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 used for holding sheet music and attaches to a musical instrument (such as a trombone)

3

Lyre : lyra

Illustration of lyre

• lyre 1

Examples of lyre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kids ages 5-12 can handle replica artifacts, such as an abacus, armor and lyre, and learn how professional archeologists make inferences. —Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Add a miniature harp or lyre to complete the vision. —Ella Cerón, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025

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

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