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 JonesExamples of lyricism in a Sentence
the lyricism of his paintings
Recent Examples on the Web
Much of Ayewa’s lyricism throughout the album is also concerned with what lies ahead.
—Steve Donofrio, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
With over three decades in music, the Mexican singer-songwriter has defined the sound of Latin alternative pop through deeply personal songwriting, poetic lyricism, and her distinctive talent as a multi-instrumentalist, particularly on the accordion and piano.
—Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2026
Formed by vocalist Harry Hanson and synth player Greg Lonsdale in 2021, the band is setting itself apart from any typical rock snorefest with snarky lyricism, compelling production and fresh electronic loops.
—Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
The root of Disco is tension — between Styles and an ex, between an artist and himself, between a pop star and a fandom’s gaze, and between serious intentions and sometimes silly lyricism.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
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Steve Donofrio, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
With over three decades in music, the Mexican singer-songwriter has defined the sound of Latin alternative pop through deeply personal songwriting, poetic lyricism, and her distinctive talent as a multi-instrumentalist, particularly on the accordion and piano.
—Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2026
Formed by vocalist Harry Hanson and synth player Greg Lonsdale in 2021, the band is setting itself apart from any typical rock snorefest with snarky lyricism, compelling production and fresh electronic loops.
—Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
The root of Disco is tension — between Styles and an ex, between an artist and himself, between a pop star and a fandom’s gaze, and between serious intentions and sometimes silly lyricism.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lyricism
Cite this Entry
“Lyricism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lyricism. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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