lough

American  

[lok, lokh] / lɒk, lɒx /

noun

Irish English.

1. a lake.

2. a partially landlocked or protected bay; a narrow arm of the sea.

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lough British  

/ lɒx, lɒk /

noun

1. an Irish word for lake 1

2. a long narrow bay or arm of the sea in Ireland

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Etymology

Origin of lough

1505–15; Anglo-Irish spelling of Irish loch lake; compare Middle English low, lough ( e ), logh ( e ), Old English (Northumbrian) lūh < British Celtic *lux- (> Welsh llwch (obsolete) lake, Old Breton luh, Breton louc’h ), apparently < early Irish; see loch

Example Sentences

Researchers found that disturbance created by commercial dredging is "widespread" across the lough and "could be affecting the ecosystem".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The meeting follows a third summer of blue-green algae blooms, which have covered the lough.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

However, it is likely to be several years before these or any of the other potential solutions could become active, or have a direct impact on the lough.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

The Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-Op recently extended a ban on commercial eel fishing at the lough earlier this summer.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

Hope in the fact that he could learn and survive and take care of himself. lough hope, he thought that night.

From "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen