liven

verb liv·en \ ˈlī-vən \

|Updated on: 30 Jul 2018

Examples: liven in a Sentence

Definition of liven

livened; livening play \ˈlī-və-niŋ, ˈlīv-niŋ\

transitive verb

: enliven —often used with up

he … livened up the editorial page
—Current Biography

intransitive verb

: to become lively

See liven defined for English-language learners

See liven defined for kids

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.

Recent Examples of liven from the Web

At least with Serbia there’s a flag to liven things up.

— vanessa friedman, New York Times, "A Fashion Expert and a Football Expert Had a Conversation About World Cup Kits," 15 June 2018
Olivia Palermo slipped a La Perla cami under a velvet pantsuit to liven things up.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "10 Best Dressed: Week of May 28, 2018," 28 May 2018
The place to put the latest attraction was in Knott's Boardwalk — where things liven up at night and visitors see bright lights, hear loud music and pick up on the beach culture of Southern California, Decker said.

— jessica peralta, latimes.com, "Knott’s Berry Farm opens first dive coaster in California," 24 May 2018
Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig contested a pretty dull affair in the Bundesliga on Saturday, but the clubs' respective Twitter accounts did their level best to liven things up a bit with some pretty good banter.

— SI.com, "Hilarious Gladbach and Leipzig Twitter Accounts Get a Little Distracted During Boring Game," 4 Feb. 2018
Yup: Hill decided to liven things up and dive into the warm glow of summer with a head full of brightly colored, freshly dyed pink hair.

— tyler watamanuk, GQ, "Jonah Hill Has Pink Hair Now," 18 June 2018
The Baltimore Orioles did their best to liven the party by dangling third baseman/shortstop Manny Machado two weeks ago, but even with the White Sox and Cubs in strong pursuit, GM Dan Duquette has yet to see a tempting offer.

— bob nightengale, USA TODAY, "MLB's cold-hearted economics chill the hot stove, puts the freeze on elite players," 2 Jan. 2018
The South Laurel Recreation Council once again livens up our summer evenings with a variety of concerts on the lawn of the Montpelier Mansion.

— sara ervin walser, Laurel Leader, "Nature programs at Patuxent Research in full swing [South Laurel/Montpelier]," 28 June 2018
Gayà was a standout star for Valencia last season, and could be the breath of fresh air United need to liven up their backline.

— SI.com, "Man Utd Scrap Plans to Sign £50m Rated Alex Sandro & Switch Focus to Valencia Star Left-Back," 24 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'liven.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of liven

circa 1628

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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LIVEN Defined for English Language Learners

liven

verb

Definition of liven for English Language Learners

: to make (something) more lively, interesting, or exciting
: to become more lively, interesting, or exciting

LIVEN Defined for Kids

liven

verb liv·en \ ˈlī-vən \

Definition of liven for Students

livened; livening

: to make or become lively

Hint: Liven is often used with up. He knows how to liven up a meeting.

Learn More about liven

Spanish Central: Translation of liven Nglish: Translation of liven for Spanish speakers

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liven

Definition of liven

Examples of liven in a Sentence

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First Known Use of liven

LIVEN Defined for English Language Learners

liven

Definition of liven for English Language Learners

LIVEN Defined for Kids

liven

Definition of liven for Students

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