lai
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.”
How to use lai
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old style of short narrative poem, mostly known from medieval French literature.
A specialist literary term, rarely used outside discussions of medieval poetry.
Word forms
lais plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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