1
plural lice
ˈlīs 
a
: any of various small wingless usually flattened insects (orders Anoplura and Mallophaga) parasitic on warm-blooded animals
b
: a small usually sluggish arthropod (such as a biting louse) that lives on other animals or on plants and sucks their blood or juices
c
: any of several small arthropods (such as a book louse) that are not parasitic
Examples of louse in a Sentence
Noun
a problem with head lice
Her ex-husband is a real louse.
Recent Examples on the Web
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 6 Oct. 2025
One of my favorites is the tongue louse, which usually comes in through the gills of the host fish (something like a red snapper), eats the tongue, and then takes its place.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Chris Foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2017
See All Example Sentences for louse
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
No, the convolution of the weaving story and a principal character who is such a louse can be grating.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 6 Oct. 2025
One of my favorites is the tongue louse, which usually comes in through the gills of the host fish (something like a red snapper), eats the tongue, and then takes its place.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
Will Ferrell figure out a way to get along, their fathers (Mel Gibson, John Lithgow) show up for the holidays to louse everything up in this comedy sequel.
—Chris Foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2017
See All Example Sentences for louse
Cite this Entry
“Louse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/louse. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share