lyricism
noun
lyr·i·cism
ˈlir-ə-ˌsi-zəm 
1
: the quality or state of being lyric : songfulness
The important part of his anthology 100 Modern Poems is the foreign verse, showing the French influence on our symbolism, the Celtic influence (Yeats, Dylan Thomas) on our lyricism.—
Peter Viereck
Peter Viereck2
a
: an intense personal quality expressive of feeling or emotion in an art (such as poetry or music)
… a muse that brought out the lyricism in innumerable writers.—Erich Segal
Erich Segal
b
: exuberance
[Thomas] Wolfe is the sort of author who inspires lyricism or invective, not judicious interpretation—Time
Time3
: the words of a song : lyrics
witty lyricism
Despite her spitfire raps and devil-may-care persona, Lee's lyricism is surprisingly sensitive, proving the rapper to be wise beyond her years.—Gladys Yeo
Gladys YeoRenaissance, Beyoncé's seventh album, was a seductive club banger with heady lyricism and deep tributes to the queer community.—CT Jones
CT Jones
Examples of lyricism in a Sentence
the lyricism of his paintings
Recent Examples on the Web
Regarded for his wrenching, joyful lyricism as a bard of all things Irish, Shane MacGowan – the singer-songwriter known mostly for his work as frontman of the Celtic punk phenomenon the Pogues – was truly a tender poet of universal concern.
—A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 30 Nov. 2023
But lyricism would become increasingly important, as would an expansive scoring style, in which instruments more typically heard in pop and folk ensembles — electric guitar and bass, saxophones, mandolin, banjo and accordion — were grafted onto standard orchestras.
—Allan Kozinn, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023
Its delicate, humorous lyricism is another embodiment of Translations’ big-souled complexity.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2023
The former received the remix treatment in October when the MMG duo tapped NBA superstars Damian Lillard and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal to showcase their lyricism.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 8 Nov. 2023
Get Tickets on Fandango All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (Theaters, 11/3)
A Sundance hit, Raven Jackson’s debut film earned widespread acclaim for its lyricism and confidence.
—Keith Phipps, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2023
With that being said, Nas’ lyricism was as strong as ever, and Hip Hop Is Dead was even nominated for a coveted Grammy Award in 2008.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 15 Sep. 2023
Her sound mixes the energy of 2008-era Lady Gaga and the lyricism of Carole King, served with a side of early-aughts Hannah Montana glam.
—Sofia Andrade, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2023
Akin to the macabre lyricism of David Lynch’s moving dreams, Ripstein’s intoxicating frames feel otherworldly.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023
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A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 30 Nov. 2023
But lyricism would become increasingly important, as would an expansive scoring style, in which instruments more typically heard in pop and folk ensembles — electric guitar and bass, saxophones, mandolin, banjo and accordion — were grafted onto standard orchestras.
—Allan Kozinn, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023
Its delicate, humorous lyricism is another embodiment of Translations’ big-souled complexity.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2023
The former received the remix treatment in October when the MMG duo tapped NBA superstars Damian Lillard and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal to showcase their lyricism.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 8 Nov. 2023
Get Tickets on Fandango All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (Theaters, 11/3)
A Sundance hit, Raven Jackson’s debut film earned widespread acclaim for its lyricism and confidence.
—Keith Phipps, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2023
With that being said, Nas’ lyricism was as strong as ever, and Hip Hop Is Dead was even nominated for a coveted Grammy Award in 2008.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 15 Sep. 2023
Her sound mixes the energy of 2008-era Lady Gaga and the lyricism of Carole King, served with a side of early-aughts Hannah Montana glam.
—Sofia Andrade, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2023
Akin to the macabre lyricism of David Lynch’s moving dreams, Ripstein’s intoxicating frames feel otherworldly.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lyricism.' 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
1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near lyricism
Cite this Entry
“Lyricism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lyricism. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
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