Foundational/Elementary words that begin with L

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with L

Let’s embark on a word adventure together! Today, we’re focusing on words that begin with the letter L. These words are building blocks for your vocabulary and essential for strong reading and writing skills.

List of Elementary words that begin with L

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with L with meaning and example

Label – A piece of paper or material attached to an object to give information about it.
Example: The label on the jar showed the ingredients.

Labor – Work, especially physical work.
Example: The labor on the farm is very demanding.

Ladder – A piece of equipment used for climbing up or down.
Example: He climbed the ladder to reach the roof.

Lady – A polite term for a woman.
Example: The lady in the red dress is my aunt.

Lake – A large body of water surrounded by land.
Example: We spent the day fishing at the lake.

Lamb – A young sheep.
Example: The lamb followed its mother everywhere.

Lamp – A device for giving light.
Example: She turned on the lamp to read her book.

Land – The part of the earth’s surface that is not covered by water.
Example: They bought a piece of land to build their house.

Lane – A narrow road, especially in the countryside.
Example: They walked down the quiet country lane.

Language – A system of communication used by a particular country or community.
Example: She is learning the Spanish language.

Large – Of considerable or relatively great size, extent, or capacity.
Example: They live in a large house.

Last – Coming after all others in time or order.
Example: He was the last person to leave the room.

Late – Doing something or taking place after the expected, proper, or usual time.
Example: She was late for her appointment.

Laugh – Make the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement.
Example: The joke made everyone laugh.

Law – The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members.
Example: It is against the law to steal.

Lawyer – A person who practices or studies law.
Example: She consulted a lawyer for legal advice.

Lay – To put something down carefully or in a flat position.
Example: He lay the book on the table.

Lazy – Unwilling to work or use energy.
Example: He felt too lazy to get out of bed.

Lead – To guide or direct in a course.
Example: She will lead the team in the project.

Leaf – A flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and bladelike, that is attached to a stem.
Example: The leaf fell from the tree.

Learn – Gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in something by study, experience, or being taught.
Example: He wants to learn how to play the guitar.

Least – Smallest in amount, extent, or significance.
Example: She spent the least amount of money.

Leave – To go away from.
Example: They leave for vacation tomorrow.

Left – On or towards the side of your body that is to the west when you are facing north.
Example: Turn left at the next intersection.

Leg – Each of the limbs on which a person or animal walks and stands.
Example: He broke his leg while skiing.

Lemon – A yellow, oval citrus fruit with thick skin and fragrant, acidic juice.
Example: She squeezed a lemon for its juice.

Length – The measurement or extent of something from end to end.
Example: The length of the table is two meters.

Less – A smaller amount of; not as much.
Example: She wants less sugar in her coffee.

Lesson – A period of learning or teaching.
Example: The teacher prepared the lesson for the day.

Let – To allow or permit.
Example: She let him borrow her car.

Letter – A written, typed, or printed communication.
Example: She received a letter from her friend.

Library – A place where books, manuscripts, and other materials are kept for reading or reference.
Example: She borrowed a book from the library.

Lie – To be in or assume a horizontal or resting position.
Example: He likes to lie on the beach and relax.

Life – The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter.
Example: They have a happy life together.

Light – The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
Example: Turn on the light; it’s too dark in here.

Like – To find agreeable or enjoyable.
Example: She likes to read books.

Line – A long, narrow mark or band.
Example: Draw a straight line across the page.

Lion – A large tawny-colored cat that lives in prides, found in Africa and northwestern India.
Example: The lion is known as the king of the jungle.

Lip – Either of the two fleshy parts that form the upper and lower edges of the opening of the mouth.
Example: She put on lipstick to color her lips.

List – A number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively.
Example: She made a list of things to buy.

Listen – Give one’s attention to a sound.
Example: She likes to listen to music.

Little – Small in size, amount, or degree.
Example: The little kitten was very cute.

Live – To remain alive or to have an existence.
Example: They live in the city center.

