lithe

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

the most lithe and graspable of waists

—R. P. Warren

lithely adverb

litheness noun

Synonyms

• flexible
• willowy
• plastic
• limber
• lissom
• pliant
• supple
• floppy

Examples of lithe in a Sentence

the lithe body of a dancer

the lithe blade of a fencing foil

Recent Examples on the Web

Five spice pepitas delivered breathy notes of Asian cuisine and, along with the crunch of radish, provided textural contrast to the lithe fish. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Should it be flecked with standard chocolate chips, bigger chocolate chunks, or lithe flakes? —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2025

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club is clean, lithe, and snappy. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025

Svelte yet heavy, Clipse’s latest sees all their phonetic and poetical gifts rendered to subtly maximal effect, with their lithe vocals cresting Pharrell’s glossy surfaces like snowfall. —Peter A. Berry, Variety, 11 July 2025

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

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