Explore a complete list of 331 nouns that start with the letter L. This carefully compiled collection includes everyday words like “lab” and more specialized terms like “lyricist,” covering a wide range of subjects from nature and science to culture and everyday life. Notice how many of these nouns reflect important concepts, objects, and roles that play a part in language, learning, and society worldwide.
Dive into the detailed list below to find clear definitions, examples, and descriptions that help you understand each noun’s use and meaning.
Noun This column lists the noun itself, arranged alphabetically to make it easy to find specific words and explore new vocabulary starting with L.
Definition Here, you’ll find a concise and precise explanation of each noun to clarify its meaning and how it fits into everyday language or specialized fields.
Example Usage This column provides a simple sentence that shows the noun used in context, helping you see how the word works in real communication.
Description Read a brief summary that gives additional information about the noun’s importance, common uses, or interesting facts, offering deeper insight into each word.
Nouns that start with L
Noun | Definition | Example Usage |
---|---|---|
lab | A room or building equipped for scientific research, experiments, testing, or manufacturing. | The scientist spent hours in the lab conducting experiments. |
label | A small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it. | Please check the label for the washing instructions on this garment. |
laboratory | A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching, or for the manufacture of drugs or chemicals. | The new laboratory at the university has state-of-the-art equipment. |
labor | Work, especially hard physical work. | The project required many hours of intense labor. |
labyrinth | A complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze. | The minotaur was said to live in a vast labyrinth. |
lace | A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern, made by hand or machine. | Her wedding dress was adorned with beautiful lace. |
lack | The state of being without or not having enough of something. | Her poor health was due to a lack of proper nutrition. |
lacquer | A liquid made of shellac dissolved in alcohol, or of synthetic substances, that dries to form a hard protective coating for wood, metal, etc. | The antique table had a lustrous coat of lacquer. |
ladder | A piece of equipment consisting of a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of wood or metal, used for climbing up or down. | He climbed the ladder to reach the top shelf. |
ladle | A large long-handled spoon with a cup-shaped bowl, used for serving soup, stew, or sauce. | She used a ladle to serve the hot soup. |
lady | A woman, especially a polite, well-mannered, or elegant one. | The kind lady helped me find my way. |
ladybug | A small beetle, typically red with black spots, that feeds on aphids and other insect pests. | A ladybug landed on her hand and slowly crawled up her arm. |
lag | A period of delay or a reduction in speed or rate. | There was a significant lag in the video conference. |
lagoon | A shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by reefs, barrier islands, or sandbars. | The tropical resort was nestled beside a beautiful blue lagoon. |
lair | A wild animal’s resting place, especially one that is well hidden. | The bear retreated to its lair for the winter. |
laity | Ordinary people, as distinct from professionals or experts. | The priest preached to the laity during Sunday service. |
lake | A large body of water surrounded by land. | We spent our vacation fishing by the lake. |
lamb | A young sheep. | The shepherd carried a newborn lamb in his arms. |
lament | A passionate expression of grief or sorrow. | Her lament for the lost city echoed through the ruins. |
lamp | A device for giving light, either one consisting of an electric bulb together with its fitting and shade or one burning oil, gas, or other fuel. | She turned on the lamp to read her book. |
lamppost | A post with a lamp on top, typically at the side of a street or path. | The lamppost cast a long shadow on the sidewalk. |
lance | A long weapon with a wooden shaft and a pointed metal head, formerly used by knights on horseback. | The knight carried a heavy lance into battle. |
land | The part of the earth’s surface that is not covered by water, as opposed to the sea or the air. | The plane touched down safely on land. |
landform | A natural feature of the earth’s surface. | Mountains, valleys, and plateaus are all examples of landforms. |
landing | An act of coming down or bringing something down to the ground or a surface. | The pilot made a smooth landing on the runway. |
landlady | A woman who rents out land, a building, or part of a building to a tenant. | The landlady collected the rent every first of the month. |
landlord | A person who rents out land, a building, or part of a building to a tenant. | The landlord was responsible for maintaining the building. |
landmark | An object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized, acting as a guide. | The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris. |
landscape | All the visible features of an area of land, often considered in terms of their aesthetic appeal. | The rolling hills and green valleys formed a beautiful landscape. |
lane | A narrow road, path, or track. | The country lane was lined with ancient trees. |
language | The method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way. | English is a widely spoken language around the world. |
