other
large building
3. in the British parliament, a room where someone meets a member of
parliament who they have arranged to talk to, or one of the two passages which
members of parliament walk through as a way of voting
ˈ lobby corre ˌ spondent noun [ C ]
a reporter who spends a lot of time in the British parliament trying to discover
news about recent and future political events
lobbyist noun [ C ]
someone who tries to persuade a politician or official group to do something
Lobbyists for the tobacco industry have expressed concerns about the restriction
of smoking in public places.
lobe noun [ C ] ORGAN
1. SPECIALIZED any part of an organ which seems to be separate in some way from
the rest, especially one of the parts of the brain, lung or liver
the frontal lobe of the brain
lobe noun [ C ] EAR
2. earlobe
lobed adjective
lobotomy noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO leucotomy )
a medical operation in which cuts are made in or near the front part of the brain,
and which was used in the past for the treatment of severe mental problems
lobster noun [ C or U ]
an animal which lives in the sea and has a long body covered with a hard shell,
two large claws and eight legs, or its flesh when used as food
ˈ lobster ˌ pot noun [ C ]
a type of box made of wire used for catching lobsters
local adjective
1. from, existing in, serving, or responsible for a small area, especially of a
country
a local accent
local issues
a local newspaper/radio station
Most of the local population depend on fishing for their income.
Our children all go to the local school.
Many local shops will be forced to close if the new supermarket is built.
2. limited to a particular part of the body
a local anaesthetic
local swelling
local noun [ C ] PERSON
1. a person who lives in the particular small area which you are talking about
The café is popular with both locals and visitors.
local noun [ C ] PUB
2. UK a pub near to where a person lives, especially if they often go there to drink
The George is my local.
local noun [ C ] VEHICLE
3. US a train or bus which stops at all or most of the places on its route where
passengers can get on or off
the 12.24 local to Poughkeepsie
local noun [ C ] ORGANIZATION
4. US a division within an organization, especially a national workers'
organization, representing people from a particular area
ˌ local au ˈ thority noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] UK
the group of people who govern an area, especially a city
lobbyist noun [ C ]
someone who tries to persuade a politician or official group to do something
Lobbyists for the tobacco industry have expressed concerns about the restriction
of smoking in public places.
lobe noun [ C ] ORGAN
1. SPECIALIZED any part of an organ which seems to be separate in some way from
the rest, especially one of the parts of the brain, lung or liver
the frontal lobe of the brain
lobe noun [ C ] EAR
2. earlobe
lobed adjective
lobotomy noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO leucotomy )
a medical operation in which cuts are made in or near the front part of the brain,
and which was used in the past for the treatment of severe mental problems
lobster noun [ C or U ]
an animal which lives in the sea and has a long body covered with a hard shell,
two large claws and eight legs, or its flesh when used as food
ˈ lobster ˌ pot noun [ C ]
a type of box made of wire used for catching lobsters
local adjective
1. from, existing in, serving, or responsible for a small area, especially of a
country
a local accent
local issues
a local newspaper/radio station
Most of the local population depend on fishing for their income.
Our children all go to the local school.
Many local shops will be forced to close if the new supermarket is built.
2. limited to a particular part of the body
a local anaesthetic
local swelling
local noun [ C ] PERSON
1. a person who lives in the particular small area which you are talking about
The café is popular with both locals and visitors.
local noun [ C ] PUB
2. UK a pub near to where a person lives, especially if they often go there to drink
The George is my local.
local noun [ C ] VEHICLE
3. US a train or bus which stops at all or most of the places on its route where
passengers can get on or off
the 12.24 local to Poughkeepsie
local noun [ C ] ORGANIZATION
4. US a division within an organization, especially a national workers'
organization, representing people from a particular area
ˌ local au ˈ thority noun [ C + sing/pl verb ] UK
the group of people who govern an area, especially a city
ˌ local ˈ colour noun [ U ]
the special or unusual features of a place, especially as described or shown in a
story, picture or film to make it seem more real
ˌ local ˈ derby noun [ C ] ( ALSO derby ) UK
a sports competition, especially a game of football, between two teams from the
same city or area
locale noun [ C ] FORMAL
an area or place, especially one where something special happens, such as the
action in a book or a film
The book's locale is a seaside town in the summer of 1958.
ˌ local ˈ government noun [ U ]
the control and organization of towns and small areas by people who are elected
from them
locality noun [ C ]
a particular area
In 19th-century Britain, industries became concentrated in particular localities.
localize , UK USUALLY localise verb [ T ]
1. to limit something to a particular area
SPECIALIZED Gravity has localized the swelling to the foot and ankle.
2. FORMAL to find the position of something
Electricians worked through the night to localize the faulty switches.
localize , UK USUALLY localise verb [ T ]
1. to limit something to a particular area
SPECIALIZED Gravity has localized the swelling to the foot and ankle.
2. FORMAL to find the position of something
Electricians worked through the night to localize the faulty switches.
localized , UK USUALLY localised adjective
happening or limited to a particular area
localized flooding
locally adverb
in the particular small area which you are talking about
The shopkeeper said all his fruit and vegetables are grown locally.
Do they live locally?
ˈ local ˌ time noun [ U ]
the official time in a country or an area
locate verb BE SITUATED
1. be located in/near/on/etc. SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to be in a particular place
Our office is located in the city centre.
locate verb FIND
2. [ T ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL to find or discover the exact position of something
Police are still trying to locate the suspect.
locate verb MOVE
3. [ I + adverb or preposition ] US to move to a place to do business
The company hopes to locate in its new offices by June.
location noun POSITION
1. [ C ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL a place or position
The hotel is in a lovely location overlooking the lake.
A map showing the location of the property will be sent to you.
location noun FILM
2. [ C or U ] a place away from a studio where all or part of a film or a television
show is recorded
The documentary was made on location in the Gobi desert.
location noun FINDING
3. [ U ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL the act of finding the exact position of something
The latest navigational aids make the location of the airfield quite easy.
loch noun [ C ] SCOTTISH
a lake
Loch Lomond
loch noun [ C ] SCOTTISH
a lake
Loch Lomond
the ˌ Loch Ness ˈ Monster noun [ S ]
a large creature which is believed to live in Loch Ness in Scotland, although its
existence has not been proven
loci
PLURAL OF locus
lock noun FASTENER
1. [ C ] a device which prevents something such as a door being opened and
which you can only open with a key
I heard someone turn a key in the lock.
safety locks
Thieves got in by smashing the lock off the door.
See also padlock
lock noun WATER
2. [ C ] a length of water with gates at each end where the level of water can be
changed to allow boats to move between parts of a canal or river which are at different
heights
lock noun DEFINITE EVENT
3. [ C ] US INFORMAL something that is certain to happen
She's a lock for promotion this year.
lock noun HAIR
4. [ C ] a small group of hairs, especially a curl
There is a lock of Napoleon's hair in the display cabinet.
5. locks LITERARY
the hair on someone's head
curly locks
flowing golden locks
lock noun WHEELS
6. [ U ] UK the amount a road vehicle's front wheels can be turned from one side
to the other by turning its steering wheel
You need it on full lock (= with the wheel turned as much as possible) .
lock noun HOLD
7. [ C ] a way of holding someone that you are fighting against so that they
cannot move
The smaller wrestler held his opponent in a full body lock.
lock, stock and barrel
including all or every part of something
We had to move our things lock, stock and barrel to the other side of the country.
under lock and key
1. locked away safely
Her jewellery is securely under lock and key at the bank.
2. If a person, especially a criminal, is under lock and key, they are being kept in
a place from which they cannot escape, usually a prison.
lock verb MAKE SAFE
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to put something in a safe place and
fasten the lock
He locked the confidential documents in his filing cabinet.
You really should lock your car (up) or it'll get stolen.
2. [ I or T ] to fasten something with a key, or be fastened with a key
Don't forget to lock the door when you go out.
If you shut the door it will lock automatically.
lock verb FIXED
3. [ I ] to be fixed in one position
I tried to move forwards but the wheels had locked.
be locked together
If people or animals are locked together, they are holding each other tightly so
that neither one can move
Sometimes, fighting stags become locked together by their antlers.
lock horns
to begin to argue or fight
The mayor and her deputy locked horns over plans for the new road.
lock sth away phrasal verb [ M ]
to put something in a safe place and lock the door in order that someone else
cannot get it
If you keep valuables in your house, lock them away somewhere safe.
lock sb in phrasal verb [ M ]
to prevent someone from leaving a room or building by locking the door
[ R ] She stormed off to her bedroom and locked her self in.
He was locked in his bedroom as a punishment.
See also lock-in
be locked in sth phrasal verb
1. to be prevented from moving by something
We were locked in traffic for over two hours on the way home.
2. If you are locked in a situation or process, it is impossible for you to move on
from it
Both parties wish to avoid being locked in discussions which will resolve nothing.
lock sb out phrasal verb [ M ] STOP ENTERING
1. to prevent someone from entering a building or room by locking the door
He had to break into the house because his girlfriend had locked him out.
lock sb out phrasal verb [ M ] STOP WORKING
2. USUALLY DISAPPROVING to prevent workers from entering their place of work until
they agree to particular conditions given by the employer
Management has threatened to lock out the workforce if they do not accept the
proposed changes in working methods.
lockout noun [ C or U ] USUALLY DISAPPROVING
The General Strike in Britain in 1926 was caused by the lockout of coal miners.
lock ( sth ) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to lock all the doors and windows of a building when you leave it
Sandra, will you lock up tonight when you go?
lock sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to put someone in a prison or a hospital for people who are mentally ill
Murderers should be locked up for life.
After what she did, they should lock her up and throw away the key (= lock her
up until she dies) .
See also lockup
lockable adjective
that can be locked
All our suitcases are lockable (= can be locked) .
lockable adjective
that can be locked
All our suitcases are lockable (= can be locked) .
locker noun [ C ]
locker
a cupboard, often tall and made of metal, in which someone can keep their
possessions, and leave them for a period of time
We had several hours to wait for our train, so we left our bags in a (luggage)
locker, and went to look around the town.
ˈ locker ˌ room noun [ C usually singular ]
a room with lockers where people can keep clothes and other things, especially
while doing sport
locker-room adjective [ before noun ]
describes the type of rude, sexual jokes and remarks that men are thought to
enjoy when they are with each other
locker-room talk/jokes
locket noun [ C ]
a small piece of jewellery which opens to show a small picture or piece of hair,
usually worn on a chain around a person's neck
lock-in noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
when a pub locks its doors and allows people to continue drinking illegally after
the time when it should have closed
There was a lock-in at my local last night.
lockjaw noun [ U ]
INFORMAL FOR tetanus
ˈ lock ˌ keeper noun [ C ]
a person who is in control of a lock (= a body of water with gates) especially by
opening or closing its gates
locksmith noun [ C ]
a person who repairs and/or makes locks and supplies keys
locksmith noun [ C ]
a person who repairs and/or makes locks and supplies keys
lockup noun [ C ]
a small room, used as a prison, usually in a small town, in which criminals can be
kept for a short time
lock-up noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a building where objects, especially a car, can be safely kept
loco adjective [ after verb ] MAINLY US SLANG
crazy
Man, he just went loco and smashed the place up.
loco noun [ C ]
UK INFORMAL FOR locomotive
locomotion noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the ability to move; movement
locomotive noun [ C ] ( UK INFORMAL loco )
the engine of a train
locomotive adjective
relating to movement or the ability to move
locum noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a doctor who does the job of another doctor who is ill or on holiday
locus noun [ C ] FORMAL
the place where something happens or the central area of interest in something
being discussed
The locus of decision-making is sometimes far from the government's offices.
locust noun [ C ]
locust
a large insect with wings found in hot areas which flies in large groups and
destroys plants and crops
a swarm of locusts
lode noun [ C ]
an amount of metal in its natural form
lode noun [ C ]
an amount of metal in its natural form
lodestar noun [ S ]
1. a star, especially the Pole Star , used to help find direction
2. LITERARY an example or principle that people want to follow
The party manifesto is no longer the lodestar it used to be.
lodestone noun [ C or U ]
(a piece of) rock which contains a lot of iron and can therefore be used as a
magnet (= an object that pulls metal objects towards it)
lodge verb STAY
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] FORMAL to pay rent to stay somewhere
She lodged with Mrs Higgins when she first came to Cambridge.
lodge verb FIX
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to (cause to) become fixed in a place
or position
A fish bone had lodged in her throat.
lodge verb COMPLAIN
3. lodge a claim/complaint/protest, etc.
to make an official complaint about something
The US lodged a formal protest against the arrest of the foreign reporters.
Lee's solicitor said last night that they would be lodging an appeal against the
sentence.
lodge verb STORE
4. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] MAINLY UK FORMAL to put something in a
safe place
You should lodge a copy of the letter with your solicitor.
lodge noun SMALL BUILDING
1. [ C ] a small house in the country used especially by people on holiday or
taking part in sports, or one on the land owned by a large house
a ski/hunting lodge
2. [ C ] the place where a beaver lives
3. [ C ] US a wigwam
lodge noun GROUP
4. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a local group of an organization such as the
freemasons
a Masonic Lodge
lodge noun ROOM
5. [ C ] UK the room used by a person whose job is to be at the entrance to a
large building such as a hotel or college in order to help people
the porter's lodge
lodger noun [ C ] ( US ALSO roomer )
someone who pays for a place to sleep, and usually for meals, in someone else's
house
She takes in lodgers to make a bit of extra money.
lodging noun [ U ]
1. a temporary place to stay
The price includes board and lodging (= meals and a room to sleep in) .
2. lodgings ( UK INFORMAL ALSO digs )
a room in someone's house that you pay money to live in
ˈ lodging ˌ house noun [ C ] ( US ALSO rooming house )
a house which has rooms that people can rent
loess noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of light-brown or greyish soil made of very small pieces of quartz and clay,
which is blown and left behind by the wind
loft noun [ C ]
1. a space at the top of a building under the roof used for storage and usually
entered by a ladder , or sometimes made into a room
The firm specializes in loft conversions (= making lofts into rooms) .
2. US an upper floor or room
3. an apartment in a large building that was previously used for industry
loft verb [ T ]
to hit a ball high
lofty adjective POSITION
1. FORMAL high
a lofty ceiling/mountain/wall
lofty adjective IDEAS
2. FORMAL Lofty ideas etc. are of a high moral standard
lofty sentiments/ideals
3. DISAPPROVING If you have a lofty way of behaving or talking etc., you act as if
you think you are better than other people
a lofty attitude/air/tone
loftily adverb DISAPPROVING
loftiness noun [ U ]
log noun [ C ] WOOD
1. a thick piece of tree trunk or branch, especially one cut for burning on a fire
log noun [ C ] RECORD
2. a full written record of a journey, a period of time, or an event
the ship's log
log noun [ C ] NUMBER
3. INFORMAL FOR logarithm
log verb CUT WOOD
1. [ I or T ] to cut down trees so that you can use their wood
The forest has been so heavily logged that it is in danger of disappearing.
log verb RECORD
2. [ T ] to officially record something
The Police Complaints Authority has logged more than 90 complaints.
3. [ T ] ( UK ALSO log up ) to travel and record a particular distance
log in/on phrasal verb
to connect a computer to a computer system by typing your name, so that you
can start working
Log on using your name and password.
log off/out phrasal verb
to stop a computer being connected to a computer system, usually when you
want to stop working
Could you all log off for a few minutes, please?
noun [ C ] ( US ALSO roomer )
someone who pays for a place to sleep, and usually for meals, in someone else's
house
She takes in lodgers to make a bit of extra money.
log noun [ C ] WOOD
1. a thick piece of tree trunk or branch, especially one cut for burning on a fire
log noun [ C ] RECORD
2. a full written record of a journey, a period of time, or an event
the ship's log
log noun [ C ] NUMBER
3. INFORMAL FOR logarithm
log verb CUT WOOD
1. [ I or T ] to cut down trees so that you can use their wood
The forest has been so heavily logged that it is in danger of disappearing.
log verb RECORD
2. [ T ] to officially record something
The Police Complaints Authority has logged more than 90 complaints.
3. [ T ] ( UK ALSO log up ) to travel and record a particular distance
log in/on phrasal verb
to connect a computer to a computer system by typing your name, so that you
can start working
Log on using your name and password.
log off/out phrasal verb
to stop a computer being connected to a computer system, usually when you
want to stop working
Could you all log off for a few minutes, please?
loganberry noun [ C ]
a small red fruit, similar to a raspberry , or the tall plant on which it grows
logarithm noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL log )
the number which shows how many times a number, called the base , has to be
multiplied by itself to produce another number. Adding or subtracting logarithms can
replace multiplying or dividing large numbers.
logarithmic adjective
logarithmically adverb
ˈ log ˌ book noun [ C ] ( ALSO registration book ) UK
an official document which records information about a car and the people who
have owned it
ˌ log ˈ cabin noun [ C ]
log cabin
a small house made from tree trunks
logger noun [ C ]
a person who cuts down trees for wood
loggerheads plural noun
be at loggerheads (with sb )
to strongly disagree (with someone)
The Chancellor is at loggerheads with the Prime Minister over public spending.
logging noun [ U ]
the activity of cutting down trees for wood
logging companies.
logic noun [ U ] REASONABLE THINKING
1. a particular way of thinking, especially one which is reasonable and based on
good judgment
I fail to see the logic behind his argument.
If prices go up, wages will go up too - that's just logic.
There's no logic in the decision to reduce staff when orders are the highest for
years.
The internal logic of her argument is undeniable.
logic noun [ U ] FORMAL THINKING
2. a formal scientific method of examining or thinking about ideas
a treatise on formal logic
logic noun [ U ] REASONABLE THINKING
1. a particular way of thinking, especially one which is reasonable and based on
good judgment
I fail to see the logic behind his argument.
If prices go up, wages will go up too - that's just logic.
There's no logic in the decision to reduce staff when orders are the highest for
years.
The internal logic of her argument is undeniable.
logic noun [ U ] FORMAL THINKING
2. a formal scientific method of examining or thinking about ideas
a treatise on formal logic
logical adjective
using reason
a logical choice/conclusion
Students need the ability to construct a logical argument.
It was the logical thing to do (= the decision was a reasonable one when all the
facts were considered) .
Opposite illogical
logically adverb
Her ideas were clear and logically presented.
logician noun [ C ]
someone who studies or is skilled in logic
login noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
'Login' often appears in an on-screen key that you click (= press) with your
mouse as part of the process to start using a computer which is connected to a
computer system.
See also log in/on
logistics plural noun
the careful organization of a complicated activity so that it happens in a successful
and effective way
We need to look at the logistics of the whole aid operation.
logistic adjective ( ALSO logistical )
logistic support/problems
logistically adverb
logjam , log-jam noun
1. [ C usually singular ] a situation in which neither group involved in an
