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
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.
Miley Cyrus delivers a fashion statement with her lithe, feather dress and long, black leather gloves in Paris on June 18. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 24 June 2025 On the palate, the wine has splendid depth and width, just as its Cabernet Sauvignon offspring so often does in Napa; the difference is a lightness of touch here, an aerial grace, and a lithe ease of line to the tannins; the acidity remains tenderly supportive. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Movies have long cherished the contrast between a ballerina’s delicacy and lithe visuals with the gritty determination required to leap, dance and twirl in the highly unnatural way that is dancing on your toes. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025 The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club is clean, lithe, and snappy. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lithe

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lithe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lithe. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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