languor | The state or feeling, often pleasant, of tiredness or inertia. | The languor of a hot summer afternoon settled over the town. |
lantern | A lamp with a transparent case protecting the flame or bulb, typically with a handle for carrying. | The old miner carried a lantern into the dark cave. |
lap | The flat area between the waist and knees of a seated person. | The child sat comfortably on her grandmother’s lap. |
lapel | The part of a coat or jacket that is folded back on either side of the front opening. | He wore a small pin on his suit lapel. |
lapse | A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment. | He experienced a lapse of concentration during the exam. |
laptop | A portable computer small enough to be used on a person’s lap. | She used her laptop to work from the coffee shop. |
larch | A coniferous tree with deciduous needles. | The larch trees turned a beautiful golden color in autumn. |
lard | Fat from the abdomen of a pig, rendered and clarified for use in cooking. | She used lard to make a flaky pie crust. |
larder | A room or cupboard for storing food. | The old house had a well-stocked larder. |
largesse | Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others. | The wealthy philanthropist was known for his largesse. |
lark | A small ground-dwelling songbird, typically with a brown streaky plumage. | The joyful song of a lark filled the morning air. |
larva | The active immature form of an insect, especially one that differs greatly from the adult and forms part of the life cycle. | The caterpillar is the larva of a butterfly. |
larynx | The muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords in humans and other mammals; the voice box. | He cleared his throat, feeling a tickle in his larynx. |
lasagna | An Italian dish consisting of layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and often meat or vegetables. | For dinner, we enjoyed a delicious homemade lasagna. |
lash | A sudden violent blow. | He felt the lash of the whip across his back. |
lass | A girl or young woman. | The young lass skipped happily through the fields. |
lassitude | A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy. | A feeling of lassitude overtook her after the long journey. |
lasso | A rope with a noose at one end, used especially in North America for catching cattle. | The cowboy expertly swung his lasso. |
latch | A fastening or lock, typically consisting of a bar or bolt that slides into a catch. | She turned the latch on the garden gate. |
latecomer | A person who arrives late. | The latecomer quietly slipped into the back of the lecture hall. |
latency | The state of being dormant but capable of development. | The virus can remain in a state of latency for many years. |
latex | A milky fluid found in many plants, such as the rubber tree, which can be processed to produce rubber. | Gloves made of latex are common in medical settings. |
lath | A thin flat strip of wood, especially one of a series nailed to joists, studs, or rafters to form a backing for plaster or to support roof tiles. | The plaster was applied over the lath framework. |
lathe | A machine for shaping wood, metal, or other material by rotating the workpiece rapidly on its axis while a cutting or abrading tool is applied to it. | The craftsman used a lathe to turn the wooden bowl. |
latitude | The angular distance of a place north or south of the earth’s equator, usually expressed in degrees and minutes. | The city is located at a high latitude, experiencing cold winters. |
latrine | A communal toilet, especially in a camp or barracks. | The soldiers had to dig a new latrine in the field. |
lattice | A framework or structure of crossed wood or metal strips, forming a regular pattern of open spaces. | The roses climbed beautifully up the wooden lattice. |
laud | Praise or commendation. | The hero received much laud for his bravery. |
laugh | An act of laughing. | Her hearty laugh filled the room with joy. |
laughter | The action or sound of laughing. | The sound of children’s laughter echoed from the playground. |
launch | An act or instance of launching something. | The rocket launch was successful, sending the satellite into orbit. |
launderette | An establishment with coin-operated washing machines and driers for public use. | She took her large blankets to the launderette. |
laundry | Clothes and other fabric items that need to be washed or have been newly washed. | He spent Saturday morning doing the laundry. |
laurel | An aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, glossy leaves. | In ancient Rome, victors were crowned with a wreath of laurel. |
lava | Molten rock that flows from a volcano or fissure. | The red-hot lava flowed slowly down the side of the volcano. |
lavatory | A room or cubicle containing a toilet and washbasin. | She excused herself to go to the lavatory. |
law | The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties. | Ignorance of the law is no excuse. |
lawn | An area of short grass in a garden or park, often carefully tended. | The children played frisbee on the lush green lawn. |
lawnmower | A machine for cutting the grass on a lawn. | He pushed the lawnmower across the yard on a hot day. |
lawsuit | A claim or dispute brought to a court of law for adjudication. | The company faced a massive lawsuit over product defects. |
lawyer | A person who practices or studies law, especially (in the UK) a solicitor or (in the US) an attorney. | She consulted a lawyer about her property dispute. |
laxative | A medicine that helps a person to empty their bowels. | The doctor prescribed a mild laxative to help with his digestion. |
