LEK has two main meanings: the currency of Albania, and a traditional mating ground where male birds perform competitive displays to attract females. A versatile word for Scrabble players.
Yes. LEK is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 7 points in Scrabble, 8 in Words With Friends and 7 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.
| Letter | L | E | K | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrabble | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Words With Friends | 2 | 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Wordfeud | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
LEK carries two distinct meanings in English, each from entirely different origins. Most commonly in crosswords and word games, it refers to the Albanian lek, the official currency of Albania since 1926. One lek is subdivided into 100 qindarka, though coins smaller than 1 lek are no longer in circulation.
In biological and ecological contexts, a lek is a fascinating natural phenomenon—a communal area where males of certain species gather to perform competitive mating displays. This behavior, called lekking, is observed in various birds (like prairie chickens, sage grouse, and birds-of-paradise), some mammals, fish, and even insects. Males congregate at these traditional sites, often returning to the same location year after year, to show off through elaborate dances, vocalizations, or displays of plumage.
The lek mating system represents one of nature's most theatrical spectacles. Males invest enormous energy in their displays but provide no parental care—their only contribution is genetic. Females visit leks solely to observe and choose mates, often selecting from the most dominant or impressive performers. This creates intense competition among males and has driven the evolution of extraordinary ornamental features and behaviors.
The word "lek" has two completely separate etymologies reflecting its dual meanings:
Anagrams: ELK
Hooks: no front hooks; back LEKE, LEKS, LEKU.
Words inside LEK: 2 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: ELKEL. See all words from LEK.