First Known Use: 1514
Dictionary
1lag
noun \ˈlag\
Definition of LAG
1
: one that lags or is last
2
a : the act or the condition of lagging b : comparative slowness or retardation c (1) : an amount of lagging or the time during which lagging continues (2) : a space of time especially between related events or phenomena : interval
3
: the action of lagging for opening shot (as in marbles or billiards)
4
: a usually long putt struck with the aim of having the ball stop near the hole
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Origin of LAG
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect lagga to go slowly
2lag
verb
laggedlag·ging
Definition of LAG
intransitive verb
1
2
: to slacken or weaken gradually : flag
3
: to toss or roll a marble toward a line or a cue ball toward the head cushion to determine order of play
4
: to hit a lag putt
transitive verb
1
: to lag behind <current that lags the voltage>
2
: to pitch or shoot (as a coin or marble) at a mark
3
: to hit (a golf ball or putt) with the aim of having the ball stop near the hole
— lag·ger noun
First Known Use of LAG
1530
Synonym Discussion of LAG
delay, retard, slow, slacken, detain mean to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress. delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival <bad weather delayed our arrival>. retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping <language barriers retarded their progress>. slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention <medication slowed the patient's heart rate>, slacken an easing up or relaxing of power or effort <on hot days runners slacken their pace>. detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time <unexpected business had detained her>.
delay, procrastinate, lag, loiter, dawdle, dally mean to move or act slowly so as to fall behind. delay usually implies a putting off (as a beginning or departure) <we cannot delay any longer>. procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy <procrastinates about making decisions>. lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others <lagging behind in technology>. loiter and dawdle imply delay while in progress, especially in walking, but dawdle more clearly suggests an aimless wasting of time <loitered at several store windows> <children dawdling on their way home from school>. dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary <stop dallying and get to work>.
delay, procrastinate, lag, loiter, dawdle, dally mean to move or act slowly so as to fall behind. delay usually implies a putting off (as a beginning or departure) <we cannot delay any longer>. procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy <procrastinates about making decisions>. lag implies failure to maintain a speed set by others <lagging behind in technology>. loiter and dawdle imply delay while in progress, especially in walking, but dawdle more clearly suggests an aimless wasting of time <loitered at several store windows> <children dawdling on their way home from school>. dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary <stop dallying and get to work>.
3lag
adjective
Definition of LAG
First Known Use of LAG
1552
4lag
noun
Definition of LAG
1
: a barrel stave
2
: a stave, slat, or strip (as of wood or asbestos) forming part of a covering for a cylindrical object
Origin of LAG
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse lǫgg rim of a barrel
First Known Use: 1672
5lag
verb
laggedlag·ging
Definition of LAG
transitive verb
: to cover or provide with lags
First Known Use of LAG
1870
6lag
verb
laggedlag·ging
Definition of LAG
transitive verb
1
slang chiefly British : to transport or jail for crime
2
slang chiefly British : arrest
Origin of LAG
origin unknown
First Known Use: circa 1812
7lag
noun
Definition of LAG
1
2
slang chiefly British : a jail sentence : stretch
First Known Use of LAG
circa 1812
LAG Defined for Kids
1lag
noun \ˈlag\
Definition of LAG for Kids
: a space of time between two events <We resumed work after a short lag.>
2lag
verb
laggedlag·ging
Definition of LAG for Kids
: to move or advance slowly or more slowly than others <Work lagged behind schedule.> <One hiker lagged behind the group.>
Learn More About LAG
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