log
log
Log (noun) means a section of a tree trunk, especially one cleared of branches, used for timber or fuel. Example: “He chopped the log into firewood.”
noun
1
A section of a tree trunk, especially one cleared of branches, used for timber or fuel.
"He chopped the log into firewood."
"They sat on a fallen log by the campfire."
"The children rolled a heavy log across the muddy path to make a bridge."
2
A written record of events, especially a ship's or aircraft's progress, or of computer activity.
"The captain noted the storm in the ship's log."
"The server keeps a log of every failed login attempt."
"The pilot wrote the details of the flight in the aircraft's log."
verb
1
To cut down trees, especially commercially.
"The company was accused of illegally logging protected forest."
"Men and women have logged these hills for generations to supply the sawmill."
"Several companies log the northern slopes during the dry season."
2
To record something in writing or in a system.
"Please log any issues you find in the spreadsheet."
"Nurses must log every dose of medicine they give to patients."
"I log my runs in an app so I can track progress."
How to use log
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cut section of tree trunk — or, separately, a written record of events (and the verb for cutting trees or for recording something).
Common pairings
log cabin
keep a log
log in
log an entry
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Word forms
- Plural
- logs
- Third person singular
- logs
- Past tense
- logged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He chopped the _____ into firewood.
Etymology
From Middle English logge, probably from an Old Norse word for a felled tree, related to "lie" (as in "lying on the ground").
Related words
Rhymes for log
See all rhymes for log →Frequently asked questions
What does “log” mean?
The word “log” means a section of a tree trunk, especially one cleared of branches, used for timber or fuel. In plain terms, a cut section of tree trunk — or, separately, a written record of events (and the verb for cutting trees or for recording something).
How do you pronounce “log”?
“Log” is pronounced log (/lɔɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “log” in a sentence?
Here is “log” used in a sentence: “He chopped the log into firewood.”
What part of speech is “log”?
Depending on how it is used, “log” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “log” come from?
The word “log” comes from Middle English. From Middle English logge, probably from an Old Norse word for a felled tree, related to "lie" (as in "lying on the ground").
Is “log” a common word?
“Log” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “log” have?
“Log” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a section of a tree trunk, especially one cleared of branches, used for timber or fuel.
What is the difference between a log and a journal?
A log is a factual, often timestamped record of events — such as a ship's progress or computer activity — that records what happened without commentary. A journal is more personal and reflective, recording thoughts and impressions as well as events.
What is the difference between log in and log on?
Both mean to start a session on a computer system, and in everyday use they are interchangeable, though "log in" is now the more common form, especially with a username and password. As a noun or adjective the phrase is written as one word: a "login" page.
Why is a ship's record called a log?
Historically, a ship's speed was measured with a device called a log — a piece of wood on a knotted line thrown overboard — and the readings were entered in the log-book. The name then spread to any regular record of a journey or activity, including modern computer logs.
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