WordGarden.iolace
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈeɪs/
US
- /ˈleɪs/
Meanings
Noun
a delicate open fabric or trim made with patterned threads
a cord or string used to fasten a shoe, corset, or garment
Verb
to fasten or draw tight with a lace, especially on shoes or clothing
to decorate or edge something with lace
to add alcohol, drugs, poison, or another substance to food or drink
More meaningsFewer meanings
to fill or mix something with a noticeable quality throughout
Beyond the definition
Lace is not just a pretty fabric on old tablecloths. It is a delicate fabric made of thread in an open, web-like pattern, often used to decorate clothes and other items. Think of the fine details on a wedding dress. But "lace" is also a verb. To lace something means to fasten it with a cord or string, like when you lace up your shoes. It can also describe things that weave through or around something else, such as ivy lacing around an old stone wall. For a long time, making lace was skilled, slow work, and it was often linked with wealth and style. Today, it is still valued for its beauty and is used in fashion and home décor.
Lace is a delicate fabric marked by open patterns made with thread or yarn. It is more than just a material; it also carries a long history of careful handwork and design. For centuries, making lace was slow, detailed work done by hand, so it became a sign of luxury and fine taste. Think of the detailed collars worn in the Elizabethan era or the fine patterns on royal gowns.
But "lace" is not limited to fabric. As a verb, to lace means to fasten something with a cord, ribbon, or similar material. We often say we "lace up" our shoes, pulling the strings tight so the shoes stay on our feet. It can also mean to weave through something or to add something in a light or hidden way. For example, "She laced her speech with humor" means she added jokes throughout it. In the same way, someone might "lace" a drink with spice or another ingredient. You can also picture vines lacing through a garden trellis, making a woven pattern of green leaves and stems.
The exact origins of lace are debated, but it became very popular in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Different regions developed their own styles, such as Venetian bobbin lace and Irish crochet lace. While machine-made lace is now common, handmade lace is still valued for its beauty and detail. Whether you are admiring a fine piece of fabric, tying your sneakers, or adding a subtle note to speech or drink, "lace" connects the ideas of beauty, detail, and fastening.
Examples
- 1
Table linen
The tablecloth had a band of lace around the edge.
- 2
Running shoes
She bought new laces for her running shoes.
- 3
Before race
He stopped to tie his laces before the race.
- 4
Helping child
Can you help the child lace his shoes?
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Boots
Lace up your boots before we go outside.
- Patternlace up + shoes/boots
fasten them with laces
- 6
Alcohol added
The punch was laced with rum.
- Patternlaced with + alcohol/drug
containing it as an added ingredient
- 7
Emotional tone
Her voice was laced with anger, even though she spoke quietly.
- Patternlaced with + feeling/quality
having a noticeable amount of it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lacenounverb
Forms
- lacedpast tenseverbnoun
- lacespluralnounverb
- lacing-ing formverbnoun