WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
lyr•ic /ˈlɪrɪk/USA pronunciation
adj. Also, ˈlyr•i•cal.
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Poetry(of a poem) having the general effect of a song, esp. in expressing emotions.
- characterized by or expressing strong, spontaneous feeling:lyric writing.
n. [countable]
- Literature, Poetrya lyric poem.
- Music and DanceUsually, lyrics. [plural] the words of a song.
lyr•ic
(lir′ik),USA pronunciation adj.
n.
lyr′i•cal•ly, adv.
lyr′i•cal•ness, n.
- Also, lyr′i•cal.
- Literature, Poetry(of poetry) having the form and musical quality of a song, and esp. the character of a songlike outpouring of the poet's own thoughts and feelings, as distinguished from epic and dramatic poetry.
- Literature, Poetrypertaining to or writing lyric poetry:a lyric poet.
- characterized by or expressing spontaneous, direct feeling:a lyric song; lyric writing.
- pertaining to, rendered by, or employing singing.
- Music and Dance(of a voice) relatively light of volume and modest in range:a lyric soprano.
- Music and Dancepertaining, adapted, or sung to the lyre, or composing poems to be sung to the lyre:ancient Greek lyric odes.
n.
- Literature, Poetrya lyric poem.
- Music and DanceOften, lyrics. the words of a song.
- Greek lyrikós. See lyre, -ic
- Latin lyricus
- 1575–85
lyr′i•cal•ness, n.
'lyrically' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):