lyric
[lir-ik]
- (of poetry) having the form and musical quality of a song, and especially the character of a songlike outpouring of the poet's own thoughts and feelings, as distinguished from epic and dramatic poetry.
- pertaining to or writing lyric poetry: a lyric poet.
- characterized by or expressing spontaneous, direct feeling: a lyric song; lyric writing.
- pertaining to, rendered by, or employing singing.
- (of a voice) relatively light of volume and modest in range: a lyric soprano.
- pertaining, adapted, or sung to the lyre, or composing poems to be sung to the lyre: ancient Greek lyric odes.
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- a lyric poem.
- Often lyrics. the words of a song.
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Origin of lyric
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for lyrical
Contemporary Examples
From a lyrical standpoint, there are precious few that can catch Kendrick.
The 14 Best Songs of 2014: Bobby Shmurda, Future Islands, Drake, and MoreMarlow Stern
December 31, 2014
He loved simplicity in his musical arrangements, which allowed his lyrical message and melodies to shine through.
When Gary Wright Met George Harrison: Dream Weaver, John and Yoko, and MoreGary Wright
September 29, 2014
The lyrical declamation has inspired luminaries ranging from Kurt Vonnegut to Robert Frost.
James Franco and Scott Haze on 'The Sound and the Fury' and Gawker 'Outing' Them As A 'Couple'Marlow Stern
September 6, 2014
This dad read it as the latter and wrote his own lyrical rebuttal to the tune.
The last two were the main events, promising an epic showdown of lyrical skill.
Historical Examples
This lyrical vision restores it, whole, complete, and literal.
Shelley, Godwin and Their CircleH. N. Brailsford
His special sphere in the restoration and preservation of the old was in lyrical poetry.
The BalladistsJohn Geddie
"You are lyrical, after all, Ellenora," he remarked in his most critical manner.
MelomaniacsJames Huneker
Brorson is without doubt the most lyrical of all Danish hymnwriters.
Hymns and Hymnwriters of DenmarkJens Christian Aaberg
His genius should be less epic and didactic, than lyrical and popular.
lyrical
- another word for lyric (def. 1), lyric (def. 2), lyric (def. 3), lyric (def. 4)
- enthusiastic; effusive (esp in the phrase to wax lyrical)
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lyric
- (of poetry)
- expressing the writer's personal feelings and thoughts
- having the form and manner of a song
- of or relating to such poetry
- (of music) having songlike qualities
- (of a singing voice) having a light quality and tone
- intended for singing, esp (in classical Greece) to the accompaniment of the lyre
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- a short poem of songlike quality
- (plural) the words of a popular song
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Also (for senses 1–4): lyrical
Word Origin
C16: from Latin lyricus, from Greek lurikos, from lura lyre
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for lyrical
lyric
n.
"a lyric poem," 1580s, from Middle French lyrique "short poem expressing personal emotion," from Latin lyricus "of or for the lyre," from Greek lyrikos "singing to the lyre," from lyra (see lyre). Meaning "words of a popular song" is first recorded 1876. Related: lyrics.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
lyric
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.