lido: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1/C2)Informal, slightly dated or nostalgic; Geographic (strongly associated with UK/British culture).
Quick answer
What does “lido” mean?
An open-air swimming pool or a section of beach with facilities like changing rooms, umbrellas, and sun loungers, used for swimming, sunbathing, and leisure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An open-air swimming pool or a section of beach with facilities like changing rooms, umbrellas, and sun loungers, used for swimming, sunbathing, and leisure.
By extension, can refer to any designated, managed outdoor swimming area, often evoking a nostalgic or retro British seaside holiday atmosphere. The name can also be used for establishments like 'Lido de Paris' (a famous cabaret).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Lido' is a recognized term in British English. In American English, it is very rare and would likely be replaced by 'outdoor pool', 'public pool', or 'beach club'.
Connotations
In the UK, it evokes a specific cultural and historical context. In the US, it may sound foreign or be misunderstood.
Frequency
Common in UK place names and historical/leisure contexts. Extremely uncommon in everyday US English.
Grammar
How to Use “lido” in a Sentence
at the + LIDOgo to + the LIDOthe + [PLACE NAME] + LidoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lido” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not a verb]
American English
- [Not a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not an adverb]
American English
- [Not an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not an adjective]
American English
- [Not an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in tourism or leisure industry marketing for heritage attractions.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical, cultural, or urban studies discussing 20th-century leisure.
Everyday
Used in the UK when referring to specific local facilities or planning a leisure activity.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lido”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lido”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lido”
- Using 'lido' to refer to any swimming pool (it must be outdoor/public).
- Using 'lido' in a US context where it would not be understood.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈlaɪdoʊ/ (like 'Lido' deck on a cruise ship—that is a proper name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A lido can be part of a beach (a managed section with facilities) or a standalone outdoor pool. A beach is a natural shoreline.
It's best avoided as it is not part of common American vocabulary. Use 'outdoor public pool' or 'beach club' instead.
Because many were built in the early-to-mid 20th century, and the term's peak usage was during that era. It evokes nostalgia.
It comes from the Italian 'lido', meaning 'shore' or 'beach', named after the Lido, a famous barrier island and beach near Venice.
An open-air swimming pool or a section of beach with facilities like changing rooms, umbrellas, and sun loungers, used for swimming, sunbathing, and leisure.
Lido is usually informal, slightly dated or nostalgic; geographic (strongly associated with uk/british culture). in register.
Lido: in British English it is pronounced /ˈliːdəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈliːdoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'LID' (as in a cover for a pool) + 'O' (for 'open-air'). An open-air pool is a 'lido'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNITY LEISURE IS A CONTAINER (a bounded, public space for recreation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'lido' most appropriately used?