ENGLISH
REFERENCE

laos

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɫaʊs// laos

n. a country in Southeast Asia that does not have a coast. It is known for its mountains and the Mekong River.

n. a landlocked sovereign state in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.


SIMPLE

Vientiane is the capital city of Laos.

CONTEXTUAL

Many travelers visit Laos to see the historic temples in Luang Prabang and the beautiful natural landscapes.

COMPLEX

As the only landlocked nation in Southeast Asia, Laos has historically relied on the Mekong River as a primary artery for trade and internal communication.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from French Laos, plural of Lao, from Lao ລາວ (lāo, “Lao”). More at Lao.

Usage

Proper noun; typically used without a definite article ('the') in modern English.

Pitfall

I am going to the LaosI am going to LaosUnlike 'the Philippines' or 'the Netherlands', Laos does not take a definite article.

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