Entry Word: song

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment <she sang a short song for the talent show>

Synonyms ballad, ditty, jingle, lay, lyric, vocal

Related Words anthem, canticle, carol, chorale, hymn, noel, psalm, spiritual; dirge, lament, requiem, threnody; hallelujah, paean; aria, barcarole (or barcarolle), blues, cantata, chantey (or chanty), chorus, croon, descant, glee, lullaby, madrigal, motet, part-song, pop, rocker, round, roundelay, serenade, troll

2 a composition using rhythm and often rhyme to create a lyrical effect <the songs of Shakespeare> — see poem
3 a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect <whistle a song as accompaniment to your work> — see melody
4 a very small sum of money <bought the land for a song> — see mite 1
5 writing that uses rhythm, vivid language, and often rhyme to provoke an emotional response <a hero honored in song and story> — see poetry 1