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

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Etymology

Origin of lyricism

First recorded in 1750–60; lyric + -ism

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Explanation

Lyricism is the quality of tunefulness or melody that a piece of music has. A choir director carefully considers the lyricism of the songs she chooses for a big concert. Something with lyricism is lyrical, or singable. This noun also captures the emotional nature of certain works of art, particularly poetry and other writing: "The poem's lyricism makes it possible for the reader to acutely experience those feelings of loss and despair." The related word lyric means "the words to a song," but originally meant "a lyric poem," from the Greek lyrikos, "singing to the lyre."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lyricism

Quinn Kelsey’s sumptuous baritone brimmed with lyricism along with its power, expressing Macbeth’s ambition and terror at the same time.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026

There’s a grounded, earthy lyricism to the images captured in “Esta Isla” that show a Puerto Rico that’s at once lush and entrancing but also undiscovered and unseen in cinema.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

In “The Road,” Cormac McCarthy depicts a postapocalyptic world with the savagery and tangled lyricism he earlier brought to blood-dimmed novels about the Western borderlands.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

The girl band first made a mark with their 2022 debut single, Cardboard Box, which showcased their smooth group harmonies and sassy lyricism.

From BBC ● Apr. 8, 2026

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

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

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