lollop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2 vocabulary, literary/descriptive use)Informal, literary, humorous
Quick answer
What does “lollop” mean?
To move in a slow, clumsy, relaxed, ungainly manner with long, loose steps or bounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move in a slow, clumsy, relaxed, ungainly manner with long, loose steps or bounds.
To proceed or behave in a lazy, idle, or relaxed way. Can also describe an animal's bounding, clumsy gait.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Word exists in both but is more common in British English. In AmE, alternatives like 'lumber', 'bound awkwardly', or 'lope' are often preferred.
Connotations
In BrE, it often has a slightly humorous or affectionate tone. In AmE, it may sound more quaint or consciously literary.
Frequency
Used more frequently in British novels, journalism, and casual description. Rare in American everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “lollop” in a Sentence
Subject + lollop + (adverbial of direction)Subject + lollop + (adverbial of manner)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lollop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Labrador lolloped happily across the park towards the ball.
- He just lollops about the house all weekend in his pyjamas.
American English
- The teenager lolloped into the kitchen and slumped at the table.
- A gangly fawn lolloped after its mother into the woods.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis.
Everyday
Used informally for humorous or vivid description of people or animals.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lollop”
- Using it for fast movement (it's slow/medium pace).
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Spelling as 'lollip' or 'lollap'.
- Confusing with 'loll' (to recline lazily).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency word used primarily for vivid, informal, or literary description.
Rarely. It's almost exclusively for living creatures (people, animals), implying a will or lack thereof in the movement.
'Lope' implies a long, easy, rhythmic stride (graceful). 'Lollop' implies a clumsy, loose, uncontrolled version of a lope.
No standard noun form. You would use 'a lolloping gait' or similar phrasing.
To move in a slow, clumsy, relaxed, ungainly manner with long, loose steps or bounds.
Lollop is usually informal, literary, humorous in register.
Lollop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒləp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːləp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LOLLy-pop with legs, moving in a slow, silly, bouncy way. LOLLOP sounds like a lazy, lolling hop.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS UNCONTROLLED BOUNCING (of a loose object).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lollop' LEAST likely to be used?