In plural. spec. The text of a song or other vocal composition, as distinct from the music; the text of an actor's part.

The words of a song, as distinguished from the music or tune; also, the leading theme or phrase; hence, Subject, matter, theme, ‘burden’.

Words or passages intended to be delivered in recitative.

The text or words of a song; the libretto of an opera.

The words of a popular song; frequently plural. Also attributive, as lyric-writer.

colloquial. In plural. Words which are spoken or sung; esp. (a) the lyrics of a song; (b) the dialogue of a film or television programme.

In plural. In the language of hip-hop or rap music: a set of lyrics; a line in a rap song. to spit bars: to rap. to have got bars: to be a…