requiem

noun

re·​qui·​em ˈre-kwē-əm 

also ˈrā-

or ˈrē-

1

: a mass for the dead

2

a

: a solemn chant (such as a dirge) for the repose of the dead

b

: something that resembles such a solemn chant

3

a

: a musical setting of the mass for the dead

b

: a musical composition in honor of the dead

Synonyms of requiem

• lament
• elegy
• dirge

Examples of requiem in a Sentence

the choir will sing Mozart's Requiem

Recent Examples on the Web

The biggest difference is probably how Laurie plays the final requiem. —Brent Lang, Variety, 4 May 2026

Any story is a history in which politics and event are portrayed in human terms—not as tract or politics but as inquiry, warning, requiem. —Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 2026

Pulse victim requiem In June, Choi will be working with performers on a different kind of love letter, one to the victims and survivors of Florida’s tragic Pulse nightclub mass shooting in 2016. —Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026

In the brave new world of college basketball, which has moved on swiftly without a requiem for the old Pac-12, Popeswapped one shade of orange for a different one after several Western schools were burned by the collapse of the formerly venerable basketball conference. —Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin (first word of the introit of the requiem mass), accusative of requies rest, from re- + quies quiet, rest — more at while

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing requiem

• requiem shark

Kids Definition

requiem

noun

re·​qui·​em ˈrek-wē-əm 

also ˈrāk-

or ˈrēk-

1

: a mass for a dead person

2

: a musical service or composition in honor of the dead

Etymology

Middle English requiem "a mass for the dead," from Latin requiem "rest," the first word of the phrase Requiem aeternum dona eis "Eternal rest grant to them," said or sung at the begining of the mass