lawn

¹ American  

[lawn] / lɔn /

noun

1. a stretch of open, grass-covered land, especially one closely mowed, as near a house, on an estate, or in a park.

2. Archaic. a glade.

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lawn ² American  

[lawn] / lɔn /

noun

1. a thin or sheer linen or cotton fabric, either plain or printed.

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lawn ¹ British  

/ lɔːn /

noun

1. a flat and usually level area of mown and cultivated grass

2. an archaic or dialect word for glade

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lawn ² British  

/ lɔːn /

noun

1. a fine linen or cotton fabric, used for clothing

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Other Word Forms

• lawny adjective

Etymology

Origin of lawn¹

1250–1300; Middle English launde < Middle French lande glade < Celtic; compare Breton lann heath. See land

Origin of lawn²

1375–1425; late Middle English lawnd, laun, perhaps named after Laon, where linen-making once flourished

Explanation

A lawn is an area of ground that's planted with grass. Your next-door neighbor might be so overly proud of his tidy lawn that he stands on it, glaring at the dandelions growing in yours. Most lawns are neatly mowed — a lawn that's allowed to grow tall might more accurately be called a field, especially if there are weeds or wildflowers mixed in with the grass. It's difficult to grow a lawn in places that don't get much rain, since it needs to be watered regularly to stay green and lush. Lawn was laune in the 1500s, meaning "open space between the woods," from the Old French lande, "heath, moor, or clearing."

Example Sentences

During an address on the White House lawn, the president made no mention of ongoing political tensions with the British government over its opposition to the U.S. war with Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The first day of the trip featured a more informal welcome, with the Trumps treating Charles and Camilla to tea and cakes in the White House before showing them beehives on the famed lawn.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

According to Aviva, 21% of households across the UK have either already replaced their natural lawn with artificial grass or are planning to.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

GA passholders who are willing to stand typically have access to an area closer to the Mane Stage than those with blankets or low-backed lawn chairs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

If called upon, they would land on the White House lawn, pull the president out of the bomb shelter, and whisk him to the underground command center at Mount Weather.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• backyard
• garden
• grass
• green
• park
• terrace
• yard