Lizard – A reptile with a long body and tail, four legs, movable eyelids, and rough, scaly, or spiny skin.
Example: They saw a lizard sunning itself on a rock.

Load – A heavy or bulky thing that is being carried or is about to be carried.
Example: The truck carried a load of bricks.

Local – Relating or restricted to a particular area or one’s neighborhood.
Example: They prefer to buy from local farmers.

Lock – A mechanism for keeping a door, lid, etc., fastened.
Example: She turned the key to lock the door.

Log – A part of the trunk or a large branch of a tree that has fallen or been cut off.
Example: They put another log on the fire.

Lonely – Sad because one has no friends or company.
Example: She felt lonely after moving to a new city.

Long – Measuring a great distance from end to end.
Example: The bridge is very long.

Look – Direct one’s gaze toward someone or something or in a specified direction.
Example: Look at the beautiful view!

Loose – Not firmly or tightly fixed in place.
Example: The door handle is loose.

Lost – Unable to find one’s way.
Example: They got lost in the forest.

Lot – A large number or amount; a great deal.
Example: She has a lot of friends.

Loud – Producing or capable of producing much noise.
Example: The music was very loud.

Love – An intense feeling of deep affection.
Example: They are deeply in love with each other.

Low – Situated not far above the ground, floor, or base.
Example: The table is low to the ground.

Loyal – Giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.
Example: He is loyal to his friends.

Lucky – Having good fortune.
Example: She felt lucky to win the prize.

Lunch – A meal eaten in the middle of the day.
Example: They had a sandwich for lunch.

Latch – A metal bar with a catch and lever used for fastening a door or gate.
Example: He lifted the latch and opened the gate.

Laptop – A small, portable personal computer.
Example: She uses her laptop for work.

Latte – A type of coffee made with espresso and hot steamed milk.
Example: She ordered a vanilla latte.

Lavender – A small aromatic evergreen shrub of the mint family, with narrow leaves and bluish-purple flowers.
Example: The garden was full of blooming lavender.

Lawn – An area of short, mown grass in a yard, garden, or park.
Example: They spent the afternoon playing on the lawn.

Lantern – A lamp with a transparent case protecting the flame or electric bulb.
Example: They used a lantern to light the campsite.

Laughter – The action or sound of laughing.
Example: The room was filled with laughter.

Lavish – Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
Example: They threw a lavish party for her birthday.

Layer – A sheet, quantity, or thickness of material, typically one of several, covering a surface or body.
Example: She wore several layers to keep warm.

Leader – The person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.
Example: He was elected as the leader of the team.

Leaflet – A printed sheet of paper, sometimes folded, containing information or advertising and usually distributed free.
Example: They handed out leaflets at the event.

League – A collection of people, countries, or groups that combine for a particular purpose, typically mutual protection or cooperation.
Example: The teams compete in a football league.

Leak – A hole in a container or covering through which contents, especially liquid or gas, may accidentally pass.
Example: The roof has a leak.

Lean – To incline or bend from a vertical position.
Example: She had to lean to see around the corner.

Leap – To jump or spring a long way, to a great height, or with great force.
Example: The frog can leap across the pond.

Lease – A contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc., to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment.
Example: They signed a lease for the apartment.

Leather – A material made from the skin of an animal by tanning or a similar process.
Example: He bought a leather jacket.

Leek – A vegetable belonging to the onion family, with a mild, sweet flavor.
Example: She added chopped leek to the soup.

Legume – A plant or its fruit or seed in the family Leguminosae (or Fabaceae).
Example: Beans and peas are examples of legumes.

Leisure – Free time.
Example: They enjoyed their leisure on the weekend.

Lemonade – A drink made from lemon juice and sweetened water.
Example: She made fresh lemonade on a hot day.

Lengthy – (especially in reference to time) Of considerable or unusual length, especially so as to be tedious.
Example: The meeting was very lengthy.

