Lace
/leɪs/
Definitions
4 meaningsA cord or string used to draw together or fasten the sides of a shoe or garment.
/leɪs/
A cord or string used to fasten something, such as a shoe.
He bought new shoelaces.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're putting on your sneakers! The laces are those strings you tie to make them fit snugly. They hold the shoe together, so you can run and play. When your shoe comes untied, you need to lace them back up.
👶 For kids: A string you use to tie your shoes!
More Examples
The lace on her boots was broken.
The delicate lace trimmed the edge of the handkerchief.
How It's Used
"She tied the laces of her sneakers."
"The intricate lace on the wedding dress was beautiful."
A delicate fabric typically made by looping, twisting, or knitting thread into an openwork pattern.
/leɪs/
A delicate fabric of open weave, typically made of cotton or silk.
The bridal gown was adorned with delicate lace.
💡 Simply: Lace is a fancy, see-through fabric that's often used on beautiful dresses, tablecloths, and decorations. It's made by weaving threads in pretty patterns.
👶 For kids: A pretty, see-through cloth with holes.
More Examples
The lace curtains filtered the sunlight.
She added a lace trim to the pillowcase.
How It's Used
"The lace was used to decorate the sleeves of the gown."
"She loved the antique lace on the tablecloth."
To fasten or tighten with a lace or laces.
/leɪs/
He laced his boots tightly.
💡 Simply: When you lace something, you're using a string or cord to tie it up or fasten it. Think of tying your shoes! You lace them up to keep them on your feet.
👶 For kids: To tie something with string, like your shoes!
More Examples
She laced up her corset.
I need to lace my shoes before we go.
How It's Used
"He laced up his boots before going hiking."
"She carefully laced her corset."
To add a small amount of something, typically an alcoholic drink, to another drink or food.
/leɪs/
To add a small amount of something to something else (often alcoholic beverages).
She laced her tea with honey.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a special treat. To lace something means to add a little bit of something extra to it, like a secret ingredient! For example, you might lace your hot chocolate with some peppermint syrup.
👶 For kids: To add a little bit of something extra to something else.
More Examples
He laced the punch with rum.
The bartender laced the drink with a dash of bitters.
How It's Used
"He laced his coffee with a shot of whiskey."
Idioms & expressions
lace up (your boots/shoes)
To fasten your shoes using the laces.
"I need to lace up my boots before we go hiking."
to lace into someone
To scold or criticize someone harshly.
"The boss laced into him for being late."
From Middle English las, lisse, from Old French laz (cord, string), from Vulgar Latin *lacium, from Latin laqueus (noose, snare).
The word 'lace' has been used in English since the 13th century, initially referring to a cord or string. The meaning of a delicate woven fabric appeared later.
Memory tip
Think of tying the laces on your shoes every morning.
Word Origin
"noose, snare, cord"