# lire

/ˈɫɪɹə/ (US) · /lˈaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lire
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. currency

noun · CEFR B1

the plural form of lira, which was the money used in Italy before the Euro.

For teachers: the plural form of lira, the former basic monetary unit of Italy, San Marino, and the Vatican City, replaced by the euro in 2002.

- Before the euro was introduced, you would pay for your coffee in lire.
- The traveler found an old jar filled with thousands of Italian lire that were no longer legal tender but held sentimental value.

Usage: The plural of 'lira'; in English, the plural 'lire' is used specifically for the Italian currency context.

### 2. flesh or muscle

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Archaic · Literary

a very old or local word for the fleshy part of a person or animal.

For teachers: the fleshy or muscular part of a body, as distinguished from the bones and skin.

- The old butcher described the lire of the meat as being particularly tender.
- In traditional Scots poetry, the poet might praise the whiteness of a lady's lire, referring to her fair skin.

Usage: Primarily found in Northern English and Scots dialects; largely obsolete in standard modern English.

### 3. complexion or face

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Literary

a local word for the look of someone's face or their skin color.

For teachers: the appearance of the face, skin, or complexion.

- The ballad described the maiden with a lire as white as milk.
- The archaic text remarked upon his healthy lire, suggesting a life spent in the outdoors rather than in the city.

Usage: Used in historical Scottish literature to describe physical beauty or health.

## Examples

- The old man spent his lire on a small loaf of bread and a pint of ale.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.