Lens – A piece of glass or other transparent material, used to converge or diverge transmitted light and form images.
Example: The camera has a zoom lens.

Leopard – A large, spotted wild cat found in Africa and parts of Asia.
Example: The leopard is known for its speed and agility.

Letterbox – A box attached to an outside wall, for incoming mail.
Example: She checked the letterbox for new mail.

Level – A horizontal plane or line with respect to the distance above or below a given point.
Example: The table must be level for the experiment.

Lever – A rigid bar that is used to lift or move a load with one end when pressure is applied to the other.
Example: He used a lever to lift the heavy rock.

Liberty – The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views.
Example: They fought for their liberty.

License – A permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade.
Example: She applied for a driver’s license.

Lick – To pass the tongue over something.
Example: The dog began to lick his owner’s hand.

Lift – To raise to a higher position or level.
Example: She needed help to lift the heavy box.

Liken – To point out the resemblance of someone or something to (something else).
Example: He liked to liken himself to a warrior.

Lily – A type of plant with large, trumpet-shaped, typically fragrant flowers.
Example: She planted lilies in the garden.

Limb – An arm or leg of a person or four-legged animal, or a large branch of a tree.
Example: The tree lost a large limb in the storm.

Limit – A point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass.
Example: There is a limit to how much I can carry.

Lineage – Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.
Example: They traced their lineage back to the early settlers.

Linen – Cloth woven from flax.
Example: She prefers to use linen napkins.

Link – A relationship or connection between people or things.
Example: They found a link between the two events.

Lint – Short, fine fibers that separate from the surface of cloth or yarn, especially during processing.
Example: The dryer filter was full of lint.

Lioness – A female lion.

• Example: The lioness protected her cubs fiercely.

Lipstick – A cosmetic for coloring the lips.

• Example: She applied red lipstick before going out.

Liquid – A substance that flows freely but is of constant volume.

• Example: Water is a liquid essential for life.

Listless – Lacking energy or enthusiasm.

• Example: He felt listless after staying up all night.

Literacy – The ability to read and write.

• Example: The program aims to improve literacy among adults.

Litter – Waste material thrown away in public places; a group of young animals born to an animal at one time.

• Example: The park was clean, with no litter in sight.

Liver – A large organ in the body that processes substances in the blood.

• Example: The liver is essential for detoxifying the body.

Loan – A thing that is borrowed, especially a sum of money.

• Example: She took out a loan to buy a car.

Lobby – A room providing a space out of which one or more other rooms or corridors lead.

• Example: They waited in the hotel lobby.

Lobster – A large marine crustacean with a muscular tail.

• Example: They ordered lobster for dinner.

Locality – A particular area or neighborhood.

• Example: The locality is known for its beautiful parks.

Location – A particular place or position.

• Example: The location of the restaurant is very convenient.

Lodge – A small house at the gates of a park or in the grounds of a large house, occupied by a gatekeeper, gardener, or other employee.

• Example: They stayed at a cozy lodge in the mountains.

Loft – A room or space directly under the roof of a house or other building.

• Example: They converted the loft into an extra bedroom.

Logic – Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity.

• Example: The puzzle requires strong logic to solve.

Lollipop – A flat, rounded candy on the end of a stick.

• Example: The child enjoyed a cherry lollipop.

Lone – Having no companions; solitary or single.

• Example: He was the lone survivor of the accident.

Longing – A strong desire for something.

• Example: She felt a longing to return home.

Loop – A shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.

• Example: She tied her shoelaces in a loop.

Lord – Someone or something having power, authority, or influence.

• Example: The lord of the manor was very kind.

Lotion – A thick, smooth liquid preparation designed to be applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.

• Example: She applied lotion to her dry hands.

Lottery – A means of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving prizes to the holders of numbers drawn at random.

• Example: He won a small prize in the lottery.

Lounge – A public room, as in a hotel, theater, or club, where one can sit and relax.

• Example: They met in the airport lounge.

Lubricate – Apply a substance such as oil or grease to minimize friction and allow smooth movement.

