lyrics

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

lyr•ic /ˈlɪrɪk/   adj. Also, ˈlyr•i•cal. 

1. Poetry (of a poem) having the general effect of a song, esp. in expressing emotions.
2. characterized by or expressing strong, spontaneous feeling:
   lyric writing.

n. [countable]

3. Literature, Poetry a lyric poem.
4. Music and Dance Usually, lyrics. [plural] the words of a song.

lyr•i•cal•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

lyr•ic  (lir′ik), adj. 

Also, lyr′i•cal. 
1. 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.
2. Literature, Poetry pertaining to or writing lyric poetry:
   a lyric poet.
3. characterized by or expressing spontaneous, direct feeling:
   a lyric song; lyric writing.
4. pertaining to, rendered by, or employing singing.
5. Music and Dance (of a voice) relatively light of volume and modest in range:
   a lyric soprano.
6. Music and Dance pertaining, adapted, or sung to the lyre, or composing poems to be sung to the lyre:
   ancient Greek lyric odes.

n. 

7. Literature, Poetry a lyric poem.
8. Music and Dance Often, lyrics. the words of a song.

• Greek lyrikós. See lyre, -ic
• Latin lyricus
• 1575–85

lyr′i•cal•ly, adv. 
lyr′i•cal•ness, n.