lilting

adjective

lilt·​ing ˈlil-tiŋ How to pronounce lilting (audio)
Synonyms of liltingnext
1
: characterized by a rhythmical swing or cadence
a lilting stride
2
: cheerful, buoyant
a lilting comedy
liltingly
ˈlil-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce lilting (audio)
adverb
liltingness noun

Examples of lilting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the song’s lilting refrain, the kids led the teams onto the field, the crowd growing still louder. — Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 21 Apr. 2026 Malcolm Todd is a rising star with a sweet, lilting voice and a knack for intimate popcraft. — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026 Dry farmed and organically grown, this sauvignon blanc is zesty, fresh and lilting with lovely notes of wet stone and citrus. — Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Its lilting reggae sound seems designed more for lazing around a pool (perhaps with an inflatable unicorn) than rousing the masses. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lilting

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lilting was in 1800

Rhymes for lilting

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Browse Nearby Words

lilt
lilting
lilting skip
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Cite this Entry

“Lilting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lilting. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lilting

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