English Reference

Word

NHL

Phoneticsnhl

Definitions

01sports league

B2 · Sport

n. Stands for National Hockey League. This is the top professional league for ice hockey in the United States and Canada.

n. Abbreviation for National Hockey League. The premier professional ice hockey organization in North America, comprising teams from both the United States and Canada.

“He grew up in Canada dreaming of one day playing in the NHL.”

“The NHL expanded its reach by adding several new franchises in the southern United States during the late twentieth century.”

American English

Usage

Usually used with the definite article 'the'.

02medical condition

C1 · Medicine

n. Stands for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is a type of cancer that starts in the body's immune system.

n. Abbreviation for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A diverse group of blood cancers that include any kind of lymphoma except Hodgkin's lymphomas.

“The doctor explained that NHL is a treatable form of cancer.”

“Recent advancements in immunotherapy have significantly improved the five-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with aggressive forms of NHL.”

Technical

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun in medical contexts.

03historic site

C1

n. Stands for National Historic Landmark. This is a building or site in the U.S. that is officially recognized for its historical importance.

n. Abbreviation for National Historic Landmark. A building, site, structure, or object that is officially recognized by the United States government for its outstanding historical significance.

“The old courthouse was designated as an NHL to protect it from being destroyed.”

“The preservation society campaigned for years to have the battlefield recognized as an NHL to ensure federal protection of the site.”

American English · Formal

Usage

Commonly used in government and architectural conservation contexts.

Synonyms

04dog breed

C2

n. Stands for Nenets Herding Laika. This is a specific breed of dog from Russia used for herding reindeer.

n. Abbreviation for Nenets Herding Laika. A multi-purpose spritz-type dog breed originating from the Russian Arctic, traditionally used by the Nenets people for reindeer herding.

“The NHL is a hardy dog breed that can survive in extremely cold climates.”

“Genetic studies of the NHL suggest it is one of the oldest dog breeds, maintaining a lineage closely tied to the nomadic tribes of the Siberian tundra.”

Technical

Synonyms

Reindeer Herding Laika

Real-World Examples

“After three failed attempts, an NHL affiliate franchise is looking to ‘Hammer’ down a permanent market in Hamilton, with some local help.”
Toronto Sun · 30 Aug 2026
“All five were allowed by the NHL to sign contracts again for the league's teams late last year.”
BBC News · 13 Aug 2026

Domain

Zoology

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Common
Updated

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English Reference