# lance

/ˈɫæns/ (US) · /lˈɑːns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lance
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cavalry weapon

noun · CEFR B2

a long wooden weapon with a sharp metal point, used by soldiers on horses.

For teachers: a thrusting weapon consisting of a long wooden shaft and a sharp steel head, historically used by light cavalry.

- The knight charged across the field with his lance held steady.
- Historical accounts describe the devastating impact of a heavy cavalry charge when the lances remained unbroken upon the initial collision.

### 2. to cut open a wound

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to cut a small hole in a painful swelling to let the fluid out.

For teachers: to incise a localized collection of pus or fluid, such as an abscess, to encourage drainage.

- The doctor had to lance the boil on his arm to help it heal.
- The surgeon decided to lance the infected area under local anaesthetic to relieve the mounting pressure and prevent further systemic complications.

### 3. to move quickly

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to move very fast and suddenly in a certain direction.

For teachers: to move with sudden, piercing speed or trajectory.

- A sudden pain lanced through her head when she stood up.
- The morning sun lanced through the thick canopy of the forest, illuminating the forest floor in narrow, brilliant streaks.

### 4. shogi piece

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a piece in the Japanese game of shogi that moves forward any number of squares.

For teachers: a specific piece in shogi (Japanese chess) characterized by its ability to move any number of empty squares directly forward.

- He moved his lance forward to threaten the opponent's king.
- In shogi strategy, the lance is often sacrificed to open a vertical file for a more powerful attacking piece.

## Examples

- The knight carried a heavy lance into the battle.
- During the tournament, the knight lowered his lance and charged toward his opponent at full speed.
- The museum's collection includes several ceremonial lances, distinguished by their intricate engravings and the heavy weight of their ash-wood shafts, which were designed for impact rather than agility.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.