lab.
HighInformal to Neutral when spoken; Standard in written abbreviation.
Definition
Meaning
A shortened form or abbreviation, most commonly for 'laboratory', a controlled environment for scientific research, experiments, and measurements.
Informally, can also be a shortening for 'Labrador Retriever' (the breed of dog). In written contexts, it is a standard abbreviation used in formal and informal writing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a written abbreviation (lab.). In speech, the full form 'laboratory' is often used in formal contexts, while the spoken form 'lab' (pronounced /læb/) is common in informal and academic/professional contexts. As a dog breed term, it is informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'lab' as a spoken form for 'laboratory' is very common in academic/school contexts. In American English, it is equally common. The abbreviation 'lab.' in writing is standard in both.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Conveys efficiency and informality.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in educational, scientific, and technical contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the [science] labwork in a labgo to the laba lab for [experiments]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in biotech, pharmaceutical, or tech companies (e.g., 'R&D lab').
Academic
Very high frequency. Core term for practical teaching and research spaces (e.g., 'physics lab', 'language lab').
Everyday
Common, especially in contexts of education, pets ('my lab is very friendly'), and DIY ('my home brew lab').
Technical
The standard term for any controlled experimental environment across all sciences and engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The lab results were inconclusive.
- He bought new lab equipment.
American English
- The lab report is due Friday.
- She followed strict lab protocols.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We have a science lab at school.
- The lab is next to the classroom.
- Our chemistry lab is very well-equipped.
- I need to finish my lab report by tomorrow.
- The experiment was conducted under controlled lab conditions.
- He works as a technician in a forensic lab.
- The research team reproduced the findings in an independent lab.
- Innovations from the Bell labs revolutionised telecommunications.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **LAB**rador dog sniffing around in a science **LAB**oratory.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAB IS A CONTAINER FOR DISCOVERY (e.g., 'The answer was found in the lab.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'lab' as just 'лаборатория' when it refers to a 'Labrador dog' (лабрадор).
- The abbreviation 'lab.' in text is directly equivalent to 'лаб.' but the spoken word is 'lab' /læb/, not an acronym.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as separate letters L-A-B (el-ay-bee).
- Using 'lab' as a formal written noun in an academic paper title (prefer 'laboratory').
- Confusing 'lab' (place) with 'lab' (dog) without context.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'lab' NOT typically refer to a place for experiments?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In speech, 'lab' is informal but universally accepted in professional contexts. In formal writing, the full form 'laboratory' is preferred, though the abbreviation 'lab.' is standard in footnotes, references, and tables.
The plural is 'labs'. The abbreviation 'lab.' becomes 'labs.' in written form.
No, 'lab' is not a standard verb. The related verb is 'to labour' (BrE) / 'to labor' (AmE), which has a different meaning.
You pronounce it as the word 'lab' (/læb/), not by spelling out the letters.
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