lull

1 of 2

verb

ˈləl How to pronounce lull (audio)
lulled; lulling; lulls
Synonyms of lull

transitive verb

1
: to cause to sleep or rest : soothe
He was lulled to sleep by her soothing voice.
2
: to cause to relax vigilance
were lulled into a false sense of security

lull

2 of 2

noun

1
: a temporary pause or decline in activity
the early-morning lull in urban noise
: such as
a
: a temporary drop in business activity
b
: a temporary calm before or during a storm
2
archaic : something that lulls
especially : lullaby

Synonyms of lull

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Verb

Noun

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Examples of lull in a Sentence

Verb The music lulled him to sleep. the absence of attacks for such an extended period had lulled the nation into a false sense of security Noun we took the opportunity of a lull in the conversation to announce that we were engaged to be married
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.
Verb
Teammates admit to sometimes getting lulled into ball-watching when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are at the controls of the Lakers’ offense. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Reality, for Doomed, hangs on the harmony of the spheres, a crystalline architecture with the power to dazzle—and, at times, to lull. — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
But in the event of an energetic lull or bout of social fatigue, a game is a nice place to land. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 Still, multiple lobbyists tell me that a flurry of regulator activity has prompted an increase in advocacy for some despite a year that has been otherwise marked by a lull in major legislative activity ahead of the election. — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lull

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English; probably of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1719, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lull was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing lull

Rhymes for lull

See All Rhymes for lull

Browse Nearby Words

Luleburgaz
lull
lullaby
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lull.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lull. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lull

1 of 2 verb
ˈləl How to pronounce lull (audio)
1
: to cause to sleep or rest
2
: to cause to relax vigilance
were lulled into a false sense of security

lull

2 of 2 noun
1
: a temporary calm before or during a storm
2
: a temporary drop in activity
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