# log

> English word · Noun · IPA /lɒɡ/ · frequency rank #3,826

## Definitions
1. The trunk of a dead tree, cleared of branches.
2. Any bulky piece as cut from the above, used as timber, fuel etc.
3. A unit of length equivalent to 16 feet, used for measuring timber, especially the trunk of a tree.
4. Anything shaped like a log; a cylinder.
5. A floating device, usually of wood, used in navigation to estimate the speed of a vessel through water.
6. A blockhead; a very stupid person.
7. A heavy longboard.
8. A rolled cake with filling.
9. A weight or block near the free end of a hoisting rope to prevent it from being drawn through the sheave.
10. A piece of feces, especially a relatively long, solid one, resembling a tree log.
11. A penis.

## Etymology
From Middle English logge, logg (first recorded in Anglo-Latin as loggum), of uncertain origin, but probably from Old Norse lóg, lág (“felled tree, log”), derived from Old Norse liggja (“to lie”). If so, then cognate with Norwegian låg (“fallen tree”), Dutch loog (“wood, timber, lumber”).
Alternatively, directly from Norwegian låg (“fallen tree”), which could have been borrowed through the Norwegian timber trade. However the Old Norse/Middle Norwegian vowel is long while Middle English vowel is short.

## Easily confused with
- **Lt** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lt)
- **LP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lp)
- **Ls** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-ls)
- **lu** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lu)
- **LV** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lv)
- **LR** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lr)
- **lx** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lx)
- **LZ** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lz)
- **lot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lot)
- **low** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-low)
- **lol** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lol)
- **los** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-los)
- **Lou** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lou)
- **LSU** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lsu)
- **lux** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lux)
- **loo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-loo)
- **LSD** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lsd)
- **Lon** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lon)
- **lug** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-lug)
- **luv** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/log-vs-luv)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/log