lilt Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a jaunty rhythm in music
    swing.
  2. verb articulate in a very careful and rhythmic way

WordNet

Lilt intransitive verb
Etymology
Cf. Norw. lilla, lirla, to sing in a high tone.
Definitions
  1. To do anything with animation and quickness, as to skip, fly, or hop. Prov. Eng. Wordsworth.
  2. To sing cheerfully. Scot.
Lilt transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To utter with spirit, animation, or gayety; to sing with spirit and liveliness.
    A classic lecture, rich in sentiment, With scraps of thundrous epic lilted out By violet-hooded doctors. Tennyson.
Lilt noun
Definitions
  1. Animated, brisk motion; spirited rhythm; sprightliness.
    The movement, the lilt, and the subtle charm of the verse. F. Harrison.
  2. A lively song or dance; a cheerful tune.
    The housewife went about her work, or spun at her wheel, with a lilt upon her lips. J. C. Shairp.

Webster 1913