argument can win or get an advantage and no action can be taken
This is the latest attempt to break the logjam in the peace process.
2. [ C ] a mass of floating logs that block a river
logo noun [ C ]
a design or symbol used by a company to advertise its products
a corporate logo
The players wore shirts with the sponsor's logo.
logo noun [ C ]
a design or symbol used by a company to advertise its products
a corporate logo
The players wore shirts with the sponsor's logo.
loin noun
1. [ C or U ] (a piece of) meat from the back of an animal near the tail or from the
top part of the back legs
See also sirloin (steak)
2. loins LITERARY OR HUMOROUS
the part of the body which is above the legs and below the waist, especially the
sexual organs
the fruit of your loins (= your child/children)
loincloth noun [ C ]
a piece of cloth that hangs down from around the waist, sometimes worn by men
in hot countries
loiter verb [ I ]
1. to move slowly around or stand especially in a public place without an obvious
reason
A gang of youths were loitering outside the cinema.
2. to go slowly, stopping often
Come straight home and don't loiter, Alan.
loiterer noun [ C ]
loitering noun [ U ] ( US loitering with intent ) LEGAL
the offence of waiting in a place, looking as if you are going to do something
illegal
LOL , lol
INTERNET ABBREVIATION FOR laughing out loud: used when you think something is
very funny
Lolita , noun [ C ]
a young girl who has a very sexual appearance or behaves in a very sexual way
loll verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to lie, sit or hang down in a relaxed informal or uncontrolled way
I spent most of the weekend lolling about/around on the beach.
a dog with its tongue lolling out
lollipop noun [ C ]
lollipop
a hard sweet on a stick
lollipop noun [ C ]
lollipop
a hard sweet on a stick
ˈ lollipop ˌ man/ ˌ lady noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a person who helps children to cross the road near a school by standing in the
middle of the road and holding up a stick with a sign on it which means that the traffic
must stop
lollop verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] INFORMAL
(of a person or especially a large animal) to move in an awkward, rolling way
The dog lolloped along the beach.
lolly noun SWEET
1. [ C ] UK ice lolly or lollipop
2. [ C ] AUSTRALIAN a wrapped sweet for sucking or chewing (= crushing with the
teeth)
lolly noun MONEY
3. [ U ] UK OLD-FASHIONED SLANG FOR money
Londoner noun [ C ]
a person from London
lone adjective [ before noun ]
1. alone
a lone survivor
He was a lone voice (= the only person) arguing against a reduction in resources.
2. lone parent/mother/father
someone who has children but no partner living with them
loneliness noun [ U ]
the state of being lonely
lonely adjective
1. unhappy because you are not with other people
She gets lonely now that all the kids have left home.
the lonely life of a farmer
2. A lonely place is a long way from where people live
a lonely stretch of Arizona highway
lonely hearts ( ALSO lonely hearts club/column, etc. )
a place or section of a magazine etc. for people who would like to make new
friends or meet a sexual partner
loner noun [ C ]
a person who likes to do things on their own without other people
He was always a bit of a loner at school.
loner noun [ C ]
a person who likes to do things on their own without other people
He was always a bit of a loner at school.
lonesome adjective US
1. lonely
2. by/on your lonesome
alone
I was just sitting here all by my lonesome.
ˌ lone ˈ wolf noun [ C usually singular ]
a loner
long adjective TIME
1. continuing for a large amount of time
a long film/meeting
I've been waiting a long time .
It's a long time since I worked there.
Apparently the sessions are an hour long.
long adjective DISTANCE
2. being a distance between two points which is more than average or usual
long hair
long legs
a long dress
There was a long queue at the post office.
We're still a long way from the station.
long adjective MANY WORDS
3. describes a piece of writing which has a lot of pages or words
a long letter/book/report
be long in the tooth INFORMAL
to be old, often too old to do something
He's a bit long in the tooth to be wearing jeans, don't you think?
before (very/too) long ( ALSO before much longer )
soon
They'll be home before very long.
go a long way ( ALSO go far )
If you say that someone will go a long way, you mean that they will be very
successful.
go a long way towards doing sth
to be very helpful
The money raised will go a long way towards providing essential food and
medicine.
go back a long way
If people go back a long way, they have known each other for a long time.
have come a long way
to have advanced to an improved or more developed state
Information technology has come a long way in the last twenty years.
it's a long story
something that you say when someone has asked you about something that has
happened and you do not want to explain it to them because it would take too long
'So why was Carlo knocking on your door at midnight?' 'It's a long story.'
the long arm of the law LITERARY
the police
You can't escape the long arm of the law (= The police will catch you if you have
done something illegal) .
(as) long as your arm INFORMAL
very long
There was a list of complaints as long as your arm.
a long face
If you have a long face, you look sad
'Why've you got such a long face?' 'My boyfriend doesn't want to see me any
more.'
long live sb/sth !
said to show support for the person or thing mentioned
Long live the President!
long on sth and short on sth
having too much of one quality and not enough of another
I've always found his films long on style and short on content.
long story short US
to not tell all the details
Long story short, I got fired.
Long time no see. SAYING
said when you meet someone who you haven't seen for a long period of time
a long way to go
a lot of work to do or improvements to make
He has a long way to go before he can present the scheme to the public.
no longer ( ALSO not any longer )
in the past but not now
The cinema is no longer used.
She doesn't work here any longer.
not by a long chalk/shot INFORMAL
not in any way
It wasn't as good as his first book - not by a long chalk.
not long for this world OLD-FASHIONED
If someone is not long for this world, they will die soon.
so long INFORMAL
goodbye
take a long, hard look at sth
to examine something very carefully in order to improve it in the future
We need to take a long, hard look at the way we control gun ownership.
take the long view
to think about the effects that something will have in the future instead of in the
present
If you take the long view, of course, you can regard staff training as an
investment for the company.
long adverb TIME
1. used to mean '(for) a long time', especially in questions and negative sentences
Have you been waiting (for) long?
I'm just writing a letter but it won't take long.
How long have you been in England?
Don't rush - take as long as you like.
We've been walking all day long.
I've known her longer than you have.
I won't be staying much longer.
2. used with the past participle or the -ing form of the verb to mean that a state
or activity has continued for a long time
a long-awaited letter
long-serving employees
long adverb IF
3. as/so long as
used to say that something must happen before something else can happen
I can come as long as I can leave by 4.00.
Bring your friends by all means - just so long as I know how many are coming.
long verb FORMAL
long for sth ; long to do sth
to want something very much
She longed to see him again.
I'm longing for news of him.
long noun [ U ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR longitude
the long and the short of it INFORMAL
said when you want to explain the general situation without giving details
The long and the short of it is that they are willing to start the work in January.
long-awaited adjective
having been expected for a long time
Last week the commission published its long-awaited report on the problem of
teenage pregnancies.
long-awaited adjective
having been expected for a long time
Last week the commission published its long-awaited report on the problem of
teenage pregnancies.
long-distance adjective [ before noun ] , adverb
travelling a long way, or separated by a long distance
a long-distance runner
long-distance lorry drivers
a long-distance phone call
ˌ long di ˈ vision noun [ C usually singular ]
in mathematics, a method of dividing one, usually large number by another,
which makes it necessary to write down each stage of the work
long-drawn-out adjective
taking more time than is necessary
a long-drawn-out process
ˌ long ˈ drink noun [ C ]
a cold drink served in a tall glass, often mixed with alcohol
Compare short
longevity noun [ U ] FORMAL
living for a long time
To what do you attribute your longevity?
longhand noun [ U ]
ordinary writing by hand
long-haul adjective [ before noun ]
travelling a long distance
a long-haul flight
longing noun [ S or U ]
a feeling of wanting something or someone very much
He gazed at her, his eyes full of longing.
a longing look
a longing for his homeland
longingly adverb
She gazed longingly at the cakes in the shop window.
longish adjective
quite long
longish adjective
quite long
longitude , noun [ C or U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION long )
the distance of a place east or west of an imaginary line from the top to the
bottom of the Earth, measured in degrees
Compare latitude
longitudinal , , adjective
longi ˌ tudinal ˈ wave noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
in physics, a wave moving in the same direction of travel as the vibrations (= fast
movements backwards and forwards) of the particles of the substance through which it
is travelling
Compare transverse wave
ˈ long ˌ johns plural noun
underwear with long legs, worn under your outer clothes to keep you warm
the ˈ long ˌ jump noun [ S ] ( US ALSO the broad jump )
the long jump
a sports event in which a person runs up to a mark and then jumps as far forward
as they can
long-lasting adjective
continuing for a long period of time
a long-lasting friendship
long-life adjective [ before noun ]
describes products which have been made or treated in such a way that they last
for a long time
long-life milk
long-lost adjective [ before noun ]
describes a relation, friend or object that you have not seen for a long time
my long-lost cousin
my long-lost cousin
ˌ long ˈ memory noun [ C ]
If someone has a long memory, they can remember events that happened a long
time ago.
long-range adjective [ before noun ]
for a long time into the future, or across a long distance
a long-range weather forecast
long-range missiles/bombs
long-running adjective [ before noun ]
a long-running musical
their long-running dispute
longshore drift noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the movement of sand and small stones, etc along the coast by waves travelling
parallel or at an angle to the coast
longshoreman noun [ C ]
US FOR docker
ˈ long ˌ shot noun [ C usually singular ]
something you try although it is unlikely to be successful
It's a long shot, but you could try phoning him at home.
long-sighted adjective ( US far-sighted )
able to see things which are far away but not things which are near you
long-standing adjective
having existed for a long time
a long-standing agreement
long-suffering adjective
A long-suffering person is patient despite being annoyed or insulted regularly over
a period of time
Bill and his long-suffering wife
ˌ long ˈ suit noun [ U ]
Someone's long suit is a special skill or strength they have
She's great at writing poetry, but putting it to music is not her long suit.
my long-lost cousin
ˌ long ˈ memory noun [ C ]
If someone has a long memory, they can remember events that happened a long
time ago.
long-range adjective [ before noun ]
for a long time into the future, or across a long distance
a long-range weather forecast
long-range missiles/bombs
long-running adjective [ before noun ]
a long-running musical
their long-running dispute
longshore drift noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the movement of sand and small stones, etc along the coast by waves travelling
parallel or at an angle to the coast
longshoreman noun [ C ]
US FOR docker
ˈ long ˌ shot noun [ C usually singular ]
something you try although it is unlikely to be successful
It's a long shot, but you could try phoning him at home.
long-sighted adjective ( US far-sighted )
able to see things which are far away but not things which are near you
long-standing adjective
having existed for a long time
a long-standing agreement
long-suffering adjective
A long-suffering person is patient despite being annoyed or insulted regularly over
a period of time
Bill and his long-suffering wife
ˌ long ˈ suit noun [ U ]
Someone's long suit is a special skill or strength they have
She's great at writing poetry, but putting it to music is not her long suit.
long-term adjective
continuing a long time into the future
long-term unemployment
long-term care for the seriously ill
the long-term effects of the drug
long-time adjective [ before noun ]
describes someone who has been in a particular position for a long period
A long-time friend of the chairman said she had expected the resignation.
longueur noun [ C usually plural ] LITERARY
a boring part of something, especially a book, film, etc
Despite the occasional longueurs, this is an impressive first novel.
ˌ long va ˈ cation noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL long vac ) UK
the three months in the summer when college and university students do not
have classes
ˈ long ˌ wave noun [ U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION LW )
a range of radio waves used for broadcasting and receiving which are of 1000
metres or more in length
longways adverb ( US ALSO longwise )
along the length
Fold the paper longways.
See also lengthways
ˌ long week ˈ end noun [ C ]
Saturday and Sunday with at least one extra day of holiday added, either Friday
or Monday
We spent a long weekend with my parents.
long-winded adjective
A long-winded speech, letter, article, etc. is too long, or uses too many words.
loo noun [ C ]
UK INFORMAL FOR toilet
I'll just go to the loo.
loo roll
loofah noun [ C ]
a piece of a rough plant, which is used to rub the body when washing
look verb SEE
1. [ I ] to direct your eyes in order to see
Look! There's grandma.
They looked at the picture and laughed.
Look at all this rubbish on the floor.
She looked up from her book and smiled at me.
I looked out (of) the window.
Look over there - there's a rainbow!
look verb SEARCH
2. [ I ] to try to find something or someone
I'm looking for my keys.
I've looked everywhere but I can't find my glasses.
Have you looked in the dictionary?
I looked down the list but couldn't see his name.
look verb SEEM
3. [ L I usually + adverb or preposition ] to appear or seem
You look well!
The roads look very icy.
That dress looks nice on you.
He has started to look his age (= appear as old as he really is) .
It 's looking good (= Things are going well) .
He looked (like) a friendly sort of person.
The twins look just like their mother.
She looked as if/though she hadn't slept all night.
It looks like rain (= as if it is going to rain) .
look verb DIRECTION
4. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to face a particular direction
The garden looks south.
This window looks out onto the lake.
look verb WARNING
5. [ I ] used when you are telling someone to be careful or to pay attention
[ + question word ] Look wh ere you're going!
Look at the time - we're late!
look verb HOPE
6. be looking to do sth
to plan to do something
I'm looking to start my own business.
be looking for trouble
to be acting in a way that will certainly cause problems for you
Parking outside the police station on double yellow lines is just looking for trouble.
be not much to look at INFORMAL
to not be attractive
The house isn't much to look at but it's spacious.
I'm just looking
said to a person working in a shop when they offer to help you but you want to
continue looking at the goods on your own
look daggers at sb INFORMAL
to look angrily at someone
look kindly on sb/sth
to have a good opinion of someone or something
She had hoped the critics would look kindly on her first novel.
Look lively/sharp! UK OLD-FASHIONED
used to tell someone to do something quickly
Look lively - we haven't got all day!
look on the bright side
to find good things in a bad situation
Look on the bright side - no one was badly hurt.
look out for number one INFORMAL
to do what you think is best for yourself and not care about other people
look straight/right through sb UK
to look at someone as if you cannot see them, either intentionally or because you
are thinking about something else
I said hello but she looked straight through me.
look to your laurels
to make an extra effort to succeed because there is more competition
Nowadays there are a number of rival products on the market and the older,
established companies are having to look to their laurels.
make sb look small
to show that someone is wrong in a way that makes them appear silly
Never look a gift horse in the mouth. SAYING
said to advise someone not to refuse something good that is being offered
never look back
to continue to be successful after doing something with a good result
She never looked back after that first exhibition.
not look sb in the eye/face
If you cannot look someone in the eye/face, you are too ashamed to look at them
directly and speak honestly to them.
look after sb/sth phrasal verb
to take care of or be in charge of someone or something
We look after the neighbours' cat while they're away.
If you look after your clothes they last a lot longer.
[ R ] Don't worry about Mia - she can look after her self .
look ahead phrasal verb
to think about what will happen in the future and plan for these events
We are trying to look ahead and see what our options are.
look at sth phrasal verb THINK
1. to think about a subject carefully so that you can make a decision about it
Management is looking at ways of cutting costs.
look at sth phrasal verb OPINION
2. to consider something in a particular way
If I'd had children I might have looked at things differently.
look at sth phrasal verb READ
3. to read something in order to check it or form an opinion about it
Can you look at my essay sometime?
look at sth phrasal verb EXAMINE
4. If someone, usually an expert, looks at something, they examine it
Did you get the doctor to look at your knee?
look back phrasal verb
to think about something that happened in the past
When I look back I can see where we went wrong.
It wasn't such a bad experience when I look back on it.
look down on sb phrasal verb ( ALSO look down your nose at sb )
to think that someone is less important than you
She thinks they look down on her because she didn't go to university.
look forward to sth phrasal verb
1. to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen
I'm really looking forward to my holiday.
[ + -ing verb ] She was looking forward to see ing the grandchildren again.
I'm not looking forward to Christmas this year.
2. [ + -ing verb ] FORMAL used at the end of a formal letter to say you hope to
hear from or see someone soon, or that you expect something from them
I look forward to hearing from you .
In the circumstances, I look forward to receiving your client's cheque for the sum
of £570 within the next seven days.
look in phrasal verb INFORMAL
to visit a person for a short time, usually when you are on your way somewhere
else
I thought I might look in on Bob on my way to the shops.
Can you look in on the kids before you go to bed?
look into sth phrasal verb
to examine the facts about a problem or situation
We're looking into the possibility of merging the two departments.
look on phrasal verb SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to watch something happen but not become involved in it
A large crowd looked on as the band played.
See also onlooker
look on/upon sb as sth phrasal verb
to consider or think of someone or something as something
We looked on her as a daughter.
I've lived there so long I look on the town as my home.
look out phrasal verb
1. to watch what is happening and be careful
The police have warned shopkeepers to look out for forged notes.
2. said or shouted in order to tell someone that they are in danger
Look out! There's a car coming!
look sth out phrasal verb [ M ] UK
to search for and find something
I'll look out that recipe I told you about and send it to you.
look out for sb/sth phrasal verb
to try to notice someone or something
Look out for Anna while you're there.
look over sth phrasal verb [ M ]
to quickly examine something or someone
I had a few minutes before the meeting to look over what he'd written.
Would you quickly look over these figures for me and see if there are any obvious
mistakes?
look round (somewhere/sth) phrasal verb
to visit a place and look at the things in it
She spent the afternoon looking round the shops.
When we went to Stratford, we only had a couple of hours to look round.
look through sth phrasal verb
to read something quickly
I've looked through some catalogues.
look to sb to do sth phrasal verb
to hope that someone will do something for you
We're looking to you to advise us on how to proceed.
look to sb for sth phrasal verb
to hope that someone will provide something for you
They looked to the government for additional support.
look up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to become better
I hope things will start to look up in the new year.
Our financial situation is looking up at last.
look sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to try to find a piece of information by looking in a book or on a computer
If you don't know what the word means, look it up in a dictionary.
look sb up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to visit someone who you have not seen for a long time when you are visiting the
place where they live
Look me up next time you're in Los Angeles.
look up to sb phrasal verb
to admire and respect someone
He'd always looked up to his uncle.
look noun SEE
1. [ C ] when you look at someone or something
She gave him a look of real dislike.
Take a (good) look at this picture and see if you recognize anyone.
Can I have a look at your dictionary?
