lilting

adjective

lilt·​ing ˈlil-tiŋ How to pronounce lilting (audio)
1
: characterized by a rhythmical swing or cadence
a lilting stride
2
: cheerful, buoyant
a lilting comedy
liltingly adverb
liltingness noun

Examples of lilting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Director Noelle Marion keeps the laughs flowing in this lilting production, which is well-cast, nicely sung and stunningly costumed by Elisa Benzoni. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2025 Its lilting melody leads the listener by the band straight into the fist-pumping chorus, which simply repeats the title multiple times — with the exclamation mark included. Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 June 2025 Accompanied by a small string section and a few backup singers, Day’s lilting vocals echoed throughout the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live for her affecting cover. Heran Mamo, Billboard, 10 June 2025 The swamp soothed her as a mother might, with its cool shade and lilting lullaby. Bridget Crocker june 6, Literary Hub, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lilting

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lilting was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Lilting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lilting. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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