lyric Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number
    language; words.
    • his compositions always started with the lyrics
    • he wrote both words and music
    • the song uses colloquial language
  2. noun a short poem of songlike quality
    lyric poem.
  3. verb write lyrics for (a song)
  4. adjective satellite expressing deep emotion
    lyrical.
    • the dancer's lyrical performance
  5. adjective used of a singer or singing voice that is light in volume and modest in range
    • a lyric soprano
  6. adjective relating to or being musical drama
    • the lyric stage
  7. adjective of or relating to a category of poetry that expresses emotion (often in a songlike way)
    • lyric poetry

WordNet

Lyr"ic, Lyr"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Lyric
  • Lyrical
)
Etymology
L. lyricus, Gr. : cf. F. lyrique. See Lyre.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a lyre or harp.
  2. Fitted to be sung to the lyre; hence, also, appropriate for song; -- said especially of poetry which expresses the individual emotions of the poet. "Sweet lyric song." Milton.
Lyr"ic noun
Definitions
  1. A lyric poem; a lyrical composition.
  2. A composer of lyric poems. R. Addison.
  3. A verse of the kind usually employed in lyric poetry; -- used chiefly in the plural.
  4. pl. The words of a song.

Webster 1913