English Words Starting With L

• last-gasp

  nounC1
  /ˌlɑːst ˈɡɑːsp/occurring at the very last possible moment, especially in a competition or race; a final, desperate effort.
• last-in, first-out

  nounC1
  /ˌlɑːst ɪn ˌfɜːst ˈaʊt/An inventory accounting method where the most recently produced or acquired items are the first to be used or sold.
• last-minute

  nounB2
  /ˌlɑːst ˈmɪnɪt/Occurring or done at the very end of the available time, just before an event or deadline.
• lasting

  adjectivenounC1
  /ˈlɑːstɪŋ/Continuing for a long time; enduring or durable.
• lat

  abbreviationnounLow/Technical
  /læt/(noun, informal abbreviation) a latissimus dorsi muscle, a large muscle in the back.
• latah

  nounRare / Very Low
  /ˈlɑːtə/A culture-specific syndrome observed primarily in Southeast Asia, characterized by an exaggerated startle response followed by involuntary mimicry, echolalia, or command obedience.
• latakia

  nounLow
  /ˌlæt.əˈkiː.ə/A type of aromatic, sun-cured tobacco grown in Syria, known for its strong, smoky flavor.
• latam

  adjectivenounC1
  /ˈlæt.æm/An acronym for 'Latin America', referring to the region of the Americas where Romance languages (primarily Spanish and Portuguese) derived from Latin are predominantly spoken.
• latch

  nounverbverb-intransitiveverb-transitiveB2
  /lætʃ/A fastening device on a door or gate, typically a bar that falls into a notch.
• latch hook

  nounLow to Medium (technical/craft contexts)
  /ˈlætʃ ˌhʊk/A small hook-shaped tool with a pivoting latch, used to secure a door, gate, or window.
• latch needle

  nounRare
  /ˈlætʃ ˌniːd(ə)l/A type of needle with a hinged latch that opens to allow thread to pass through and closes to form a loop, used primarily in knitting machinery.
• latch on

  verbC1
  /ˈlætʃ ɒn/To attach oneself to something physically or metaphorically; to understand or become aware of something.
• latchet

  nounVery Low / Archaic
  /ˈlætʃɪt/A narrow strap or thong for fastening a shoe or sandal.
• latching

  nounB2
  /ˈlætʃɪŋ/The act of fastening or securing a door, gate, or window with a latch; the action of attaching or locking something in place.
• latchkey

  nounC1
  /ˈlætʃ.kiː/A key to an outer door, especially of a house, traditionally given to a child to let themselves in when parents are at work.
• latchkey child

  nounLow to Mid
  /ˈlætʃ.kiː ˌtʃaɪld/A child who returns home to an empty house after school because their parents are working.
• latchstring

  nounLow
  /ˈlatʃstrɪŋ/A string or cord attached to a door latch on the inside, passed through a hole to the outside, allowing the door to be opened from the outside by pulling the string.
• late blight

  nounLow (Specialized)
  /ˌleɪt ˈblaɪt/A highly destructive and fast-spreading fungal disease, primarily affecting potatoes and tomatoes, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, characterized by rapid tissue decay, dark lesions, and white mould in damp conditions.
• late bloomer

  nounB2
  /ˌleɪt ˈbluː.mə/A person who develops talents, skills, success, or maturity later in life than is typical.
• late charge

  nounB2
  /ˌleɪt ˈtʃɑːdʒ/An additional fee imposed when a payment is made after its due date.

Showing 1141–1160 of 5456 words.