noun

Lolita

lohl-LEE-tuh

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Lolita (noun) means a sexually precocious young girl (a term now widely considered offensive and best avoided). Example: “The novel's central character is often referenced in discussions of the term "lolita.”

noun

A sexually precocious young girl (a term now widely considered offensive and best avoided).

"The novel's central character is often referenced in discussions of the term "lolita.""

A follower of the Japanese "Lolita fashion" style, marked by elaborate, doll-like Victorian- or Rococo-inspired outfits.

"She wore an elegant black-and-white Lolita dress to the convention."

How to use Lolita

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA name that, through a famous novel, became a loaded term for an underage girl seen as sexually alluring — now generally avoided outside of that fashion-subculture sense.

Common mistake

The fashion-subculture sense (elaborate, modest, doll-like clothing) has nothing to do with the novel's sense and is not sexualised.

When to use it

The general noun sense is sensitive and often considered offensive; use with care.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: lolitas

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The novel's central character is often referenced in discussions of the term "_____."

Etymology

From the Spanish given name Lolita, a diminutive of Lola, itself short for Dolores. The word entered wider English use through Vladimir Nabokov's 1955 novel "Lolita."

Origin: Spanish · First attested 1955

Class of 1955 Lolita joined the language around 1955.

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Synonyms

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biddy filly gaolbait gamine jailbait jail bait jail-bait loli nymph nymphe nymphette nymphet

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Rhymes for Lolita

ita vita pita Rita tita Lita Sita Kita Anita Evita Akita Narita

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of Lolita?

"Lolita" (noun) means a sexually precocious young girl (a term now widely considered offensive and best avoided).

What is another word for Lolita?

Other words for "Lolita" include biddy, filly, gaolbait, gamine, jailbait, jail bait.

What are the different meanings of Lolita?

"Lolita" has 2 main meanings: 1. A sexually precocious young girl (a term now widely considered offensive and best avoided); 2. A follower of the Japanese "Lolita fashion" style, marked by elaborate, doll-like Victorian- or Rococo-inspired outfits.

How do you use Lolita in a sentence?

Example: "The novel's central character is often referenced in discussions of the term "lolita.""

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Words with Spanish origins

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