look noun SEARCH
2. [ C usually singular ] when you look for someone or something
I had another look for the watch, but couldn't find it.
look noun APPEARANCE
3. [ C ] an expression on someone's face
She had a worried look about her.
She gave me a questioning look.
4. the look of sb/sth
the appearance of someone or something
They liked the look of the hotel, but it was too expensive.
I don't like the look of that fence (= It appears to have something wrong with it) .
5. sb's looks
a person's appearance, especially how attractive they are
I like her looks.
Her looks improved as she grew older.
He put on weight and started to lose his looks.
by the look(s) of things ( ALSO by the look of it )
judging by the information we have now
By the look of things, we won't be able to take our holiday till the autumn.
If looks could kill. SAYING
said when you see someone look very angrily at someone else
look exclamation
used to express anger
Look, I've already told you it's not possible.
OLD-FASHIONED Look here , I've had enough of this.
look verb SEE
1. [ I ] to direct your eyes in order to see
Look! There's grandma.
They looked at the picture and laughed.
Look at all this rubbish on the floor.
She looked up from her book and smiled at me.
I looked out (of) the window.
Look over there - there's a rainbow!
look verb SEARCH
2. [ I ] to try to find something or someone
I'm looking for my keys.
I've looked everywhere but I can't find my glasses.
Have you looked in the dictionary?
I looked down the list but couldn't see his name.
look verb SEEM
3. [ L I usually + adverb or preposition ] to appear or seem
You look well!
The roads look very icy.
That dress looks nice on you.
He has started to look his age (= appear as old as he really is) .
It 's looking good (= Things are going well) .
He looked (like) a friendly sort of person.
The twins look just like their mother.
She looked as if/though she hadn't slept all night.
It looks like rain (= as if it is going to rain) .
look verb DIRECTION
4. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to face a particular direction
The garden looks south.
This window looks out onto the lake.
look verb WARNING
5. [ I ] used when you are telling someone to be careful or to pay attention
[ + question word ] Look wh ere you're going!
Look at the time - we're late!
look verb HOPE
6. be looking to do sth
to plan to do something
I'm looking to start my own business.
be looking for trouble
to be acting in a way that will certainly cause problems for you
Parking outside the police station on double yellow lines is just looking for trouble.
be not much to look at INFORMAL
to not be attractive
The house isn't much to look at but it's spacious.
I'm just looking
said to a person working in a shop when they offer to help you but you want to
continue looking at the goods on your own
look daggers at sb INFORMAL
to look angrily at someone
look kindly on sb/sth
to have a good opinion of someone or something
She had hoped the critics would look kindly on her first novel.
Look lively/sharp! UK OLD-FASHIONED
used to tell someone to do something quickly
Look lively - we haven't got all day!
look on the bright side
to find good things in a bad situation
Look on the bright side - no one was badly hurt.
look out for number one INFORMAL
to do what you think is best for yourself and not care about other people
look straight/right through sb UK
to look at someone as if you cannot see them, either intentionally or because you
are thinking about something else
I said hello but she looked straight through me.
look to your laurels
to make an extra effort to succeed because there is more competition
Nowadays there are a number of rival products on the market and the older,
established companies are having to look to their laurels.
make sb look small
to show that someone is wrong in a way that makes them appear silly
Never look a gift horse in the mouth. SAYING
said to advise someone not to refuse something good that is being offered
never look back
to continue to be successful after doing something with a good result
She never looked back after that first exhibition.
not look sb in the eye/face
If you cannot look someone in the eye/face, you are too ashamed to look at them
directly and speak honestly to them.
look after sb/sth phrasal verb
to take care of or be in charge of someone or something
We look after the neighbours' cat while they're away.
If you look after your clothes they last a lot longer.
[ R ] Don't worry about Mia - she can look after her self .
look ahead phrasal verb
to think about what will happen in the future and plan for these events
We are trying to look ahead and see what our options are.
look at sth phrasal verb THINK
1. to think about a subject carefully so that you can make a decision about it
Management is looking at ways of cutting costs.
look at sth phrasal verb OPINION
2. to consider something in a particular way
If I'd had children I might have looked at things differently.
look at sth phrasal verb READ
3. to read something in order to check it or form an opinion about it
Can you look at my essay sometime?
look at sth phrasal verb EXAMINE
4. If someone, usually an expert, looks at something, they examine it
Did you get the doctor to look at your knee?
look back phrasal verb
to think about something that happened in the past
When I look back I can see where we went wrong.
It wasn't such a bad experience when I look back on it.
look down on sb phrasal verb ( ALSO look down your nose at sb )
to think that someone is less important than you
She thinks they look down on her because she didn't go to university.
look forward to sth phrasal verb
1. to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen
I'm really looking forward to my holiday.
[ + -ing verb ] She was looking forward to see ing the grandchildren again.
I'm not looking forward to Christmas this year.
2. [ + -ing verb ] FORMAL used at the end of a formal letter to say you hope to
hear from or see someone soon, or that you expect something from them
I look forward to hearing from you .
In the circumstances, I look forward to receiving your client's cheque for the sum
of £570 within the next seven days.
look in phrasal verb INFORMAL
to visit a person for a short time, usually when you are on your way somewhere
else
I thought I might look in on Bob on my way to the shops.
Can you look in on the kids before you go to bed?
look into sth phrasal verb
to examine the facts about a problem or situation
We're looking into the possibility of merging the two departments.
look on phrasal verb SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to watch something happen but not become involved in it
A large crowd looked on as the band played.
See also onlooker
look on/upon sb as sth phrasal verb
to consider or think of someone or something as something
We looked on her as a daughter.
I've lived there so long I look on the town as my home.
look out phrasal verb
1. to watch what is happening and be careful
The police have warned shopkeepers to look out for forged notes.
2. said or shouted in order to tell someone that they are in danger
Look out! There's a car coming!
look sth out phrasal verb [ M ] UK
to search for and find something
I'll look out that recipe I told you about and send it to you.
look out for sb/sth phrasal verb
to try to notice someone or something
Look out for Anna while you're there.
look over sth phrasal verb [ M ]
to quickly examine something or someone
I had a few minutes before the meeting to look over what he'd written.
Would you quickly look over these figures for me and see if there are any obvious
mistakes?
look round (somewhere/sth) phrasal verb
to visit a place and look at the things in it
She spent the afternoon looking round the shops.
When we went to Stratford, we only had a couple of hours to look round.
look through sth phrasal verb
to read something quickly
I've looked through some catalogues.
look to sb to do sth phrasal verb
to hope that someone will do something for you
We're looking to you to advise us on how to proceed.
look to sb for sth phrasal verb
to hope that someone will provide something for you
They looked to the government for additional support.
look up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to become better
I hope things will start to look up in the new year.
Our financial situation is looking up at last.
look sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to try to find a piece of information by looking in a book or on a computer
If you don't know what the word means, look it up in a dictionary.
look sb up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to visit someone who you have not seen for a long time when you are visiting the
place where they live
Look me up next time you're in Los Angeles.
look up to sb phrasal verb
to admire and respect someone
He'd always looked up to his uncle.
look noun SEE
1. [ C ] when you look at someone or something
She gave him a look of real dislike.
Take a (good) look at this picture and see if you recognize anyone.
Can I have a look at your dictionary?
look noun SEARCH
2. [ C usually singular ] when you look for someone or something
I had another look for the watch, but couldn't find it.
look noun APPEARANCE
3. [ C ] an expression on someone's face
She had a worried look about her.
She gave me a questioning look.
4. the look of sb/sth
the appearance of someone or something
They liked the look of the hotel, but it was too expensive.
I don't like the look of that fence (= It appears to have something wrong with it) .
5. sb's looks
a person's appearance, especially how attractive they are
I like her looks.
Her looks improved as she grew older.
He put on weight and started to lose his looks.
by the look(s) of things ( ALSO by the look of it )
judging by the information we have now
By the look of things, we won't be able to take our holiday till the autumn.
If looks could kill. SAYING
said when you see someone look very angrily at someone else
look exclamation
used to express anger
Look, I've already told you it's not possible.
OLD-FASHIONED Look here , I've had enough of this.
look-alike noun [ C ]
someone or something that is similar in appearance to someone or something
else
He's an Elvis Presley look-alike.
looker noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a physically attractive person, usually a woman
Have you seen Karl's new girlfriend? She's a real looker!
look-in noun UK INFORMAL
not get a look-in
to not have a chance to do something or to succeed
There were so many children wanting a ride John didn't get a look-in.
Our opponents were so good - we didn't get a look-in.
ˈ looking ˌ glass noun [ C ] OLD USE
a mirror
lookout noun [ C ]
1. a person who watches for danger
2. a high place where a person can look at what is happening in the area around
them, especially in order to watch for any danger
3. be on the lookout for sth/sb
to search for something or someone
I'm always on the lookout for interesting new recipes.
4. keep a lookout for sth/sb
to continue to watch carefully for something or someone, especially in order to
avoid danger
Keep a lookout for small objects that a baby might swallow.
it's your own lookout UK INFORMAL
said to someone in order to tell them that they are responsible for their own
problems
It's your own lookout if you're not properly insured.
look-see noun [ S ] US INFORMAL
a quick look
"Have they arrived yet?" "I'll take/have a look-see".
loom verb [ I ] APPEAR
1. to appear as a large, often frightening or unclear shape or object
Dark storm clouds loomed on the horizon .
loom verb [ I ] WORRY
2. If an unwanted or unpleasant event looms, it seems likely to happen soon and
causes worry
Her exams are looming.
Here, too, the threat of unemployment has been looming on the horizon .
The threat of closure looms over the workforce.
loom large
If something looms large, it becomes very important and often causes worry
The issue of pay will loom large at this Easter's teacher conference.
loom noun [ C ]
loom
a piece of equipment on which thread is woven into cloth
loom verb [ I ] APPEAR
1. to appear as a large, often frightening or unclear shape or object
Dark storm clouds loomed on the horizon .
loom verb [ I ] WORRY
2. If an unwanted or unpleasant event looms, it seems likely to happen soon and
causes worry
Her exams are looming.
Here, too, the threat of unemployment has been looming on the horizon .
The threat of closure looms over the workforce.
loom large
If something looms large, it becomes very important and often causes worry
The issue of pay will loom large at this Easter's teacher conference.
loom noun [ C ]
loom
a piece of equipment on which thread is woven into cloth
looming adjective
(of something unwanted or unpleasant) happening soon and causing worry
the looming crisis
loony adjective INFORMAL
silly or stupid
He had lots of loony ideas about education.
ˈ loony ˌ bin noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE OR HUMOROUS
a psychiatric hospital
loop noun [ C ]
1. the curved shape made when something long and thin, such as a piece of
string, bends until one part of it nearly touches or crosses another part of it
belt loops
a loop of string
the loop of the river
The tape ran in a continuous loop, repeating the same songs over and over.
2. a type of IUD
be in the loop/be out of the loop INFORMAL
to have or not have the special knowledge or power that belongs to a particular
group of people
You can tell she's in the loop. She always knows about policy decisions before the
rest of us.
I've been out of the loop since I changed jobs. I didn't realize Wendy and Bob had
got engaged.
knock/throw sb for a loop US INFORMAL
If something that happens knocks you for a loop, it upsets or confuses you
because you do not expect it
He knocked me for a loop when he said he was quitting his job.
loop verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to make a loop or curve
Loop the rope over the bar.
Turn left where the road loops round the farm buildings.
loop the loop
to fly in the shape of a loop in the sky
loophole noun [ C ]
a small mistake in an agreement or law which gives someone the chance to avoid
having to do something
tax loopholes
The company employed lawyers to find loopholes in environmental protection
laws.
loophole noun [ C ]
tax loopholes
laws.
loopy adjective INFORMAL
strange, unusual or silly
He must have gone completely loopy to give up a job like that.
loose adjective NOT FIXED
1. not firmly fixed in place
There were some loose wires hanging out of the wall.
The nails in the bridge had worked them selves loose.
The prisoners were so thin that their skin hung loose.
2. describes hair that is not tied back
Her hair was hanging loose about her shoulders.
3. describes things which are not fixed or held together or to anything else
A few loose sheets of paper were lying around.
loose adjective NOT TIGHT
4. (of clothes) not fitting closely to the body
Wear comfortable, loose clothing to your exercise class.
loose adjective NOT EXACT
5. not tightly controlled or not exact
It's a fairly loose adaptation of the novel.
It's only a loose translation of the poem.
loose adjective IMMORAL
6. OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING having low morals; sexually free
a loose woman
be at a loose end INFORMAL
to have nothing to do
If you find yourself at a loose end, you could always clean the bathroom.
hang/stay loose US INFORMAL
to be calm and relaxed
let sb loose
to allow someone to do what they want in a place
You don't want to let Oliver loose in the kitchen.
let loose sth
1. If you let loose something such as bullets or bombs, you release a lot of them
all together
The allies let loose an intensive artillery bombardment over the border.
2. to suddenly make a sound or speak in an uncontrolled way
He turned round and let loose a torrent of abuse.
let/set sth loose
to allow an animal to run around freely after it has been tied up
She let her horse loose in the field.
loose noun
on the loose
If a dangerous person is on the loose, they are free to move around a place and
harm people
Brewer escaped from prison last year and has been on the loose ever since.
loose verb [ T ]
to speak or express emotions very freely, especially in an uncontrolled way
The minister loosed an angry tirade against the leader of the opposition.
ˌ loose ˈ cannon noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
someone who behaves in an uncontrolled or unexpected way and is likely to cause
problems for other people
He's seen as something of a loose cannon by other team members.
loophole noun [ C ]
tax loopholes
laws.
loopy adjective INFORMAL
strange, unusual or silly
He must have gone completely loopy to give up a job like that.
loose adjective NOT FIXED
1. not firmly fixed in place
There were some loose wires hanging out of the wall.
The nails in the bridge had worked them selves loose.
The prisoners were so thin that their skin hung loose.
2. describes hair that is not tied back
Her hair was hanging loose about her shoulders.
3. describes things which are not fixed or held together or to anything else
A few loose sheets of paper were lying around.
loose adjective NOT TIGHT
4. (of clothes) not fitting closely to the body
Wear comfortable, loose clothing to your exercise class.
loose adjective NOT EXACT
5. not tightly controlled or not exact
It's a fairly loose adaptation of the novel.
It's only a loose translation of the poem.
loose adjective IMMORAL
6. OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING having low morals; sexually free
a loose woman
be at a loose end INFORMAL
to have nothing to do
If you find yourself at a loose end, you could always clean the bathroom.
hang/stay loose US INFORMAL
to be calm and relaxed
let sb loose
to allow someone to do what they want in a place
You don't want to let Oliver loose in the kitchen.
let loose sth
1. If you let loose something such as bullets or bombs, you release a lot of them
all together
The allies let loose an intensive artillery bombardment over the border.
2. to suddenly make a sound or speak in an uncontrolled way
He turned round and let loose a torrent of abuse.
let/set sth loose
to allow an animal to run around freely after it has been tied up
She let her horse loose in the field.
loose noun
on the loose
If a dangerous person is on the loose, they are free to move around a place and
harm people
Brewer escaped from prison last year and has been on the loose ever since.
loose verb [ T ]
to speak or express emotions very freely, especially in an uncontrolled way
The minister loosed an angry tirade against the leader of the opposition.
ˌ loose ˈ cannon noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
someone who behaves in an uncontrolled or unexpected way and is likely to cause
problems for other people
He's seen as something of a loose cannon by other team members.
ˌ loose ˈ change noun [ U ]
the coins that you have in your pocket or purse
ˌ loose ˈ covers plural noun
covers on a chair or sofa that you can remove for cleaning
ˌ loose ˈ ends plural noun
things that still need to be done or explained
At the end of the film all the loose ends are neatly tied up .
loose-fitting adjective
describes a piece of clothing that is quite large and does not fit tightly
a loose-fitting shirt
See picture clothes 9 (styles)
loose-leaf adjective [ before noun ]
having pages that can easily be taken out and put back again
a loose-leaf folder
loosely adverb NOT FIXED
1. in a way that is not firmly fixed
The parcel had only been loosely wrapped, and the paper had come off.
loosely adverb NOT EXACT
2. not exactly
This phrase can be loosely translated as 'Go away'.
The film is loosely based on the novel by Kundera.
loosely adverb NOT TIGHT
3. not tightly
The jacket hung loosely on his thin body.
2. not exactly
3. not tightly
loosen verb NOT FIXED
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) become loose
The screws holding the bed together had loosened.
loosen verb LESS TIGHT
2. [ T ] to make something less tight
He loosened his tie.
loosen your grip
If you loosen your grip on an object, or your grip loosens, you hold something
less tightly
He held my hand very tightly at first but gradually his grip loosened.
loosen your grip/hold
If you loosen your grip/hold on a situation, or your grip/hold loosens, you decide
to control it less
The dictator's grip on the country has not loosened.
loosen your tongue
to make you speak more freely
A couple of glasses of champagne had loosened my tongue and I said things that
perhaps I shouldn't have.
loosen (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to prepare your muscles for a physical activity by stretching and doing simple
exercises
I do a few stretches to loosen up before I run.
loosen (sb) up phrasal verb
to start to feel less embarrassed and to become more relaxed when you are with
other people, or to make someone feel like this
He seemed quite nervous at the beginning of the meeting, but he soon loosened
up.
A gin and tonic will loosen you up.
looseness noun [ U ] NOT FIXED
1. when something is not fixed
looseness noun [ U ] NOT TIGHT
2. when something is not tight
loot verb [ I or T ]
(usually of large numbers of people during a violent event) to steal from shops
and houses
During the riot shops were looted and cars damaged or set on fire.
looter noun [ C ]
loot noun [ U ]
money and valuable objects that have been stolen, especially by an army from a
defeated enemy
2. not exactly
3. not tightly
loosen your grip
less tightly
to control it less
loosen your tongue
exercises
up.
and houses
looter noun [ C ]
loot noun [ U ]
defeated enemy
looting noun [ U ]
the activity of stealing from shops during a violent event
There were reports of widespread looting as football hooligans stampeded
through the city centre.
lop verb
lop sth off phrasal verb [ M ] CUT
1. to cut something off in one quick movement
I'll need to lop off the lower branches of the tree.
lop sth off phrasal verb [ M ] REDUCE
2. INFORMAL to reduce a price or the amount of time taken to do something by a
particular amount
He lopped eight seconds off the record.
lope verb [ I ]
(of a person or animal) to run taking long relaxed steps
The lion loped across the grass.
2. not exactly
3. not tightly
loosen your grip
less tightly
to control it less
loosen your tongue
exercises
up.
and houses
looter noun [ C ]
loot noun [ U ]
defeated enemy
looting noun [ U ]

