What does lyrical mean?
Lyrical describes expression that is deeply emotional, vivid, and often shaped by the rhythms or imagery of song and poetry. It can characterize writing, speech, performance, or even an unusual way of presenting information, as in “a lyrical description of the landscape.” The word suggests that something is not only expressive but also graceful or musically fluid. It may refer more broadly to the traditions of lyric poetry, in which personal feeling and polished language are central. In everyday use, calling something lyrical is usually complimentary, though it can sometimes imply that the description is unusually heightened, romantic, or subjective. Derived from the same classical roots as lyric, lyrical has become a useful word for identifying language and performances that communicate feeling with memorable beauty.
adjectiveExpressing strong emotion in a beautiful, vivid, or musical way. Relating to or resembling a song, lyric poem, or other work that emphasizes feeling and poetic expression.
- Expressing strong emotion in a beautiful, vivid, evocative, or musical way.
- Relating to or resembling a song, lyric poem, or other work characterized by poetic expression.
"Her lyrical account of the journey made the whole audience feel the loneliness of the road."
"The singer became suddenly lyrical, describing the city as though it were a living thing."
"The essay’s lyrical style made a complex historical argument feel intimate and immediate."
Lyrical traces its roots to the ancient Greek lyre, the instrument behind some of the earliest sung poetry.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lyrical come from?
Lyrical comes through Latin from Greek lyrikos, meaning “of or relating to a lyre.” The Greek word lyra referred to the stringed instrument used in accompanying song and poetry. English borrowed the term in the context of lyric poetry, and the adjective later broadened to describe emotionally expressive language, music, and performance.
Related word forms
How lyrical is actually used
The word is especially common in discussions of writing, music, speech, and performance. It usually suggests beauty, emotional force, or poetic expressiveness rather than merely the presence of rhymed language.
Easily confused with lyrical
Lyrical is usually an adjective describing emotional, poetic, or musical expression, whereas lyric is a noun for a song’s words or a poem, and an adjective meaning relating to such words.