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lyre

noun \ˈlī(-ə)r\

: a musical instrument with strings that was used especially in ancient Greece

Full Definition of LYRE

: 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

capitalized : lyra

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Illustration of LYRE

Origin of LYRE

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with LYRE

briar, choir, fire, gyre, hire, ire, mire, prior, sire, spire, squire, tier, tire, wire

LYRE Defined for Kids

lyre

noun \ˈlīr\

Definition of LYRE for Kids

: a stringed musical instrument like a harp used by the ancient Greeks

Learn More About LYRE

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "lyre"

Nglish: Translation of "lyre" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "lyre" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "lyre"

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