lice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-to-MidEveryday, Medical, Veterinary, Slang (when used for people)
Quick answer
What does “lice” mean?
The plural form of 'louse', meaning small, wingless, parasitic insects that live on the skin of mammals and birds, feeding on blood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'louse', meaning small, wingless, parasitic insects that live on the skin of mammals and birds, feeding on blood.
Informally, can refer to contemptible or unpleasant people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The noun 'louse' and its plural 'lice' are used identically.
Connotations
Identically negative, associated with dirt, infestation, and social stigma. The figurative slang 'louse' for a bad person is used in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English in historical/contextual references (e.g., 'nit nurse'), but the word itself is equally frequent.
Grammar
How to Use “lice” in a Sentence
NP have ~NP be infested with ~NP treat for ~NP get rid of ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Derived from 'louse') He really loused up the presentation.
- (To delouse) They had to louse the entire barracks.
American English
- (Derived from 'louse') She loused up the deal.
- (To delouse) The clinic will louse anyone with an infestation.
adverb
British English
- (From 'lousily') The job was done lousily, much like a louse would do it.
American English
- (Informal 'lousy' as adverb) He treats her lousy, like a real louse.
adjective
British English
- (From 'lousy') It was a lousy, lice-ridden old mattress.
- He felt lousy after finding lice.
American English
- (From 'lousy') She got a lousy tip from that customer.
- This is a lousy situation, like having lice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable, unless in pharmaceutical/veterinary product marketing.
Academic
Used in biological, medical, and veterinary texts regarding parasitology.
Everyday
Common in contexts of school health, parenting, and personal hygiene.
Technical
Specific terms like Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse), Phthirus pubis (crab louse).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lice”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lice”
- Using 'lice' as a singular (e.g., 'a lice'). The singular is 'louse'.
- Misspelling as 'lies' or 'lyse'.
- Using incorrect verb agreement: 'Lice is...' should be 'Lice are...'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is exclusively plural. The singular form is 'louse'.
No, that is incorrect. You must say 'a louse' for one, or 'lice' for many.
No, technically. 'Lice' are the living insects. 'Nits' are their eggs, which are glued to hair shafts.
No, this is a common misconception. Lice infest clean hair as readily as dirty hair; they spread primarily through head-to-head contact.
The plural form of 'louse', meaning small, wingless, parasitic insects that live on the skin of mammals and birds, feeding on blood.
Lice is usually everyday, medical, veterinary, slang (when used for people) in register.
Lice: in British English it is pronounced /laɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /laɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lousy with (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ICE' for the sound, but remember it's the plural of LOUSE: One LOUSE, many LICE – the price is the same sound (ICE).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPTIBLE PEOPLE ARE PARASITES.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct singular form of 'lice'?