name
Uncommon
Lagos
LAY-gos
Lagos (name) means the largest city in Nigeria and its former capital, also a city in southern Portugal. Example: “Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.”
name
1
The largest city in Nigeria and its former capital, also a city in southern Portugal.
"“Covid has ramped up the level of work we do because hospitals are too busy,” he told CNN over the phone from his home in Lagos, Nigeria’s biggest city."
— Eoin McSweeney, As Covid-19 cases rise in Nigeria, a government policy is creating crowds and chaos (2021)
"‘Lagos is just a noise-making place with too much light and glass.’"
— Abi Daré, The Girl With The Louding Voice (2020)
"Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa."
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Etymology
From Portuguese Lagos, literally "lakes."
Frequently asked questions
What does “Lagos” mean?
The word “Lagos” means the largest city in Nigeria and its former capital, also a city in southern Portugal.
How do you pronounce “Lagos”?
“Lagos” is pronounced LAY-gos (/ˈleɪɡɒs/ in IPA).
How do you use “Lagos” in a sentence?
Here is “Lagos” used in a sentence: “Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.”
What part of speech is “Lagos”?
“Lagos” is a name.
Where does the word “Lagos” come from?
The word “Lagos” comes from Portuguese. From Portuguese Lagos, literally "lakes.".
Is “Lagos” a common word?
“Lagos” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between Lagos, Nigeria and Lagos, Portugal?
Lagos in Nigeria is the country's largest city and former capital, a major West African port and commercial hub, while Lagos in Portugal is a much smaller coastal town in the southern Algarve region known for its beaches and harbor. The two places share only their name.
Is Lagos still the capital of Nigeria?
No, Lagos is no longer Nigeria's capital; it was replaced by Abuja, though Lagos remains the country's largest city and its commercial and cultural center.
Why is Lagos, Nigeria sometimes still called Nigeria's capital?
Because Lagos served as Nigeria's capital for decades and remains its most populous and internationally recognized city, many people still assume it holds that role today even though the seat of government has since moved elsewhere.
Is Lagos in Portugal a popular tourist destination?
Yes, Lagos in southern Portugal is a well-known resort town along the Algarve coast, valued for its beaches, cliffs, and historic harbor.
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