What does lab mean?
Lab is the common shortened form of laboratory, used especially in scientific, academic, medical, and technical contexts. In its most familiar sense, it denotes a room, building, or institution where experiments, testing, and research are conducted. People work in labs, wear protective lab coats, and may be described figuratively as “lab rats” when they spend long periods studying or handling experimental materials. The word can also refer more broadly to a research or policy organization that develops and evaluates new ideas. Lab is generally informal but widely accepted; its abbreviation makes it more conversational and familiar than laboratory. The word is used in both British and American English, with no major regional difference in meaning or pronunciation. Its history connects it with the Latin idea of work: laboratory originally meant a place for labor or study, and modern “lab” retains the practical sense of a place where careful work produces knowledge or new products.
nounA room, building, or institution where scientific experiments, testing, or research are carried out. By extension, it can refer to a group or organization that develops and tests new ideas, especially political or policy ideas.
- A room, building, or institution where scientific experiments, testing, or research are carried out.
- A group or organization that develops and tests new ideas, especially political or policy ideas.
"The samples are being analyzed in the research lab."
"She spent the afternoon in the lab, checking the results of the experiment."
"The policy lab published a report recommending changes to the tax system."
The standard plural of lab is labs.
"The university has several labs dedicated to medical research."
From Latin laborare, “to work,” laboratory literally meant “a place for work”—a surprisingly practical origin for a word now synonymous with discovery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lab come from?
Lab is a shortened form of laboratory, which comes from Latin laboratorium, meaning a place for work or study. The underlying verb laborare means “to work” or “to toil.” English adopted laboratory in the 17th century, and the shorter form lab became established in scientific and academic usage during the 19th century. Related English words such as laborious, elaborate, and collaborate continue to reflect the same Latin root.
How lab is actually used
Lab is the usual informal abbreviation for laboratory and is standard in academic, scientific, and workplace contexts. The organizational sense is less common and is especially associated with political research and policy development.
Easily confused with lab
A lab is a place for scientific research or experimentation, whereas a lap is the area from the waist to the knees when seated.