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lot1 S1 W1
1 a large amount or number : 
We've spent a lot on the children's education.'How many CDs have you got?' 'Lots.'
a lot
also lots informalWe've spent a lot on the children's education.'How many CDs have you got?' 'Lots.' a lot of They paid a lot of money for that house. I eat a lot of vegetables. There were lots of people at the party.
They paid a lot of money for that house.I eat a lot of vegetables.There were lots of people at the party. an awful lot also a whole lot informal (=a very large amount or number) He spends an awful lot of time on the computer.
He spends an awful lot of time on the computer.2 if someone or something is a lot better, faster, easier etc, they are much better, faster etc [= much]: My headache's lots better, thanks. She has a lot more contact with clients these days. You'll get there a lot quicker if you take the motorway. The house is a lot tidier now Chris has left home.
a lot
also lots informalMy headache's lots better, thanks.She has a lot more contact with clients these days.You'll get there a lot quicker if you take the motorway.The house is a lot tidier now Chris has left home.3 used to say that something happens to a great degree or often : Things have changed a lot since I was a child. Paul travels a lot on business. I've been worrying a lot about my health. She likes you a lot.
a lot
Things have changed a lot since I was a child.Paul travels a lot on business.I've been worrying a lot about my health.She likes you a lot.4 to have a large number of problems to deal with or a large amount of work to do
have a lot on your plate
informal5 to have a lot of problems that you are worried about : 'You're quiet today.' 'I've got a lot on my mind.'
have a lot on your mind
'You're quiet today.' 'I've got a lot on my mind.'6 to be very busy, with a large number of things to do in a short time : I can't help you now - I've got rather a lot on.
have a lot on
British EnglishI can't help you now - I've got rather a lot on.