Mellifluous

Saturday, September 13, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Mellifluous?

adjective
Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /məˈlɪf.lu.əs/
UK pronunciation: /məˈlɪf.lʊ.əs/
Slow pronunciation: meh-LIFF-loo-us

Meaning Explained

Mellifluous evokes flowing, honey-like sounds — voices, music, or poetry that soothe the ear.

Why This Word?

Chosen for its sensory richness and elegance, perfect for describing beauty in sound.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • The mellifluous tones of the cello filled the hall.
  • He spoke in a mellifluous accent that charmed everyone.
  • The poem had a mellifluous rhythm.

Word Origins

Latin mellifluus, from mel (honey) + fluere (to flow)

Literally “flowing with honey.”

First appearance in English: 15th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: mellifluence

    The mellifluence of his language impressed everyone.

  • Adjective: melodious

    The melodious choir filled the cathedral.

  • Adjective: euphonious

    She enjoyed the euphonious sound of the name.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: melifluo
  • French: mellifluex
  • German: wohlklingend
  • Italian: mellifluo
  • Portuguese: melífluo

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Melodious

Both describe pleasant sound; “mellifluous” is richer.

Euphonious

“Euphonious” is technical; “mellifluous” is poetic.

Smooth

“Smooth” is plain; “mellifluous” elevates to elegance.

Fun Facts

  • The word is often applied metaphorically to prose or speech, not just music.
  • Mellifluous shares a root with “melliferous,” meaning honey-bearing.

Cultural Usage

  • Poets often describe birdsong as mellifluous.
  • Jazz singers are praised for their mellifluous timbre.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes confused with “melodious”; “mellifluous” is richer and more poetic.

Micro Story

Her mellifluous voice captivated the audience.