lull

American  

[luhl] / lʌl /

verb (used with object)

1. to put to sleep or rest by soothing means.

   to lull a child by singing.

2. to soothe or quiet.

3. to give or lead to feel a false sense of safety; cause to be less alert, aware, or watchful.

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verb (used without object)

1. to quiet down, let up, or subside.

   furious activity that finally lulled.

noun

1. a temporary calm, quiet, or stillness.

   a lull in a storm.

2. a soothing sound.

   the lull of falling waters.

3. a pacified or stupefied condition.

   The drug had put him in a lull.

lull British  

/ lʌl /

verb

1. to soothe (a person or animal) by soft sounds or motions (esp in the phrase lull to sleep )

2. to calm (someone or someone's fears, suspicions, etc), esp by deception

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noun

1. a short period of calm or diminished activity

Other Word Forms

• luller noun
• lulling adjective
• lullingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of lull

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English lullen, of expressive origin; compare Swedish lulla, German lullen, Latin lallāre “to sing a lullaby”

Explanation

See lull, think "calm." It could be the noun form (like "the lull before the storm") or the verb: one can lull someone by calming them (as in lulling a baby to sleep with a lullaby). The noun lull is often used in relation to a storm, but the term has a broader meaning as well. Lull can be used to describe any temporary period of calm or diminished activity, like the quiet time before the lunch rush in a restaurant or the brief period of tranquility before the doors open for a pre-Christmas sale. The word's verb form means "to soothe or to make someone feel relaxed." When used as a verb lull can turn deceptive, and it is often used to convey a false sense of security.

Example Sentences

Trade the metronome as it swings back and forth, but don’t let the hypnotic sound lull you into complacency.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

With three more majors to come this year, McIlroy added he does not anticipate the "lull of motivation" he felt in the wake of his career Grand Slam-sealing Masters win last year.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

The government has credited wintry weather with a recent lull in the disease.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

In Gaza, the lull in violence has given a glimpse of more hopeful possibilities if the push for peace succeeds.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

She could hear the gentle lull of her father’s voice and that of John Churchmouse, blending with the hum of nocturnal insects from the meadow and hedges on this balmy summer night.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• breather
• calmness
• hiatus
• hush
• layoff
• letup
• respite
• time-out