lilting

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈlɪltɪŋ/
• Rhymes: -ɪltɪŋ

Adjective

lilting (not comparable)

1. Having a lilt; with energy, spirit and sprightliness; lively and cheerful.

Derived terms

• liltingly

Noun

lilting (countable and uncountable, plural liltings)

1. A type of lively singing without any musical accompaniment, where the tune itself is sung, often to nonsense syllables.
   • Anthology of Music and Dance of the Americas, The JVC/Smithsonian Folkways, Vol 1, Canada and the United States: Secular Traditions.

     Especially welcome in this survey are two examples of turlute, or lilting. In communities where musical instruments were not available, turlute was a common dance accompaniment. The popularity and availability of musical instruments has made lilting a rare art.

Derived terms

• liltingness

Translations

type of lively singing

• Irish: portaireacht f, portaireacht bhéil f
• Scottish Gaelic: puirt à beul m pl, canntaireachd f

See also

• turlute

Verb

lilting

1. present participle and gerund of lilt

Anagrams

• TILLING, tilling