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

As well as 700 holiday lodges, the development would feature newly-created lochs, nature trails and a woodland, as well as an indoor swimming complex, a health spa, outdoor activities, shops and restaurants.

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The Ness of Brodgar – a strip of land between two lochs - was the scene of 20 years of excavations until work officially ended in 2024.

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The castle was built for the MacLeods of Assynt in 1597 on the north side of the loch, which lies within a vast area of hills and mountains.

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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.

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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.

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Related Words

• basin 
• lagoon 
• pond 
• pool 
• reservoir