lilt

American  

[lilt] / lɪlt /

noun

1. rhythmic swing or cadence.

2. a lilting song or tune.

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verb (used with or without object)

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

lilt British  

/ lɪlt /

noun

1. (in music) a jaunty rhythm

2. a buoyant motion

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verb

1. (of a melody) to have a lilt

2. to move in a buoyant manner

Other Word Forms

• lilting adjective
• liltingly adverb
• liltingness noun

Etymology

Origin of lilt

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

Example Sentences

The lilting score behind Ted’s speech softly casts a gentle aura around him in contrast to his rowdy surroundings.

From Salon

She spoke, first in the fast and lilting language they had heard across the city and then, seeing their uncomprehending faces, in English.

From Literature

The door opens a crack, accompanied by a lilting voice.

From Literature

Jareth peeks at her from between the masked dancers whirling around her, hiding and seeking, smiling gently, for once, as “As the World Falls Down” lilts behind the action.

From Salon

“I felt a connection with Sandro immediately,” she says in her straightforward Georgia lilt.

From Los Angeles Times