lullaby

American  

[luhl-uh-bahy] / ˈlʌl əˌbaɪ /

noun

plural

lullabies

1. a song used to lull a child to sleep; cradlesong.

2. any lulling song.

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verb (used with object)

lullabied, lullabying

1. to lull with or as with a lullaby.

lullaby British  

/ ˈlʌləˌbaɪ /

noun

1. a quiet song to lull a child to sleep

2. the music for such a song

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verb

1. (tr) to quiet or soothe with or as if with a lullaby

Etymology

Origin of lullaby

1550–60; equivalent to lulla, lulla ( y ), interjection used in cradlesongs ( late Middle English lullai, lulli ) + -by, as in bye-bye

Example Sentences

In one of the film’s most stirring moments, indicative of its quiet power, Duvall keeps his back to the camera as he sings a lullaby hymn only for himself.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

In Auschwitz last year, he was playing a lullaby on the piano, composed by Adam Kopycinski, a brilliant Polish musician who was the conductor of the Auschwitz Orchestra and had performed for Höss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

For 90 years, this brief aria has bridged musical worlds—reminding us that even the humblest lullaby can rise and soar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

I watch it when I’m getting ready in the morning, and it’s kind of my lullaby when I go to bed.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

June mumbled a song in Latin, like a lullaby, which didn’t help Percy concentrate.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan