Lao

[ lou ]

/ laʊ /

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noun, plural Laos

[louz], /laʊz/, (especially collectively) Lao for 1.

a member of a people of Laos and northern Thailand.

the Tai language of the Lao.

adjective

of or relating to the Lao or their language.

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Origin of Lao

First recorded in 1880–85; from Lao Láo, a self-designation

Words nearby Lao

Lanús, lanyard, Lanza, Lanzarote, Lanzhou, Lao, Laoag, Laocoön, Laodamas, Laodamia, Laodice

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Lao in a sentence

Bestselling author of Flags of Our Fathers shares his favorite reads, from Lao Tzu to Kurt Vonnegut.
James Bradley's Must-Reads|James Bradley|December 20, 2009|DAILY BEAST
We embraced, and before the others could press forward to salute me, I gave the jhirnee: "Pan lao!"
Confessions of a Thug|Philip Meadows Taylor
This man was called Lao-tse, a recluse and philosopher, who was already an old man when Confucius began his travels.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
Don Torribio occupied himself by doubling up his lao several times in his right hand.
The Guide of the Desert|Gustave Aimard

"Your mind is widely opened, esteemed," replied Lao Ting respectfully.
Kai Lung's Golden Hours|Ernest Bramah
In spite of the admittedly rough-edged nature of Hoa-mi's leave-taking, Lao Ting retraced his steps in an exalted frame of mind.
Kai Lung's Golden Hours|Ernest Bramah

British Dictionary definitions for Lao (1 of 2)

Lao

/ (laʊ) /

adjective, noun

another name for Laotian

British Dictionary definitions for Lao (2 of 2)

LAO

abbreviation for

Laos (international car registration)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012