Lion definition Lion definition 1

Lion (noun) — a large cat (up to 200 kg nowadays), living in a coalition, and known for its muscled body and speed when hunting. Lions are also popular characters in fairy tales, often portrayed as strong “kings of beasts” who are wise and fair.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈlaɪ.ən/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Lion”?

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Tips for lion pronunciation: 

With the emphasis on the first part of the word, you need to say a long ai sound and on in the second part, as in the “lemon.”

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Examples: How to Use “Lion” in a Sentence?

The best way to learn the description of “lion” is to find usage in the real world. Let’s check the most popular of them:

I first saw a lion while visiting Africa.
His dog is as big as a lion!
We talked about lions in class, and I remembered only Simba.
She likes this cartoon because the lion is the main character.
Lion was the symbol of my school.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Lion”?

International tests need you to know more alternative words for a higher score, and speakers will find your texts and speech more interesting if you use synonyms. Here are some of them:

Related nouns: cat puma simba

Synonyms (contextual): leo tycoon

Common collocations: meet a lion find a lion fight a lion

“Lion” Word Formation and Description in Context

The lion description opens more when you learn how to use them with other parts of speech. Check some of them, you will find useful:

With adjectives: powerful lion dangerous lion golden lion massive lion

With verbs: a lion hunts a lion attacks a lion walks a lion roars

With nouns: lion heart lion family

Idioms and Phrases with “Lion”

This word sounds powerful, just like the meaning of lion does, so it is used in various specific phrases that are general for the English language.

  • The lion’s share — means the biggest part of something (typically material things).

    As an older son, he got the lion’s share of the family business.
  • Bold as a lion — to be very courageous in different situations.

    He is as bold as a lion because he posted this picture.
  • The lion’s den — refers to a place that is or feels widely dangerous.

    I am too shy. When I enter the party, it feels like walking through the lion’s den.

Test Your Knowledge of Lion Meaning – Quiz Time!

It was easy to define a lion, and you can check what you studied with our simple and engaging exercise.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
Lions can be your cute little pets.
2
You can find lions in Africa and India.
3
Someone says that lions are just big cats.
Type 2: Right word order:
Replace the words to make a correct sentence:
1
are
Lions
hunters
2
live
together
Lions
3
A
loudly
roars
lion
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning to the word “lion”:
1
He has the heart of a lion. What does it mean?
2
Lions reminded me of my cat. What is the reason?
3
We can see lions in nature only in Africa and India. Why?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Lion” Word in Other Languages

Expanding vocabulary is also about culture, so you can learn how to spell lion in other popular languages:

Language Word for “Lion”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Leon
Flag French French   Lion
Flag German German   Löwe

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Lion”

Lions are powerful, cute and scary at the same time. Let’s uncover some facts that can change your mind and also prove the first impressions.

  • “Panthera leo atrox lion” is the largest one that has ever existed worldwide.

    The Guinness World Records stated this animal weighed up to 351 kilograms and died by the end of the Pleistocene epoch.
  • “Super Prides” count 40+ animals.

    Being social animals, lions need to be in a group to survive, so they organize prides, for example, the Serengeti Super Pride in Tanzania.
  • Manes (hair around the neck and head) are beautiful and have more responsibilities.

    The condition of a mane can tell about a lion’s health and strength, and only males can have it.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Lion”

Such a simple word has found usage in books and movies — not just average but worldwide famous. Here, you will find the most popular of them, with short explanations.

“A lion doesn’t concern itself with the opinion of sheep.”

George R.R. Martin, “A Game of Thrones”

Explanation: This quote refers to the nature of lions — they are considered the kings of animals, they are wild, and sheep are typically their meals. That’s why, when hunting, lions don’t care if a sheep wants to live; they just need to feed themselves and their families.

“And so the lion fell in love with the lamb…”

— Stephenie Meyer, “Twilight”

Explanation: If you didn’t read the book, you may watch a movie where this line appears, and it immediately becomes iconic, with many interpretations. Avoiding spoilers, it talks about the diversity of powers between two characters.

“Aslan is a lion — the Lion, the great Lion.”

— C.S. Lewis, “The Witch and the Wardrobe”

Explanation: It is the description of one of the characters in the famous book, which is also filmed, and he is the symbol of power and strength.