lyricism

noun

lyr·​i·​cism ˈlir-ə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce lyricism (audio)
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
2
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
b
: exuberance
[Thomas] Wolfe is the sort of author who inspires lyricism or invective, not judicious interpretation.Time
3
: 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
Renaissance, Beyoncé's seventh album, was a seductive club banger with heady lyricism and deep tributes to the queer community.CT Jones

Examples of lyricism in a Sentence

the lyricism of his paintings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 This program will immerse you in an atmospheric soundscape, with lyricism and a radiant finale portraying heaven through a child's eyes. Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Feb. 2026 Armed with cultural relevance, introspective lyricism and genre-defying artistry, this album further cemented his dominance not just in música urbana but in popular culture overall, elevating him to true household-name status. Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lyricism

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lyricism was in 1760

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Cite this Entry

“Lyricism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lyricism. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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