1
: easily bent or flexed
lithe steel
a lithe vine
2
: characterized by easy flexibility and grace
a lithe dancer
treading with a lithe silent step
also : athletically slim
the most lithe and graspable of waists R. P. Warren
lithely adverb
litheness noun

Examples of lithe in a Sentence

the lithe body of a dancer the lithe blade of a fencing foil
Recent Examples on the Web The 507 was envisioned by its American importer, Max Hoffman, who encouraged BMW to pull the big V8 out of its large and lumpy executive sedans and wrap it in a lithe sports car body. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2024 Here, accompanied by hints of intake rush, the little Roadster simply scoots down the road, almost lithe in its simplicity yet requiring a deft hand to pilot smoothly. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Her lithe figure got a bit lost among the crew as the song evolved into a frenzy of pyro and air guitar moves, ending with Lisa brandishing the rock ‘n’ roll devil horns that apparently cross generations. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024 Bloom moves with the lithe, unsteady canter of a man who's punch drunk, while the trauma of his horrific childhood emanates from his haunted eyes. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lithe 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lithe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English līthe gentle; akin to Old High German lindi gentle, Latin lentus slow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lithe was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lithe

Cite this Entry

“Lithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lithe. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

lithe

adjective
1
: easily bent : flexible
long lithe stems
2
: light and graceful in movement
lithe dancers
lithely adverb
litheness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lithe

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