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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)

lightning
adjectivenounverb-intransitiveC1
/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/A natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and thunder.
lightning arrester
nounLow (specialised technical term)
/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ əˌres.tər/A device installed on electrical systems or tall structures to protect them from lightning strikes by providing a safe path for the electrical discharge to reach the ground.
lightning bug
nounMedium
/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ ˌbʌɡ/A nocturnal flying beetle (family Lampyridae) whose abdomen produces a glowing light.
lightning chess
nounLow
/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ ʧɛs/A very fast-paced variant of chess with extremely short time controls for each move.
lightning conductor
nounC2
/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ kənˌdʌk.tər/A metal rod or wire installed on a building to provide a path for lightning to reach the ground safely, protecting the structure from damage.
lightning rod
nounC1
/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ ˌrɒd/A metal rod installed on a building or tall structure to divert lightning strikes safely into the ground, preventing damage.
lightning stroke
nounC1
/ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ strəʊk/A single discharge of atmospheric electricity from a thundercloud to the earth, appearing as a visible flash of light.
lightplane
nounLow
/ˈlaɪtpleɪn/A small, simple aircraft, typically designed for private flying or training.
lights
plural-nounA1
/laɪts/the plural form of 'light', primarily referring to sources of illumination, devices that produce light, or areas illuminated by them.
lights out
nounB2
/laɪts aʊt/The moment when lights are switched off, especially signaling bedtime or the end of an activity.
lightsaber
nounMedium-Low (Common in pop culture, science fiction, and fandom contexts; rare in general discourse)
/ˈlaɪtˌseɪ.bə/A fictional energy sword, a handheld plasma blade powered by a kyber crystal, used as a weapon primarily by Jedi and Sith in the Star Wars universe.
lightship
nounLow
/ˈlaɪt.ʃɪp/A stationary vessel equipped with a powerful light, functioning as a lighthouse in locations where building a permanent structure is impractical.
lightweight
adjectivenounB2
/ˈlaɪt.weɪt/Something that weighs very little; of little weight or importance.
lightwood
nounC2
/ˈlaɪtwʊd/A type of timber or wood that is lightweight and easy to work with.
lignaloes
nounVery Low / Archaic
/lɪɡˈnæləʊiːz/A fragrant resinous wood, specifically aloeswood or agarwood, known for its aromatic properties.
ligne
nounA1
/laɪn/A long, narrow mark or band.
lignify
verbverb-intransitiveverb-transitiveC2 (Very Low Frequency / Technical)
/ˈlɪɡnɪfaɪ/To become or cause to become wood or woody tissue; to turn into wood.
lignin
nounC2
/ˈlɪɡnɪn/A complex organic polymer deposited in the cell walls of many plants, making them rigid and woody.
lignin sulfonate
nounVery low (C2/Technical)
/ˈlɪɡnɪn ˈsʌlfəneɪt/A water-soluble derivative of lignin, a complex organic polymer in wood, produced as a byproduct of the sulfite pulping process.
lignite
nounC1+
/ˈlɪɡnʌɪt/A soft, brownish-black sedimentary rock, often called brown coal, that is an intermediate stage between peat and bituminous coal.

Showing 2961–2980 of 5456 words.