lyre

noun

ˈlī(-ə)r 

1

: a stringed instrument of the harp class having an approximately U-shaped frame and used by the ancient Greeks especially to accompany song and recitation (see recitation sense 2)

2

: a small clip typically resembling a lyre that is use for holding sheet music and attaches to a musical instrument (such as a trombone)

3

capitalized : lyra

Illustration of lyre

• lyre 1

Examples of lyre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Based on the Moonwatch legend, the 42 mm case with classic lyre lugs looks remarkably similar to its ’60s namesake, while the manual wind Co-axial 3861 caliber would do a more accurate job of timing booster rockets. —Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025

Pieces are embellished with images of lyres, candelabras, flowers, white cranes and native plants. —New York Times, 22 July 2025

When fanned out during courtship displays, the tail feathers form a shape reminiscent of a classical lyre, the musical instrument from which the bird gets its name. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

Then, using his talents playing the lyre and singing psalms, David grew to be a supportive comfort to the possibly mad King Saul (Ali Suliman) as well as begin a romance with Saul’s daughter, Michal (Indy Lewis). —Jim Halterman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lire, from Anglo-French, from Latin lyra, from Greek

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lyre

• bell lyre

Rhymes for lyre

• dire
• ire
• mire
• quire
• spire
• squire
• admire
• afire
• aspire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire

Kids Definition

lyre

noun

ˈlī(ə)r 

: a small harp held in the hands for playing