lino: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, technical (in flooring/art contexts)
Quick answer
What does “lino” mean?
Linoleum.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Linoleum; a type of hard-wearing floor covering made from solidified linseed oil, pine resin, ground cork dust, and a fabric backing.
Can refer to the material itself, a piece or section of it, or the activity of cutting it for printmaking (linocut).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Lino' is a common, everyday term in UK English for floor covering. In US English, 'linoleum' is the standard term; 'lino' is rare and may be seen as a Briticism or an artistic term.
Connotations
In the UK, it can have slightly old-fashioned or utilitarian connotations (e.g., a lino-covered kitchen floor). In the US, it is almost exclusively associated with art (linocut).
Frequency
High frequency in UK domestic contexts; low frequency in US, except in art studios.
Grammar
How to Use “lino” in a Sentence
lay + lino + on + surfacecut + lino + for + printcover + floor + with + linoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lino” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to lino the utility room before winter.
American English
- (Not used as a verb in standard AmE)
adjective
British English
- It was a typical lino-floored scullery.
American English
- She specialized in lino-block printing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in flooring/construction trade: 'We supply and fit commercial-grade lino.'
Academic
Rare, except in art history or design studies discussing printmaking techniques.
Everyday
Common in UK: 'The lino in the hallway needs replacing.'
Technical
Specific in art: 'The design is incised into the lino block.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lino”
- Using 'lino' in US English for flooring (use 'linoleum').
- Misspelling as 'lyno'.
- Confusing 'lino cut' with 'woodcut'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, for flooring. Internationally, it's standard in 'linocut' art.
Traditional lino is made from natural materials (linseed oil, cork); vinyl is synthetic. Today, 'lino' is often used loosely for similar sheet flooring.
Informally in UK English ('to lino a floor'), but 'to lay lino' is more standard.
The technique is similar (relief printing), but lino is softer and easier to cut than wood.
Linoleum.
Lino is usually informal, technical (in flooring/art contexts) in register.
Lino: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.nəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.noʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) tough as old lino”
- “cut your lino (artistic slang for making a start)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LINOleum = LINO (the floor you LINE a room with).
Conceptual Metaphor
FLOORING IS A SKIN/PROTECTIVE LAYER (e.g., 'the old lino was peeling').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lino' most likely used in American English?