noun
Uncommon
lai
leye
Lai (noun) means a short medieval narrative poem, often about love or adventure, popular in French and English literature. Example: “The scholar translated a twelfth-century lai about a knight and a fairy.”
noun
1
A short medieval narrative poem, often about love or adventure, popular in French and English literature.
"The scholar translated a twelfth-century lai about a knight and a fairy."
"Marie de France is famous for her collection of lais."
How to use lai
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old style of short narrative poem, mostly known from medieval French literature.
When to use it
A specialist literary term, rarely used outside discussions of medieval poetry.
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Word forms
- Plural
- lais
Fill the gap
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The scholar translated a twelfth-century _____ about a knight and a fairy.
Etymology
From Old French lai ("song, poem"), ultimately from a Germanic word meaning "play" or "melody" — related to "lake" in its old sense of "to play".
Rhymes for lai
See all rhymes for lai →Frequently asked questions
What does “lai” mean?
The word “lai” means a short medieval narrative poem, often about love or adventure, popular in French and English literature. In plain terms, an old style of short narrative poem, mostly known from medieval French literature.
How do you pronounce “lai”?
“Lai” is pronounced leye (/laɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lai” in a sentence?
Here is “lai” used in a sentence: “The scholar translated a twelfth-century lai about a knight and a fairy.”
What part of speech is “lai”?
“Lai” is a noun.
Where does the word “lai” come from?
The word “lai” comes from Old French. From Old French lai ("song, poem"), ultimately from a Germanic word meaning "play" or "melody" — related to "lake" in its old sense of "to play".
Is “lai” a common word?
“Lai” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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