2 Letter Words with L Scrabble – Master Your Next Move
If you’re a Scrabble lover or a competitive word gamer, you know that short words can bring big results. Among the most powerful tools in your Scrabble arsenal are 2-letter words—especially those that include high-utility consonants like L. Whether you’re looking to use leftover tiles or connect bonus squares, knowing 2 Letter Words with L Scrabble can significantly improve your strategy.
In this article, we’ll explore all playable 2-letter Scrabble words with L, their meanings, and how to use them to your advantage. Stick around to become a better player—one tile at a time.
2 Letter Words with L Scrabble (With Meanings & Details)
These short words are essential for Scrabble, Words With Friends, and other word games. Below is a complete list of valid 2-letter “L” words, including definitions, usage notes, and game validity.
✅ Accepted in Both US (TWL/NWL) & UK (CSW) Scrabble Dictionaries
LA
Meaning:
The musical note “A” in solfège (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti).
Spanish for “the” (feminine form).
Example: “She sang a high la.”
Scrabble Use: Easy to play, especially after “so” (making “sol”).
LI
Meaning:
A traditional Chinese unit of distance (~0.5 km or 0.3 miles).
Short for “liter” (rare, mostly British).
Example: “The village was three li away.”
Scrabble Use: Great for parallel plays (e.g., turning “I” into “li”).
LO
Meaning:
An archaic expression of surprise (“Lo and behold!”).
Example: “Lo, the king arrives!”
Scrabble Use: Useful when you have an “O” near an open “L.”
🇬🇧 Valid Only in UK/International (CSW) Scrabble
AL
Meaning:
Short for “aluminum” (British spelling: “aluminium”).
A type of Indian mulberry tree.
Example: “The fence was made of al.”
Scrabble Use: Helps extend words like “A” → “AL” or “PA” → “PAL.”
EL
Meaning:
Short for an “elevated train” (US slang, e.g., Chicago’s “L” train).
The letter “L” in radio communication.
Example: “He took the el downtown.”
Scrabble Use: Good for building off “E” (e.g., “BE” → “BEL”).
❌ Not Valid in Standard Scrabble (But Exist in Other Dictionaries)
LU – French for “wolf” (valid in French Scrabble).
LÉ – Hawaiian for “to jump” (not in TWL/CSW).
🎯 Scrabble Strategy Tips for “L” Words
✔ Hooks: Add “L” to existing words (e.g., “A” → “AL,” “O” → “LO”).
✔ Parallel Plays: Use “LI” or “LA” alongside longer words for extra points.
✔ UK vs. US: If playing internationally, “AL” and “EL” are allowed (Collins).
Why 2-Letter Words Matter in Scrabble
While big words get attention, 2-letter words are often the most strategic. They allow you to:
- Use up leftover letters efficiently
- Build parallel words
- Unlock double/triple word scores
- Make defensive plays
When you know rare or high-scoring 2-letter words with L, you can open up or shut down parts of the board like a pro.
Memorization Tricks for 2-Letter L Words
Try this mnemonic:
“All Elves Like Laughing Loudly”
- AL
- EL
- LI
- LA
- LO
Each capitalized pair is a legal 2-letter Scrabble word with L!
Advanced Strategies Using 2 Letter L Words
Rack Balancing
Use 2-letter L words to manage your tiles wisely, especially when you need to:
- Dump an unwanted L
- Prepare for a bigger play next round
Defense
Block opponents’ access to premium squares using LI or AL on the edge of the board.
Board Control
Keep the game tight by minimizing large word opportunities while still scoring.
Other Scrabble Tools & Resources
Conclusion: Play Smarter with 2 Letter Words with L
Though few in number, these 2-letter words with L for Scrabble are mighty in impact. When used wisely, they can help you rack up points, protect valuable squares, and outmaneuver your opponents. Learn them, practice them, and keep them ready for your next word game.
Whether you’re a Scrabble beginner or a seasoned pro, mastering short L-words will take your gameplay to the next level.
FAQs:
1. What 2-letter words have the letter “L”?
✅ Scrabble-valid (US & UK):
LA (musical note / Spanish “the”)
LI (Chinese distance unit)
LO (archaic exclamation)
✅ UK/CSW only:
AL (short for aluminum)
EL (elevated train)
❌ Not valid: LU, LÉ
2. What word starts with two “L”s?
LLAMA (animal)
LLANO (grassland)
LLEVAR (Spanish verb, not Scrabble-valid)
Note: English rarely uses double “L” at the start of words (common in Welsh/Spanish, like “Lloyd”).
3. What word ends with two “L”s?
BALL
FULL
DULL
BILL
Most adverbs: QUICKLY, SADLY (ends with “-lly”).
4. Is “LA” a word in Scrabble?
✅ Yes!
Meaning: Musical note (“do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti”) or Spanish for “the.”
Points: 2 (L=1, A=1).
Use: Extend words like “SO” → “SOL” or “PA” → “PAL.”