• Example: It’s important to lubricate the bicycle chain regularly.

Luck – Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions.

• Example: He had the luck to win the grand prize.

Lullaby – A quiet, gentle song sung to send a child to sleep.

• Example: She sang a lullaby to her baby.

Lump – A compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape.

• Example: He found a lump of sugar in his tea.

Lunar – Relating to the moon.

• Example: The lunar eclipse was a spectacular sight.

Lunchbox – A container for carrying a packed meal.

• Example: She packed a sandwich in her lunchbox.

Lure – Something that tempts or is used to tempt a person or animal to do something.

• Example: The fisherman used a worm as a lure.

Lush – Growing luxuriantly.

• Example: The garden was lush with vegetation.

Luxury – The state of great comfort and extravagant living.

• Example: They stayed in a luxury hotel.

Lymph – A clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease.

• Example: The doctor checked for swollen lymph nodes.

Lymphatic – Relating to lymph or its secretion.

• Example: The lymphatic system is crucial for immune function.

Lace – A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern.

• Example: She wore a dress with lace trim.

Lagoon – A stretch of salt water separated from the sea by a low sandbank or coral reef.

• Example: They swam in the warm waters of the lagoon.

Lair – A wild animal’s resting place, especially one that is well hidden.

• Example: The lioness guarded her lair fiercely.

Lakefront – The land along the edge of a lake.

• Example: They built a house on the lakefront.

Lampoon – Publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.

• Example: The comedian lampooned the politician’s speech.

Lanky – Ungracefully thin and tall.

• Example: The lanky teenager struggled with his balance.

Lapel – The part on each side of a coat or jacket immediately below the collar that is folded back.

• Example: He pinned a flower to his lapel.

Lark – A small ground-dwelling songbird.

• Example: They watched a lark singing in the field.

Lattice – A structure consisting of strips of wood or metal crossed and fastened together with square or diamond-shaped spaces left between.

• Example: The lattice fence added charm to the garden.

Latchkey – A key of an outer door of a house.

• Example: She gave her son a latchkey for emergencies.

Laud – Praise (a person or their achievements) highly.

• Example: The scientist was lauded for her groundbreaking research.

Laureate – A person who is honored with an award for outstanding creative or intellectual achievement.

• Example: He is a Nobel laureate in literature.

Lavatory – A room or compartment with a toilet and washbasin.

• Example: She went to the lavatory to freshen up.

Lava – Hot molten or semi-fluid rock erupted from a volcano.

• Example: The lava flowed down the mountainside.

Lax – Not sufficiently strict, severe, or careful.

• Example: The security at the event was surprisingly lax.

Layover – A period of rest or waiting before a further stage in a journey.

• Example: They had a two-hour layover in Chicago.

Languid – Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort.

• Example: The hot weather made everyone feel languid.

Lapse – A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment.

• Example: She had a momentary lapse of concentration.

Latex – A milky fluid produced by rubber trees and other plants that is used to make rubber.

• Example: The gloves were made of latex.

Latticework – Interlacing strips of wood, metal, or other material forming a lattice.

• Example: The latticework added a decorative touch to the porch.

Laundry – Clothes and linens that need to be washed or that have been newly washed.

• Example: She did the laundry every Saturday.

Lawful – Conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.

• Example: They are engaged in lawful business practices.

Lawsuit – A claim or dispute brought to a court of law for adjudication.

• Example: She filed a lawsuit against the company.

Lawnmower – A machine for cutting the grass on a lawn.

• Example: He used the lawnmower to keep the yard neat.

Lawyerly – Characteristic of or resembling a lawyer or the work of a lawyer.

• Example: His lawyerly approach helped him win the case.

Layman – A nonordained member of a church or a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject.

• Example: The book is written for laymen, not specialists.

Layered – Arranged in or consisting of layers.

• Example: The cake had a deliciously layered structure.

Leafy – Having many leaves or areas covered with leaves.

