A2noun1K

Lab

UK /["/læb/"]/US /["/læb/"]/

Definition

a laboratory

In simple words: A place where scientific experiments are done.

Examples

  • a **computer/research lab**
  • the school science labs
  • She'd been working in the lab all day.
  • a lab technician
  • a lab coat *(= a white coat worn by scientists, etc. working in a laboratory)*

Usage notes

Use 'lab' in both formal and informal contexts; suitable for academic and casual conversations. Don't use it when referring to non-scientific places.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'lab rat' — a small animal often found in labs!

Collocations

  • science lab
  • laboratory experiment
  • in the lab
  • research lab

Synonyms

  • laboratory
  • research facility
  • testing center
  • science lab

Antonyms

  • field
  • open space

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'labs' — forgetting it can be plural.
  • Using 'lab' for non-scientific environments.
  • Incorrectly assuming 'lab' only means a physical space.