laxity | The quality or state of being lax or not strict; looseness. | The manager’s laxity led to a decline in productivity. |
layer | A sheet, quantity, or thickness of material, typically one of several, covering a surface or body. | The cake had three delicious layers of sponge and cream. |
layman | A person who is not a member of the clergy or not a member of a given profession. | He explained the complex scientific theory in terms a layman could understand. |
layout | The way in which parts of something are arranged or laid out. | The magazine had a very attractive and modern layout. |
layover | A period of rest or waiting between two stages of a journey. | They had a six-hour layover in Chicago before their connecting flight. |
laziness | The quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; idleness. | His laziness often led to unfinished tasks. |
lea | An open area of grassy land. | The cows grazed peacefully in the lea. |
lead | The initiative in an action; an example for others to follow. | She took the lead in organizing the charity event. |
leader | The person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country. | The team captain was a natural leader. |
leadership | The action of leading a group of people or an organization. | Effective leadership is essential for a successful team. |
leaf | A flattened green outgrowth from the stem of a plant, typically a blade with a petiole. | The autumn leaves turned brilliant shades of red and gold. |
leaflet | A printed sheet of paper, often folded, containing information or advertising, typically distributed free. | She handed out leaflets about the upcoming event. |
league | A collection of people, countries, or groups that combine for a particular purpose, typically mutual protection or cooperation. | The local football league had ten teams. |
leak | An accidental hole or crack from which fluid or gas may escape. | There was a small leak in the water pipe under the sink. |
leap | A forceful jump or sudden movement. | With a powerful leap, the gazelle cleared the fence. |
learner | A person who is learning a subject or skill. | The beginner learner was eager to master the new language. |
learning | The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught. | She had a great passion for lifelong learning. |
lease | A contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc., to another for a specified term, usually in return for a periodic payment. | They signed a three-year lease on the apartment. |
leash | A strap or cord for restraining and guiding a dog or other animal. | She kept her dog on a leash in the park. |
leather | A material made from the skin of an animal by tanning or a similar process. | He wore a sturdy leather jacket. |
leave | Permission to do something. | He was granted leave to attend the conference. |
lechery | Excessive or offensive sexual desire; lustfulness. | His lechery was apparent in his inappropriate comments. |
lectern | A reading desk with a sloping top, especially in a church. | The speaker placed his notes on the lectern. |
lecture | An educational talk to an audience, especially one given by a university or college teacher. | The professor delivered an engaging lecture on ancient history. |
lecturer | A person who gives lectures, especially as an academic. | The new lecturer joined the university’s history department. |
ledge | A narrow horizontal surface projecting from a wall, cliff, or other surface. | The mountain climber carefully stepped onto the narrow ledge. |
ledger | A book or other collection of financial accounts of a particular type. | The accountant carefully updated the company’s ledger. |
lee | The side of something that is sheltered from the wind or weather. | We found shelter from the storm in the lee of the hill. |
leech | An annelid worm that sucks blood. | The doctor used a medical leech for bloodletting. |
leek | A plant related to the onion, with edible broad leaves and a white bulbous base. | She added sliced leeks to the vegetable soup. |
leer | A lascivious or unpleasant look. | He gave her a suggestive leer across the bar. |
leeway | The amount of freedom to move or act as one wishes. | The manager gave his team some leeway to try new approaches. |
legacy | Something left or handed down by a predecessor. | The scientist left behind a profound legacy of discovery. |
legality | The state of being in accordance with the law. | The legality of the new policy was questioned by activists. |
legend | A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated. | The legend of King Arthur is still told today. |
legerdemain | Skillful use of one’s hands when performing tricks; sleight of hand. | The magician’s legerdemain amazed the audience. |
legging | A garment covering the legs and sometimes the lower part of the body, worn by women and girls. | She wore comfortable leggings for her yoga class. |
legibility | The quality of being clear enough to read. | The doctor’s handwriting lacked legibility. |
legion | A unit of 3,000–6,000 men in the ancient Roman army. | The Roman legion marched tirelessly across the empire. |
legislation | Laws, considered collectively. | The government passed new legislation to protect the environment. |
legislator | A person who makes laws; a member of a legislative body. | The legislator proposed a bill to reform education. |
legislature | A body of people with the power to make and change laws. | The state legislature convened for its annual session. |
legitimacy | Conformity to the law or rules. | The legitimacy of the election results was widely debated. |
