lough

noun

ˈläk How to pronounce lough (audio) ˈläḵ How to pronounce lough (audio)
Synonyms of loughnext
1
chiefly Ireland : lake
2
chiefly Ireland : a bay or inlet of the sea

Examples of lough in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the shores of Belfast's lough, The Culloden Estate and Spa is a serene escape from the buzzy city scene. — Ciara McQuillan, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2022 Along with a grassy walled garden, an arboretum, the property has nearly three miles of lough frontage and shooting rights across a total of 3,000 acres. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025 Global warming has also increased the temperature of the lough, encouraging the abundant blooms. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish loch lake; akin to Latin lacus lake — more at lake

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lough was in the 14th century

Rhymes for lough

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Browse Nearby Words

Lou Gehrig's disease
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Loughborough
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Cite this Entry

“Lough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lough. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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