lyre
Lyre (noun) means a small stringed instrument from ancient Greece, with two arms rising from a body to a crossbar, plucked like a harp. Example: “In Greek myth, Hermes is said to have invented the lyre from a tortoise shell.”
How to use lyre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn ancient harp-like stringed instrument associated with Greek mythology and poetry.
Don't confuse with "liar" (someone who tells lies) — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Word forms
lyred past tense, lyres plural, lyres singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In Greek myth, Hermes is said to have invented the _____ from a tortoise shell.
Etymology
From Latin lyra, from Ancient Greek lura — a doublet of "lyric" and the constellation "Lyra".
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for lyre
See all rhymes for lyre →Frequently asked questions
What does “lyre” mean?
The word “lyre” means a small stringed instrument from ancient Greece, with two arms rising from a body to a crossbar, plucked like a harp. In plain terms, an ancient harp-like stringed instrument associated with Greek mythology and poetry.
How do you pronounce “lyre”?
“Lyre” is pronounced LEYE-uh (/ˈlaɪ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lyre” in a sentence?
Here is “lyre” used in a sentence: “In Greek myth, Hermes is said to have invented the lyre from a tortoise shell.”
What is another word for “lyre”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lyre” include yoke lute.
What part of speech is “lyre”?
“Lyre” is a noun.
Where does the word “lyre” come from?
The word “lyre” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin lyra, from Ancient Greek lura — a doublet of "lyric" and the constellation "Lyra".