lullaby

1 of 2

noun

lul·​la·​by ˈlə-lə-ˌbī How to pronounce lullaby (audio)
plural lullabies
: a soothing refrain
specifically : a song to quiet children or lull them to sleep

lullaby

2 of 2

verb

lullabied; lullabying

transitive verb

: to quiet with or as if with a lullaby

Examples of lullaby in a Sentence

Verb reclining peacefully on the deck, lullabied by the gentle motion of the ship
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.
Noun
Twain chose to write a lullaby to commemorate his adult daughter, which Stephen recites to himself wading waist-high in the Ligurian Sea. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 Luckily, a lullaby by her mom is filled with magic that sends her off into a slumber filled with adventurous dreams. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 5 Sep. 2024
Verb
The original is lullaby-like in its simple softness and was fittingly featured in Richard Linklater's epic 2014 film Boyhood. Natalie Maher, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2018 See all Example Sentences for lullaby 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

obsolete English lulla, interjection used to lull a child (from Middle English) + bye, interjection used to lull a child, from Middle English by

First Known Use

Noun

1573, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lullaby was in 1573

Dictionary Entries Near lullaby

Cite this Entry

“Lullaby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lullaby. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lullaby

noun
lul·​la·​by
ˈləl-ə-ˌbī
plural lullabies
: a song to quiet children or lull them to sleep

More from Merriam-Webster on lullaby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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