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

a lithe, muscular athlete

the runner's lithe frame

lithely adverb

litheness noun

Synonyms of lithe

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

Examples of lithe in a Sentence

the lithe body of a dancer

the lithe blade of a fencing foil

Recent Examples on the Web

Drawing comparisons to Michael Jackson while honing lithe dancing skills and his supple tenor, Usher graduated from opener to solo headliner in 2002 with his 8701 Evolution Tour in support of his third studio album, 8701. —Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025

The scene in the troll market is a masterpiece of invention, and the movie is lithe and silly enough to give us some Barry Manilow for good measure. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025

There was a trio of lithe Kindle Scribe e-readers that promised snappier interfaces, including the standard Scribe ($430), Scribe With Frontlight ($550), and Scribe Colorsoft ($630). —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025

At first glance, the 100 or so runners might have looked like any of the city’s million other crews: lithe, youngish, tattooed. —Matt Gross, Outside, 9 Sep. 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