noun
Uncommon
lore
law
Lore (noun) means the accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions about a subject, passed down over time. Example: “The old fisherman was full of local sea lore.”
noun
1
The accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions about a subject, passed down over time.
"The old fisherman was full of local sea lore."
"Fans love diving into the lore behind the fantasy series."
2
The invented backstory and history behind a fictional world, character, or setting.
"The game's lore explains why the kingdom was destroyed centuries earlier."
How to use lore
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTraditional knowledge and stories about a subject, or the background history of a fictional world.
Common pairings
deep lore
ancient lore
game lore
local lore
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like lore.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- lores
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old fisherman was full of local sea _____.
Etymology
From Old English lār, related to the verb "learn" — originally meaning teaching or instruction, before broadening to mean traditional or accumulated knowledge.
Related words
Rhymes for lore
See all rhymes for lore →Frequently asked questions
What does “lore” mean?
The word “lore” means the accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions about a subject, passed down over time. In plain terms, traditional knowledge and stories about a subject, or the background history of a fictional world.
How do you pronounce “lore”?
“Lore” is pronounced law (/loɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lore” in a sentence?
Here is “lore” used in a sentence: “The old fisherman was full of local sea lore.”
What part of speech is “lore”?
“Lore” is a noun.
Where does the word “lore” come from?
The word “lore” comes from Old English. From Old English lār, related to the verb "learn" — originally meaning teaching or instruction, before broadening to mean traditional or accumulated knowledge.
Is “lore” a common word?
“Lore” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lore” have?
“Lore” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions about a subject, passed down over time.
What is the difference between "lore" and "mythology"?
"Lore" refers broadly to the accumulated knowledge, stories, and traditions passed down about any subject, while "mythology" specifically refers to traditional stories, often involving gods or supernatural beings, that explain natural or cultural phenomena. Mythology is one form that lore can take, but lore can also cover practical knowledge with no supernatural element.
What does "lore" mean in the context of video games or fictional worlds?
In fiction and gaming, "lore" refers to the invented backstory and history behind a fictional world, character, or setting. It gives depth to a story by explaining how things came to be, even if that background is never fully shown to the audience.
Is "lore" always about fictional or invented material?
No. "Lore" can refer to real accumulated knowledge and traditions about a genuine subject, such as local plant lore or family lore, as well as the invented history behind a fictional world.
