lough

American  

[lok, lokh] / lɒk, lɒx /

noun

Irish English.

1. a lake.

2. a partially landlocked or protected bay; a narrow arm of the sea.

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lough British  

/ lɒx, lɒk /

noun

1. an Irish word for lake 1

2. a long narrow bay or arm of the sea in Ireland

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Etymology

Origin of lough

1505–15; Anglo-Irish spelling of Irish loch lake; compare Middle English low, lough ( e ), logh ( e ), Old English (Northumbrian) lūh < British Celtic *lux- (> Welsh llwch (obsolete) lake, Old Breton luh, Breton louc’h ), apparently < early Irish; see loch

Example Sentences

Scientists have previously analysed the lough bed and found deep scarring.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

"If we want to save the lough, we'll not be saved from up on high. We'll have to do it ourselves and we'll not do it by bickering about whose fault it is."

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

The meeting follows a third summer of blue-green algae blooms, which have covered the lough.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

"It was terribly traumatic to look at the families watching out over the lough and praying," he said.

From BBC • May 12, 2025

Hope in the fact that he could learn and survive and take care of himself. lough hope, he thought that night.

From "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen