great lakes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal; primarily geographical.
Quick answer
What does “great lakes” mean?
A group of five very large freshwater lakes located in North America, on or near the border between the United States and Canada.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of five very large freshwater lakes located in North America, on or near the border between the United States and Canada.
The region surrounding these lakes, known for its heavy industry, shipping, and distinct climate. The term can also be used to refer to similar large lake systems elsewhere by analogy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the term is identical in both dialects as it refers to a fixed geographical name.
Connotations
For North Americans, it connotes a major regional identity, industry, and natural resource. For British speakers, it is primarily a distant geographical feature.
Frequency
Much more frequent in North American contexts due to direct relevance. In the UK, it appears mainly in geographical, historical, or environmental discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “great lakes” in a Sentence
[the] + Great Lakes + (of + [Place])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great lakes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- They studied the Great Lakes ecosystem.
American English
- He's a Great Lakes shipping magnate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The steel industry in the Great Lakes region is a key economic driver."
Academic
"The post-glacial formation of the Great Lakes shaped the migration patterns of early human populations."
Everyday
"We're driving up to the Great Lakes for our summer holiday."
Technical
"The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin is governed by a complex binational water resources compact."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great lakes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great lakes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great lakes”
- Writing in lowercase ('great lakes') when referring to the specific North American system.
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'The Great Lakes is...') – it's plural: 'The Great Lakes are...'.
- Confusing Lake Michigan (entirely in the US) with the others which are binational.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface area and volume.
Lake Superior is the largest by volume and the deepest. It contains more water than the other four combined.
No. Lake Michigan is the only one of the five Great Lakes located entirely within the United States.
Yes, via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, a system of locks, canals, and channels that allows ocean-going vessels to travel from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes ports.
A group of five very large freshwater lakes located in North America, on or near the border between the United States and Canada.
Great lakes is usually neutral to formal; primarily geographical. in register.
Great lakes: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈleɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈleɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used idiomatically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GREAT in size, LAKES in number – five of them forming a great chain.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FRESHWATER SEA; THE HEARTLAND'S BARGRAPH (source of industry and life).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT one of the Great Lakes?