lop verb

particular amount
lope verb [ I ]
lope noun [ S ]
2. not exactly
3. not tightly
loosen your grip
less tightly
to control it less
loosen your tongue
exercises
up.
and houses
looter noun [ C ]
loot noun [ U ]
defeated enemy
looting noun [ U ]

lop verb

particular amount
lope verb [ I ]
lope noun [ S ]
lope verb [ I ]
lope noun [ S ]
lopsided adjective
with one side bigger, higher, etc. than the other; not equally balanced
a charming, lopsided grin
loquacious adjective FORMAL
describes someone who talks a lot
loquaciously adverb
lord noun [ C ]
1. a male peer
2. INFORMAL a man who has a lot of power in a particular area of activity
Several alleged drug lords are to be put on trial.
your lord and master HUMOROUS
a person who has authority over you, or your husband
lord verb INFORMAL
lord it over sb
to behave as if you are better than someone and have the right to tell them what
to do
He likes to lord it over his little sister.
Lord noun TITLE
1. [ U ] a title used in front of the names of male peers and officials of very high
rank
Lord Longford
the Lord Chancellor
Compare Lady
2. the Lords
the House of Lords
3. my Lord
in Britain, used to address a judge or peer
Lord noun GOD
4. (in the Christian religion) God or Jesus Christ
Praise the Lord!
[ as form of address ] Lord, hear our prayer.
(Oh) Lord ( ALSO Good Lord ) INFORMAL
used to express surprise, shock or worry
Oh Lord! I've forgotten the tickets!
Good Lord! Is that the time?
Lord knows INFORMAL
used to say that you do not know
Lord knows where we're going to get the money from.
lordly adjective
describes someone who behaves as if they are better than other people
a lordly air
lope verb [ I ]
lope noun [ S ]
lopsided adjective
with one side bigger, higher, etc. than the other; not equally balanced
a charming, lopsided grin
loquacious adjective FORMAL
describes someone who talks a lot
loquaciously adverb
lord noun [ C ]
1. a male peer
2. INFORMAL a man who has a lot of power in a particular area of activity
Several alleged drug lords are to be put on trial.
your lord and master HUMOROUS
a person who has authority over you, or your husband
lord verb INFORMAL
lord it over sb
to behave as if you are better than someone and have the right to tell them what
to do
He likes to lord it over his little sister.
Lord noun TITLE
1. [ U ] a title used in front of the names of male peers and officials of very high
rank
Lord Longford
the Lord Chancellor
Compare Lady
2. the Lords
the House of Lords
3. my Lord
in Britain, used to address a judge or peer
Lord noun GOD
4. (in the Christian religion) God or Jesus Christ
Praise the Lord!
[ as form of address ] Lord, hear our prayer.
(Oh) Lord ( ALSO Good Lord ) INFORMAL
used to express surprise, shock or worry
Oh Lord! I've forgotten the tickets!
Good Lord! Is that the time?
Lord knows INFORMAL
used to say that you do not know
Lord knows where we're going to get the money from.
lordly adjective
a lordly air
lordly adjective
a lordly air
lordship noun FORMAL
your/his lordship
a respectful way of referring to or talking to a male peer without using his title
It is a great pleasure to welcome your lordship this evening.
Compare ladyship
the Lord's Prayer noun [ S ]
in the Christian religion, the prayer taught by Jesus Christ to his disciples (= the
first men who believed in him)
the Lord's Supper noun [ S ]
Communion
lore noun [ U ]
traditional knowledge and stories about a subject
According to local lore, the water has healing properties.
See also folklore
lorgnette noun [ C ]
a very old-fashioned pair of glasses with a long handle that you hold in front of
your eyes
lorikeet noun [ C ]
a small brightly coloured parrot found in Australia and Southeast Asia
lorn adjective LITERARY
alone and unhappy; left alone and not cared for
lorry noun [ C ] UK ( US truck )
a large vehicle used for transporting goods
an articulated lorry
a long-distance lorry driver
lose verb NOT HAVE
1. [ T ] to no longer have something because you do not know where it is, or
because it has been taken away from you
I've lost my ticket.
He's always losing his car keys.
At least 600 staff will lose their jobs if the firm closes.
He lost his leg in a car accident.
She lost her mother (= Her mother died) last year.
See loose
2. [ T ] to stop feeling something
to lose confidence/faith
I lost interest halfway through the book.
He kept on crying and I lost my patience.
3. [ T ] to have less of something than you had before
I'm trying to lose weight.
He's losing his hair.
She lost a lot of blood in the accident.
to lose your memory/sight
4. [ T ] If you lose time, you waste it
Four million hours were lost last year through stress-related illnesses.
We lost valuable time stuck in traffic.
5. [ T ] If a clock loses time, it goes more slowly than it should
My watch loses ten minutes every day.
6. [ T ] INFORMAL to get rid of something
Lose the belt and let's see how the dress looks.
7. lose money/pounds/dollars, etc.
A business that is losing money is spending more money than it is receiving
Banks will lose millions of pounds because of new legislation.
lose verb BE DEFEATED
8. [ I or T ] to fail to succeed in a game, competition, etc
If we lose this game, we're out of the championship.
They're losing 3-1.
They lost to Arsenal.
Everyone hates losing an argument.
They hadn't lost an election in fifteen years.
be losing it INFORMAL
to start to become mad
That's the third time this week I've lost my keys - I think I must be losing it.
lose your head INFORMAL
to lose control and not act in a calm way
He usually stays quite calm in meetings but this time he just lost his head.
lose your heart to sb LITERARY
to fall in love with someone
lose your life
to die suddenly because of an accident or violent event
Many people lost their lives in the floods.
lose your marbles INFORMAL HUMOROUS
to become mad
lose your mind INFORMAL
to become mentally ill, or to start behaving in a silly or strange way
You just spent all that money on a pair of shoes? Have you completely lost your
mind?
lose your rag INFORMAL
to suddenly become very angry
He said one too many stupid things and I just lost my rag.
lose your shirt US INFORMAL
to lose a lot of money, especially as a result of a bet (= money risked when you
guess the result of something)
lose your touch
If you lose your touch, you can no longer do something as well as you could
before
It's good to see their goalkeeper's not losing his touch.
lose your way
to become lost
lose ground
to become less popular or to be given less support
Do you agree that left-wing politics are losing ground among the working classes?
lose heart
to stop believing that you can succeed
Don't lose heart, there'll be plenty more chances for promotion.
lose it INFORMAL
to stop being able to control your emotions and suddenly start to shout, cry or
laugh
I'd been trying so hard to stay calm but in the end I just lost it.
lose sight of sth
to forget about an important idea or fact because you are thinking too much
about other things
I'm worried that we're losing sight of our original objectives.
lose sleep over/about sth
to worry about something
I wouldn't lose any sleep over what happened.
lose the plot INFORMAL
to behave in a strange or silly way
I can't believe Stuart did that - he must be losing the plot.
lose track
See at track
You've got nothing to lose. ( ALSO What have you got to lose? ) INFORMAL
used to tell someone that they cannot cause any disadvantages for themselves by
doing a particular thing
Why don't you take the job? You've got nothing to lose.
lose out phrasal verb
to not have an advantage that other people have
The new tax means that the vast majority of pensioners will lose out.
lose verb NOT HAVE
See loose
They're losing 3-1.
lose your life
to become mad
mind?
lose your touch
before
lose your way
to become lost
lose ground
lose heart
lose it INFORMAL
laugh
lose sight of sth
about other things
lose track
See at track
loser noun [ C ] NOT WINNER
1. a person or team that does not win a game or competition
The losers of both games will play each other for third place.
He's a good / bad loser (= He behaves well/badly when he is defeated) .
loser noun [ C ] NOT SUCCESSFUL
2. INFORMAL a person who is always unsuccessful at everything they do
He's a born loser.
loser noun [ C ] DISADVANTAGED
3. someone who is at a disadvantage as a result of something that has happened
The latest price rises mean that the real loser, as usual, is the consumer.
loss noun
1. [ C or U ] when you no longer have something or have less of something
Many parents feel a sense of loss when their children leave home.
He suffered a gradual loss of memory.
There will be substantial job losses if the factory closes down.
blood/hair/weight loss
2. [ S ] a disadvantage caused by someone leaving an organization
It would be a great loss to the department if you left.
3. [ C or U ] the death of a person
They never got over the loss of their son.
4. [ C ] when a business spends more money than it earns
The company announced a pre-tax loss of three million pounds.
5. loss of life
when a number of people die
The plane crashed with serious loss of life.
be at a loss
to not know what to do or say
I'm at a loss to know how I can help you.
One man's loss is another man's gain. SAYING
said when someone gets an advantage from someone else's bad luck
loss adjuster noun [ C ]
a person who works for an insurance company and decides how much money
should be paid out in each case of something having been damaged or lost
lose verb NOT HAVE
See loose
They're losing 3-1.
lose your life
to become mad
mind?
lose your touch
before
lose your way
to become lost
lose ground
lose heart
lose it INFORMAL
laugh
lose sight of sth
about other things
lose track
See at track
He's a born loser.
loss noun
5. loss of life
be at a loss
ˈ loss ˌ leader noun [ C ]
an article that is sold cheaply in order to attract the public and make them buy
other, more expensive things
loss-making adjective
not making a profit
loss-making businesses/companies
lost adjective PLACE UNKNOWN
1. not knowing where you are and how to get to a place
I got lost in the London Underground.
You look lost - can I help you?
2. If something is lost, no one knows where it is
Things tend to get lost when you move house.
Lost: black cat with white paws.
Mikey turned up with the lost book.
lost adjective CONFUSED
3. not knowing what to do in a new situation
It was his first day in the office and he seemed a bit lost.
lost adjective ATTENTION
4. giving so much attention to what you are doing that you are not conscious of
anything else that is happening around you
Ann was completely lost in her book.
be lost for words
to be so shocked, surprised, full of admiration etc that you cannot speak
Mary was lost for words when she was awarded the prize.
be lost on sb
If a joke or remark is lost on someone, they do not understand it.
be lost without sb/sth
to be unable to live or work without someone or something
I'm lost without my computer.
I'd be lost without you.
Get lost! INFORMAL
used to tell someone forcefully and quite rudely to go away
Tell him to get lost!
lost in the shuffle US AUSTRALIAN
If something or someone gets lost in the shuffle, they do not get the attention
they deserve
Refugee children in the big camps just get lost in the shuffle and are sometimes
left without food.
ˌ lost ˈ cause noun [ C usually singular ]
someone or something that has no chance of succeeding
I used to try to get him to do some exercise but then decided he was a lost cause.
lose verb NOT HAVE
See loose
They're losing 3-1.
lose your life
to become mad
mind?
lose your touch
before
lose your way
to become lost
lose ground
lose heart
lose it INFORMAL
laugh
lose sight of sth
about other things
lose track
See at track
He's a born loser.
loss noun
5. loss of life
be at a loss
ˈ loss ˌ leader noun [ C ]
an article that is sold cheaply in order to attract the public and make them buy
other, more expensive things
loss-making adjective
not making a profit
loss-making businesses/companies
lost adjective PLACE UNKNOWN
1. not knowing where you are and how to get to a place
I got lost in the London Underground.
You look lost - can I help you?
2. If something is lost, no one knows where it is
Things tend to get lost when you move house.
Lost: black cat with white paws.
Mikey turned up with the lost book.
lost adjective CONFUSED
3. not knowing what to do in a new situation
It was his first day in the office and he seemed a bit lost.
lost adjective ATTENTION
4. giving so much attention to what you are doing that you are not conscious of
anything else that is happening around you
Ann was completely lost in her book.
be lost for words
to be so shocked, surprised, full of admiration etc that you cannot speak
Mary was lost for words when she was awarded the prize.
be lost on sb
If a joke or remark is lost on someone, they do not understand it.
be lost without sb/sth
to be unable to live or work without someone or something
I'm lost without my computer.
I'd be lost without you.
Get lost! INFORMAL
used to tell someone forcefully and quite rudely to go away
Tell him to get lost!
lost in the shuffle US AUSTRALIAN
If something or someone gets lost in the shuffle, they do not get the attention
they deserve
Refugee children in the big camps just get lost in the shuffle and are sometimes
left without food.
ˌ lost ˈ cause noun [ C usually singular ]
someone or something that has no chance of succeeding
I used to try to get him to do some exercise but then decided he was a lost cause.
ˌ lost ˈ property noun [ U ] UK
personal objects that have been left by accident in public places
ˌ lost ˈ property ˌ office noun [ C usually singular ] UK ( US lost-and-found )
a place in a public building where lost things are stored
lot noun LARGE AMOUNT
1. a lot (of)
INFORMAL lots (of) a large amount or number of people or things
She eats lots of fruit.
There were a lot of people there.
He does a lot of travelling in his job.
I've got a lot to do today.
He earns lots of money.
There's lots of food.
2. a lot
very much or very often
Your sister looks a lot like you.
I'm feeling a lot better today.
He looks a lot older than his wife.
We used to go there a lot.
3. have a lot to answer for
to be the main cause of a problem or an unpleasant situation
People who sell drugs to kids have a lot to answer for.
4. the lot UK INFORMAL
everything
I made enough curry for three people and he ate the lot.
Have I got everything? Is that the lot?
I'll sell you the whole lot for only £50.
I'm sick of the lot of them.
lot noun GROUP
5. [ C ] UK an amount or set of things, especially when there are several of these
amounts
I've already done one lot of washing.
Another lot of visitors will be here this afternoon.
lot noun SALE
6. [ C ] in an auction (= public sale) , an object or set of objects that are being
sold
Lot number 134 is a fine old walnut bureau.
See also job lot
lot noun LAND
7. [ C ] MAINLY US an area of land
an empty lot
a parking lot
They're planning to build a house on a vacant lot on 35th Street.
8. [ C ] US a film studio and the land around it
lot noun LIFE
9. sb's lot/the lot of sb
the quality of someone's life and the experiences that they have
They should do something to improve the lot of the lowest-paid workers.
Do you think he's happy with his lot?
lot noun CHANCE
10. draw lots
to make a decision by choosing from a set of objects such as pieces of paper or
sticks that are all the same except for one
We drew lots to decide who would go.
there's a lot of it about HUMOROUS
said to mean that the stated thing is very common
lot plural noun UK INFORMAL
a group of people
You're an ignorant lot!
Are you lot coming to lunch?
My lot (= children and family generally) won't eat spinach.
loth adjective [ after verb + to infinitive ]
loath
loth adjective [ after verb + to infinitive ]
loath
lotion noun [ C or U ]
a liquid that you put on your skin in order to protect it, improve its condition or
make it smell pleasant
suntan lotion
lottery noun
1. [ C ] a game, often organized by the state or a charity in order to make money,
in which tickets with numbers are sold to people who then have a chance of winning a
prize if their number is chosen
2. [ S ] DISAPPROVING something that depends only on luck and is not fair
Education in England is something of a lottery.
lotus noun [ C ]
a type of tropical water lily (= a plant with large flat leaves which float on the
surface of lakes and pools)
ˈ lotus ˌ eater noun [ C ]
someone who has a very comfortable, lazy life and does not worry about anything
ˈ lotus po ˌ sition noun [ S ]
a way of sitting with your legs crossed and your feet resting on your thighs (=
part of the leg above the knee) especially used in yoga (= a method of relaxation)
loud adjective , adverb
making a lot of noise
a loud explosion/noise/voice
I heard a loud bang and then saw black smoke.
Could you speak a little louder, please?
loud and clear
very clear and easy to understand
I can hear you loud and clear.
The message from management came through loud and clear: things would have
to change.
loud adjective DISAPPROVING
(of clothes) having unpleasantly bright colours or too strong patterns, or (of a
person) demanding attention and talking and laughing loudly
You shouldn't wear anything too loud to a job interview.
The men at the bar were loud and obnoxious.
loudness noun [ U ]
loudhailer noun [ C ]
UK FOR megaphone
loudhailer noun [ C ]
UK FOR megaphone
loudly adverb
making a lot of noise
She spoke very loudly.
loudmouth noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who talks a lot, especially in an offensive or stupid way
loudspeaker noun [ C ]
a piece of equipment that changes electrical signals into sounds, especially used
in public places so that large numbers of people can hear someone speaking or music
playing
Music blared from loudspeakers.
See also speaker
lough noun [ C ] IRISH
a lake, or a part of the sea that goes a long way into the land
lounge noun [ C ]
1. UK the room in a house or apartment that is used for relaxing, and entertaining
guests, but not usually for eating
All the family were sitting in the lounge watching television.
2. a room in a hotel, airport, theatre, etc. where people can relax or wait
an airport lounge
a cocktail lounge
lounge verb
lounge about/around ( sth ) phrasal verb
to spend your time in a relaxed way, sitting or lying somewhere and doing very
little
We spent our days lounging around the pool.
ˈ lounge ˌ bar noun [ C ] UK
a room in a pub that is more comfortable than the other rooms in the pub
lounger noun [ C ]
a comfortable chair on which people can sit or lie in order to relax, especially
outside in hot weather
a sun lounger
lounger noun [ C ]
a comfortable chair on which people can sit or lie in order to relax, especially
outside in hot weather
a sun lounger
ˈ lounge ˌ suit noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED
