name
Uncommon
Erie
EER-ree
Erie (name) means one of the five Great Lakes, located between the United States and Canada. Example: “They sailed across Lake Erie in the summer.”
name
1
One of the five Great Lakes, located between the United States and Canada.
"They sailed across Lake Erie in the summer."
noun
1
A Native American people who once lived near the lake's southern shore.
"The Erie were largely displaced by conflict in the 17th century."
How to use Erie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly refers to Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Erie.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They sailed across Lake _____ in the summer.
Etymology
From French Erié, adapted from an Erie-language word said to mean "long tail," referring to the cougar.
Rhymes for Erie
See all rhymes for Erie →Frequently asked questions
What does “Erie” mean?
The word “Erie” means one of the five Great Lakes, located between the United States and Canada. In plain terms, most commonly refers to Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes.
How do you pronounce “Erie”?
“Erie” is pronounced EER-ree (/ˈɪɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “Erie” in a sentence?
Here is “Erie” used in a sentence: “They sailed across Lake Erie in the summer.”
What part of speech is “Erie”?
Depending on how it is used, “Erie” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Erie” come from?
The word “Erie” comes from French. From French Erié, adapted from an Erie-language word said to mean "long tail," referring to the cougar.
Is “Erie” a common word?
“Erie” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Erie” have?
“Erie” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of the five Great Lakes, located between the United States and Canada.
What is the difference between Lake Erie and the Erie people?
Lake Erie is one of the five Great Lakes bordering the United States and Canada, while the Erie were a Native American people who lived near its southern shore before European colonization. The lake takes its name from this Indigenous group.
Which of the Great Lakes is Erie?
Lake Erie is the fourth-largest of the five Great Lakes by surface area and the shallowest of them, situated between the United States and Canada. It connects to Lake Huron via the Detroit River and drains into Lake Ontario over Niagara Falls.
Is Erie also used as a place name beyond the lake?
Yes, "Erie" appears in numerous place names in the United States and Canada beyond the lake itself, including the city of Erie, Pennsylvania, reflecting the historical presence of the Erie people and the lake's regional influence.
