Standard Lemma guide

lilting

adj · noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈlɪltɪŋ/
  • rhymes with -ɪltɪŋ

1

adj

Meaning 1

Having a lilt; with energy, spirit and sprightliness; lively and cheerful.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A type of lively singing without any musical accompaniment, where the tune itself is sung, often to nonsense syllables.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • Anthology of Music and Dance of the Americas, The JVC/Smithsonian Folkways, Vol 1, Canada and the United States: Secular Traditions. Especially welcome in this survey are two examples of turlute, or lilting. In communities where musical instruments were not available, turlute was a common dance accompaniment. The popularity and availability of musical instruments has made lilting a rare art.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

present participle and gerund of lilt

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

adjective satellite

Meaning 4

characterized by a buoyant rhythm

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • an easy lilting stride
  • the flute broke into a light lilting air
  • a swinging pace
  • a graceful swingy walk
  • a tripping singing measure

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: swinging, swingy, tripping

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Irish: portaireacht — type of lively singing
  • Irish: portaireacht bhéil — type of lively singing
  • Scottish Gaelic: puirt à beul — type of lively singing
  • Scottish Gaelic: canntaireachd — type of lively singing