# lice

/ˈɫaɪs/ (US) · /lˈaɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lice
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

tiny insects that live on the skin of animals or people, especially in hair. They are very small and can cause itching.

For teachers: small, wingless, parasitic insects of the order Phthiraptera that live on the skin of mammals and birds. The plural form of 'louse'.

## Examples

- The school sent a letter home about head lice.
- Parents were advised to check their children's hair for lice after several cases were reported in the primary school.
- While most species of lice are host-specific and cannot survive long away from a body, they spread rapidly through direct contact or shared personal items in crowded environments.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The lice is spreading" but "The lice are spreading" — Lice is the plural form of louse and requires a plural verb.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'louse'; takes plural verb agreement.

---

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.