Definition

To speak in a way that makes the sounds of 's' and 'z' come out like 'th', often due to a speech difficulty.

Example

The child began to lisp when he was learning to talk.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I noticed that your little brother tends to lisp when he talks.

Yeah, he does! It's kind of cute, though.

I remember when I used to lisp as a kid, too.

Same here! It was just part of growing up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A speech difficulty where someone pronounces the sounds 's' and 'z' incorrectly, often saying them like 'th'.

Example

The child worked with a speech therapist to correct his lisp.

Conversation

Did you notice that Sam has a slight lisp when he talks?

Yeah, I did! It makes him sound kind of charming, don't you think?

Definitely! I wonder if he’s ever thought about speech therapy for his lisp.

Definition

To speak in a way that makes it sound like the speaker has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, especially 's' and 'z', often producing a 'th' sound instead.

Example

He tends to lisp when he is nervous.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you noticed how he tends to lisp when he gets nervous?

Yeah, it's kind of cute, actually.

I wonder if he even realizes he does it.

Root Explanation

The word 'lisp' originates from Old English 'lispian', meaning to speak with a lisp or to speak indistinctly. It describes a speech defect characterized by difficulty in pronouncing sibilant sounds, particularly 's' and 'z'.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word 'lispian' which means to speak indistinctly — this helps you remember that 'lisp' refers to a way of speaking that is not clear.

Visually Confused Words