English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

lieu

lyoo

Lieu (noun) means used in the phrase "in lieu of," meaning in place of or instead of. Example: “She took an extra day off in lieu of overtime pay.”

noun
1
Used in the phrase "in lieu of," meaning in place of or instead of.
"She took an extra day off in lieu of overtime pay."
"The company offered store credit in lieu of a refund."

How to use lieu

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAlmost always used as "in lieu of," meaning "instead of."

Memory tip

Outside the fixed phrase "in lieu of," this word essentially isn't used in modern English.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
in lieu of

Word forms

Lieus plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “lieu” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She took an extra day off in _____ of overtime pay.

Etymology

Borrowed from French lieu, "place," from Latin locus.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for lieu

See all rhymes for lieu →

Frequently asked questions

What does “lieu” mean?

The word “lieu” means used in the phrase "in lieu of," meaning in place of or instead of. In plain terms, almost always used as "in lieu of," meaning "instead of.".

How do you pronounce “lieu”?

“Lieu” is pronounced lyoo (/ljuː/ in IPA).

How do you use “lieu” in a sentence?

Here is “lieu” used in a sentence: “She took an extra day off in lieu of overtime pay.”

What part of speech is “lieu”?

“Lieu” is a noun.

Where does the word “lieu” come from?

The word “lieu” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French lieu, "place," from Latin locus.

Is “lieu” a common word?

“Lieu” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial