cantillate

verb

can·til·late ˈkan-tə-ˌlāt

cantillated; cantillating

transitive verb

: to recite with musical tones

cantillation

ˌkan-tə-ˈlā-shən

noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Despite the vast altars on which networks make gruesome sacrifices while cantillating to their gods, neither of these shows will last forever. —

Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cantillate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Latin cantilatus, past participle of cantilare to sing, perhaps from cantilena

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cantillate was circa 1828

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cantillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantillate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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