lance

¹

[ lans, lahns ]

noun

1. a long wooden shaft with a pointed metal head, used as a weapon by knights and cavalry soldiers in charging.
2. a cavalry soldier armed with such a weapon; lancer.
3. an implement resembling the weapon, as a spear for killing a harpooned whale.
4. Lance, Military. a U.S. Army surface-to-surface rocket with a range of 47 miles (75 km) and capable of carrying a tactical nuclear warhead.
5. a lancet.
6. oxygen lance.
7. Machinery.
   1. a tube having a nozzle for cleaning furnace walls and other inaccessible surfaces with air, water, or steam.
   2. a pipe for directing oxygen onto a heated metal object in order to burn a hole in it, the lance also being consumed so as to add to the heat.

verb (used with object)

, lanced, lanc·ing.

1. to open with or as if with a lancet.
2. to pierce with a lance.
3. to cut through (concrete or the like) with an oxygen lance.

lance

²

[ lans, lahns ]

noun

1. sand lance.

Lance

³

[ lans ]

noun

1. a male given name.

lance

/ lɑːns /

noun

1. a long weapon with a pointed head used by horsemen to unhorse or injure an opponent
2. a similar weapon used for hunting, whaling, etc
3. See lancet
   surgery another name for lancet
4. See sand eel
   the sand lance See sand eel

verb

1. to pierce (an abscess or boil) with a lancet to drain off pus
2. to pierce with or as if with a lance

Other Words From

• lancelike adjective
• un·lanced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lance¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English launce, lance, from Old French lance, from Latin lancea (perhaps from Celtic)

Origin of lance²

First recorded in 1620–30; perhaps special use of lance ¹, from its shape

Word History and Origins

Origin of lance¹

C13 launce, from Old French lance, from Latin lancea

Example Sentences

The next day, Greene staked out Lopez’s apartment by Madison Square Park, and he and Lance joked about how Remini looked in a press photo, trying to decide if she was pregnant or not.

From The Daily Beast

Duke, who Lance calls “the possessive, often violent heiress” wasn’t at all pleased that Tirella was leaving.

From Washington Blade

For Lance, a Newport native, something about the case, “sat unsolved, like a stone in my shoe,” he writes.

From Washington Blade

That’s why Lance, who is more of a developmental prospect but with very impressive physical gifts, would make sense as the choice.

From Washington Post

They could take Fields or Lance, but the problem with drafting a quarterback is that financially they are locked in to Matt Ryan for the next two years.

From Washington Post

Crossover performer and Pervout.com owner Lance Hart avoids some of the increased risk his fellow colleagues face.

From The Daily Beast

After Mia overdoses on heroin, Vincent brings her to the home of Lance and Jody.

From The Daily Beast

"Ah, that trip with Lance," he said, then glanced down, with those melancholy eyes.

From The Daily Beast

If you didn't think Lance Bass was having an awesome time being Lance Bass, then think again.

From The Daily Beast

And all I really knew about you was what I heard through Lance, Inc.

From The Daily Beast

Right over the stone marker, a long-shafted war-lance was carved—the blade pointing down.

From Project Gutenberg

Where sabre, lance, and bayonet, right soon would turn and flee!

From Project Gutenberg

Stop and try a ride, Billy, urged Lance Darby, holding the cord of the tugging kite.

From Project Gutenberg

She made so much noise that Lance grabbed at her and tried to put her out of the room, Topsy still barking furiously.

From Project Gutenberg

That was a great scheme you suggested about the kite the other day, Laura, declared Lance Darby.

From Project Gutenberg