How to pronounce lilt
Say it like LILT. Lilt is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lilt. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LILT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lilt pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LILTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of lilt
American and British speakers say lilt in essentially the same way: /lɪlt/ in the US and /lɪlt/ in the UK.
British respelling: LILT.
What does lilt mean?
- An animated, brisk motion; a spirited rhythm; sprightliness.
- A lively song or dance; a cheerful tune.
- A cheerful or melodious accent or style in speaking.
- To do something rhythmically, with animation and quickness, usually of music.
- To sing cheerfully, especially in Gaelic.
- To utter with spirit, animation, or gaiety; to sing with spirit and liveliness.
Where does lilt come from?
From Middle English lilten, lulten.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with lilt
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lilt.
Questions about saying lilt
How do you pronounce lilt?
Say LILT. The American pronunciation is /lɪlt/. In British English it is /lɪlt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lilt?
Lilt is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: LILT.
Do Americans and Brits say lilt the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /lɪlt/ and the British form is /lɪlt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.