cantilena

noun

can·​ti·​le·​na ˌkan-tə-ˈlā-nə How to pronounce cantilena (audio) -ˈlē- How to pronounce cantilena (audio)
: 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

Dictionary Entries Near cantilena

cantil

cantilena

cantilever

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Cite this Entry

“Cantilena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantilena. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cantilena

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cantilena

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