legroom | The amount of space available for the legs of a seated person. | The airplane seat had surprisingly good legroom. |
legume | A plant of the pea family, such as peas, beans, or lentils, typically having seeds in pods. | Lentils and chickpeas are examples of legumes. |
leisure | Time when one is not working or occupied; free time. | She enjoyed her leisure time by reading and gardening. |
lemon | A yellow oval citrus fruit with thick skin and fragrant, acidic juice. | She squeezed a fresh lemon into her tea. |
lemonade | A drink made from lemon juice, sugar, and water. | On a hot day, nothing is more refreshing than a cold glass of lemonade. |
lemur | A primate native to Madagascar, typically with a long tail and large eyes. | The ring-tailed lemur is known for its distinctive tail. |
lender | A person or organization that lends money. | The bank acted as the lender for his new home loan. |
length | The measurement or extent of something from end to end. | The carpenter measured the length of the wooden plank. |
leniency | The quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected; clemency. | The judge showed leniency because it was his first offense. |
lens | A piece of glass or other transparent material with curved surfaces for concentrating or dispersing light rays, used in optical instruments and eyeglasses. | She wore glasses with powerful corrective lenses. |
lentil | A small edible legume, typically dried. | She cooked a hearty soup with red lentils. |
leopard | A large wild cat that has tawny fur with black spots. | The leopard stalked its prey silently through the tall grass. |
leotard | A close-fitting, one-piece garment, usually made of stretchy fabric, covering the torso and often the legs, worn by acrobats, dancers, and gymnasts. | The gymnast performed her routine in a shimmering leotard. |
leprosy | A chronic, contagious bacterial disease affecting the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. | Advances in medicine have made leprosy curable. |
lesion | A region in an organ or tissue which has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer, abscess, or tumor. | The doctor identified a small lesion on the patient’s skin. |
lesson | A period of learning or teaching. | She took a piano lesson every Tuesday. |
lessor | A person who grants a lease. | The lessor and lessee signed the agreement. |
letdown | A disappointment. | The movie was a real letdown after all the hype. |
letter | A character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet. | The first letter of the alphabet is ‘A’. |
letterhead | A printed heading on stationery stating a person’s or organization’s name and address. | The company’s official correspondence was printed on letterhead. |
lettuce | A leafy green vegetable, typically used in salads. | She made a fresh salad with crisp lettuce. |
levee | An embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river. | The town built a new levee to protect against floods. |
level | A horizontal line or plane, or a measurable extent upward from a surface. | The water reached a dangerously high level during the storm. |
lever | A rigid bar resting on a pivot, used to help move a heavy or firmly fixed load with one end when pressure is applied to the other. | He used a lever to pry open the heavy crate. |
leverage | The use of a lever; the mechanical advantage or power gained by using a lever. | The small investment provided significant financial leverage. |
levity | Humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect. | He tried to inject some levity into the tense meeting. |
levy | An impost or tax, such as a duty, usually referring to a tax, fee, or fine. | The government imposed a new levy on imported goods. |
lexicographer | A person who compiles dictionaries. | The lexicographer spent years researching words for the new dictionary. |
lexicon | The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge. | The technical lexicon of computer science is vast and complex. |
liability | The state of being responsible for something, especially by law. | The company accepted full liability for the accident. |
liaison | Communication or cooperation which facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations. | She acted as a liaison between the two departments. |
liar | A person who tells lies. | The jury determined he was a liar and found him guilty. |
libation | A drink poured out as an offering to a deity. | The ancient Greeks often made a libation to the gods. |
libel | A published false statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation; a written defamation. | The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing the false story. |
liberalism | A political and social philosophy that advocates for individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise. | Liberalism emphasizes equality and freedom for all citizens. |
liberation | The act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression. | The liberation of the city was celebrated with great joy. |
liberator | A person who frees a country or people from oppression. | He was hailed as the liberator of his people. |
liberty | The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views. | The statue of liberty symbolizes freedom for many. |
libido | A person’s sexual drive. | His libido was naturally quite high. |
librarian | A person, typically with a degree in library science, who works in a library. | The librarian helped me find the book I needed. |
library | A building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for use or borrowing by the public or the members of an institution. | The university library had millions of books. |
