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.
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 But Dunne’s voice, lilting and keening, is rich with empathy. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025 Wales, meanwhile, sings in slate and soul—its valleys dotted with woolly sheep and echoed by the lilting notes of male voice choirs drifting from chapel doors. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 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 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lilting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!