What does "lira" mean?
The basic unit of currency in Turkey.
Lira
/ˈlɪəɹə/ name, noun
name, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The basic unit of currency in Turkey.
- Grammar: lira is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: cent, colon, currency, dollar.
- Useful contrasts: barter system.
- Usage evidence: The former Italian currency was the lira and its symbol was "₤". It's not related to the Turkish lira.
How to use "lira"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "lira" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "lira" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "lira" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "lira" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "lira" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "cent" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "lira", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The basic unit of currency in Turkey.
- 2 The former currency of Israel, superseded by the sheqel.
- 3 A Ukrainian folk musical instrument similar to the hurdy-gurdy.
- 4 Any of a set of fine ridges on the shells of some molluscs
- 5 Alternative form of lyra. alt-of, alternative
"The first evidence of the Byzantine lira is in a Persian literary source of the ninth century."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 formerly the basic unit of money in Italy; equal to 100 centesimi wordnet
- 7 The currency of Lebanon (also pound), Syria (also pound), Jordan (also dinar)
- 8 the basic unit of money in Turkey wordnet
- 9 The former currency of Italy, Malta, San Marino, Cyprus and the Vatican City, superseded by the euro
- 10 the basic unit of money on Malta; equal to 100 cents wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname from Spanish.
Antonyms
barter system
Example
"The former Italian currency was the lira and its symbol was "₤". It's not related to the Turkish lira."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "lira"?
Common synonyms include: cent, colon, currency, dollar, franc, italian lira.
How do you use "lira" in a sentence?
The former Italian currency was the lira and its symbol was "₤". It's not related to the Turkish lira.
How do you pronounce "lira"?
Pronounced /ˈlɪəɹə/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Italian lira, from Latin lībra (partly via Turkish lira, Arabic لِيرَة (līra), Maltese lira, Greek λίρα (líra), and Hebrew לִירָה (“lirá”), all of which are originally from the Italian). Doublet of arratel, libbra, Libra, libra, litra, litre, livre, and rottol.
Etymology 2
From Ukrainian ліра (lira), ultimately related to the Byzantine lyra (Ancient Greek λύρα (lúra)). Doublet of Lyra, lyra, and lyre.
Etymology 3
From Latin līra (“furrow”).