calypso

1 of 2

noun (1)

ca·​lyp·​so kə-ˈlip-(ˌ)sō 

1

capitalized : 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 2

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

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

Caribbean Culture Concert at Freedom Plaza In honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, this seven-hour celebration on Freedom Plaza includes calypso by the Image Band, reggae from Baltimore’s Strykers Posse, the Pan Masters Steelband Organization, dance performances, poetry and storytelling. —Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 21 June 2024

Their fusion of roots reggae with an increasingly pop-leaning blend of soul, R&B, dub, calypso, and other dance styles proved a hit both on U.S. radio and in their Jamaican homeland, where the band moved after releasing debut LP Miracles. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 26 Feb. 2024

The actress and musician opened up about her feelings in an essay for Deadline on Friday, detailing Harry's many cultural accomplishments and advocating for a more substantial tribute for the Grammy-winning calypso artist, who died of congestive heart failure at age 96 in April 2023. —Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024

Meanwhile, the Caribbean offers its own unique flavor, from Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso and soca festivities to Cuba’s vibrant comparsas, with Colombia’s Barranquilla adding its own electrifying twist. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 15 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin, from Greek Kalypsō

Noun (2)

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

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