mellifluous

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/məˈlɪfluəs/
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A smooth sweet sound, especially a voice or melody, and more rarely a honeyed sweetness in older or literary description.
Practice using mellifluous in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The dessert had a mellifluous richness that suited the feast.
  • The host's mellifluous delivery kept the audience calm.
  • The old recipe promised mellifluous confections scented with rose.
  • Her mellifluous accent made even ordinary words sound graceful.
  • He read the poem in a slow, mellifluous tone.

Similar words

lyrical
dulcet
musical
honeyed
euphonious
nectareous
sugary
sweet
honeyed
melodious

Meanings

Smooth and sweet-sounding

adjective
sound
formal
Pleasant to hear because the sound flows smoothly, richly, or sweetly.

Examples

  • The singer's mellifluous voice filled the hall.
  • He read the poem in a slow, mellifluous tone.
  • The cello gave the song a mellifluous warmth.
  • Her mellifluous accent made even ordinary words sound graceful.
  • The host's mellifluous delivery kept the audience calm.

Similar words

melodious
musical
dulcet
honeyed
lyrical
euphonious

Sweet like honey

adjective
taste
literary
Sweet, honeyed, or flowing with sweetness, especially in older or literary descriptions of food, drink, or fragrance.

Examples

  • The old recipe promised mellifluous confections scented with rose.
  • A mellifluous syrup coated the figs.
  • The poet described the wine as mellifluous and golden.
  • The dessert had a mellifluous richness that suited the feast.
  • In the story, bees guarded a mellifluous spring.

Similar words

honeyed
sweet
syrupy
nectareous
sugary
dulcet

Etymology

From Late Latin mellifluus, built from Latin mel meaning honey and fluere meaning to flow, entering English through late Middle English forms.

FAQ

What does mellifluous mean?

Mellifluous usually means smooth, sweet, and pleasant to hear.

Is mellifluous formal?

Yes. Mellifluous is formal and often literary, especially for voices, music, or elegant speech.

Can mellifluous describe food?

It can, but that honeyed sense is rare and literary. In ordinary use, sweet or honeyed is clearer.

What is a mellifluous voice?

A mellifluous voice is smooth, rich, sweet, and pleasant to listen to.

Where does mellifluous come from?

Mellifluous comes from Late Latin roots meaning honey and to flow.

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