lilt

[ lilt ]

noun

1. rhythmic swing or cadence.
2. a lilting song or tune.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to sing or play in a light, tripping, or rhythmic manner.

lilt

/ lɪlt /

noun

1. (in music) a jaunty rhythm
2. a buoyant motion

verb

1. (of a melody) to have a lilt
2. to move in a buoyant manner

Derived Forms

• ˈlilting, adjective

Other Words From

• lilting·ly adverb
• lilting·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lilt¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb lilte, lulte “to sound an alarm; lift up (one's voice)”; perhaps akin to Dutch, Low German lul “pipe,” lullen “to lull,” Norwegian lilla “to sing,” of imitative origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of lilt¹

C14 lulten, origin obscure

Example Sentences

“It just felt kismet,” he says with a gravelly lilt.

From Los Angeles Times

“All of my dreams came true, the bigger the ocean, the deeper the blue / Call me a model, an actress, whatever,” she sings with her honeyed lilt.

From Los Angeles Times

A self-professed “bonus track” at the tail end of the album, it is a brief majestic ballad anchored to Muñoz’s vocals, lilting acoustic guitar, and a lush string section arranged by David Campbell — Beck’s father.

From Los Angeles Times

In 14 songs and 90 minutes, the lineup tore through a wide variety of mostly well-chosen material, including one new track, the raw, lilting, groove-heavy “Imminent Redemption.”

From Los Angeles Times

His voice is a mix of Spanish slang and a SoCal surfer lilt.

From Los Angeles Times