XL

Translingual

Etymology 1

Compound of the following Roman numerals: X (“10”) +‎ L (“50”). This number is written in subtractive notation, indicating that X is subtracted from L; hence, L (50) minus X (10) is 40.

Alternative forms

• xl
• XXXX, xxxx (nonstandard)

Number

XL

1. A Roman numeral representing forty (40).

Coordinate terms

• Previous: XXXIX (thirty-nine, 39)
• Next: XLI (forty-one, 41)

Etymology 2

Symbol

XL

1. (chiefly clothing) extra large (the manufactured size)

   Coordinate terms: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XLT, XXL, XXXL

English

Noun

XL (countable and uncountable, plural XLs)

1. (chiefly clothing) Initialism of extra large (the manufactured size or an item of that size).

   Coordinate terms: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XLT, XXL, XXXL

   • 1996 December, Alex Lee, “Wouldn’t be seen dead in one!”, in Playstation Pro, number 1, Macclesfield: IDG Media, Central Station, page 15:

     Size – L, and because of this it’s a bit small when you’re used to wearing XLs. The sleeves are particularly lilliputian

2. (automotive) A designation for a trim level within a model of trucks; it denotes midrange features.

   Coordinate terms: LT, XLT

Adjective

XL (not comparable)

1. (chiefly clothing) Initialism of extra large (of the manufactured size).

   Coordinate terms: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XLT, XXL, XXXL

   • 2006, “Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness”, in Scott Pilgrim, volume 3:

     Natalie V. Adams
     First year university
     Temper: Nerdy
     Hair: XL

Derived terms

• twin XL
• XL bully, bully XL
• XLT