Definition and meaning of English word "library"
library
/ˈlɪbrəri/
Meaning
NounAn institution which holds books and/or other forms of media for use by the public or qualified people often lending them out, as well as providing various other services for its users.
How to use
In formal contexts, the library is often referred to as a 'research institution' or 'institution of higher learning', emphasizing its role in academic and scholarly pursuits. However, in informal settings, it's common to hear people say 'I'm going to the library to study' or 'I need to return my book to the library'. A notable grammatical nuance is the use of 'the library' as a singular noun, even when referring to a large, multi-branch system.
🇬🇧 English
library
Example
I'm going to the library.
The library is open on Sundays.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- school library— a library located within a school
- public library— a library open to the general public
- digital library— a library that provides access to digital resources
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #321 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "library" mean?▼
The English word "library" means "library" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "library"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "library" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "library"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "A collection of books, documents, and other materials for research or borrowing." (which translates as "library").
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