# Larry

/ˈɫɛɹi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/larry
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a man's name

noun · CEFR A1

a common short name for a man named Laurence or Lawrence.

For teachers: a masculine given name, typically serving as a diminutive of Laurence or Lawrence.

- My uncle Larry is coming over for dinner this Sunday.
- Larry was a remarkably popular name for boys born in the United States during the middle of the twentieth century.

### 2. a loud noise or fuss

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect

a loud, confused noise or a lot of activity and trouble.

For teachers: a confused noise, hubbub, or state of uproar. The term is restricted to specific regional dialects.

- There was quite a larry in the street after the football match ended.
- The sudden larry in the courtyard startled the residents, who were unaccustomed to such a loud commotion at that hour.

Usage: Used as an uncountable noun in this sense.

## Examples

- He just got a promotion and is happy as Larry.
- Give him a good book and a quiet corner, and he is as happy as Larry for the rest of the afternoon.
- Despite the modest surroundings and the lack of modern amenities, the children seemed as happy as Larry, finding endless amusement in the natural landscape surrounding the cottage.

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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.