cantilena

noun

can·ti·le·na ˌkan-tə-ˈlā-nə

-ˈlē-

: a vocal or instrumental passage of sustained lyricism

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin, song, from cantus

First Known Use

circa 1740, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cantilena was circa 1740

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Browse Nearby Words

cantil

cantilena

cantilever

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cantilena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantilena. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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