What does lake mean?
A lake is a large body of standing water surrounded by land, whether natural or artificial. In ordinary geographical use, the word includes famous large lakes, small mountain lakes, reservoirs, and other named bodies of freshwater or saltwater water. It also appears in figurative expressions describing a large amount of a liquid or other material, as in “a lake of lava” or “a lake of coffee.” The word is common in both British and American English, while regional terms such as loch and tarn may be more precise in particular places. The singular is lake and the standard plural is lakes. Although a lake and a pond are related concepts, a lake is generally the larger body of water, and the practical boundary can vary according to geography and usage.
nounA large area of water surrounded by land. A lake is typically freshwater, although some lakes may be salty.
- A large natural or artificial body of standing water surrounded by land.
- A considerable quantity of a liquid, especially when it is contained in a vessel or basin.
"The cabin overlooked a still lake surrounded by pine trees."
"They sailed across the lake as the sun began to set."
"The old recipe calls for a lake of chocolate sauce."
The standard plural of lake is lakes.
"The region is known for its mountain lakes and clear rivers."
Lake is a singular noun for one body of water, but its familiar name changes only in the plural: lakes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lake come from?
The English word lake comes from Old English lac, meaning a body of standing water. It is inherited from Germanic vocabulary and is related cognately to forms in other Germanic languages, including Dutch meer and German See, although the exact development of the English meaning included a gradual narrowing toward the familiar modern sense.
Related word forms
How lake is actually used
The word is used in British and American English. In the figurative sense, it is usually informal and describes a very large amount of something. In British English, loch is sometimes used specifically for a lake in Scotland.
Easily confused with lake
A lake is generally a much larger body of standing water than a pond, although the distinction can vary by region and context.
A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from or connected to a larger body of water, often by a reef or barrier.