laird

noun

ˈlerd How to pronounce laird (audio)
Synonyms of lairdnext
chiefly Scotland
: a landed proprietor
lairdly
ˈlerd-lē How to pronounce laird (audio)
adjective

Examples of laird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Shakespeare reveals his villain-protagonist’s foil late in the plot: Macduff only stands out from a miscellaneous herd of Scottish lairds once Macbeth sends assassins after his family. — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2024 Who is a witch and who is a laird in any single moment seems fluid — appropriately for a cast hamstrung repeatedly by COVID setbacks, anyone might play anyone. — Helen Shaw, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (northern dialect) lord, lard lord

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laird was in the 14th century

Rhymes for laird

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Browse Nearby Words

lair
laird
lairdship
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Cite this Entry

“Laird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laird. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

laird

noun
ˈla(ə)rd How to pronounce laird (audio)
ˈle(ə)rd
chiefly Scottish
: landowner

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