name
Common
Lyon
Lyon (name) means the third-largest city in France, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Example: “Lyon is widely regarded as the culinary capital of France.”
name
1
The third-largest city in France, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
"Lyon is widely regarded as the culinary capital of France."
"The question is inescapable following the killing in Lyon of nationalist student Quentin Deranque by suspected far-left militants."
— Hugh Schofield, Killing of nationalist student leaves French far left in deep trouble as elections loom (2026)
2
A surname, often transferred from a nickname or from the city of Lyon.
"The Lyon family had lived on the same farm for four generations."
How to use Lyon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA major French city famous for its food, and also an English surname.
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Etymology
From French Lyon, from the Roman name Lugdūnum ("fort of Lug"), named after the Celtic deity Lugus.
Rhymes for Lyon
See all rhymes for Lyon →Frequently asked questions
What does “Lyon” mean?
The word “Lyon” means the third-largest city in France, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. In plain terms, a major French city famous for its food, and also an English surname.
How do you use “Lyon” in a sentence?
Here is “Lyon” used in a sentence: “Lyon is widely regarded as the culinary capital of France.”
What part of speech is “Lyon”?
“Lyon” is a name.
Where does the word “Lyon” come from?
The word “Lyon” comes from French. From French Lyon, from the Roman name Lugdūnum ("fort of Lug"), named after the Celtic deity Lugus.
Is “Lyon” a common word?
“Lyon” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Lyon” have?
“Lyon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the third-largest city in France, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
What is Lyon known for as a city?
Lyon is the third-largest city in France, situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its riverside location has made it a significant historical and economic center in the region.
Is Lyon also used as a surname?
Yes, Lyon is a surname that is often transferred from a nickname or taken directly from the name of the French city. It appears as a family name in English-speaking countries as well.
How is the city name Lyon pronounced differently from the surname?
The city of Lyon in France is typically pronounced closer to the French 'lee-ohn,' while the English surname Lyon is usually pronounced like 'lion.' The spelling is identical, but pronunciation shifts depending on whether it refers to the place or the family name.
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