lissome

1 of 2

adjective

lis·​some ˈli-səm 

variants or less commonly lissom

1

a

: easily flexed

b

: lithe sense 2

2

: nimble

lissomely adverb

lissomeness noun

lissomeness

2 of 2

noun

lis·​some·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being lissome

Did you know?

Lissome (sometimes spelled lissom) is a gently altered form of its synonym, lithesome. While lissome tends to be the more popular choice these days, the two words have similar pasts. They both appeared in the 18th century, and they both trace back to the much older lithe, which first appeared in English during the 14th century and comes from an Old English word meaning "gentle." Lissome can also be an adverb meaning "in a supple or nimble manner," but this use is rare.

Synonyms of lissome

Adjective

• graceful

Examples of lissome in a Sentence

Adjective

the lissome actress's dance training is apparent in the way she moves on stage

rattan is such a lissome material that it can be used for all manner of furniture and baskets

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The lissome little murder mystery retails for $15 and totals 100 pages. — Hannah Natanson, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Dec. 2022

The 5000 has one of the most lissome combinations of ride and handling of any car on the road; the 4000, however, is less smooth and less graceful. — Steve Smith, Car and Driver, 14 Aug. 2020

One of my more luminous memories of that odd year, 1974, was a dance performed in Central Park in New York by three long and lissome non-pregnant maidens in white gauze gym suits. — Charles McCabe, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 June 2018

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

alteration of lithesome

First Known Use

Adjective

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for lissome

• alyssum
• cataclysm

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Kids Definition

lissome

adjective

lis·​some

variants also lissom

ˈlis-əm 

1

: bending easily : flexible, lithe

2

: quick and light in action : nimble