Word
lyrics
US/ˈɫɪɹɪks/
UK/lˈɪɹɪks/
Definitions
01words of a song
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun Music
n. the words that you sing or hear in a song.
n. the text of a song or other vocal musical composition. Usually plural in this sense.
“I love the melody of that track, but I can never remember the lyrics.”
“The songwriter spent weeks refining the lyrics to ensure the emotional weight of the verses matched the intensity of the bridge.”
Pitfall
I like the lyric of this song.
I like the lyrics of this song.
When referring to the complete set of words in a song, use the plural form 'lyrics'.
02short poems
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Academic · Literary
n. short poems that express the personal feelings of the writer.
n. short poems, often intended to be set to music, that express the speaker's intense personal feelings or thoughts.
“The book contains several beautiful lyrics about nature and loss.”
“Scholars often compare his early lyrics to the romantic traditions of the nineteenth century, noting a similar focus on subjective experience.”
Usage
In this literary sense, the word can be used as a countable noun referring to individual poems.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/lyrics