mellifluous

American  

[muh-lif-loo-uhs] / məˈlɪf lu əs /

adjective

1. sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding: mellifluous tones.

   a mellifluous voice;

   mellifluous tones.

   Synonyms:

   harmonious, dulcet, musical, melodious

2. flowing with honey; sweetened with or as if with honey.

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mellifluous British  

/ mɪˈlɪflʊəs /

adjective

1. (of sounds or utterances) smooth or honeyed; sweet

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Other Word Forms

• mellifluously adverb
• mellifluousness noun
• unmellifluous adjective
• unmellifluously adverb

Etymology

Origin of mellifluous

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin mellifluus, equivalent to Latin melli- (stem of mel ) “honey” + -flu(ere) “to flow” + -us adjective suffix ( -ous )

Example Sentences

For centuries, French has been the measured and mellifluous language of international diplomacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

An American Shakespearean who can hold his own with the Brits, he combines mellifluous diction with muscular imagination.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

Her mellifluous voice soundtracks the show; frankly, "Top Chef" is Padma's stage.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2023

Her voice is warm and mellifluous, lingering over notes like she's savouring wine, and simmering with emotional intensity.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2023

“Try some serves,” he said in his mellifluous American accent.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane