English Reference

Word

LAB

Phoneticslab

US/ˈɫæb/

UK/lˈæb/

Countable noun

Definition

n. Stands for laboratory. A room or building where scientists do experiments and study things.

n. Abbreviation for laboratory. A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching. A common clipping used in both speech and writing.

Examples

“The scientist is working in the lab today.”

“Students must wear safety goggles and a white coat whenever they are working in the chemistry lab.”

“While the initial hypothesis was formed in the field, the team had to return to the lab to conduct the precise molecular analysis required for publication.”

Examples

simple

“The scientist is working in the lab today.”

contextual

“Students must wear safety goggles and a white coat whenever they are working in the chemistry lab.”

complex

“While the initial hypothesis was formed in the field, the team had to return to the lab to conduct the precise molecular analysis required for publication.”

Usage

Commonly used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'lab coat' or 'lab results'.

Idioms

01. lab rat

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference