liven

verb

liv·​en ˈlī-vən How to pronounce liven (audio)
livened; livening ˈlī-və-niŋ How to pronounce liven (audio)
ˈlīv-niŋ

transitive verb

: enliven
often used with up
he … livened up the editorial pageCurrent Biography

Examples of liven in a Sentence

He played some music to liven the atmosphere.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the true star is the check print that will liven any cocktail party. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025 Winston livens up the evening with a deep touchdown pass to Malik Nabers but concludes it with a pick-six. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025 Butter yellow and rose-tinged red liven up the overall ensemble. Talia Abbas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025 Ellie is hanging out at the fringes, watching with a longing smile as her best friend — and crush — Dina (Isabela Merced) livens up the dance floor. Patricia Karounos, Refinery29, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liven

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of liven was circa 1628

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liven. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

liven

verb
liv·​en ˈlī-vən How to pronounce liven (audio)
livened; livening ˈlīv-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce liven (audio)
: to make or become lively
often used with up

More from Merriam-Webster on liven

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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