1 lace | Definition of lace

lace

verb
\ ˈlās How to pronounce lace (audio) \
laced; lacing

Definition of lace

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to draw together the edges of by or as if by a lace passed through eyelets laces her fingers behind her head
2 : to draw or pass (something, such as a lace) through something (such as eyelets)
3 : to confine or compress by tightening laces of a garment
4a : to adorn with or as if with lace the surrounding countryside was laced with villages and hamlets— L. C. Heinemann
b : to mark with streaks of color
5 : beat, lash
6a : to add a dash of liquor to
b : to add something to impart pungency, savor, or zest to a sauce laced with garlic conversation laced with sarcasm
c : to adulterate with a substance laced a guard's coffee with a sedative

intransitive verb

1 : to admit of being tied or fastened with a lace
2 : to make a verbal attack usually used with into his boss laced into him for being late

lace

noun

Definition of lace (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a cord or string used for drawing together two edges (as of a garment or a shoe)
2 : an ornamental braid for trimming coats or uniforms
3 : an openwork usually figured fabric made of thread or yarn and used for trimmings, household coverings, and entire garments

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Other Words from lace

Verb

lacer noun

Noun

laced \ ˈlāst How to pronounce laced (audio) \ adjective
laceless \ ˈlās-​ləs How to pronounce laceless (audio) \ adjective
lacelike \ ˈlās-​ˌlÄ«k How to pronounce lacelike (audio) \ adjective

Examples of lace in a Sentence

Verb

a dress that laces in the back the gardener laced the shoots of ivy around the trellis to direct their growth

Noun

I need new laces for these shoes. She wore lace on her wedding gown.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Don’t take Adderall, Xanax... because they're often laced with fentanyl. Nick Givas, Fox News, "Pam Bondi: Fentanyl shipment from China, seized in Mexico, could have 'wiped out a small state'," 29 Aug. 2019 Favorite flavor: Yerba Mate Ginger is laced with vanilla and almond extract for cream soda vibes, and Pineapple Ginger Turmeric brings the heat with a boost from black peppercorns. Aliza Abarbanel, Bon AppĂ©tit, "Forget Keychains, Local Kombucha Is Our Must-Buy Travel Item," 28 Aug. 2019 The land where the Bottis grew fruit, berries and vegetables and ran a cider mill is now laced with four miles of trails. Jesse Leavenworth, courant.com, "Manchester Land Trust eyes former pig farm as open space," 27 Aug. 2019 The smoke from the burning biomass is laced with massive amounts of soot, aerosols, and carbon dioxide that can interfere with weather patterns across the region and contribute to global warming. Herton Escobar, Science | AAAS, "There's no doubt that Brazil's fires are caused by deforestation, scientists say," 26 Aug. 2019 Though toxicology tests had not been completed on Mr. Zamperoni, the charging document said the two other men had died after taking drugs Ms. Barini had given them that were laced with fentanyl, a powerful narcotic. New York Times, "Cipriani Chef Found Dead May Have Been Drugged in Robbery Scheme," 26 Aug. 2019 School officials and Cincinnati police are attempting to ascertain whether the recipients were aware the brownies were laced, Worley said. Max Londberg, Cincinnati.com, "CPS: Student gave marijuana-laced brownies to classmates at school. He faces 5 felony charges," 23 Aug. 2019 Falun Gong’s outreach, according to the report, includes the Epoch Media Group (the Facebook pages, YouTube channels) and Shen Yun, the dance troupe whose elaborate performances are laced with religious, anti-communism messages. Levi Sumagaysay, The Mercury News, "Facebook bans pro-Trump news outlet from buying ads," 23 Aug. 2019 Avengers Campus will also follow in the footsteps of Galaxy’s Edge in that, in contrast to topic-focused lands such as New Orleans Square or Adventureland, it will be laced with a bit of a plot. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, "D23 2019: Disney drops details of Marvel’s Avengers Campus coming to Anaheim and Paris," 23 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Wear it with a pair of lace-up sandals now and layer it over a cream-colored turtleneck with knee-high boots for fall. Kami Phillips, CNN Underscored, "10 white styles you should totally wear after Labor Day," 29 Aug. 2019 Undo your laces and slip into something more comfortable, astro babes. Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes July 30-Aug 5," 27 July 2018 The fall collection, designed with fashion and femininity in mind, features sheer floral lace, luxurious silk, sensual satin and animal prints. Marcy De Luna, Houston Chronicle, "Model Martha Hunt hosts Victoria's Secret trunk show at The Galleria in Houston," 13 Aug. 2019 The Cityscape and the Everyday can be laced up, but the lace-free, ultra-comfortable Skyline slip-on is the newest and chicest of the pack. Dan Q. Dao, CondĂ© Nast Traveler, "The Waterproof Shoes You Can Wear for an Entire Trip," 2 Aug. 2019 Announced today, Emily penned an essay for Harper’s Bazaar about exploring her femininity and announced it on Instagram, sharing a pic of herself in a black lace bralette with underarm hair clearly visible. Kara Nesvig, Teen Vogue, "Emily Ratajkowski Penned an Essay For "Harper’s Bazaar" on Femininity, Body Hair, and Double Standards," 8 Aug. 2019 The mommy-to-be looked gorgeous and ready to pop in a mint green two-piece lace set with her baby bump on full display. Jasmine Grant, Essence, "He's Here! Keyshia Cole Gives Birth To Her Second Son," 2 Aug. 2019 On Facebook, button groups are often lumped in with jewelry, lace and other handmade items. oregonlive.com, "Hardcore button collectors see beauty, history in the fashion essential," 1 Aug. 2019 The 24-year-old was also reportedly wearing only lace garters and had stab wounds on her cheek and chest areas. Fox News, "Russian Instagram influencer found dead with stab wounds stuffed in suitcase at her own Moscow apartment," 30 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lace.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of lace

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for lace

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French lacer, from Latin laqueare to ensnare, from laqueus

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French lace, laz, from Latin laqueus snare

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