Lyric
/ˈlɪrɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe words of a song, especially a song that is not instrumental.
/ˈlɪrɪk/
The words of a song.
The lyrics were so beautiful, they brought tears to my eyes.
💡 Simply: Lyrics are like the words that go with a song. They tell a story, share feelings, or paint a picture in your mind, just like in your favorite songs! For example, the lyrics in 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams are all about being cheerful.
👶 For kids: The words to a song!
More Examples
I always look up the lyrics to my favorite songs so I can sing along.
The band's new song features particularly poignant lyrics.
How It's Used
"The singer forgot the lyrics during the performance."
Relating to or expressing the writer's emotions, often in a beautiful, imaginative, or musical way.
/ˈlɪrɪk/
Expressing personal emotions in a beautiful way.
The singer's lyric voice filled the concert hall.
💡 Simply: If something is lyric, it means it's full of feelings and is often beautiful, just like a song! Imagine a poem that makes you feel happy or sad. That poem is lyric.
👶 For kids: Like a song that makes you feel things.
More Examples
Her lyric poetry explored themes of love and loss.
The film had a wonderfully lyric score.
How It's Used
"The poem was known for its lyric beauty."
Idioms & expressions
lyric poem
A poem expressing personal emotions and thoughts, often short and musical.
"She wrote a beautiful lyric poem about her childhood."
From Late Latin lyricus, from Greek lurikos, from lura (lyre). Originally referred to poetry meant to be sung to the lyre.
Originally referred to poetry meant to be sung to a lyre; the term's meaning broadened over time.
Memory tip
Think of a song's lyrics as the written 'story' the singer tells.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: lura