libretto | The text of an opera or other long vocal work. | The composer worked closely with the librettist on the opera’s libretto. |
license | A permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade. | He obtained his driver’s license at sixteen. |
licentiousness | Disregard for strict rules of morality or propriety. | His licentiousness was evident in his decadent lifestyle. |
lichen | A composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi species in a mutualistic relationship. | The old tree bark was covered in patches of gray-green lichen. |
lick | An act of licking. | The dog gave a happy lick to its owner’s face. |
lid | A removable cover for the top of a container. | She put the lid back on the pot of soup. |
lie | An intentionally false statement. | He told a blatant lie about his whereabouts. |
lien | A right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged. | The bank placed a lien on his property until the loan was repaid. |
lieu | In place of; instead of. | He accepted cash in lieu of a gift. |
lieutenant | A rank in the armed forces, police, or fire services. | The lieutenant led his platoon into battle. |
life | The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. | The discovery of new forms of marine life excited scientists. |
lifeboat | A small boat carried by a ship for use in an emergency. | The crew abandoned ship and got into the lifeboat. |
lifeguard | An expert swimmer employed to rescue bathers from drowning. | The lifeguard watched the swimmers carefully from his tower. |
lifejacket | A sleeveless jacket of buoyant material, used to keep a person afloat in water. | Everyone on the boat was required to wear a lifejacket. |
lifeline | A rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to a person in the water or used by a climber. | The rescuer threw a lifeline to the struggling swimmer. |
lifespan | The length of time for which a person or animal lives or a thing functions. | The average lifespan of a human has increased over centuries. |
lifestyle | The way in which a person or group lives. | He adopted a healthier lifestyle after his heart attack. |
lifetime | The duration of a person’s life. | She dedicated her lifetime to charitable work. |
lift | An act of lifting. | He gave her a lift to the train station. |
ligament | A short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue which connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint. | He tore a ligament in his knee while playing soccer. |
light | The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. | The morning light streamed through the window. |
lighter | A device for lighting cigarettes or cigars. | He pulled out a lighter to ignite the campfire. |
lighthouse | A tower or other structure containing a powerful light, built on a coast or island to guide ships in hazardous waters. | The lighthouse beacon shone brightly through the fog. |
lighting | The arrangement or effect of lights. | The stage lighting created a dramatic atmosphere. |
lightness | The quality of being light or not heavy. | The lightness of the feather allowed it to float. |
lightning | The natural phenomenon of a visible electrical discharge of very short duration from a cloud to the ground, from cloud to cloud, or within a cloud. | The lightning illuminated the night sky during the storm. |
like | Something that is similar to another. | She bought a new dress, a stylish like of the one she saw in the magazine. |
likelihood | The state or fact of being likely; probability. | There is a high likelihood of rain tomorrow. |
likeness | The fact or quality of being alike; resemblance. | The portrait was a striking likeness of his grandmother. |
liking | A feeling of regard or fondness. | He had a strong liking for classical music. |
lilac | A widely cultivated ornamental shrub or small tree of the olive family, with fragrant purple, pink, or white flowers. | The sweet scent of lilac filled the spring air. |
lilt | A characteristic rising and falling of the voice in speaking; a pleasant gentle accent. | Her Irish lilt made her speech very musical. |
lily | A bulbous plant with large, showy, typically trumpet-shaped flowers. | The white lily is a symbol of purity. |
limb | An arm or leg of a person or animal, or a large branch of a tree. | The monkey swung from limb to limb in the jungle. |
limbo | An uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state or condition. | The project remained in limbo for months due to lack of funding. |
lime | A white caustic alkaline substance consisting of calcium oxide, obtained by heating limestone. | Farmers spread lime on their fields to improve soil quality. |
limelight | The focus of public attention. | The young actor suddenly found himself in the limelight. |
limestone | A hard sedimentary rock, composed mainly of calcium carbonate, used as building material and in the making of cement. | Many ancient buildings in Europe are constructed from limestone. |
limit | A point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass. | There is a strict speed limit on this road. |
limitation | A restricting condition or lack of ability. | His physical limitation prevented him from playing sports. |
limousine | A large luxurious car, especially one driven by a chauffeur. | They arrived at the event in a sleek black limousine. |
limp | A characteristic of walking with an uneven step due to an injury or disability. | He walked with a noticeable limp after twisting his ankle. |
line | A long, narrow mark or band. | Draw a straight line across the page. |
lineage | Ancestry or pedigree. | He could trace his lineage back to medieval kings. |
