There are hundreds of English words that start with "lo," ranging from everyday vocabulary like "love" and "look" to less common words like "loquacious" and "lodestar" (as defined in the authoritative Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Below is a categorized list to help with word games, vocabulary building, or creative writing. (If you're looking for more descriptive vocabulary, check out our list of adjectives starting with t or study spelling with our guide on silent letter words).
Common Everyday "Lo" Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Deep affection |
| Look | To direct one's gaze |
| Low | Not high |
| Lock | A fastening device |
| Long | Extended in length |
| Loud | Producing a lot of sound |
| Local | Relating to a particular area |
| Lonely | Feeling isolated |
Less Common "Lo" Words (Great for Word Games)
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Loquacious | Very talkative |
| Lodestar | A guiding principle or star used for navigation |
| Loiter | To stand around without clear purpose |
| Longevity | Long life or duration |
| Loam | A type of fertile soil |
| Lope | To run with a long, relaxed stride |
5-Letter "Lo" Words (Popular for Word Puzzle Games)
Words like Wordle and similar games often require players to find specific 5-letter words. Common 5-letter words starting with "lo" include:
- Local
- Lodge
- Logic
- Loose
- Lousy
- Lower
- Loyal
The "lo" prefix doesn't carry one single consistent meaning the way some prefixes do (like "un-" or "re-"), so learning "lo" words is more about pattern recognition and memorization than deriving meaning from the prefix itself.
Beyond Wordle-style games, Scrabble players often look for high-value "lo" words that use less common letters, like "loch" (a lake, particularly in Scotland) and "lox" (smoked salmon).
English also has several compound words built from a "lo" base combined with another word, such as "lowdown," "lookout," and "loophole" — these compound forms often carry meanings quite distinct from their individual root words.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many English words start with "lo"?
There are several hundred words in standard English dictionaries that start with "lo," ranging across common everyday vocabulary and more specialized or technical terms.
What's a good 5-letter "lo" word for Wordle-style games?
"Local," "lodge," and "logic" are all common, high-frequency 5-letter words starting with "lo" that work well as strong opening guesses.
Is "lo" itself a word?
Yes — "lo" is an archaic interjection meaning "look!" or "behold!", most commonly seen today in the phrase "lo and behold."
Are there any long, unusual "lo" words worth knowing?
"Loquacious" (very talkative) and "longitudinal" (relating to length or lengthwise direction) are two longer, more advanced "lo" words that frequently appear in academic or formal writing.
💡 The Takeaway
For word games, start with "local," "lodge," or "logic" — all common 5-letter "lo" words that make strong opening guesses.
Curious about more vocabulary lists? Browse our full library of guides, or check out our directory of the best AI tools.