Search Dictionary
Definition of lieu

lieu

/luː/
lieu
JUMP TO:

lieu Lexical Profile

lieu Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Place or stead; used almost exclusively in the phrase "in lieu of" to mean instead of or as a substitute for.

Example

"The company offered employees extra paid vacation days in lieu of an annual cash bonus."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lieu

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern English, "lieu" is a bound fossil word used almost exclusively in the prepositional phrase "in lieu of" (meaning "instead of"). Avoid confusing it with the British informal noun "loo" (toilet), which shares its American pronunciation (/luː/), or using "in lieu of" when you actually mean "in light of" (considering).

• Rhymes for lieu

• Nearby Words

lielupe
lien
lienholder
lieu
lieutenant
life
lifebelt

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 13th century from Old French lieu ("place" or "spot"), which developed directly from Latin locus ("place"), the same root that gave English local, locate, and locomotion.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lieu. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lieu
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.