Synonyms of lore
1
: a particular body of knowledge or tradition
the lore of baseball heroes
2
: something that is learned:
a
: traditional knowledge or belief
tribal lore
b
: knowledge gained through study or experience
the lore of religious architecture
3
archaic : something that is taught : lesson

lore

2 of 2

noun (2)

: the space between the eye and bill in a bird or the corresponding region in a reptile or fish
—usually plural
dark lores

Examples of lore in a Sentence

Noun (1) the home gardener had acquired her herbal lore from many years of trial and error set out to study the rich lore of the Cajun people of Louisiana before it all vanished
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Maybe the lore of the home her new husband, Travis Kelce, bought for them in Cleveland’s Bratenahl village, the Akron Beacon Journal wondered? — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026 Today, the property remains framed by mature specimen plantings, a sweeping grassland meadow, walking paths, and the historic Piping Rock—a geological landmark tied to local Native American lore. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026 Since then, Schlittler has bulked up, increased his velocity, cemented himself in Yankees postseason lore, and turned into the nastiest pitcher in a rotation that also features Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 Marked by a surprisingly tall neon tower, the theatre hosts a 45-minute ghost tour that dives into local lore and spooky tales of yesteryear. — Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lore

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English lār; akin to Old High German lēra doctrine, Old English leornian to learn

Noun (2)

New Latin lorum, from Latin, thong, rein; akin to Greek eulēra reins

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun (2)

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lore was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lore. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

lore

noun
ˈlō(ə)r, 
ˈlȯ(ə)r
: knowledge sense 1
especially : a particular body of knowledge or tradition
forest lore
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