liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən How to pronounce liven (audio)
livened; livening ˈlī-və-niŋ How to pronounce liven (audio)
ˈlīv-niŋ

transitive verb

: enliven
often used with up
… he … livened up the editorial page.Current Biography

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.
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.
This drink is shaken to create some aeration of the juices to liven it up. Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 This past weekend, however, that same style buzz was injected into one of Santa Fe’s slower months—bringing together a unique crowd of Indigenous trailblazers and innovators that instantly livened up the city. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 May 2026 Invariably, there are gate celebrations, extra food, swag and speeches to liven up the mood. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 10 May 2026 One way to liven up a side yard is by investing in new fencing. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for liven

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of liven was circa 1628

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liven. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

liven

verb
liv·​en ˈlī-vən How to pronounce liven (audio)
livened; livening ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce liven (audio)
: to make or become lively
often used with up

More from Merriam-Webster on liven

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster