lisp

verb

lisped; lisping; lisps

intransitive verb

1
: to pronounce the sibilants \s\ and \z\ imperfectly especially by turning them into \th\ and \t͟h\
2
: to speak falteringly, childishly, or with a lisp

transitive verb

: to utter falteringly or with a lisp
lisper noun

Examples of lisp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After pleading permission in a stereotypically lisping manner from Pompey the Great, his commander in chief, the cinaedus steps into battle. Tom Sapsford, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025 Not only the lisping child, but those whose frames are bowed down by the weight of time, worship around the Christmas shrine, and are willing devotees to its vivifying delights. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Dec. 2024 One wonders what kind of passion project was possibly worth facing off against Hank Azaria as a lisping Egyptian king complete with ancient headgear. Sean Malin, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024 Max Cadillac aces his biggest Moonlight role to date as Roger’s lisping common-law assistant Carmen Ghia. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2019 See All Example Sentences for lisp

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English -wlyspian; akin to Old High German lispen to lisp

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lisp was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lisp. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

lisp

1 of 2 verb
: to pronounce the sounds \s\ and \z\ in an imperfect way by giving them the sounds of \th\ and \t͟h\
lisper noun

lisp

2 of 2 noun
: the act or habit of lisping

Medical Definition

lisp

1 of 2 intransitive verb
1
: to pronounce the sibilants \s\ and \z\ imperfectly especially by giving them the sounds \th\ and \t͟h\
2
: to speak with a lisp

transitive verb

: to utter with a lisp

lisp

2 of 2 noun
: a speech defect or affectation characterized by lisping

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