Log
/lɒɡ/
Definitions
4 meaningsA length or section of a tree trunk that has been cut or fallen.
/lɒɡ/
A length of a tree trunk that has been cut for timber.
The children gathered logs to make a campfire.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big tree, and then someone cuts a piece off the trunk. That's a log! You might see them stacked up for a bonfire or to build a house, or you may be logging into your account.
👶 For kids: A log is a big piece of wood from a tree that is cut off.
More Examples
The construction crew used the logs to build the foundation of the cabin.
The beaver gnawed at the log until it could take it away to make its dam.
How It's Used
"The lumberjacks stacked the logs ready for transport to the sawmill."
A written record of events or activities, often kept chronologically.
/lɒɡ/
A written record of events, often chronological.
The ship's captain kept a detailed log of the voyage.
💡 Simply: A log is like a diary for a machine or an event. It keeps track of everything that happens, like the weather or what a computer does.
👶 For kids: A log is like a notebook that keeps track of things, like what happened on a trip or what a computer did.
More Examples
I checked the system log to see what caused the error.
She made a daily log of her progress in the running program.
How It's Used
"The system administrator reviewed the server logs to troubleshoot the error."
"The pilot maintained a flight log throughout the journey."
To record or enter information into a log or record.
/lɒɡ/
To enter information in a logbook or record.
The technician logged the maintenance performed on the machine.
💡 Simply: To log something means to write it down in a special book or file. For example, you log into a computer or you log your progress at the gym.
👶 For kids: To log is to write something down in a special notebook or computer so you can remember it later.
More Examples
She had to log all the expenses for the trip.
I logged the time it took to complete the task in my report.
How It's Used
"The software automatically logs user activity."
"The pilot logged the flight hours in the logbook."
To cut down trees for timber.
/lɒɡ/
To cut down trees for timber
The company decided to log the forest.
💡 Simply: To log means to cut down trees to get wood.
👶 For kids: To log means to chop down trees to get wood.
More Examples
They logged the entire area to obtain timber for the construction project.
The logging company has plans to log the wilderness.
How It's Used
"The company's primary business is to log forests for profit."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
log in
To enter a system or account by providing credentials.
"I need to log in to my email to check my messages."
log off / log out
To exit a system or account.
"Don't forget to log off before you leave your computer."
at a snail's pace
very slowly
"The work was progressing at a snail's pace."
From Old Norse *logr ('a fallen tree trunk'), related to Proto-Germanic *lugō ('a piece of wood'). The verb developed from the noun, initially referring to the act of cutting or carrying logs.
The term 'log' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to a piece of wood.