li

[ lee ]

/ li /

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noun Music.

the solmization syllable used for the semitone between the sixth and seventh degrees of a scale.

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Origin of li

Alteration of la¹

Words nearby li

Lhevinne, L'Hospital, L'Hospital's rule, Lhotse, LHRH, li, liabilities, liability, liability engineering, liability insurance, liability limit

Other definitions for li (2 of 7)

li²

[ lee ]

/ li /

noun, plural li.

a Chinese unit of distance, equivalent to about one-third of a mile (0.5 km).

Origin of li

First recorded in 1580–90; from Chinese lǐ

Other definitions for li (3 of 7)

li³

[ lee ]

/ li /

noun

(in Chinese ethical philosophy) the etiquette traditionally prescribed for individuals or groups of people in a given situation.

Origin of li

First recorded in 1910–15, from Chinese lǐ

Other definitions for li (4 of 7)

link; links.

Other definitions for li (5 of 7)

[ lee ]

/ li /

noun

a member of an aboriginal people of the island of Hainan in Southeastern China.

the Kadai language of the Li.

Other definitions for li (6 of 7)

Symbol, Chemistry.

lithium.

Other definitions for li (7 of 7)

L.I.

abbreviation

British. light infantry.

Long Island.

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

How to use li in a sentence

But here they are, stage names spelled out in neon across the iconic marquee: MAPEI AND LYKKE LI.
The Swedish Queen of Soulful Pop: Mapei Won’t Wait for You to Listen|Caitlin Dickson|October 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The doctors did not tell the young man to his face; Li was left in the hallway while they spoke to his grandfather.
Will US Health Care Follow in China’s Bloody Footsteps?|Daniela Drake|September 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In March 2012, 17-year old Li Mengnan walked into a Beijing hospital.
Will US Health Care Follow in China’s Bloody Footsteps?|Daniela Drake|September 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If the doctor had time to work with Li, he might have seen that his back pain was atypical and detected AS in the first visit.
Will US Health Care Follow in China’s Bloody Footsteps?|Daniela Drake|September 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

“Most of the fans gave their full understanding to Li's retirement decision,” Liu wrote in an email.
Tennis Star Li Na Says Goodbye to the Court…and Puts the Sport’s Rise in Asia in Question|Nicholas McCarvel|September 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some even went 'jusqu' l'Arbre sec, Ou li oisel pendent au bec.'
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems|Geoffrey Chaucer
Somewhat on the model of the French va-et-vient is the word li mounto-davalo, the ups and downs.
Frdric Mistral|Charles Alfred Downer
An excellent example of accentual verse set to an already existing melody is seen in Li Bon Prouvençau.
Frdric Mistral|Charles Alfred Downer
Mèste Ambroi, declining at first to sing, says "Li mirau soun creba!"
Frdric Mistral|Charles Alfred Downer
Ha-ha-have my head sha-a-ved, dress myself up li-like a Turk?
Jack Harkaway's Boy Tinker Among The Turks|Bracebridge Hemyng

British Dictionary definitions for li (1 of 4)

li¹

/ (liː) /

noun

a Chinese unit of length, approximately equal to 590 yards

Word Origin for li

from Chinese

British Dictionary definitions for li (2 of 4)

li²

the internet domain name for

Liechtenstein

British Dictionary definitions for li (3 of 4)

the chemical symbol for

lithium

British Dictionary definitions for li (4 of 4)

abbreviation for

Long Island

Light Infantry

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

Scientific definitions for li

The symbol for lithium.