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English Words Starting With L

5,456 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Suffix Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

library
nounB1 (High Frequency)
/ˈlaɪ.brər.i/A building or room where collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music are kept for people to read, borrow, or refer to.
library binding
nounLow
/ˈlaɪ.brər.i ˈbaɪn.dɪŋ/A durable, hardcover bookbinding method specifically designed to withstand the heavy use and extended circulation typical of public or institutional library collections.
library card
nounB1
/ˈlaɪ.brər.i kɑːd/An identification card issued by a library, granting the holder the right to borrow books and use other library services.
library edition
nounC1
/ˈlaɪ.brər.i ɪˈdɪʃ.ən/A specially produced, durable version of a book designed for heavy use in libraries.
library of congress
nounC1
/ˈlaɪbrəri əv ˈkɒŋɡres/The national library of the United States, located in Washington, D.C., serving as the research library for Congress and the de facto national library of the U.S.
library of congress classification
nounC1
/ˌlaɪbrərɪ əv ˈkɒŋɡres ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃn̩/A comprehensive, alphanumeric system of library classification used to organise the collections of the Library of Congress in the United States, and widely adopted by academic and research libraries.
library paste
nounLow, very infrequent
/ˈlaɪ.brə.ri peɪst/A thick, bland, white adhesive paste used in libraries, primarily for bookbinding and repairs. Also used figuratively to denote something bland, boring, or dull.
library science
nounC2 / Very Low Frequency
/ˈlaɪ.brər.i ˌsaɪ.əns/The academic and professional discipline concerned with the theory and practice of library management, information organization, retrieval, and services.
library steps
nounC1
/ˈlaɪ.brə.ri ˈsteps/A short set of portable steps, often on wheels or with a handrail, used to reach books on high shelves.
library table
nounLow
/ˈlaɪ.brər.i ˌteɪ.bəl/A large, sturdy table designed for reading, writing, or studying, often found in libraries, studies, or home offices.
librate
verbverb-intransitiveC2
/laɪˈbreɪt/To oscillate or swing back and forth.
libration
nounRare / Technical
/lʌɪˈbreɪʃ(ə)n/A slight, regular, back-and-forth oscillation or wobble in the apparent motion of an orbiting body, especially as observed from the body it orbits.
librettist
nounC1/C2
/lɪˈbrɛt.ɪst/A person who writes the text (libretto) for an opera, operetta, or other significant musical theatre work.
libretto
nounC2
/lɪˈbrɛt.əʊ/The text or script of an opera, operetta, or other extended musical composition.
libreville
nounC2
/ˌliː.brəˈviːl/The capital and largest city of Gabon, a country in Central Africa.
libri
nounExtremely Low
/ˈlɪbriː/ or /ˈliːbriː/Incorrect plural form of the word 'libro', which means 'book' in Italian. It is not a standard English word and its use in English is limited to specialized contexts, such as references to classical texts (e.g., titles of works) or as a code-switched word in discussions about Italian literature.
librium
nounC1
/ˈlɪbriəm/A brand name for chlordiazepoxide, a sedative and anxiolytic drug primarily used to treat anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal.
libtard
nounRare (specific, niche online/political discourse)
/ˈlɪb.tɑːd/A derogatory term for a person perceived as holding extremely liberal or left-wing political views, especially ones considered naive, irrational, or overly ideological.
libya
nounMedium
/ˈlɪb.i.ə/A country in North Africa.
libyan
adjectivenounC1
/ˈlɪb.i.ən/Relating to Libya, its people, or its culture.

Showing 2681–2700 of 5456 words.