noun
Very common
lots
lots
Lots (noun) means a large amount or number of things (informal). Example: “There were lots of people waiting outside the shop when it opened.”
noun
1
A large amount or number of things (informal).
"There were lots of people waiting outside the shop when it opened."
"Lots of my friends are coming to the party on Saturday."
"We still have lots of time before the flight."
adv
1
A great deal; very much (informal).
"I feel lots better about it now that we've talked."
"I feel lots better after a good night's sleep."
"She's been working lots harder since the new term began."
"I care lots about the humane treatment of animals."
"Thanks lots for helping me move."
How to use lots
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, casual way of saying "a lot" or "very much."
When to use it
Informal and conversational; "a great deal" or "many" reads more formal.
Common pairings
lots of fun
lots of people
thanks lots
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for lots
See all rhymes for lots →Frequently asked questions
What does “lots” mean?
The word “lots” means a large amount or number of things (informal). In plain terms, an informal, casual way of saying "a lot" or "very much.".
How do you pronounce “lots”?
“Lots” is pronounced lots (/lɑts/ in IPA).
How do you use “lots” in a sentence?
Here is “lots” used in a sentence: “We still have lots of time before the flight.”
What part of speech is “lots”?
Depending on how it is used, “lots” can be a noun and an adverb.
Is “lots” a common word?
“Lots” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lots” have?
“Lots” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large amount or number of things (informal).
What is the difference between 'lots' and 'a lot'?
In meaning, almost none — both express a large amount and are interchangeable in most sentences: 'lots of time' or 'a lot of time.' 'Lots' feels slightly more casual, emphatic, and often warmer in tone. Both are informal; in formal writing, 'much,' 'many,' or 'a great deal' are usually preferred instead.
Is 'lots' formal or informal?
Informal. It belongs to everyday, conversational English and is perfectly correct in speech, texts, and casual writing. In academic essays, reports, or business documents, editors usually replace it with 'many,' 'much,' 'numerous,' or 'a great deal of,' which carry a more formal tone. The meaning stays the same; only the register changes.
Can you use 'lots of' with uncountable nouns?
Yes. 'Lots of' works with both countable and uncountable nouns, which is part of its convenience — 'lots of books' and 'lots of water' are equally correct. The verb that follows agrees with the noun: 'lots of milk is left' but 'lots of apples are left.' That flexibility is why 'lots of' is so common.
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