leō
masculine
The English word 'lion' is translated as leō in Latin.
The word refers to the big cat Panthera leo.
Meaning: big cat Panthera leo (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
leō is a masculine noun. The plural form is leōnēs. To indicate possession or relationship, use the genitive singular form leōnis (of the lion). When the lion is the direct object of a sentence, use the accusative singular form leōnem.
Did you know?
- In the Roman Colosseum, lions were often referred to as bestiae, a broader term for wild beasts used in the spectacle of the games.
- The Latin word leō is the root for the English word 'leonine', which describes someone with a lion-like appearance or character.
- Roman writers sometimes used leō to describe the constellation Leo, linking the animal to the stars in early astronomy.
Examples in context
- Sī leō rēx ferārum est, aquila rēgīna avium est.If the lion is the king of beasts, the eagle is the king of birds.This sentence uses leō to set up a comparison between a lion and an eagle.Tatoeba #10802070 by alexmarcelo, translation #4728326 by paper1n0
- Ut leō rēx ferārum est, ita aquila rēgīna avium est.As the lion is king of beasts, so is the eagle king of birds.This sentence uses leō to demonstrate a proportional comparison between a lion and an eagle.Tatoeba #10802068 by alexmarcelo, translation #29857 by Dejo
- Leō fremit.The lion is roaring.This sentence uses leō to describe the action of a lion roaring.Tatoeba #5055210 by Wezel, translation #1665835 by Amastan
- Specto leonem in amphitheatroI am watching the lion in the amphitheater.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are looking at a picture in an old book.
- LuciaEstne hīc leō?Is there a lion here?
- LuciusIta, magnus leō in librō est.Yes, there is a big lion in the book.
- LuciaLeō est animal ferōx.The lion is a fierce animal.
- LuciusVerum est, Lucia.It is true, Lucia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lion” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
