lira

American  

[leer-uh, lee-rah] / ˈlɪər ə, ˈli rɑ /

noun

plural

lire, liras

1. a coin and monetary unit of Italy until the euro was adopted, equal to 100 centesimi. L., Lit.

2. a monetary unit of Malta, San Marino, and the Vatican City until the euro was adopted.

3. a silver, bronze, or chrome steel coin and monetary unit of Turkey, equal to 100 kurus; equal to 100 piasters before 1933; Turkish pound. TL.

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lira British  

/ ˈlɪərə, ˈliːra /

noun

1. the former standard monetary unit of Italy, San Marino, and the Vatican City, divided into 100 centesimi; replaced by the euro in 2002

2. Also called: pound.  the standard monetary unit of Turkey, divided into 100 kuruş

3. the former standard monetary unit of Malta, divided into 100 cents or 1000 mils; replaced by the euro in 2008

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Etymology

Origin of lira

1610–20; < Italian < Old Provençal lieura < Latin lībra pound

Example Sentences

Attorney David Lira, 65, Girardi’s son-in-law, pleaded guilty last year to a criminal contempt charge for his willful failure to abide by the settlement payment order.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

That makes the Super Bowl a valuable stage to raise awareness, Lira noted.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 8, 2026

Lira notes that the immune system is affected by many lifestyle factors, including sleep quality, nutrition, vaccination, stress, inactivity, and certain medications that suppress immune activity.

From Science Daily • Oct. 14, 2025

Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent, on 14 March following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to fund her and four other rescued lions.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2025

But he was destined to get what he wanted that very day, namely, an opportunity of speaking with Von Lira alone.

From A Roman Singer by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)