calypso

1 of 4

noun (1)

ca·​lyp·​so kə-ˈlip-(ˌ)sō 

1

Calypso : a sea nymph in Homer's Odyssey who keeps Odysseus seven years on the island of Ogygia

2

plural calypsos [New Latin, genus name, probably from Latin] : a bulbous bog orchid (Calypso bulbosa) of northern regions bearing a single white to purplish flower

calypso

2 of 4

noun (2)

plural calypsos or calypsoes

: a style of music originating in the West Indies, marked by lively duple meter, and having lyrics that are often improvised and usually satirize local personalities and events

also : a song in this style

calypsonian

kə-ˌlip-ˈsō-nē-ən 

ˌka-(ˌ)lip-

noun or adjective

calypsonian

3 of 4

noun (3)

ca·​lyp·​so·​ni·​an kə-ˌlip-ˈsō-nē-ən 

¦ka-(ˌ)lip-¦sō-

plural -s

sometimes capitalized

: a composer and singer of calypso songs

calypsonian

4 of 4

adjective

ca·​lyp·​so·​ni·​an kə-ˌlip-ˈsō-nē-ən 

¦ka-(ˌ)lip-¦sō-

: of, relating to, or characteristic of calypso music

Did you know?

A type of folk song, calypso is originally from Trinidad but is also sung elsewhere in the Caribbean. The calypso tradition dates to the early 19th century. The subject of a calypso text, which is usually witty and satiric, is an event of political or social importance, and the lyric often incorporates Spanish, Creole, and African phrases. The exaggeration of local speech patterns is matched by an offbeat rhythm. Favorite accompanying instruments are the shak-shak (maraca), cuatro (a string instrument), and tamboo-bamboo (bamboo poles of various lengths struck on the ground), and steel drums.

Examples of calypso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And a little bit of Reggae, calypso, Bulgarian folk music. — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 8 May 2026

Jamaica's Carnival celebrations are some of the biggest and most boisterous in the Caribbean, complete with parades, parties, and over-the-top costumes made for getting down to calypso and soca music. — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026

Each rhyme showcases a different musical genre, such as Dixieland jazz, calypso, funk, chamber, Celtic and folk, with dance including circle, partner and line. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026

Each rhyme showcases a different musical genre, such as Dixieland jazz, calypso, funk, chamber, Celtic and folk, with dance including circle, partner and line. — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin, from Greek Kalypsō

Noun (2) and Noun (3)

Trinidad English, alteration of kaiso, perhaps ultimately of African origin; akin to eastern Caribbean English caliso, cariso satirical song

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for calypso

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• cameo
• ceo

Kids Definition

calypso

noun

ca·​lyp·​so kə-ˈlip-sō 

plural calypsos

: a folk song or style of singing of West Indian origin having a lively rhythm and words which are usually made up by the singer