lineament | A distinctive feature or characteristic, especially of the face. | The artist captured every delicate lineament of her face. |
linen | Fabric woven from flax fibers. | She bought new linen sheets for her bed. |
liner | A protective or decorative covering placed inside something. | She put a fresh liner in the kitchen bin. |
lingo | A language or dialect, especially one regarded as strange, foreign, or incomprehensible. | He couldn’t understand the technical lingo of the programmers. |
linguist | A person who studies languages. | The linguist was fluent in five different languages. |
linguistics | The scientific study of language and its structure, including the study of grammar, syntax, and phonetics. | She pursued a degree in linguistics, fascinated by how language works. |
liniment | A liquid or semi-liquid preparation for rubbing on the body to relieve pain or stiffness. | He rubbed liniment on his sore muscles after the workout. |
lining | A layer of material covering the inner surface of something. | The jacket had a soft silk lining. |
link | A relationship between two things or situations, especially where one thing affects the other. | There is a strong link between exercise and good health. |
linkage | The action of linking or the state of being linked. | Scientists discovered a genetic linkage between the two diseases. |
linoleum | A material consisting of a canvas backing coated with a preparation of linseed oil and powdered cork, used especially as a floor covering. | The old kitchen floor was covered in patterned linoleum. |
lint | Tiny bits of fiber and fluff. | He used a lint roller to remove the lint from his dark suit. |
lintel | A horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or window opening. | The heavy wooden lintel supported the brickwork above the doorway. |
lion | A large tawny-colored cat that lives in prides, native to Africa and India. | The lion roared fiercely across the savanna. |
lioness | A female lion. | The lioness hunted for food to feed her cubs. |
lip | Either of the two fleshy folds forming the edges of the mouth opening. | She applied lipstick to her lips. |
lipid | Any of a class of organic compounds that are fatty acids or their derivatives and are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They include many natural oils, waxes, and steroids. | Fats and oils are examples of lipids essential for energy storage. |
lipstick | A cosmetic in a stick form for coloring the lips. | She chose a bright red lipstick for the evening. |
liqueur | A strong, sweet, flavored alcoholic drink, typically consumed after a meal. | He offered a glass of hazelnut liqueur after dinner. |
liquid | A substance that flows freely but is of constant volume, having a consistency like that of water or oil. | Water is a clear liquid essential for life. |
liquidation | The process of converting assets into cash, especially to pay off debts. | The company went into liquidation after failing to meet its financial obligations. |
liquor | Alcoholic drinks, especially distilled spirits. | He preferred to drink liquor rather than beer or wine. |
lisp | A speech impediment in which s and z are pronounced like th. | The child had a slight lisp when pronouncing the letter ‘S’. |
list | A number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively. | She made a shopping list before going to the grocery store. |
listener | A person who listens. | The speaker engaged every listener in the audience. |
listing | A list or catalog. | The real estate agent showed them a listing of available homes. |
listlessness | Lack of energy or enthusiasm. | A feeling of listlessness overcame him during the long, hot afternoon. |
litany | A series of petitions for use in church services or processions, usually recited by the clergy and responded to in a recurring formula by the people. | The priest recited a litany of prayers. |
literacy | The ability to read and write. | Promoting literacy is essential for societal development. |
literature | Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit. | She studied English literature at university. |
litigant | A person involved in a lawsuit. | Both litigants presented their arguments to the judge. |
litigation | The process of taking legal action. | The company tried to avoid costly litigation. |
litter | Rubbish, such as paper, cans, and bottles, left lying in an open or public place. | Please dispose of your litter properly in the bins. |
livelihood | A means of securing necessities of life; a person’s means of supporting themselves. | Farming was his livelihood for many years. |
liveliness | The quality of being full of life and energy; animation. | The children’s liveliness brought joy to the room. |
liver | A large glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates, involved in many metabolic processes. | The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body. |
livery | A special uniform worn by a servant or official. | The chauffeur wore a smart livery. |
livestock | Farm animals regarded as an asset. | The farmer raised livestock, including cows and chickens. |
load | A heavy or bulky thing that is being carried or is to be carried. | He carried a heavy load of bricks up the stairs. |
loaf | A quantity of bread baked in one piece, typically oblong and with a rounded or flat top. | She bought a fresh loaf of sourdough bread. |
loafer | A person who idles away their time. | He was often seen as a loafer, avoiding any serious work. |
loan | A thing that is borrowed, especially a sum of money that is expected to be paid back with interest. | She took out a loan to buy a new car. |
