Games

Word of the Day

Video

Blog: Words at Play

My Faves

Dictionary

lithe

adjective \ˈlīth, ˈlīth\

: moving in an easy and graceful way

Full Definition of LITHE

: easily bent or flexed <lithe steel> <a lithe vine>

: characterized by easy flexibility and grace <a lithe dancer> <treading with a lithe silent step>; also : athletically slim <the most lithe and graspable of waists — R. P. Warren>

— lithe·ly adverb

— lithe·ness noun

See lithe defined for English-language learners

See lithe defined for kids

Origin of LITHE

Middle English, from Old English līthe gentle; akin to Old High German lindi gentle, Latin lentus slow

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LITHE

Synonyms: bendy [chiefly British], flexible, limber, lissome (also lissom), willowy, lithesome, pliable, pliant, supple

Antonyms: inflexible, rigid, stiff, stiffened

Rhymes with LITHE

blithe, kithe, scythe, tithe, withe, writhe

LITHE Defined for Kids

lithe

adjective \ˈlīth, ˈlīth\

Definition of LITHE for Kids

: ¹limber, supple <But his motions remained lithe and natural, as he moved easily among trees and shade. — Virginia Hamilton, M. C. Higgins>

Learn More About LITHE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "lithe"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "lithe"

Nglish: Translation of "lithe" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "lithe" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: lithernessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: lithargeAll Words Near: lithe

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up lithe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More