lions: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (used across all registers from everyday conversation to academic writing)
Quick answer
What does “lions” mean?
The plural form of 'lion', a large, powerful carnivorous feline (Panthera leo) of the cat family, notable for the male's distinctive mane.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'lion', a large, powerful carnivorous feline (Panthera leo) of the cat family, notable for the male's distinctive mane.
Symbolically, people or organizations of great strength, courage, or importance; in heraldry, a common emblem; in sports, a common team name or mascot; a notable social attraction (e.g., the lions of a city).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The metaphorical and idiomatic uses are equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of strength, courage, and majesty. The lion is a national symbol for England and appears in British heraldry.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly higher in British English due to its national symbol status and historical/cultural references (e.g., British Lions rugby team).
Grammar
How to Use “lions” in a Sentence
ADJ + lions (e.g., hungry lions)lions + VERB (e.g., lions hunt)PREP + lions (e.g., among the lions)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lions” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team were lionised after their Cup victory.
- The press lionised the young inventor.
American English
- The team was lionized after their championship win.
- The media lionized the young inventor.
adjective
British English
- He has a lion-hearted determination.
- The lioness displayed typical lion-like behaviour.
American English
- He has a lionhearted determination.
- The lioness displayed typical lionlike behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for market leaders or dominant competitors (e.g., 'The tech lions are battling for market share.').
Academic
In biology/zoology texts discussing the Panthera leo species, their behavior, ecology, and conservation.
Everyday
Talking about zoo animals, wildlife documentaries, sports teams, or describing a brave person.
Technical
Specific use in zoology, taxonomy, and wildlife management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lions”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lions”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lions”
- Incorrect: 'We saw a lions at the zoo.' (Correct: 'We saw lions / a lion at the zoo.')
- Spelling confusion with 'lines' or 'loins'.
- Overusing the singular form when the plural is required for general statements.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'lions' is only the plural noun. The related verb is 'to lionize/lionise' (to treat as a celebrity).
'Lions' can refer to the species in general or multiple male lions specifically. 'Lionesses' refers specifically to female lions, which lack a mane.
Informally, sometimes. For example, 'mountain lion' is a different species (cougar/puma). In precise usage, 'lions' refers only to Panthera leo.
The standard pronunciation /ˈlaɪ.ənz/ is identical. Minor accent variations might affect the vowel quality or the 'r' in 'lion's' in possessive forms.
The plural form of 'lion', a large, powerful carnivorous feline (Panthera leo) of the cat family, notable for the male's distinctive mane.
Lions is usually neutral (used across all registers from everyday conversation to academic writing) in register.
Lions: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.ənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.ənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw someone to the lions”
- “lion's share”
- “beard the lion in his den”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LION + S. Imagine several large cats with manes lying on (LION) a big letter 'S' in the sun.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH/COURAGE IS A LION (e.g., 'He was a lion in the debate.'); A LEADER/CHAMPION IS A LION.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'the lion's share' mean?