lb
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lb, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Abbreviation for "pound," the unit of weight.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Latin libra, the Roman unit of weight, whose abbreviation survived even though the English word became "pound."
Full origin of lb →Frequently asked questions
What does “lb” mean?
The word “lb” means abbreviation for "pound," the unit of weight. In plain terms, the standard written abbreviation for pounds in weight.
How do you pronounce “lb”?
“Lb” is pronounced pownd (/paʊnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “lb” in a sentence?
Here is “lb” used in a sentence: “The recipe calls for 2 lb of flour.”
What part of speech is “lb”?
“Lb” is a noun.
Where does the word “lb” come from?
The word “lb” comes from Latin. From Latin libra, the Roman unit of weight, whose abbreviation survived even though the English word became "pound.".
Is “lb” a common word?
“Lb” is a fairly common word in modern English.
Why is "lb" the abbreviation for pound?
"Lb" comes from the Latin word "libra," part of the phrase "libra pondo," meaning a pound by weight. That Latin origin is why the abbreviation "lb" looks nothing like the English word "pound."
What is the difference between "lb" and "lbs"?
"Lb" is the standard abbreviation for pound and is technically used for both singular and plural, so "5 lb" is correct. However, "lbs" is very common in everyday writing to mark the plural, as in "5 lbs." In formal and scientific contexts, "lb" without an "s" is preferred.
What is the difference between "lb" and "oz"?
Both are imperial units of weight: "lb" stands for pound and "oz" stands for ounce. There are 16 ounces in one pound, so "oz" measures smaller amounts and "lb" measures larger ones.
Should there be a space between the number and "lb"?
Style guides generally recommend a space, as in "10 lb." In British English the abbreviation is usually written without a full stop, while American usage sometimes adds a period ("lb."). It is never written with a plural apostrophe.