What does lilted mean?
“Lilted” is chiefly the past tense and past participle of “lilt,” but it is also used attributively as an adjective, especially in descriptions of a voice, melody, or cadence. In its verb use, it describes speaking or singing with a light, pleasing rhythm that rises and falls melodiously. In its adjectival use, “a lilted voice” or “a lilted melody” presents a sound or musical phrase as lively, buoyant, and gently swinging. The word carries a favorable, often literary or poetic tone: it suggests grace and an easy, jaunty movement rather than merely a high-pitched sound. It is common in both British and American English. Because “lilted” is more specific than a generic description such as “musical,” it can capture the combination of melody, lightness, and rhythmic motion that makes speech or performance feel animated. Outside figurative writing, speakers may choose “lilting” when a present participle is needed, as in “a lilting tune.”
To sing or speak with a light, lively, melodious rhythm.
"The chorus lilted the closing lines with infectious enthusiasm."
This is the past tense and past participle of “lilt.”
Characterized by a light, pleasing, melodious rhythm.
"A lilted cadence gave the narration an elegant, animated quality."
Common in attributive phrases such as “lilted voice” and “lilted melody,” often with a literary or poetic tone.
A lilted voice turns an ordinary sentence into a little melody in motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lilted come from?
“Lilted” is formed from “lilt” with the regular past-tense and past-participle ending -ed. “Lilt” appeared in English in the early seventeenth century in senses associated with singing or warbling, but its precise ultimate origin is uncertain. No secure group of cognates can therefore be stated confidently.
Related word forms
How lilted is actually used
As a verb, this is the past tense and past participle of “lilt.” As an adjective, it is especially common in literary or poetic descriptions of a voice, melody, or cadence and conveys grace, buoyancy, and rhythmic movement.