A lullaby is a soothing song or melody, usually sung to children or babies, with the purpose of helping them fall asleep. It often features gentle rhythms and calming lyrics designed to create a peaceful atmosphere. Parents typically sing lullabies to their children as part of a bedtime routine, helping to relax them and prepare them for sleep.
The word "lullaby" is derived from the Middle English term "lullebye," which itself comes from the combination of two words: "lull," meaning to calm or soothe, and "bye," a term often used in nursery rhymes to signify a gentle farewell or goodbye. The combination evokes the idea of soothing a child to sleep.