lithe

1 of 2

adjective

ˈlīt͟h  ˈlīth 

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

a lithe, muscular athlete

the runner's lithe frame

lithely adverb

litheness noun

litheness

2 of 2

noun

lithe·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being lithe : suppleness, flexibility

Synonyms of lithe

Adjective

• flexible
• willowy
• plastic
• limber
• pliant
• supple

Examples of lithe in a Sentence

Adjective

the lithe body of a dancer

the lithe blade of a fencing foil

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The lithe Pettet then sparkled as Mata Bond, the product of a love affair between Niven’s 007 and the spy Mata Hari, in the Bond spoof Casino Royale (1967). — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026

At 6-foot-5 and a lithe 205 pounds, many scouts forecast Flora to add some oomph to his 96-98 mph heater. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

During my flight, as each lithe limb was bound and hoisted, my unflappable captain checked in. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026

The herd’s lithe necks drifted above the bush in one ethereal mass, moving like a corps de ballet against a pale blue sky. — Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Noun

Middle English lithnes, from lith, lithe lithe + -nes -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lithe

• blithe
• scythe
• tithe
• writhe
• wythe

Kids Definition

lithe

adjective

ˈlīt͟h  ˈlīth 

1

: easily bent : flexible

long lithe stems

2

: light and graceful in movement

lithe dancers

lithely adverb

litheness noun