lilting

1 of 2

adjective

lilt·​ing ˈlil-tiŋ 

1

: characterized by a rhythmical swing or cadence

a lilting stride

2

: cheerful, buoyant

a lilting comedy

liltingly

ˈlil-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

liltingness noun

lilting

2 of 2

present participle of lilt entry 2

Examples of lilting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

La Vierge de Fer contrasts the delicate fruit and a lily note with the screech of cold metal, sparkling aldehydes, and lilting sandalwood. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026

Dry farmed and organically grown, this sauvignon blanc is zesty, fresh and lilting with lovely notes of wet stone and citrus. — Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Its lilting reggae sound seems designed more for lazing around a pool (perhaps with an inflatable unicorn) than rousing the masses. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 June 2026

What Doremus has done though, is to make his own thing with a similar concept, a film greatly enhanced by the lilting presence of Clarke, who is wonderful in this role(s), showing us the glory of fate, and its price. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lilting

• quilting
• silting
• tilting
• wilting