English Lexicon

Lion

/ˈlaɪ.ən/
nounCEFR A2 (Elementary)Top #2450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A large carnivorous feline mammal native to Africa and northwestern India, known for its tawny coat and the prominent mane of the male.

    "A pride of lions rested lazily under the acacia tree."
  2. 2

    A person who is fierce, brave, or considered a celebrity of high social standing.

    "He was considered a literary lion of his generation."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'leo', which traces back through ancient Greek 'leōn' and ultimately likely originates from an ancient Near Eastern or Semitic root. The term has been used in Germanic and Romance languages since the Old English period to denote the large, powerful wild cat native to Africa and formerly Asia.

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