Lorelei

[ lawr-uh-lahy; German loh-ruh-lahy ]

noun

1. a quasilegendary nymph of the Rhine who lured sailors to shipwreck on her rock by singing: a creation of Clemens Brentano in a poem of 1800.
2. a female given name.

Lorelei

/ ˈlɒrəˌlaɪ /

noun

1. (in German legend) a siren, said to dwell on a rock at the edge of the Rhine south of Koblenz, who lures boatmen to destruction

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lorelei¹

< German, variant of Lurlei, cliff overlooking the Rhine, thought to be the abode of a nymph

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lorelei¹

C19: from German Lurlei name of the rock; from a poem by Clemens Brentano (1778–1842)

Example Sentences

“This is analogous to permitting a shopping center,” said Lorelei Oviatt, Kern County’s director of planning and natural resources.

From Los Angeles Times

For some like Lorelei and her friends, rationing pills has been the only option and holding down a job has become too much as their original symptoms have returned.

From BBC

In a month rife with original indie games, including Animal Well and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, there has seemingly been something for every player.

From New York Times

The puzzle game Lorelei and the Laser Eyes opens with the protagonist — a well-dressed woman with the solemnity of a catwalk model — inside a forest where boreal owls roam.

From New York Times

Lorelei Mathias said: "It's already like a Herculean task to get your medication."

From BBC