lilt

1 of 2

noun

ˈlilt 

1

: a spirited and usually cheerful song or tune

2

: a rhythmical swing, flow, or cadence

3

: a springy buoyant movement

lilt

2 of 2

verb

lilted; lilting; lilts

transitive verb

: to sing or play in a lively cheerful manner

intransitive verb

1

: to sing or speak rhythmically and with fluctuating pitch

2

: to move in a lively springy manner

Examples of lilt in a Sentence

Noun

There was a charming lilt to her voice.

a tune with a lilt

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On each and particularly the McEntire cover, Frantz is in full control of her vocal instrument, wielding each vocal lilt and swoop and maximizing each moment of heartache. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024

There are other ways to spot deepfakes, though, like asking a person on a livestream to turn sideways or listening for an off-sounding lilt in someone's voice. —Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 17 Oct. 2024

Verb

Waltzing along the fine line between preciousness and profundity, Brion’s lilting piano theme perfectly echoes the tone of a beguiling romance that — by design — struggles to find a balance in its feelings. —Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024

Argentines joking around in lilting Spanish and Australians with their distinctive garrulous accent. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English lulten to sound an alarm

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1722, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

lilt

1 of 2 verb

ˈlilt 

: to sing or play in a lively cheerful manner

liltingly

ˈlil-tiŋ-lē

adverb

lilt

2 of 2 noun

: a lively and cheerful sound or expression

a tune with a lilt

a lilt in her voice