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

In case of emergency, there’s a lyre on the nightstand that lulls him asleep. — Brandon Follick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026

Similarly, the composer used a lyre to create the sound of a bow being strung — a key motif for Odysseus, who is a master archer. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026

In the corner of three-time Academy Award–winning composer Ludwig Göransson’s studio sits a lyre nearly the size of a grown man, one room over from a ping-pong table that, at the push of a button, disappears into the floor. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026

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

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