lyricism

American  

[lir-uh-siz-uhm] / ˈlɪr əˌsɪz əm /

noun

1. lyric character or style, as in poetry.

2. lyric feeling; enthusiasm, especially when unrestrained or exaggerated.

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lyricism British  

/ ˈlɪrɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the quality or style of lyric poetry

2. emotional or enthusiastic outpouring

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Other Word Forms

• nonlyricism noun

Etymology

Origin of lyricism

First recorded in 1750–60; lyric + -ism

Example Sentences

Now, she’s combining her knack for emotional lyricism with her soulful voice, recently opening for Tito Double P in Mexico, and breaking out with her recent single, “Pagana.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

He pioneered the Afrobeat genre alongside drummer Tony Allen, blending West African rhythms, jazz, funk, highlife, extended improvisation, call-and-response vocals and politically charged lyricism.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

From the start, Rocky has been most highly praised for his taste and aesthetic sense rather than raw rapping skill or lyricism, and his albums tend to be a showcase for his wide-ranging musical interests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

On the subject of lyricism, as may be deduced by now, it was a largely disappointing year for new musicals—but not for musical-theater performances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

She read the Qur’an and was struck by its power and lyricism.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers