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lilt

 - 3 dictionary results

lilt

  [lilt]
Use lilt in a Sentence
–noun
1. rhythmic swing or cadence.
2. a lilting song or tune.
–verb (used without object), verb (used with object)
3. to sing or play in a light, tripping, or rhythmic manner.
Origin:
1300–50; ME lulte; perh. akin to D lul pipe, lullen to lull

Related forms:
lilt⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
lilt⋅ing⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To lilt
lilt   (lĭlt)   
n.  

  1. A cheerful or lively manner of speaking, in which the pitch of the voice varies pleasantly.

  2. A light, happy tune or song.

  3. A light or resilient manner of moving or walking.

v.   lilt·ed, lilt·ing, lilts

v.   tr.
To say, sing, or play (something) in a cheerful, rhythmic manner.
v.   intr.

  1. To speak, sing, or play with liveliness or rhythm.

  2. To move with lightness and buoyancy.


[From Middle English lulten, lilten, to sound an alarm.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

lilt 
1513, "to lift up" (the voice), probably from c.1380 W. Midlands dial. lulten "to sound an alarm," of unknown origin. Possible relatives include Norw. lilla "to sing" and Low Ger. lul "pipe." It is possible that the whole loose group is imitative. Sense of "sing in a light manner" is first recorded 1786.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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