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”

Example Sentences

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

There has been a bit of a lull in new offerings in March, which is typical for this time of the year.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Analysts and officials offered theories for the lull, including a potential effort to influence U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Winter weather and the usual postholiday hiring lull tend to distort the report.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

It was then that her nightmares turned against her, and she started needing lull.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Related Words

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