• Example: They lived in a leafy suburb.

Lean-to – A building sharing one wall with a larger building, and having a roof that leans against that wall.

• Example: The gardener stored his tools in the lean-to.

Leapfrog – A game in which players take turns in leaping over the backs of others who are bent down.

• Example: The children played leapfrog in the park.

Lecture – An educational talk to an audience, especially one of students in a university.

• Example: The professor gave an engaging lecture on history.

Lectern – A tall stand with a sloping top to hold a book or notes, from which someone can read while standing up.

• Example: The speaker placed his notes on the lectern.

Legible – Clear enough to read.

• Example: Her handwriting is very legible.

Legitimate – Conforming to the law or to rules.

• Example: The company is a legitimate business operation.

Lengthen – Make or become longer.

• Example: He decided to lengthen his stay by another week.

Lethargic – Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.

• Example: After the meal, they felt lethargic and drowsy.

Leverage – The exertion of force by means of a lever or an object used in the manner of a lever.

• Example: He used his experience as leverage to get a better position.

Levy – Impose (a tax, fee, or fine).

• Example: The government decided to levy a new tax on cigarettes.

Lexicon – The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge.

• Example: The medical lexicon includes many complex terms.

Liability – The state of being responsible for something, especially by law.

• Example: The company has a liability to pay damages.

Liaison – Communication or cooperation that facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations.

• Example: She acts as a liaison between the management and the staff.

Liberal – Open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.

• Example: He has liberal views on education.

Lichen – A simple slow-growing plant that typically forms a low crustlike, leaflike, or branching growth on rocks, walls, and trees.

• Example: The tree trunk was covered with lichen.

Licorice – A sweet, chewy, aromatic black substance made by evaporation from the juice of a root.

• Example: He bought some licorice from the candy store.

Liege – Concerned with or relating to the relationship between a feudal superior and a vassal.

• Example: The knight swore allegiance to his liege lord.

Lifejacket – A sleeveless buoyant or inflatable jacket for keeping a person afloat in water.

• Example: Every passenger was required to wear a lifejacket.

Lifeguard – An expert swimmer employed to rescue bathers who get into difficulty at a beach or swimming pool.

• Example: The lifeguard kept a watchful eye on the swimmers.

Lifestyle – The way in which a person or group lives.

• Example: They adopted a healthier lifestyle.

Lifetime – The duration of a person’s life.

• Example: She achieved a lot in her lifetime.

Ligament – A short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.

• Example: He tore a ligament in his knee while playing football.

Likeness – The fact or quality of being alike; resemblance.

• Example: There is a striking likeness between the twins.

Limber – (of a person or body part) lithe or flexible.

• Example: She practiced yoga to keep her body limber.

Limestone – A hard sedimentary rock, composed mainly of calcium carbonate or dolomite, used as building material and in the making of cement.

• Example: The building was constructed with limestone blocks.

Limitless – Without end, limit, or boundary.

• Example: The possibilities are limitless with the right mindset.

Limousine – A large, luxurious automobile, especially one driven by a chauffeur who is separated from the passengers by a partition.

• Example: They arrived at the event in a stretch limousine.

Lineup – A group of people or things brought together for a common purpose, especially as a team.

• Example: The band announced the lineup for their upcoming tour.

Linger – Stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave.

• Example: They lingered at the cafe, enjoying their conversation.

Linguistic – Relating to language or linguistics.

• Example: She has a strong linguistic ability and speaks several languages.

Linoleum – A material consisting of a canvas backing thickly coated with a preparation of linseed oil and powdered cork, used especially as a floor covering.

• Example: The kitchen floor was covered with linoleum.

Linseed – The seeds of the flax plant, which are the source of linseed oil and linseed cake.

• Example: She added linseed to her diet for its health benefits.

Liquidate – Wind up the affairs of (a company or firm) by ascertaining liabilities and apportioning assets.

• Example: They decided to liquidate the company after it went bankrupt.