a man's suit worn for work or on quite formal occasions during the day
louse noun [ C ]
a very small insect that lives on the bodies or in the hair of people and animals
louse verb
louse (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to spoil something or cause it to fail
This is a great opportunity, so don't louse it up.
lousy adjective INFORMAL
very bad
lousy food/service
a lousy film
I had a lousy weekend.
I feel lousy (= very ill) - I'm going home.
All he offered me was a lousy £20 (= a small amount of money) !
lout noun [ C ]
a young man who behaves in a very rude, offensive and sometimes violent way
Teenage louts roam the streets at night.
loutish adjective INFORMAL
loutish behaviour
loutishness noun [ U ]
rude, offensive behaviour
louvre , noun [ C ] UK ( US USUALLY louver )
a door or window with flat sloping pieces of wood, metal or glass across it to allow
light and air to come in while keeping rain out
louvred adjective
a louvred door/window
lovable , loveable adjective
having qualities which make a person or animal easy to love
a lovable child
a lovable rogue
a lovable child
a lovable rogue
love verb [ T ] LIKE SOMEONE
1. to like another adult very much and be romantically and sexually attracted to
them, or to have strong feelings of liking a friend or person in your family
I love you.
Last night he told me he loved me.
I've only ever loved one man.
I'm sure he loves his kids.
love verb [ T ] LIKE SOMETHING
2. to like something very much
She loves animals.
I absolutely love chocolate.
He really loves his job.
[ + -ing verb ] I love ski ing .
Love it or hate it, reality TV is here to stay.
3. would love
used, often in requests, to say that you would very much like something
I'd love a cup of coffee if you're making one.
[ + to infinitive ] She would dearly love to start her own business.
I'd love you to come to dinner some night.
US I'd love for you to come to dinner tonight.
love sb to bits UK INFORMAL
to love someone very much
He's my old man and I love him to bits but I can spend too much time with him.
Love me, love my dog. HUMOROUS SAYING
said to warn someone that if they want to be in a relationship with you, they must
be willing to accept everything about you
love noun LIKE SOMEONE
1. [ U ] the feeling of liking another adult very much and being romantically and
sexually attracted to them, or strong feelings of liking a friend or person in your family
"I've been seeing him over a year now." "Is it love?"
Children need to be shown lots of love.
"I'm seeing Laura next week." "Oh, please give her my love" (= tell her I am
thinking about her with affection) .
INFORMAL How's your love life (= your romantic and/or sexual relationships) these
days?
2. [ C ] a person that you love and feel attracted to
He was the love of my life .
She was my first love.
3. [ as form of address ] UK INFORMAL used as a friendly form of address
You look tired, love.
That'll be four pounds exactly, love.
4. [ U ] INFORMAL ( ALSO love from , ALSO all my love ) used before your name at the
end of letters, cards etc. to friends or family
See you at Christmas. Love, Kate.
5. be in love
to love someone in a romantic and sexual way
I'm in love for the first time and it's wonderful.
They're still madly in love ( with each other).
6. fall in love (with sb )
to start to love someone romantically and sexually
I was 20 when I first fell in love.
love noun LIKE SOMETHING
7. [ U ] strong liking for
I don't share my boyfriend's love of sport.
8. [ C ] something that you like very much
Music is one of her greatest loves.
love noun TENNIS
9. [ U ] (in tennis) the state of having no points
The score now stands at forty-love.
be no/little love lost between
If there is no/little love lost between two people, they do not like each other.
for love nor money
If you cannot get something, or if someone will not do something, for love nor
money, it is impossible to get it or to persuade them to do it
You can't get hold of those tickets for love nor money these days.
make love
to have sex
That night they made love for the first time.
make love to sb OLD USE
to speak romantically and give attention to someone, especially in order to make
them love you
Mr Jackson, I do believe you are making love to me.
ˈ love af ˌ fair noun
1. [ C ] a romantic and sexual relationship between two people who are not
married to each other
2. [ S ] a strong liking for a particular activity or place
Her love affair with ballet began when she was ten.
a lovable child
a lovable rogue
love verb [ T ] LIKE SOMEONE
1. to like another adult very much and be romantically and sexually attracted to
them, or to have strong feelings of liking a friend or person in your family
I love you.
Last night he told me he loved me.
I've only ever loved one man.
I'm sure he loves his kids.
love verb [ T ] LIKE SOMETHING
2. to like something very much
She loves animals.
I absolutely love chocolate.
He really loves his job.
[ + -ing verb ] I love ski ing .
Love it or hate it, reality TV is here to stay.
3. would love
used, often in requests, to say that you would very much like something
I'd love a cup of coffee if you're making one.
[ + to infinitive ] She would dearly love to start her own business.
I'd love you to come to dinner some night.
US I'd love for you to come to dinner tonight.
love sb to bits UK INFORMAL
to love someone very much
He's my old man and I love him to bits but I can spend too much time with him.
Love me, love my dog. HUMOROUS SAYING
said to warn someone that if they want to be in a relationship with you, they must
be willing to accept everything about you
love noun LIKE SOMEONE
1. [ U ] the feeling of liking another adult very much and being romantically and
sexually attracted to them, or strong feelings of liking a friend or person in your family
"I've been seeing him over a year now." "Is it love?"
Children need to be shown lots of love.
"I'm seeing Laura next week." "Oh, please give her my love" (= tell her I am
thinking about her with affection) .
INFORMAL How's your love life (= your romantic and/or sexual relationships) these
days?
2. [ C ] a person that you love and feel attracted to
He was the love of my life .
She was my first love.
3. [ as form of address ] UK INFORMAL used as a friendly form of address
You look tired, love.
That'll be four pounds exactly, love.
4. [ U ] INFORMAL ( ALSO love from , ALSO all my love ) used before your name at the
end of letters, cards etc. to friends or family
See you at Christmas. Love, Kate.
5. be in love
to love someone in a romantic and sexual way
I'm in love for the first time and it's wonderful.
They're still madly in love ( with each other).
6. fall in love (with sb )
to start to love someone romantically and sexually
I was 20 when I first fell in love.
love noun LIKE SOMETHING
7. [ U ] strong liking for
I don't share my boyfriend's love of sport.
8. [ C ] something that you like very much
Music is one of her greatest loves.
love noun TENNIS
9. [ U ] (in tennis) the state of having no points
The score now stands at forty-love.
be no/little love lost between
If there is no/little love lost between two people, they do not like each other.
for love nor money
If you cannot get something, or if someone will not do something, for love nor
money, it is impossible to get it or to persuade them to do it
You can't get hold of those tickets for love nor money these days.
make love
to have sex
That night they made love for the first time.
make love to sb OLD USE
to speak romantically and give attention to someone, especially in order to make
them love you
Mr Jackson, I do believe you are making love to me.
ˈ love af ˌ fair noun
1. [ C ] a romantic and sexual relationship between two people who are not
married to each other
2. [ S ] a strong liking for a particular activity or place
Her love affair with ballet began when she was ten.
lovebirds plural noun HUMOROUS
two people who are obviously very much in love with each other
Look at those two lovebirds holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes.
ˈ love ˌ bite noun [ C ] UK ( US hickey )
a temporary red mark on someone's skin, often their neck, where someone has
sucked or bitten it as a sexual act
ˈ love ˌ child noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a child whose parents are not married to each other
ˈ loved ˌ one noun [ C usually plural ]
a person that you love, usually a member of your family
People, naturally enough, want to know that their loved ones are out of danger.
loved-up adjective
1. SLANG feeling very happy, loved by other people, and loving other people,
especially after taking drugs such as ecstasy
loved-up kids
2. very much loved by someone
a loved-up couple (= two people who love each other very much)
ˈ love ˌ handles plural noun HUMOROUS
the layer of fat around the middle of a person's body
ˈ love ˌ handles plural noun HUMOROUS
the layer of fat around the middle of a person's body
love-in noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a situation where two or more people praise each other a lot, especially when the
praise is more than they deserve
The awards ceremony, as usual, was a love-in.
loveless adjective
without love
She was trapped in a loveless marriage .
ˈ love ˌ letter noun [ C ]
a letter that you write to someone that you are having a romantic relationship
with
ˈ love ˌ life noun [ C ]
the romantic relationships in a person's life
How's your love life these days?
lovelorn adjective LITERARY
sad because the person you love does not love you
lovely adjective ENJOYABLE
1. MAINLY UK pleasant or enjoyable
a lovely meal/evening
We had a lovely time with them.
lovely adjective BEAUTIFUL
2. MAINLY UK beautiful
She has lovely eyes.
You look lovely in that dress.
Thank you for the lovely present.
lovely adjective KIND
3. describes a person who is kind, friendly and pleasant to be with
He's a lovely bloke.
loveliness noun [ U ]
She was a vision of loveliness in her wedding dress.
lovely noun [ C ]
OLD-FASHIONED a sexually attractive woman
Simon was there with the usual bevy of lovelies.
love-making noun [ U ]
sexual activity
love-making noun [ U ]
sexual activity
ˈ love ˌ match noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a marriage or relationship between two people who love each other very much
lover noun [ C ]
1. the person you are having a sexual relationship with, but are not married to
They were friends before they became lovers.
She had a string of lovers before her marriage finally broke up.
2. someone with a strong liking for something
an opera lover
nature lovers
love-rat noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a man who has had a secret sexual relationship with someone who is not his wife
or girlfriend . This word is usually used in popular newspapers.
lovesick adjective
sad because the person you love does not love you
He was moping around like a lovesick teenager.
love-struck adjective
so in love with someone that it is difficult to behave as usual or even think of
anything else except the person you love
Look at me, I'm behaving like a love-struck teenager!
ˈ love ˌ triangle noun [ C usually singular ] ( UK ALSO eternal triangle )
a situation where two people both love a third person
The 1947 classic film 'Wild Harvest' is about a love triangle between Dorothy
Lamour, Alan Ladd and Robert Preston.
lovey-dovey adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
If two people in a romantic relationship are lovey-dovey, they too often show their
love for each other in public by touching each other and saying loving things to each
other.
loving adjective
showing a lot of love towards someone
a loving relationship
He's a very loving child.
She's very loving.
lovingly adverb
The table had been lovingly (= with great pleasure and care) restored.
loving adjective
showing a lot of love towards someone
a loving relationship
He's a very loving child.
She's very loving.
lovingly adverb
The table had been lovingly (= with great pleasure and care) restored.
low adjective , adverb
not measuring much from the base to the top, or close to the ground or the
bottom of something
a low fence
a low ceiling.
When we went skiing, I only went on the lower slopes.
The planes fly low across enemy territory.
the low man on the totem pole US
someone who has the least important position in an organization
He started as the low man on the totem pole and worked his way up to be
manager.
low adjective LEVEL
1. below the usual level
Temperatures are very low for the time of year.
The big supermarket offers the lowest prices in town.
These people are living on relatively low incomes.
There is a tremendous need for more low -cost housing.
a low -fat diet
low -alcohol beer
Vegetables are generally low in (= do not contain many) calories.
2. producing only a small amount of sound, heat or light
They spoke in low voices so I would not hear what they were saying.
Turn the oven to a low heat.
Soft music was playing and the lights were low.
3. of bad quality, especially when referring to something that is not as good as it
should be
low standards
I have rather a low opinion of him.
She has very low self-esteem.
4. be/get/run low (on sth )
to have nearly finished a supply of something
We're running low on milk - could you buy some more?
The radio batteries are running low.
low adjective NOT IMPORTANT
5. not important because of being at or near the bottom of a range of things,
especially jobs or social positions
low status jobs
a low priority task
low adjective NOT HONEST
6. not honest or fair
How low can you get?
That was a pretty low trick to play.
low adjective SOUND
7. (of a sound or voice) near or at the bottom of the range of sounds
He has a very low voice.
Those low notes are played by the double bass.
low adjective SAD
8. unhappy
Illness of any sort can leave you feeling low.
He seemed in low spirits.
low verb [ I ] LITERARY
to make the deep, long sound of a cow
low noun
1. a bad time in someone's life
the highs and lows of an acting career
2. a new/record/all-time low
the lowest level
The dollar has hit an all-time low against the Japanese yen.
the lowest of the low
people who have no moral standards and no personal qualities
low adverb
at or to a low level
low-paid workers
Turn the oven on low.
low-alcohol adjective
A low-alcohol drink has less alcohol in it than the normal type
low-alcohol beer
lowbrow adjective MAINLY DISAPPROVING
(of entertainment) not complicated or demanding much intelligence to be
understood
He regards the sort of books I read as very lowbrow.
I like a lowbrow action movie once in a while.
Compare highbrow ; middlebrow
low-calorie adjective ( ALSO low-cal, lo-cal )
containing fewer calories (= units for measuring the amount of energy a food
provides) than normal
low-calorie drinks/snacks
ˌ low ˈ church adjective
related to the part of the Church of England that does not consider ceremonies
and rituals to be an important part of the religion
Compare high church
low-cost adjective
cheap
The 1990s saw a huge increase in the numbers of low-cost airlines.
low-cut adjective
describes a piece of clothing that does not cover a woman's neck and the top part
of her chest
a low-cut dress
the lowdown noun [ S ]
the most important facts and information about something
Our fashion editor gives you the lowdown on winter coats for this season.
low-down adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL
describes a person or action that is very dishonest and unfair
That was a low-down thing to do.
low-end adjective
1. Low-end products are the cheapest in a group of products
a low-end model
2. intended for people who do not have a lot of money to spend
a low-end supermarket
lower verb [ T ] MOVE
1. to move something into a low position
They lowered the coffin into the grave.
[ R ] Heavily pregnant by now, she lowered her self carefully into the chair.
He lowered his eyes (= looked down) in embarrassment when he saw me.
lower verb [ T ] REDUCE
2. to reduce something
Interest rates have been lowered again.
Boil for 5 minutes, then lower the heat and simmer for half an hour.
Please lower your voice (= speak more quietly) .
3. to make something worse than it was before
a lowering of standards
HUMOROUS Dale lowered the tone of the evening (= made it less socially
acceptable) by telling a dirty joke.
lower verb [ T ] BEHAVE BADLY
4. lower yourself
[ R ] to behave in a way that makes people lose respect for you
[ + to infinitive ] I wouldn't lower myself to respond to his insults if I were you.
lower adjective
positioned below one or more similar things, or of the bottom part of something
the lower deck of a ship
Her lower lip trembled as if she was about to cry.
I've got a pain in my lower (= the bottom part of my) back.
Opposite upper
ˌ lower ˈ case noun [ U ]
letters of the alphabet which are not written as capital letters, for example a, b, c
Compare upper case
lower case adjective
lower case letters
ˌ lower ˈ case noun [ U ]
letters of the alphabet which are not written as capital letters, for example a, b, c
Compare upper case
lower case adjective
lower case letters
ˌ lower ˈ class adjective OLD-FASHIONED
describes people who belong to the social class that has the lowest position in
society and the least money
Compare upper class ; middle class ; working class
the lower classes plural noun
ˌ lower ˈ house noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO lower chamber )
one of the two parts that some parliaments are divided into, usually the one with
more political power
Compare upper house
lowering adjective LITERARY
describes the sky when it is very dark and it looks as if it is about to rain
The village fête took place under lowering skies.
ˌ lowest common de ˈ nominator noun NUMBER
1. [ U ] SPECIALIZED the smallest number that can be exactly divided by all the
bottom numbers in a group of fractions
ˌ lowest common de ˈ nominator noun POPULAR
2. the ˌ lowest common de ˈ nominator
[ S ] the large number of people in society who will accept low-quality products
and entertainment
The problem with so much television is that it is aimed at the lowest common
denominator.
low-fat adjective
containing only a small amount of fat
a low-fat diet
low-fat yoghurt/cheese/spreads
low-fi adjective
1. ABBREVIATION FOR low fidelity: the production by electrical equipment of poor
quality sound that has noises which should not be there
2. A low-fi website is a simple one for people who have an old computer or a slow
connection to the Internet.
low-key adjective
describes an event that is quiet and without a great show of excitement
The wedding was a low-key affair, with fewer than thirty people attending.
low-key adjective
lowland noun [ C usually plural ]
flat land that is at the same level as the sea
From the lowlands of the south to the rugged peaks in the north, Derbyshire has
something for everyone.
These plants are mainly found in lowland areas/regions.
ˈ low ˌ life noun [ U ]
people who exist by criminal activities or have a way of life most people