loathing | A feeling of intense dislike or disgust; hatred. | He felt nothing but loathing for the man who betrayed him. |
lobby | A hall or waiting room at the entrance to a building. | They waited for their appointment in the hotel lobby. |
lobbyist | A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest group. | The powerful lobbyist met with several senators. |
lobe | A roundish projection or division, especially of the brain or lung. | The human brain has four main lobes. |
lobster | A large marine crustacean with a cylindrical body, stalked eyes, and five pairs of legs, the first of which are much larger than the others and have pincers. | They enjoyed a delicious fresh lobster for dinner. |
local | An inhabitant of a particular area or neighborhood. | The locals knew all the best places to eat. |
locale | A place where something happens or is set, or that has particular events associated with it. | The remote island served as the perfect locale for the film. |
locality | A particular neighborhood, place, or district. | The new factory created jobs for people in the surrounding locality. |
location | A place or position. | The exact location of the treasure remains a mystery. |
loch | A Scottish lake or a narrow sea inlet. | Loch Ness is famous for its mythical monster. |
lock | A device for securing a door, gate, or lid, requiring a key or code to open it. | She turned the lock on the front door before leaving. |
locker | A small, usually metal, cupboard or compartment in which personal belongings can be stored. | He put his books in his school locker. |
locket | A small ornamental case, typically made of gold or silver, worn around the neck on a chain and containing a miniature portrait or a lock of hair. | She wore a locket with a picture of her children inside. |
locomotion | Movement or the ability to move from one place to another. | Walking is a common form of human locomotion. |
locust | A large, mainly tropical grasshopper with strong powers of flight, destructive in swarms. | A swarm of locusts devastated the crops in the region. |
lode | A vein of metallic ore in the earth. | Miners searched for a rich lode of gold. |
lodestar | A star that is used to guide the course of a ship, especially the North Star. | The ancient mariners used the lodestar to navigate. |
lodge | A small house, especially in the country, used for recreation or hunting. | They stayed in a hunting lodge deep in the forest. |
lodger | A person who rents a room in another’s house. | The old lady took in a lodger to help with expenses. |
lodging | Temporary accommodation. | They found lodging at a small inn for the night. |
loft | An upper story or attic in a house or other building. | They converted the dusty old loft into a modern apartment. |
log | A part of the trunk or a large branch of a tree that has been cut off. | They stacked the logs by the fireplace for the winter. |
logic | Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity. | His argument was based on sound logic and evidence. |
logician | A person who studies or is an expert in logic. | The logician carefully constructed his proof. |
logistics | The detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation. | The logistics of delivering aid to the remote village were challenging. |
logo | A symbol or other design adopted by an organization to identify its products, uniforms, vehicles, etc. | The company’s new logo was sleek and modern. |
loin | The part of the body on either side of the spine between the false ribs and hip bone. | He felt a sharp pain in his loin after lifting the heavy box. |
loincloth | A piece of cloth worn around the hips and between the legs, typically by men in certain hot countries. | The ancient tribesmen wore simple loincloths. |
loiterer | A person who stands or waits around idly or without apparent purpose. | Security guards asked the loiterers to move along. |
loneliness | Sadness because one has no friends or company. | She felt a deep sense of loneliness after moving to a new city. |
loner | A person who prefers to be solitary. | He was a bit of a loner, preferring his own company. |
look | An act of looking or seeing. | She gave him a stern look. |
lookout | A person or place from which to keep watch. | The pirate stood on the lookout, scanning the horizon for ships. |
loom | A machine for weaving thread or yarn into fabric. | The weaver worked tirelessly at her loom. |
loon | A large, fish-eating aquatic bird, typically black and white, with a striking mournful call. | The eerie call of the loon echoed across the quiet lake. |
loop | A shape produced by a curve that crosses itself, or a piece of wire, string, or rope bent into a such a shape. | She tied the rope into a secure loop. |
loophole | An ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules. | He found a loophole in the contract that allowed him to cancel. |
loot | Stolen money or goods. | The police recovered the stolen loot from the robbers’ hideout. |
lord | A master or ruler. | The lord of the manor held great power. |
lore | A body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or held by a particular group, typically passed from person to person by word of mouth. | Ancient folklore is rich with tales of mythical creatures. |
lorry | A large, heavy motor vehicle for transporting goods or troops; a truck. | The lorry carried a huge load of timber down the highway. |
loss | The fact or process of losing something or someone. | The team experienced a painful loss in the championship game. |
lot | A plot of land. | They bought a small lot to build their dream house. |
