liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən How to pronounce liven (audio)
livened; livening ˈlī-və-niŋ How to pronounce liven (audio)
ˈlīv-niŋ

transitive verb

: enliven
often used with up
he … livened up the editorial pageCurrent Biography

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All the pieces have a fresh feel and are sure to liven up any room. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024 Gift this to a mother-in-law who loves to liven up their home with fresh flowers. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2024 The device’s steaming function livens up old bread, or helps fresh bread retain its springiness even after toasting. Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024 Photo : Adam Rouse An eye-catching Marimekko textile livens up the simple wood staircase. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for liven 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of liven was circa 1628

Dictionary Entries Near liven

Cite this Entry

“Liven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liven. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

liven

verb
liv·​en ˈlī-vən How to pronounce liven (audio)
livened; livening ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce liven (audio)
: to make or become lively
often used with up

More from Merriam-Webster on liven

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!