Lulling
/ˈlʌlɪŋ/noun
Present participle of lull, meaning to soothe or send to sleep, or to make something less active or intense.
Did you know?Lull is likely imitative—born from a repeated soothing sound used to calm infants, which is why it feels almost spell-like in the mouth.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
lullen
“To sing softly, soothe, or lull to sleep.”
Middle English
Middle English
lullen
“To soothe into sleep or quietness; to calm or pacify.”
Early Modern English
English
lull
“To calm, quiet, or send to sleep.”
Modern English
English
lulling
“Soothing or making less active or aware.”