English Reference
noun · verb

lake

n. · v.
US /ˈɫeɪk/ UK /lˈeɪk/ lake UK spelling lake's, lake's, laked, laking

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a large area of water that is surrounded by land.

    n.a large inland body of standing water, typically fresh but occasionally saline.

    Simple

    We spent the afternoon swimming in the lake and having a picnic on the shore.

    In context

    The cottage overlooks a secluded lake, where the surface remains perfectly still until the morning breeze begins to ripple the water.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.a type of red paint or dye made from organic materials.

    n.a pigment produced by precipitating a dye with a metallic mordant, traditionally used in oil painting and food colouring.

    Simple

    The artist used a crimson lake to get that deep red colour in the sunset.

    In context

    Restorers identified the presence of madder lake in the shadows of the portrait, noting that the organic pigment had faded significantly over the centuries.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency British EnglishDialect

    v.to play or have fun.

    v.to engage in play, sport, or physical exertion.

    Simple

    The children were out laking in the fields until it got dark.

    In context

    In certain Northern English communities, older generations still use the term to describe children laking out in the street after school.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is highly regional to Northern England; most English speakers will only know the 'body of water' meaning.

    playfrolic
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated