plural Lao or Laos ˈlau̇z How to pronounce Lao (audio)
1
: a member of a Buddhist people living in Laos and adjacent parts of northeastern Thailand
2
: the Tai language of the Lao people
Lao adjective

Examples of Lao in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hoang Ngoc Lan, 6 In Lao Cai province, the powerful storm tore apart 6-year-old Hoang Ngoc Lan's world, destroying her family's home and claiming the lives of her parents and brothers. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Washington Park is home for many in the Asian population, mostly Hmong and Lao. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024 Floods and landslides have caused most of the deaths, many of which have come in the northwestern Lao Cai province, bordering China, where Lang Nu is. Hau Dinh and David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 At the very point when, in any conventional thriller, the net would close, the focus swings around 180 degrees to follow Lao Wu’s life. Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Lao 

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Lao was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near Lao

Cite this Entry

“Lao.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lao. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Lao

noun
plural Lao or Laos
1
: a member of a people living in Laos and northeastern Thailand
2
: the language of the Lao people which is closely related to Thai
Lao adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Lao

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!