disapprove of
He started mixing with drug-dealers, pimps and other low life.
lowly adjective
low in position and importance, or not respected
He took a lowly job in an insurance firm.
His first job in the hotel was as a lowly porter.
low-lying adjective
describes land that is at or near the level of the sea
People living in low-lying areas were evacuated because of the floods.
low-pitched adjective
describes a sound which is at the bottom of the range of sounds
He gave a low-pitched whistle.
low-rent adjective MAINLY US DISAPPROVING
cheap and not of good quality
low-rise adjective BUILDING
1. A low-rise building is one with only one or two floors.
low-rise adjective TROUSERS
2. low-rise trousers have the top part ending lower than the waist
ˈ low ˌ season noun [ U ]
the period in the year when the fewest number of people visit a place and when
the prices are at their lowest level
Compare high season
low-key adjective
lowland noun [ C usually plural ]
flat land that is at the same level as the sea
From the lowlands of the south to the rugged peaks in the north, Derbyshire has
something for everyone.
These plants are mainly found in lowland areas/regions.
ˈ low ˌ life noun [ U ]
people who exist by criminal activities or have a way of life most people
disapprove of
He started mixing with drug-dealers, pimps and other low life.
lowly adjective
low in position and importance, or not respected
He took a lowly job in an insurance firm.
His first job in the hotel was as a lowly porter.
low-lying adjective
describes land that is at or near the level of the sea
People living in low-lying areas were evacuated because of the floods.
low-pitched adjective
describes a sound which is at the bottom of the range of sounds
He gave a low-pitched whistle.
low-rent adjective MAINLY US DISAPPROVING
cheap and not of good quality
low-rise adjective BUILDING
1. A low-rise building is one with only one or two floors.
low-rise adjective TROUSERS
2. low-rise trousers have the top part ending lower than the waist
ˈ low ˌ season noun [ U ]
the period in the year when the fewest number of people visit a place and when
the prices are at their lowest level
Compare high season
low-spirited adjective
unhappy and having little hope
low-tech adjective
not using the most recent equipment or methods
a low-tech economy
Compare high-tech
ˌ low ˈ tide noun [ C usually singular ]
the time when the sea has reached its lowest level
ˌ low ˈ water ˌ mark noun [ C usually singular ]
a mark which shows the lowest point on a beach that is reached by the sea
lox noun [ U ] US
salmon (= a type of fish) which has been preserved with smoke
a bagel with lox and cream cheese
loyal adjective
firm and not changing in your friendship with or support for a person or an
organization, or in your belief in your principles
Jack has been a loyal worker in this company for almost 50 years.
When all her other friends deserted her, Steve remained loyal.
She's very loyal to her friends.
Opposite disloyal
loyally adverb
loyalist noun [ C ]
a person or group that strongly supports the government or ruler in power
The rebel forces have been repeatedly attacked by loyalist troops.
Loyalist noun [ C ]
in Northern Ireland, a person who believes that Northern Ireland should continue
to be part of the UK
loyalty noun
1. [ U ] the quality of being loyal
His loyalty was never in question.
Her loyalty to the cause is impressive.
2. loyalties
your feelings of support or duty towards someone or something
My loyalties to my family come before anything else.
divided loyalties (= feelings of support for two different and opposing people or
things)
ˈ loyalty ˌ card noun [ C ] UK
a plastic card which is given to a customer by a business and which is used to
record information about what the customer buys and to reward them for buying goods
or services from the business
ˈ loyalty ˌ card noun [ C ] UK
a plastic card which is given to a customer by a business and which is used to
record information about what the customer buys and to reward them for buying goods
or services from the business
lozenge noun [ C ]
a small flat sweet which you suck to make your throat feel better
a cough lozenge
LP noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR long-playing record: a record which is played at 33 1/3 rpm ,
continuing to produce music for about 25 minutes
LPG noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR liquefied petroleum gas: a type of fuel used for heating, cooking
and in some vehicles
L-plate noun [ C usually plural ] UK
a square white sign with a red letter L on it, which is fixed to the back and the
front of a vehicle driven by a person who is learning to drive
LPN noun [ C ]
US ABBREVIATION FOR licensed practical nurse: a nurse who is trained to provide
medical care by following the instructions of a nurse who has more training, or a doctor
LSD noun [ U ] ( SLANG acid )
an illegal drug which causes people who use it to see the world differently from
the way it really is or to see things that do not really exist
Lt noun [ before noun ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR lieutenant
Ltd adjective [ after noun ]
UK WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR limited liability company: used in the name of a
company whose owners have limited responsibility for the money that it owes
Smith and Jones Ltd
.ltd.uk INTERNET ABBREVIATION
the last part of an internet address for a British company whose shares can be
bought by members of the public
.ltd.uk INTERNET ABBREVIATION
the last part of an internet address for a British company whose shares can be
bought by members of the public
luau noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a Hawaiian party or celebration
ˈ lube ˌ job noun [ C ] US
when the moving parts of a car are treated with oil or other substances in order to
make them move more easily
lubricant noun [ C or U ] ( US INFORMAL lube )
a liquid such as oil which is used to make the parts of an engine move easily
together, or a substance put on any surface to help it move more easily against another
one
lubricate verb [ T ]
to use a substance such as oil to make a machine operate more easily, or to
prevent something sticking or rubbing
A car engine needs to be well lubricated with oil.
lubrication noun [ U ] ( US INFORMAL lube )
lubricious adjective FORMAL
having or showing too great an interest in sex, especially in an unpleasant way
lubriciously adverb
lubriciousness noun [ U ]
lucid adjective
clearly expressed and easy to understand or (of a person) thinking or speaking
clearly
She gave a clear and lucid account of her plans for the company's future.
The drugs she's taking make her drowsy and confused, but there are times when
she's quite lucid.
lucidity noun [ U ] ( ALSO lucidness )
lucidly adverb
Lucifer noun
another name for Satan (= a powerful evil force and the enemy of God)
(as) proud as Lucifer
extremely proud or satisfied with yourself
Jones was once described by a friend as being as proud as Lucifer.
Lucifer noun
another name for Satan (= a powerful evil force and the enemy of God)
(as) proud as Lucifer
extremely proud or satisfied with yourself
Jones was once described by a friend as being as proud as Lucifer.
Lucite noun [ U ] US TRADEMARK
a type of transparent plastic used to make paints and decorative objects such as
picture frames
luck noun [ U ]
1. the force that causes things, especially good things, to happen to you by
chance and not as a result of your own efforts or abilities
It was just luck that I asked for a job at the right time.
Then I met this gorgeous woman and I couldn't believe my luck.
She wears a charm that she thinks brings her good luck.
He seems to have had a lot of bad luck in his life.
So your interview's tomorrow? Good luck!
The best of luck in/with your exams!
2. success
Have you had any luck with (= Have you been successful in) booking your flight?
He tried to get into teacher training college but with no luck (= no success) .
as luck would have it
by chance
We ran out of petrol on the way home, but as luck would have it, we were very
near a garage.
Bad/Hard/Tough luck!
said to express sympathy with someone when something bad has happened to
them
"They've just run out of tickets." "Oh, bad luck!"
be bad luck on sb MAINLY UK
to be a bad thing that happened to someone by chance
It was bad luck on Alex that he was ill on his birthday.
be down on your luck
to be experiencing a bad situation or to have very little money
He's been a bit down on his luck recently.
be in/out of luck INFORMAL
to be able/unable to have or do what you want
"Do you have any tuna sandwiches?" "You're in luck - there's one left."
be the luck of the draw
to be the result of chance and something that you have no control over
You can't choose who you play against - it's just the luck of the draw.
for (good) luck
to bring good luck
We have a horseshoe hanging on our wall for good luck.
for luck USUALLY HUMOROUS
used to describe something extra which you take, especially in order to bring you
good luck
There's two spoonsful of sugar, and one for luck.
more by luck than judgment UK
by chance and not because of any special skill
"You did amazingly well to get the ball in." "Oh, it was more by luck than
judgment."
no such luck INFORMAL
said after an event or result that would be very good has been suggested, to show
disappointment that it cannot or did not happen
I was rather hoping it would rain today and I wouldn't have to go on the walk, but
no such luck.
with any luck ( ALSO with a bit of luck ) INFORMAL
used before describing an event or a result that you are hoping for
With any luck (= I hope that) we should get to Newcastle by early evening.
Your luck's in! UK HUMOROUS
something that you say in order to tell someone that you think another person
would like a sexual relationship with them
He's been looking at you all evening - I think your luck's in, Cath.
luck verb
luck into sth phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to get something that you want by chance
We lucked into tickets for the World Cup finals.
luck out phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to be very lucky
The Giants really lucked out in last night's game.
luckily adverb
because of good luck
Luckily, I had some money with me.
luckily adverb
because of good luck
Luckily, I had some money with me.
luckless adjective LITERARY
describes someone who has a lot of bad luck
The luckless defender, Mark Emery, sustained his third injury of the season.
lucky adjective
having good things happen to you by chance
"I'm going on holiday." "Lucky you!"
The lucky winner will be able to choose from three different holidays.
[ + to infinitive ] They're lucky to have such a nice office to work in.
He's lucky that he wasn't fired.
It sounds as if you had a lucky escape (= by good chance you were able to avoid
something dangerous or unpleasant) .
We'll be lucky if we get there by midnight at this rate (= We might get there by
midnight or it might be later) .
get lucky INFORMAL
to meet someone you can have a sexual or romantic relationship with
Why don't you come to the party? You never know, you might get lucky.
You 'll be lucky! ( ALSO You should be so lucky! ) UK INFORMAL
said in order to tell someone that it is very unlikely that they will get what they
want
"She's going to ask for a salary increase." "She'll be lucky!"
ˌ lucky ˈ dip noun [ C ] UK
a game in which you pay to pick a wrapped object out of a container which is
filled with wrapped objects of various different values, hoping to get something of
higher value than the amount you have paid
Compare grab bag
lucrative adjective
(especially of a business, job or activity) producing a lot of money
The merger proved to be very lucrative for both companies.
lucratively adverb
lucrativeness noun [ U ]
lucre noun [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING OR HUMOROUS
money or profit
filthy lucre
lucre noun [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING OR HUMOROUS
money or profit
filthy lucre
Luddite noun [ C ] USUALLY DISAPPROVING
a person who is opposed to the introduction of new working methods, especially
new machines
ludicrous adjective
stupid or unreasonable and deserving to be laughed at
a ludicrous idea/suggestion
He looked ludicrous in that suit!
ludicrously adverb
It's a beautiful dress, but it's ludicrously (= unreasonably) expensive.
ludicrousness noun [ U ]
lug verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] INFORMAL
to carry or pull something with effort or difficulty because it is heavy
I'm exhausted after lugging these suitcases all the way across London.
I don't want to lug these shopping bags around with me all day.
lug noun [ C ] EAR
1. UK SLANG a lughole (= ear)
lug noun [ C ] PERSON
2. US SLANG an awkward or stupid man
3. US SLANG a way of talking to a man you like
Come over here and give me a kiss, you big lug.
luge noun
1. [ C ] a sledge used for racing on ice. The person using it lies on their back with
their feet pointing forward.
2. the luge
[ S ] the sport or event of using a luge to race down a track made of ice
luggage noun [ U ] ( MAINLY US baggage )
the bags, cases, etc. which contain your possessions and that you take with you
when you are travelling
Never leave your luggage unattended.
hand luggage (= small bags and cases that you take with you onto the plane)
See picture luggage, luggage rack
luggage noun [ U ] ( MAINLY US baggage )
the bags, cases, etc. which contain your possessions and that you take with you
when you are travelling
Never leave your luggage unattended.
hand luggage (= small bags and cases that you take with you onto the plane)
See picture luggage, luggage rack
ˈ luggage ˌ label noun [ C ] UK ( US luggage tag )
a small piece of card or plastic with your name and address written on it, which
you fasten to a bag or case to show that it belongs to you
ˈ luggage ˌ rack noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a shelf on a train or a bus on which you can put your bags and cases
See pictures rack , luggage, luggage rack
ˈ luggage ˌ van noun [ C ] UK ( US baggage car )
a train carriage in which large bags are transported
lughole noun [ C ] ( ALSO lug ) UK SLANG HUMOROUS
an ear
You'll get a clip round the lughole if you're not careful.
lugubrious adjective LITERARY
sad, especially in a slow or serious way
a lugubrious face
lugubriously adverb
lugubriousness noun [ U ]
lukewarm , adjective TEMPERATURE
1. MAINLY DISAPPROVING (especially of a liquid) only slightly warm
This coffee's lukewarm.
lukewarm , adjective REACTION
2. DISAPPROVING not enthusiastic or interested
Her proposals got a lukewarm response .
lull verb [ T ]
to cause someone to feel calm or to feel as if they want to sleep
The motion of the car almost lulled her to sleep .
lull sb into sth phrasal verb
to make someone feel safe in order to trick them
Most exercise classes start gently, lulling you into thinking that you're fit.
Their promises lulled us into a false sense of security (= made us feel safe,
when in fact we were not) .
lull noun [ C ]
a short period of calm in which little happens
There has been a lull in the fighting.
a lull in the conversation/traffic
the lull before the storm
a time which seems quiet but which will very soon be followed by something
unpleasant happening
Things seem quiet in the office right now, but this is just the lull before the storm.
lullaby noun [ C ]
a quiet song which is sung to children to help them go to sleep
lullaby noun [ C ]
a quiet song which is sung to children to help them go to sleep
lulu noun [ C ] US OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
something which is extremely good or extremely bad
I've seen a few black eyes in my time but that's a lulu!
lumbago noun [ U ]
general pain in the lower part of the back
lumbar adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
in or of the lower part of the back
lumber verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move slowly and awkwardly
In the distance, we could see a herd of elephants lumbering across the plain.
lumber sb with sth phrasal verb MAINLY UK INFORMAL
If you are/get lumbered with something, you have to deal with something or
someone that you do not want to
I always seem to get lumbered with the job of clearing up after a party.
lumber noun [ U ] MAINLY US
wood that has been prepared for building
lumberjack noun [ C ] ( ALSO lumberman )
(especially in the USA and Canada) a person whose job is to cut down trees which
will be used for building etc. or to transport trees which have been cut down
ˈ lumber ˌ jacket noun [ C ]
a warm short coat, often with a brightly coloured pattern of squares on it
lumberman noun [ C ]
(especially in the US or Canada) a lumberjack or a man whose business is the
selling of wood
lumberyard noun [ C ]
an outside area where wood for building is stored and sold
lumberyard noun [ C ]
an outside area where wood for building is stored and sold
luminary noun [ C ] FORMAL
a person who is famous and important in a particular area of activity
Luminaries of stage and screen (= famous actors) assembled for last night's
awards ceremony.
luminescent adjective LITERARY OR SPECIALIZED
producing a soft light
luminescence noun [ U ]
luminous adjective
producing or reflecting bright light (especially in the dark)
luminous clothing
luminosity noun [ U ]
luminously adverb
lummox noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a stupid or awkward person
Be careful, you big lummox, you just stamped on my foot!
lump noun [ C ] PIECE
1. a piece of a solid substance, usually with no particular shape
a lump of coal
a sugar lump
You don't want lumps in the sauce.
2. INFORMAL a separate large amount
I'll be getting the insurance money in two lumps.
lump noun [ C ] IN THE BODY
3. a hard swelling found in or on the body, especially because of illness or injury
She found a lump in her breast.
lump noun [ C ] PERSON
4. INFORMAL a heavy, awkward, stupid person
Come on, you great lump, get up from in front of that television and do some
work.
bring a lump to your throat
to give you a tight feeling in your throat because you want to cry
It was quite a moving speech - it almost brought a lump to my throat.
take your lumps US OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to be criticised or beaten as a punishment
lump verb INFORMAL
lump it
to accept a situation or decision although you do not like it
The decision has been made, so if Tom doesn't like it, he can lump it.
lump sb/sth together phrasal verb
to put different groups together and think about them or deal with them in the
same way
All the children are lumped together in one class, regardless of their ability.
lumpectomy noun [ C ]
a medical operation to remove a lump from the breast
lumpectomy noun [ C ]
a medical operation to remove a lump from the breast
lumpen adjective PERSON
1. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING describes people who are not clever or well-educated, and
who are not interested in changing or improving their situation
the lumpen proletariat (= unskilled working people)
lumpen adjective OBJECT
2. DISAPPROVING lumpy and heavy
lumpish adjective
awkward and stupid
ˌ lump ˈ sum noun [ C usually singular ]
a sum of money that is paid in one large amount on one occasion
Her divorce settlement included a lump sum of $2 million.
lumpy adjective
covered with or containing lumps
a lumpy bed/pillow
a lumpy sauce
lunacy noun [ U ]
1. stupid behaviour that will have bad results
It would be lunacy to try to climb the mountain in this weather.
It was sheer lunacy spending all that money.
2. OLD-FASHIONED mental illness
lunar adjective
of or relating to the moon
the lunar surface
ˌ lunar ˈ month noun [ C ]
the period of time (about 29.5 days) which the moon takes to go round the Earth
Compare calendar month
lunatic noun [ C ]
1. someone who behaves in a silly or dangerous way
He drives like a lunatic.
2. OFFENSIVE OLD-FASHIONED a person who is mentally ill
lunatic adjective
silly in a wild way
the lunatic fringe DISAPPROVING OR HUMOROUS
people who have very strong opinions that are outside the usual range
lunatic noun [ C ]
lunatic adjective
silly in a wild way
ˈ lunatic a ˌ sylum noun [ C ] OLD USE
a hospital for mentally ill people
lunch noun [ C or U ]
a meal that is eaten in the middle of the day
What's for lunch?
UK We had a pub lunch.
I'm sorry, Joanna isn't here at the moment, she's (gone) out to/gone to lunch.
We must do lunch sometime (= have lunch together) .
be out to lunch INFORMAL
to be crazy
So do I take this guy seriously or is he out to lunch?
lunch verb [ I ]
to eat lunch
I'm lunching with Giles.
lunchbox noun [ C ]
a box in which your lunch can be carried to work, school etc.
luncheon noun [ C or U ]
FORMAL FOR lunch
luncheonette noun [ C ] US
a small restaurant serving simple, light meals
ˈ luncheon ˌ meat noun [ U ] ( US ALSO lunch meat )
very small pieces of meat pressed into a block which is usually sold in metal
containers, and can be sliced and eaten cold
ˈ luncheon ˌ voucher noun [ C ] UK ( US meal ticket )
a type of ticket which people are given by their employer and which they can use
instead of money for buying meals in some restaurants
ˈ lunch ˌ hour noun [ C ] ( ALSO lunch break )
the period in the middle of the day when people stop work to have lunch
lunatic noun [ C ]
lunatic adjective
silly in a wild way
ˈ lunatic a ˌ sylum noun [ C ] OLD USE
a hospital for mentally ill people
lunch noun [ C or U ]
a meal that is eaten in the middle of the day
What's for lunch?
UK We had a pub lunch.
I'm sorry, Joanna isn't here at the moment, she's (gone) out to/gone to lunch.
We must do lunch sometime (= have lunch together) .
be out to lunch INFORMAL
to be crazy
So do I take this guy seriously or is he out to lunch?
lunch verb [ I ]
to eat lunch
I'm lunching with Giles.
lunchbox noun [ C ]
a box in which your lunch can be carried to work, school etc.
luncheon noun [ C or U ]
FORMAL FOR lunch
luncheonette noun [ C ] US
a small restaurant serving simple, light meals
ˈ luncheon ˌ meat noun [ U ] ( US ALSO lunch meat )
very small pieces of meat pressed into a block which is usually sold in metal
containers, and can be sliced and eaten cold
ˈ luncheon ˌ voucher noun [ C ] UK ( US meal ticket )
a type of ticket which people are given by their employer and which they can use
instead of money for buying meals in some restaurants
ˈ lunch ˌ hour noun [ C ] ( ALSO lunch break )
the period in the middle of the day when people stop work to have lunch
ˈ lunch ˌ room noun [ C usually singular ] US ( UK dining hall )
a large room in a school where children can sit down to eat
lunchtime noun [ C or U ]
the time in the middle of the day when most people eat a meal
What are you doing at lunchtime?
lung noun [ C ]
either of the two organs in the chest with which people and some animals breathe
lung cancer
have a good/healthy pair of lungs
You say that a baby has a good/healthy pair of lungs when it cries loudly.
lunge verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move forward suddenly and with force, especially in order to attack someone
He suddenly lunged at her with a broken bottle.
lunge noun [ C ]
lunge verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move forward suddenly and with force, especially in order to attack someone
He suddenly lunged at her with a broken bottle.
lunge noun [ C ]
lupin , US USUALLY lupine noun [ C ]
lupin
a garden plant which has a long pointed flower of various colours and which is
sometimes used to feed animals
lupus noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a general name for various serious skin diseases which also affect the internal
organs and bones
lurch verb
1. [ I ] to move in a way that is not regular or normal, especially making sudden
movements backwards or forwards or from side to side
The train lurched forward and some of the people standing fell over.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to act or continue in away that is uncontrolled and
not regular, often with sudden changes
We seem to lurch from crisis to crisis.
She just lurches from one bad relationship to another.
lurch noun [ C ]
a sudden movement or change that is not smooth or normal
The truck gave a sudden lurch as it was hit by a strong gust of wind.
The party's lurch (= sudden change) to the left will lose it a lot of support.
lure noun
1. [ C usually singular ] the quality or power that something or someone has that
makes them attractive
the lure of fame/power/money
2. [ C ] an artificial insect or other small animal which is put on the end of a
fishing line to attract fish
lure verb [ T ]
to persuade someone to do something or go somewhere by offering them
something exciting
She was lured into the job by the offer of a high salary.
He had lured his victim to a deserted house.
Supermarket chains try to lure customers with price discounts.
Lurex noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
(cloth made from) a type of thread that looks metallic
a gold/silver Lurex top
Lurex noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
(cloth made from) a type of thread that looks metallic
a gold/silver Lurex top
lurgy noun [ S ] UK HUMOROUS
an illness or disease, especially one that is not serious
He's got the dreaded lurgy.
lurid adjective DISAPPROVING SHOCKING
1. (especially of a description) shocking because involving violence, sex or
immoral activity
You can read all the lurid details of the affair in today's paper.
lurid adjective DISAPPROVING COLOUR
2. too brightly coloured
That's a very lurid shade of lipstick she's wearing.
luridly adverb
luridness noun [ U ]
lurk verb
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to wait or move in a secret way so that
you cannot be seen, especially because you are about to attack someone or do
something wrong
Someone was lurking in the shadows.
Why are you lurking about in the corridor?
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] (of an unpleasant feeling or quality) to
exist although it is not always noticeable
Danger lurks around every corner.
It seems that old prejudices are still lurking beneath the surface.
3. [ I ] INFORMAL to enter a chat room (= an address on the Internet where people
can talk to each other using email) and read other people's messages without allowing
them to know you are present
lurking adjective
I have some lurking doubts (= doubts which will not go completely away) about
whether Simon is really capable of doing this job.
She said she had a lurking suspicion (= she had a very slight feeling) that he
wasn't telling the truth.
lurker noun [ C ]
someone who reads the emails in a chat room (= part of the Internet where
people discuss a subject) but who never emails their own opinions
lurker noun [ C ]
lurve noun [ U ] UK NOT STANDARD HUMOROUS
love
They spend every evening together - I think it might be lurve.
lurve verb [ T ]
luscious adjective TASTY
1. having a pleasant sweet taste or containing a lot of juice
luscious ripe figs
luscious adjective ATTRACTIVE
2. INFORMAL (of a woman) very sexually attractive
a luscious blonde
3. (of an area of countryside) very green and attractive
luscious landscapes
lusciously adverb
lusciousness noun [ U ]
lush adjective PLANTS
1. A lush area has a lot of green, healthy plants, grass and trees
lush green valleys
lush adjective LUXURIOUS
2. (of places, furniture, decoration, etc.) expensive and luxurious
a lush carpet
lush adjective ATTRACTIVE
3. INFORMAL very attractive to look at, taste, smell, etc
He's so lush.
lushly adverb
lushness noun [ U ]
lush noun [ C ] SLANG
a person who regularly drinks too much alcohol
She's a bit of a lush by all accounts.
lust noun SEX
1. [ U ] a very strong sexual desire
I don't think it's love so much as lust.
lust noun WISH
2. [ C or U ] a very powerful feeling of wanting something
her lust for power
It's wonderful to see the children's lust for life (= how enthusiastic they are about
life) .
lustful adjective
lustful thoughts
lustfully adverb
lustfulness noun [ U ]
lust verb
lust after sb phrasal verb
to feel sexual desire for someone you are not having a sexual relationship with
She's been lusting after Dave for months.
lust after/for sth phrasal verb
I've been lusting after one of their silk shirts for ages.
lurker noun [ C ]
lurve noun [ U ] UK NOT STANDARD HUMOROUS
love
They spend every evening together - I think it might be lurve.
lurve verb [ T ]
luscious adjective TASTY
1. having a pleasant sweet taste or containing a lot of juice
luscious ripe figs
luscious adjective ATTRACTIVE
2. INFORMAL (of a woman) very sexually attractive
a luscious blonde
3. (of an area of countryside) very green and attractive
luscious landscapes
lusciously adverb
lusciousness noun [ U ]
lush adjective PLANTS
1. A lush area has a lot of green, healthy plants, grass and trees
lush green valleys
lush adjective LUXURIOUS
2. (of places, furniture, decoration, etc.) expensive and luxurious
a lush carpet
lush adjective ATTRACTIVE
3. INFORMAL very attractive to look at, taste, smell, etc
He's so lush.
lushly adverb
lushness noun [ U ]
lush noun [ C ] SLANG
a person who regularly drinks too much alcohol
She's a bit of a lush by all accounts.
lust noun SEX
1. [ U ] a very strong sexual desire
I don't think it's love so much as lust.
lust noun WISH
2. [ C or U ] a very powerful feeling of wanting something
her lust for power
It's wonderful to see the children's lust for life (= how enthusiastic they are about
life) .
lustful adjective
lustful thoughts
lustfully adverb
lustfulness noun [ U ]
lust verb
lust after sb phrasal verb
to feel sexual desire for someone you are not having a sexual relationship with
She's been lusting after Dave for months.
lust after/for sth phrasal verb
I've been lusting after one of their silk shirts for ages.
lustre UK , US luster noun
1. [ S or U ] the brightness that a shiny surface has
a treatment for restoring the lustre to dull hair
the rich lustre of well-polished furniture
2. [ U ] a very special, attractive quality that people admire
The dancing of the principal ballerina added lustre to an otherwise unimpressive
production of 'Giselle'.
lustre UK , US luster noun
1. [ S or U ] the brightness that a shiny surface has
a treatment for restoring the lustre to dull hair
the rich lustre of well-polished furniture
2. [ U ] a very special, attractive quality that people admire
The dancing of the principal ballerina added lustre to an otherwise unimpressive
production of 'Giselle'.
lustrous adjective
very shiny
long lustrous hair
lustrously adverb
lusty adjective
healthy; energetic; full of strength and power
a baby's lusty cry
We could hear the lusty singing of the church choir.
lustily adverb
The baby cried lustily (= loudly, showing good health) the moment he was born.
lustiness noun [ U ]
lute noun [ C ]
lute
a musical instrument which has a body with a round back and a flat top, a long
neck and strings which are played with the fingers
Lutheran adjective
of or relating to the part of Protestant Christianity that is based on the ideas of
the German religious leader Martin Luther
the Lutheran church
Lutheran noun [ C ]
luv noun [ as form of address ]
UK NOT STANDARD FOR love
Can I get you a drink, luv?
luvvy noun [ C ] ( ALSO luvvie ) HUMOROUS
an actor who speaks and acts in a very artificial and noticeable way
luvvy noun [ C ] ( ALSO luvvie ) HUMOROUS
an actor who speaks and acts in a very artificial and noticeable way
lux noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a measure of the amount of light produced by something
Luxembourg noun [ U ]
Luxembourg adjective
Luxemburger noun [ C ]
luxuriant adjective
1. growing thickly, strongly and well
Tall, luxuriant plants grew along the river bank.
This stretch of land was once covered with luxuriant forest, but is now bare.
Her luxuriant hair fell around her shoulders.
2. pleasantly thick or full
We've bought a wonderfully luxuriant carpet for our bedroom.
a luxuriant style of writing
luxuriance noun [ U ]
luxuriantly adverb
luxuriate verb
luxuriate in sth phrasal verb FORMAL
to get great pleasure from something, especially because it provides physical
comfort
There's nothing better after a hard day's work than to luxuriate in a hot bath.
luxurious adjective
1. very comfortable and expensive
They have a very luxurious house.
We spent a luxurious weekend at a country hotel.
2. giving great pleasure
The cat gave a long, luxurious stretch.
luxuriously adverb
luxury noun
1. [ U ] great comfort, especially as provided by expensive and beautiful things
to live in luxury
a luxury cruise
a luxury hotel
2. [ C ] something expensive which is pleasant to have but is not necessary
luxuries, such as champagne and chocolate
I like to buy myself little luxuries from time to time.
3. [ S or U ] something which gives you a lot of pleasure but which you cannot
often do
A day off work is such a luxury.
luxury noun
1. [ U ] great comfort, especially as provided by expensive and beautiful things
to live in luxury
a luxury cruise
a luxury hotel
2. [ C ] something expensive which is pleasant to have but is not necessary
luxuries, such as champagne and chocolate
I like to buy myself little luxuries from time to time.
3. [ S or U ] something which gives you a lot of pleasure but which you cannot
often do
A day off work is such a luxury.
ˌ luxury ˈ goods plural noun
expensive things, such as jewellery and perfume, which are pleasant to have but
are not necessary
The government will pay for the new schools by increasing the tax on luxury
goods.
LW noun [ U ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR long wave
-ly suffix ADVERB
1. in the stated way
quickly
carefully
angrily
loudly
2. when considered in the stated way
Personally (= in my opinion) , I don't think animals should be killed for their fur.
This is an environmentally (= in relation to the environment) disastrous proposal.
3. regularly after the stated period of time
a weekly/monthly meeting
-ly suffix ADJECTIVE
4. like the stated person or thing
fatherly advice
priestly duties
cowardly behaviour
5. describes one of a series of events which happen with the stated regular period
of time between each
a daily shower
a weekly meeting
a yearly check-up
lycée noun [ C ]
a French school for older children, either in France or for French children living in
other countries
lychee , litchi noun [ C ]
lychee
a fruit with a rough brown shell and sweet white flesh around a large shiny brown
seed, or the evergreen (= never losing its leaves) tree on which this fruit grows
lychgate noun [ C ]
a small gate with a small sloping roof over it which leads into the area around a
church
lychgate noun [ C ]
a small gate with a small sloping roof over it which leads into the area around a
church
lycopene noun [ U ]
a substance in tomatoes and some other red fruits that may prevent some types
of cancer
Lycra noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a stretchy material used especially for making clothes which fit very tightly
a Lycra swimsuit
Lycra leggings
These jeans have added Lycra for comfort and fit.
lying verb
PRESENT PARTICIPLE OF lie
lymph noun [ U ]
a colourless liquid which takes useful substances around the body, and takes
waste matter, such as unwanted bacteria, away from body tissue in order to prevent
infection
lymphatic adjective
the lymphatic system
ˈ lymph ˌ gland noun [ C ] ( ALSO lymph node )
one of many small organs in the body which produce the white blood cells needed
for the body to fight infection
lymphocyte noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a type of white blood cell involved in fighting disease and infection in the body,
some of which produce antibodies (= proteins that attack and kill harmful bacteria)
ˈ lymph ˌ vessel noun [ C ] ( ALSO lymphatic vessel ) SPECIALIZED
any of the thin tubes in the body through which lymph flows, and along which
lymph glands are found
lynch verb [ T ]
If a crowd of people lynch someone who they believe is guilty of a crime, they kill
them without a legal trial, usually by hanging (= killing using a rope round the neck) .
lynching noun [ C or U ]
ˈ lynch ˌ law noun [ U ]
the punishment of someone who is thought to be guilty of a crime, without a legal
trial, by killing them
ˈ lynch ˌ law noun [ U ]
the punishment of someone who is thought to be guilty of a crime, without a legal
trial, by killing them
ˈ lynch ˌ mob noun [ C ]
a group of people who want to attack someone who they think has committed a
serious crime
lynchpin noun [ C ]
a linchpin
lynx noun [ C ]
a wild animal of the cat family which has brown hair, sometimes with dark spots
on it, pointed ears and a short tail
lyre noun [ C ]
an ancient musical instrument consisting of a U-shaped frame with strings fixed to
it
lyrebird noun [ C ]
an Australian bird with long legs. The male has a tail which it can spread out into
the shape of a lyre .
lyric noun
1. lyrics
the words of a song, especially a pop song
Paul Simon writes the lyrics for most of his songs.
2. [ C ] a short poem which expresses the personal thoughts and feelings of the
person who wrote it
lyric adjective
(especially of poetry and songs) expressing personal thoughts and feelings
William Wordsworth wrote lyric poetry/was a lyric poet.
lyrical adjective
1. expressing personal thoughts and feelings in a beautiful way
The book contains lyrical descriptions of the author's childhood.
2. wax lyrical
to talk about something with a lot of interest or excitement
I recall Rosie waxing lyrical about the flatness of his stomach.
lyrically adverb
lyricism noun [ U ]
the beautiful expression of personal thoughts and feelings in writing or music
The harshness of the book's subject is softened by a certain lyricism in the
writing.
lyricist /ˈ lɪ r.ɪ .sɪ st/ noun [ C ]
someone who writes words for songs, especially pop songs