lotion | A thick, smooth liquid preparation designed to be applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. | She applied moisturizing lotion to her dry skin. |
lottery | A means of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving prizes to the holders of numbers drawn at random. | She bought a lottery ticket, hoping to win the jackpot. |
lotus | A type of water lily, especially an Indian or Egyptian species. | The beautiful lotus flower floated gracefully on the pond. |
lounge | A public room in a hotel, club, or airport, used for waiting or relaxing. | They waited for their flight in the executive lounge. |
louse | A small, flat-bodied, wingless insect that lives as a parasite on the skin of mammals and birds. | The children were checked for head louse after a school outbreak. |
lout | An uncouth and aggressive man or boy. | The drunken lout was making a nuisance of himself. |
love | An intense feeling of deep affection. | Their love for each other was evident to everyone. |
lovebird | A small African parrot, typically green, having a short tail and a stout bill. | The lovebirds chirped softly in their cage. |
lover | A person who loves someone or something. | They were deeply devoted lovers. |
low | A low point, level, or degree. | The stock market hit a new low today. |
loyalty | The quality of being faithful to someone or something. | His loyalty to his friends was unwavering. |
lubricant | A substance introduced between two moving surfaces to reduce friction and wear. | He applied lubricant to the squeaky hinge. |
lubrication | The action or process of lubricating something. | Regular lubrication extends the life of mechanical parts. |
lucidity | Clarity of expression; intelligibility. | His argument was presented with impressive lucidity. |
luck | Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions. | He attributed his success more to good luck than hard work. |
lucre | Money or profits, especially when regarded as sordid or disgraceful. | He pursued wealth with an unseemly desire for lucre. |
luggage | Suitcases or other bags for a traveler’s belongings. | She packed her luggage the night before her trip. |
lull | A temporary interval of quiet or lack of activity. | There was a brief lull in the conversation. |
lullaby | A quiet, gentle song sung to send a child to sleep. | She sang a soft lullaby to her baby. |
lumbago | Pain in the lower back. | He suffered from chronic lumbago and sought treatment. |
lumber | Timber sawn into planks or boards. | The sawmill processed raw logs into usable lumber. |
lumberjack | A person who fells trees, cuts them into logs, and transports them to a sawmill. | The brave lumberjack worked tirelessly in the forest. |
luminary | A person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere. | She was considered a luminary in the field of astrophysics. |
luminescence | The emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat; cold light. | The jellyfish displayed a beautiful luminescence in the deep sea. |
lump | A compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape. | She found a small lump in the sugar bag. |
lunacy | The state of being a lunatic; insanity. | His wild ideas were dismissed as pure lunacy. |
lunatic | A person who is mad or extremely foolish. | The old man was often called a lunatic for his eccentric behavior. |
lunch | A meal eaten in the middle of the day. | We had a light lunch at the cafe. |
luncheon | A formal lunch or a light lunch. | The business luncheon was held in the private dining room. |
lunchroom | A room in which lunch is eaten, especially in a school or workplace. | The employees gathered in the lunchroom during their break. |
lunchtime | The time at which lunch is eaten. | It was lunchtime, and everyone headed to the cafeteria. |
lung | Either of the two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates, which remove carbon dioxide from the blood and provide it with oxygen. | He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with fresh air. |
lunge | A sudden forward thrust of the body. | The fencer made a powerful lunge towards his opponent. |
lurch | An abrupt leaning, swaying, or tipping movement. | The bus gave a sudden lurch as it turned the corner. |
lure | The attractive quality of something. | The lure of adventure was too strong to resist. |
lust | Very strong sexual desire. | He felt a powerful lust for revenge. |
luster | A gentle sheen or soft glow, especially that of a partly reflective surface. | The pearls had a beautiful, soft luster. |
lute | A plucked stringed instrument with a long neck and a deep round back, popular in medieval and Renaissance Europe. | The minstrel played a melancholy tune on his lute. |
luxuriance | The state of being luxuriant; rich abundance. | The garden displayed an astonishing luxuriance of flowers. |
luxury | The state of great comfort and extravagant living. | They lived a life of immense luxury. |
lymph | A colorless fluid containing white blood cells, which bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream. | The lymphatic system filters lymph and plays a key role in immunity. |
lynx | A wild cat with a short tail, long legs, and tufts of hair on the tips of its ears. | The elusive lynx stalked its prey silently in the snow. |
lyre | A stringed instrument like a small U-shaped harp with strings fixed to a crossbar, used especially in ancient Greece. | The poet accompanied his verses with music from a lyre. |
lyric | The words of a song. | She wrote the beautiful lyrics for the new ballad. |
lyricist | A person who writes the lyrics for songs. | The lyricist worked with the composer to create a hit song. |