Word
LEGO
Phoneticslego
/ˈɫɛɡoʊ/
Definition
n. small plastic bricks that you can join together to build toys like houses or cars.
n. interlocking plastic blocks used as a construction toy for building models and structures.
Examples
“He spent the whole afternoon building a castle with LEGO.”
“The children left their LEGO scattered across the living room floor, making it a hazard for anyone walking barefoot.”
“While originally marketed as a simple children's toy, LEGO has evolved into a sophisticated medium for adult hobbyists to create intricate architectural models and functional robotic systems.”
Examples
simple
“He spent the whole afternoon building a castle with LEGO.”
contextual
“The children left their LEGO scattered across the living room floor, making it a hazard for anyone walking barefoot.”
complex
“While originally marketed as a simple children's toy, LEGO has evolved into a sophisticated medium for adult hobbyists to create intricate architectural models and functional robotic systems.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in British English, while American English speakers frequently use the plural 'Legos'.
Teaching tip
While the company insists on 'LEGO bricks', most people use the word as a common noun. Note the regional difference: 'some LEGO' (UK) vs 'some Legos' (US).
Pitfall
I bought three Legos for my son.
I bought three boxes of LEGO for my son.
In formal contexts and according to the brand, LEGO is uncountable. Use 'pieces of LEGO' or 'LEGO sets' instead of 'Legos'.
Synonyms
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/lego