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 pageCurrent Biography

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.
Recent Examples on the Web This cocktail takes champagne, the quintessential celebratory tipple, and livens it up even more with a vibrant citrus cordial. Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 28 Dec. 2023 Answer: The Sunset Margarita, a twist on the classic recipe livened up with pomegranate juice. Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024 Fresh chives and dill liven up the egg mixture, and blanched asparagus tips add spring color. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024 Vivid spice and leather notes liven up its soft fruit bouquet. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2024 Turbo Tax livened things up in the world of tax software by featuring Quinta Brunson, creator and star of Abbott Elementary. Bridget Brennan, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 To liven up the study space, Crate and Barrel expanded its college line to include paper trays, dispensers and organizers in aqua, white and blue, said Casey Barangan, sales team leader at the Roseville store. Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024 The organization also is experimenting with hosting lawn games and other activities to liven up the trail, and has plans to commission a mural. Marisa Kendall, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2024 But bold blues aren't the only thing livening up rooms throughout the home. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'liven.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near liven

Cite this Entry

“Liven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liven. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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