Etymology Map
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Lyre

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a U-shaped harp of ancient Greece

Where does the word "lyre" come from? It comes from Greek lyra, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
lyra
Greek · ancient
"lyre"
Greek, the stringed instrument of Apollo
2
Stage 2 of 3
lire
Old French · medieval
"lyre"
came via Latin 'lyra'
3
Stage 3 of 3
lyre
English · 1200s
"stringed instrument"
'lyric' and 'lyrical' share the root
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Read the full story

Lyre’s story begins in Greek: lyra meant “lyre.” Greek, the stringed instrument of Apollo. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as lire. Came via Latin 'lyra'. It reached English by 1200s as lyre. 'lyric' and 'lyrical' share the root. Today, lyre means a U-shaped harp of ancient Greece.