lai

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈlā
plural -s
1
: a medieval type of short tale in French literature that is usually in octosyllabic verse and deals with subjects of Celtic origin often connected with Arthur or the Round Table
2
: a medieval type of lyric poem revived in the 17th century and composed in unsymmetrical couplets each sung to its own melody

Lai

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈlī
plural Lai or Lais
1
a
: a people of the Chin Hills in Myanmar
b
: a member of such people
2
: the Tibeto-Burman language of the Lai people

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

French, from Old French

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near lai

Cite this Entry

“Lai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lai. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!