liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən How to pronounce liven (audio)
livened; livening ˈlī-və-niŋ How to pronounce liven (audio)
ˈlīv-niŋ

transitive verb

: enliven
often used with up
he … livened up the editorial pageCurrent Biography

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.
Recent Examples on the Web Add some decor touches to liven up your backyard for a cozier feel, like this geometric rug or this two-piece metal planter to display lush greenery. Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 22 May 2024 Boosts are small, usually visual perks that can liven up a chat window. PCMAG, 20 May 2024 Add a Pop of Color With These Blackout Curtains Adorn your windows with these gorgeous blackout curtains for an easy way to liven up your living space. Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2024 Some people might wave off karaoke as a silly hobby, something to liven up boozy birthday parties and lame company events. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 6 May 2024 Big band jazz from the Marines and Navy bands livened the spirits amid the dark clouds. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024 Barnyard Designs Indoor Herb Garden Planter Set $30 $20 Come spring, florals and a little greenery (real or otherwise) really livens up your home and gets it ready for the season ahead. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024 Every Sunday through July 4, the symphony will liven up the SouthPark area with fun summer concerts. Samantha Sabin -, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Montana countered those deep thoughts by recalling how Simpson and teammate Al Cowlings helped liven up the locker room, even amid an 0-7 start to that 1979 season. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'liven.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of liven was circa 1628

Dictionary Entries Near liven

Cite this Entry

“Liven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liven. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

liven

verb
liv·​en ˈlī-vən How to pronounce liven (audio)
livened; livening ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce liven (audio)
: to make or become lively
often used with up

More from Merriam-Webster on liven

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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