Liquidation – The process of liquidating a business.

• Example: The store is holding a liquidation sale before closing.

Liquor – Alcoholic drink, especially distilled spirits.

• Example: The bar offers a wide selection of liquor.

Literal – Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.

• Example: He gave a literal interpretation of the text.

Lithe – (Especially of a person’s body) thin, supple, and graceful.

• Example: The dancer’s lithe movements captivated the audience.

Lithograph – A print made by the lithography process.

• Example: The museum displayed a beautiful lithograph by a famous artist.

Litigate – To engage in legal proceedings.

• Example: They decided to litigate the matter in court.

Litigation – The process of taking legal action.

• Example: The company was involved in a lengthy litigation over the patent.

Litterbug – A person who carelessly drops litter in public places.

• Example: The park has signs to discourage litterbugs.

Livery – Special uniform worn by a servant or official.

• Example: The doorman wore a smart livery.

Livestock – Farm animals regarded as an asset.

• Example: The farmer took good care of his livestock.

Loaf – A quantity of bread that is shaped and baked in one piece.

• Example: She bought a fresh loaf of bread from the bakery.

Loaner – A thing that is loaned, especially a car or appliance.

• Example: The dealership gave him a loaner car while his was being repaired.

Lobbyist – A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest.

• Example: The lobbyist worked to change the environmental laws.

Locket – A small ornamental case usually containing a picture or a lock of hair, typically worn on a chain around the neck.

• Example: She wore a gold locket with a photo of her family inside.

Locomotive – A powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains.

• Example: The old steam locomotive was a popular attraction at the museum.

Lofty – Of imposing height; especially standing out above others.

• Example: The loftiest peak in the mountain range was covered in snow.

Logarithm – The exponent or power to which a base must be raised to yield a given number.

• Example: In mathematics, we learned about logarithms and their properties.

Logically – In a way that is expected or sensible.

• Example: She logically explained her reasoning to the committee.

Longevity – Long life.

• Example: The family attributed their longevity to a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Loophole – An ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules.

• Example: The company found a loophole in the tax regulations.

Looseleaf – Having pages that can easily be removed and replaced.

• Example: She kept her notes in a looseleaf binder.

Looter – A person who steals goods, typically during a riot or war.

• Example: The looters took advantage of the chaos after the storm.

Lordship – A title used to address a man who has a high rank in society, especially in the UK.

• Example: His lordship will see you now.

Lore – Traditional knowledge or beliefs passed down through generations.

• Example: The book is filled with ancient lore and legends.

Louse – A small, wingless, parasitic insect that lives on the skin of mammals and birds.

• Example: They treated the child for head lice after discovering the louse.

Lovable – Inspiring or deserving love or affection.

• Example: The puppy was so lovable that everyone wanted to adopt him.

Lovelorn – Unhappy because of unrequited love.

• Example: The lovelorn teenager wrote poems about his crush.

Loveless – Without love.

• Example: Their marriage was cold and loveless.

Loveseat – A small sofa for two people.

• Example: They bought a cozy loveseat for their new apartment.

Lowercase – Small letters as opposed to capital letters (uppercase).

• Example: Please type your password in lowercase letters.

Lowland – An area of land that is lower than the surrounding area.

• Example: The lowlands were fertile and good for farming.

Lowly – Humble or low in status or importance.

• Example: He started his career in a lowly position but worked his way up.

Loyalty – A strong feeling of support or allegiance.

• Example: The dog’s loyalty to its owner was unshakable.

Lucid – Expressed clearly; easy to understand.

• Example: The patient became lucid after the medication took effect.

Ludicrous – So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing.

• Example: His suggestion was so ludicrous that everyone laughed.

Luggage – Suitcases or other bags in which to pack personal belongings for traveling.

• Example: They packed their luggage the night before their flight.

Lumberjack – A person who fells trees, cuts them into logs, or transports them to a sawmill.

• *Example: The lumberjack worked tirelessly in the forest.

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with L