SINCE 1828
lilt
noun
\ ˈlilt
\
\
Definition of lilt
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a spirited and usually cheerful song or tune
2
: a rhythmical swing, flow, or cadence
3
: a springy buoyant movement
lilt
verb
lilted;
lilting;
lilts
Definition of lilt (Entry 2 of 2)
: to sing or play in a lively cheerful manner
1
: to sing or speak rhythmically and with fluctuating pitch
2
: to move in a lively springy manner
Examples of lilt in a Sentence
Noun
There was a charming lilt to her voice. a tune with a liltRecent Examples on the Web: Noun
Prince Hamzah’s rich Arabic lilt (acquired during a youth living with tribesmen) appeals to the Bedouin and contrasts with the king, who grew up speaking English. — The Economist, "King Abdullah of Jordan fears that old allies are ditching him," 6 June 2019 Her voice seemed to be trying desperately to regain something of its natural lilt. — Redbook, "The Shadow Side of Motherhood," 30 May 2017 The final Brahms sonata got an immaculate performance by violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, admirably partnered by Max Levinson at the piano, though a little more of Brahms’ lilt and schmaltz would not have gone amiss. — Melinda Bargreen, The Seattle Times, "Seattle Chamber Music Society debuts an ear-boggling piece by a ‘Dark Knight’ composer," 17 July 2018 Chance the Rapper and Kanye West may use gospel elements to give their music a reverent lilt, but the genre hasn’t had many crossover evangelists since Kirk Franklin’s hip-hop bombast brought it to the pop charts in the 1990s. — New York Times, "15 Pop, Rock and Jazz Concerts to Check Out in N.Y.C. This Weekend," 7 June 2018 Her rendition is slow and meandering, with lilts that lift the melody and then drop it again into quietness. — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "What two fictional Gileads can teach us about America in 2018," 12 July 2018 For example, Markle’s vowels might still sound American, but the lilt of the sentence might be less so. — Cari Romm, The Cut, "Linguists Explain Meghan Markle’s Apparent New British Accent," 10 July 2018 And Adam Cork’s music is full of the blarney of Celtic lilt. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, "Orlando Bloom and Aidan Turner Are Drenched in Blood in London," 4 July 2018 You’ll be filled by the generous portions, but make room for the wonderful Gigi’s Cream Corn Soufflé ($6), which recalled Indian pudding with a Caribbean lilt. — Stephanie Schorow, BostonGlobe.com, "Spice up your palate with Haitian delights," 8 June 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Dave Bean Special to The Star Crystal Rose played lilting chamber-pop on the rooftop patio of Messenger Coffee. — Bill Brownlee, kansascity, "Built to Spill, Social Distortion fittingly end great music day at Middle of the Map," 1 July 2018 Michael David Winery 2016 Lodi Chardonnay ($16): Here’s a chardonnay so fruity and lilting it invites gulping, but don’t. — Mike Dunne, sacbee, "This year's best local wine you can (mostly) get for under $20," 20 June 2018 With his insatiable interest in pop culture, lilting accent and personality that's equal parts innocence and ignorance, Hank offers energetic comic relief in an increasingly dark comedy. — Bill Keveney, USA TODAY, "You should know Anthony Carrigan, 'Gotham' villain turned Bill Hader's 'Barry' foil," 26 Apr. 2018 On the album, Mr. Sosa ornaments the space around Mr. Keita’s playing with lilting undercurrents and deftly studded terrain. — New York Times, "13 Pop, Rock and Jazz Concerts to Check Out in NYC This Weekend," 15 Mar. 2018 On some days inside that glitzy office, the soundtrack to his view is Spotify, lilting Grateful Dead music. — Dana Benbow, Indianapolis Star, "Steve Simon: Deadhead, tree hugger, extremely private business whiz, Pacers heir," 4 Jan. 2018 The most graceful representative of the grape among the California bottles was the Castelli Vineyards 2012 Green Valley of Russian River Valley Nebbiolo ($34), notable for its welcoming fragrance and complex yet lilting red-fruit flavors. — Mike Dunne, sacbee, "Nebbiolo, the wine equivalent of winter’s woodpile," 16 Jan. 2018 The film’s lilting score by Marcelo Zarvos (Fences, Brooklyn’s Finest) underscores the magic and childhood wonder in Pullman’s life. — Melinda Newman, Billboard, "Go Behind The Scenes of Marcelo Zarvos' Score for Julia Roberts' New Film 'Wonder': Exclusive," 17 Nov. 2017 With her long blonde hair, lilting soprano and acoustic guitar, the enduring image of the singer-songwriter icon is one that dates back to the late ‘60s or early ‘70s. — Maeve Mcdermott, USA TODAY, "Joni Mitchell biography 'Reckless Daughter' looks at icon's thorny life from both sides," 27 Oct. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lilt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for lilt
lilt
noun
English Language Learners Definition of lilt
: the attractive quality of speech or music that rises and falls in a pleasing pattern
lilt
verb
\ ˈlilt
\
\
lilted;
lilting
Kids Definition of lilt
: to sing or play in a lively cheerful manner
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