# Lola

/ˈɫoʊɫə/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. grandmother

noun · CEFR B2 · Dialect

a word for grandmother used by people from the Philippines.

For teachers: a term of address or reference for a grandmother. Common in Philippine English and among the Filipino diaspora.

- We are visiting my lola in Manila for her eightieth birthday next week.
- The children spent the entire summer at their lola's house, learning traditional recipes and listening to stories about their ancestors.

Usage: Often used as a title before a name, such as 'Lola Maria'.

### 2. given name

noun · CEFR B1

a popular female first name, originally from Spain.

For teachers: a feminine given name, originally a diminutive of Dolores but now frequently used as a standalone name.

- Lola is starting her new job at the bank on Monday morning.
- The protagonist, a young woman named Lola, navigates the complexities of urban life in the director's latest film.

## Examples

- My lola makes the best traditional food for my birthday.
- Every Sunday, the whole family gathers at Lola's house to share a large meal and catch up.

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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.