noun

lbs

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Lbs (noun) means the abbreviation for pounds, the unit of weight equal to about 0.454 kilograms. It is written after the number, as in 150 lbs. Example: “The parcel weighs 12 lbs.”

noun

The abbreviation for pounds, the unit of weight equal to about 0.454 kilograms. It is written after the number, as in 150 lbs.

"The parcel weighs 12 lbs."

"She can now deadlift 200 lbs."

How to use lbs

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishShort for pounds, the weight unit.

When to use it

Standard in the United States and still widely used in the UK for body weight. Style guides usually prefer lb for both singular and plural, but lbs is universal in everyday writing.

Memory tip

There is no full stop after lbs in British usage; American style sometimes writes lbs. with a point. Never write lb's.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

lbs → lb → kg £ →

Common pairings

lose 10 lbs weighs 5 lbs lbs per square inch gained a few lbs

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “lbs” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The parcel weighs 12 _____.

Etymology

From libra, the Roman unit of weight and the word for a balance or pair of scales. The s was added in English to mark the plural, which is why the abbreviation has no letters in common with pound.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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pounds lb

Related words

pound lb LMR

Frequently asked questions

Why is pound abbreviated as lbs when there is no L in the word?

The abbreviation comes from the Latin libra, the Roman unit of weight, not from the English word pound. English kept the Latin abbreviation and added an s for the plural.

What is the difference between lb and lbs?

They mean the same unit. Strictly, lb is the correct symbol for both one pound and many pounds, but lbs has become the normal plural in everyday writing and is understood everywhere.

How many kg is 1 lb?

One pound is 0.45359237 kilograms, usually rounded to 0.45 kg. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2.

What is the meaning of lbs?

"lbs" (noun) means the abbreviation for pounds, the unit of weight equal to about 0.454 kilograms. It is written after the number, as in 150 lbs.

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