lithe

Also lithe·some

[lahyth]

adjective

lither, lithest 

1. bending readily; pliant; limber; supple; flexible.

   the lithe body of a ballerina.

lithe

/ laɪð /

adjective

1. flexible or supple

Other Word Forms

• lithely adverb
• litheness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithe¹

before 900; Middle English lith(e), Old English līthe; cognate with Old Saxon līthi, German lind “mild,” Latin lentus “slow”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithe¹

Old English (in the sense: gentle; C15: supple); related to Old High German lindi soft, Latin lentus slow

Example Sentences

The title track is both complex and hummable, and it features contrasting solos from Mr. Rogers, who is pointed and gruff, and Mr. Finlayson, who is lithe and bright.

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Autumn nods in understanding and creeps toward the television, her form as lithe as a mountain lion.

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Naomi, held on a leash by student Trinity Astilla, was the picture of lithe, feline elegance as she slunk around a dusty enclosure, briefly hopping atop her crate — but not into it.

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Let me reiterate: In a city obsessed with youth and brimming with lithe fitness instructors in Lululemon-wear and wireless headsets, a 24 Hour Fitness gym has a secret weapon in Delgado.

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Meanwhile Anna and Tess, who’ve been through this before, don’t have much motivation beyond using their lithe young bodies to ride scooters and scarf cheeseburgers.

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Related Words

• agile 
• limber 
• nimble 
• slim 
• supple