lyre

noun

ˈlī(-ə)r 

1

: a stringed instrument of the harp class having an approximately U-shaped frame and used by the ancient Greeks especially to accompany song and recitation (see recitation sense 2)

2

: a small clip typically resembling a lyre that is use for holding sheet music and attaches to a musical instrument (such as a trombone)

3

capitalized : lyra

Illustration of lyre

• lyre 1

Examples of lyre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So imagine the scandal when the emperor himself, the ruler of the known world, climbed onto a stage with a lyre in his hands, singing, reciting, performing for hours. —Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025

But tell me, shall a man Wring the same from a slender lyre? —Douglas Unger august 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025

Based on the Moonwatch legend, the 42 mm case with classic lyre lugs looks remarkably similar to its ’60s namesake, while the manual wind Co-axial 3861 caliber would do a more accurate job of timing booster rockets. —Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025

Pieces are embellished with images of lyres, candelabras, flowers, white cranes and native plants. —New York Times, 22 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lire, from Anglo-French, from Latin lyra, from Greek

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lyre

• bell lyre

Rhymes for lyre

• dire
• ire
• mire
• quire
• spire
• squire
• admire
• afire
• aspire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire

Kids Definition

lyre

noun

ˈlī(ə)r 

: a small harp held in the hands for playing