Synonyms

lieu

American

[loo] / lu /

noun

place; stead.

idioms

in lieu of, in place of; instead of.

He gave us an IOU in lieu of cash.

lieu British

/ ljuː, luː /

noun

stead; place (esp in the phrases in lieu, in lieu of )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

lieu More Idioms

see under instead of.

Etymology

Origin of lieu

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Middle French, from Latin locus “place”; replacing Middle English liue, from Old French liu, from Latin; locus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He’d probably ask for cash in lieu of a metal disk: The Oracle of Omaha has pulled no punches over the years about investing in gold.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before diving into specific recipes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with ingredients that can be used in lieu of onions, Chavez says.

From Salon

He was arrested Wednesday and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

From Los Angeles Times

This year, in lieu of a headline musical, the summer season at the Bowl will open with a Broadway-themed concert benefiting YOLA, capped by a monumental Bowl fireworks display.

From Los Angeles Times

Colleagues say D’Amaro has tried to increase profits by charging more on the busiest days and for shorter “lightning lanes,” in lieu of across-the-board price hikes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023