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
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.
With lilting cadences, the king shares the origin myth of his Nkangala people, that a small elephant shed its skin while bathing in the river and a woman emerged, who married and procreated with his ancestors. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025 Loved seeing Rose Byrne turn on the lilting American accent for her impression of the hostesses at La Cienega Haciendas. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 The lilting Calle Malaga, Morocco’s official entry for the International Feature Film Oscar, is a joy largely because of its veteran star who envelops the screen and grabs a role of a career. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025 The first violins unfurl a lilting, lightly bopping tune in D minor. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lilting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lilting. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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