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Kyrgyzstan noun [ U ]

See table of Geographical names .

a piece of paper which gives you information or advertises something

Demonstrators handed out leaflets to passers-by.

to give out leaflets to people

They leafleted the area two weeks before the event.

ˈ leaf ˌ mould noun [ U ]

A leafy place is pleasant and has a lot of trees

league noun [ C ] SPORT

Liverpool were top of the Football League that year.

They are currently bottom of the league.

league noun [ C ] ORGANIZATION

the League of Nations

to be much better than something or someone else

to be secretly working or planning something with someone, usually to do

be out of your league

to be too good or too expensive for you

He was so good-looking and so popular that I felt he was out of my league.

not be in the same league

to be not as good as someone or something else

leak verb [ I or T ] LIQUID/GAS

Water was leaking from the pipe.

Oil leaked out of the car.

The tin was leaking.

The car leaked oil all over the drive.

leak verb [ I or T ] INFORMATION

2. to allow secret information to become generally known

He leaked the names to the press.

leak like a sieve INFORMAL

leak noun [ C ] LIQUID/GAS

There's water on the floor - we must have a leak.

If you suspect a gas leak, phone the emergency number.

leak noun [ C ] INFORMATION

There have been several security leaks recently.

They traced the leak to a secretary in the finance department.

take a leak/have a leak SLANG

leakage noun [ C or U ] LIQUID/GAS

1. the act of leaking or the leak itself

The leakage was traced to an oil pipe in the cellar.

A lot of water is wasted through leakage.

leakage noun [ C or U ] INFORMATION

2. making known secret information

They leafleted the area two weeks before the event.

1. in a way that is not firmly fixed

loosely adverb NOT EXACT

This phrase can be loosely translated as 'Go away'.

The film is loosely based on the novel by Kundera.

loosely adverb NOT TIGHT

The jacket hung loosely on his thin body.

loosen verb NOT FIXED

1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) become loose

The screws holding the bed together had loosened.

loosen verb LESS TIGHT

2. [ T ] to make something less tight

He loosened his tie.

loosen your grip

loosen your grip/hold

The dictator's grip on the country has not loosened.

loosen your tongue

to make you speak more freely

loosen (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]

loosen (sb) up phrasal verb

A gin and tonic will loosen you up.