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REFERENCE

lawn

n. · v.
US //ˈɫɔn// UK //lˈɔːn// lawn
  1. 1 mown grass (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an area of ground, usually near a house or in a park, covered with short grass that is cut regularly.

    an area of ground covered with grass kept closely mown, typically surrounding a residence or within a public park.

    Example

    We spent the afternoon sitting on the lawn and enjoying the sunshine.

    Example

    The gardener spent several hours weeding the front lawn to ensure the grass remained perfectly uniform for the garden party.
  2. 2 fine fabric (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a very thin, light, and smooth cloth made from cotton or linen.

    a fine, plain-weave textile made from linen or cotton, characterized by its lightweight and semi-transparent quality.

    Example

    The summer dress was made of a delicate white lawn that felt very cool.

    Example

    The historical costume featured sleeves made of fine cotton lawn, reflecting the high social status of the character.
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  1. 3 bacterial growth (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a thick layer of bacteria covering the entire surface of a laboratory dish.

    a continuous, uniform layer of bacteria growing on an agar surface, where individual colonies are no longer distinct.

    Example

    The scientist checked the dish to see if a bacterial lawn had formed.

    Example

    The antibiotic sensitivity test requires a uniform bacterial lawn to accurately measure the zones of inhibition around the paper discs.
  2. 4 to plant grass (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to cover an area of ground with grass to make a lawn.

    to plant or furnish a piece of land with a lawn. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    They decided to lawn the entire backyard instead of planting flowers.

    Example

    The landscape architect proposed to lawn the central courtyard to provide a soft visual contrast to the stone walls.
Etymology 1

Early Modern English laune (“turf, grassy area”), alteration of laund (“glade”), from Middle English launde, from Old French lande (“heath, moor”), of Germanic or Gaulish origin, from Proto-Germanic landą (“land”) or Proto-Celtic landā, both from Proto-Indo-European *lendʰ- (“land, heath”). Akin to Breton lann (“heath”), Old Norse & Old English land. Doublet of land and lande.

Etymology 2

Apparently from Laon, a French town known for its linen manufacturing, from Old French Lan, from Latin Laudunum, a Celtic name cognate with Lugdunum.

Word family

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