What does lira mean?
A lira is a monetary unit associated with Italy and Turkey. The Italian lira was the country's currency until the euro replaced it in 2002; it was subdivided into 100 centesimi and is remembered through historical prices, coins, banknotes, and stories about everyday life in Italy. The Turkish lira remains in use and is divided into 100 kuruş. In English, context usually makes the intended currency clear: references to Italian exchange rates or old banknotes mean the Italian monetary unit, while prices, savings, and financial reporting in Turkey use the Turkish one. The word can also retain a nostalgic or historical tone when it evokes the former Italian currency. Its survival across two modern currencies reflects the influence of Italian monetary terminology and, ultimately, the Latin word for a balance or pound.
nounA former monetary unit of Italy, replaced by the euro and formerly divided into 100 centesimi; also the monetary unit of Turkey.
- The former monetary unit of Italy, equal to 100 centesimi and replaced by the euro.
- The monetary unit of Turkey, divided into 100 kuruş.
"The restaurant displayed its prices in the old Italian lira before the introduction of the euro."
"My grandfather kept several Italian lire in a small wooden box."
"The hotel displayed the nightly rate in Turkish lira."
“Lire” is the established plural associated with the old Italian currency, while the Turkish unit normally takes “liras.”
"The Italian coins were marked in lire, whereas modern Turkish currency is counted in liras."
Once the money of everyday Italian life, the lira disappeared with the euro, but its name still labels Turkey's currency.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lira come from?
English borrowed the word from Italian lira, which came from Latin libra, a term associated with a balance and a unit of weight that developed into the pound. The Turkish lira was likewise named through Italian monetary terminology. Related forms include French livre, Spanish and Portuguese libra, and English pound, all historically connected with Latin libra.
How lira is actually used
When referring to the former Italian currency, the usual plural is “lire.” The Turkish monetary unit normally takes “liras.” “Lira” is also commonly used in the attributive forms “Italian lira” and “Turkish lira.”
Easily confused with lira
A lira is a monetary unit, whereas a lyre is an ancient stringed musical instrument.