loch

[lok, lokh]

noun

Scot.

1. a lake.

2. a partially landlocked or protected bay; a narrow arm of the sea.

loch

/ lɒk, lɒx /

noun

1. a Scot word for lake 1

2. Also called: sea loch. a long narrow bay or arm of the sea in Scotland

Word History and Origins

Origin of loch¹

1350–1400; Middle English ( Scots ) louch, locht < Scots Gaelic loch, Old Irish loch lake, cognate with Latin lacus, Old English lagu; lake ¹, lough

Word History and Origins

Origin of loch¹

C14: from Gaelic

Example Sentences

They believe the fortress, which was built across two small islands in a loch at Finlaggan on Islay, belonged to royalty more than 700 years ago.

From BBC

Part of the problem, he goes on, is Scotland's relationship with rain, and the perception that in a land of more than 30,000 freshwater lochs, water must surely be abundant.

From BBC

Radioactive water from a Royal Navy nuclear weapons base leaked into a loch after old pipes repeatedly burst, according to official files.

From BBC

Some of Scotland's roads are expected to be busier than usual with people travelling to beaches, parks or lochs to cool down and enjoy the warm weather.

From BBC

A family has paid tribute to a "bold and adventurous" 15-year-old boy killed in a paddleboarding incident on a Fife loch.

From BBC

Related Words

• basin 
• lagoon 
• pond 
• pool 
• reservoir