plural songs
1
: the act or art of singing
rejoice in song
a culture famous for its song
2
: poetical composition
a hero honored in song and story
3
a
: a short musical composition of words and music
He sang a love song.
My favorite song was playing on the radio.
b
: a collection of such compositions
The wish to gather and preserve popular song …—
Louise Pound
Louise Pound4
: a distinctive or characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird, insect, or whale)
the song of a sparrow
5
a
: a melody for a lyric poem or ballad
whistle a song
b
: an instrumental composition suggestive of vocal music (as in quality or technique)
c
: a poem intended or suited to be set to music
This year's middle-school musical is a story of adventure and courage, featuring … Tolkien's songs set to original music.—The Berkshire Eagle
The Berkshire Eagle6
a
: a habitual or characteristic manner (as of speaking, reacting, or arguing)
Let's see how many of them are singing a different song [=have changed their minds] 15 or 20 years from now.—John Steigerwald
John SteigerwaldPerhaps once my internet is improved I will change my song on this, but for now, … it's just not feasible …—Zoe Hawkins
Zoe Hawkins
also
: an often repeated statement, reaction, or sentiment
It is the same old song of misplaced optimism that has fueled the last few bear market rallies. —Bill Schmick
Bill Schmick
b
: a forceful, harsh, or noisy reaction
put up quite a song
7
: a small amount
The company sold for a song.
Examples of song in a Sentence
He sang a love song.
The song was playing on the radio.
The event was celebrated in song by a folk group.
I could hear the song of a sparrow.
Recent Examples on the Web
While most women figure skaters are known to sport pristine buns and dance to very predictable classics and pop songs, Alysa Liu subverts the norm.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 20 Feb. 2026
Instead, Steele's music is driven by connection, when a listener feels understood, emotionally moved, or comforted by a song.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor, moderated the conversation and broke the news that the song had gone 5x platinum.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
Gaze out over the sea of winter coats as your neighbors recite poems, sing songs, share thoughts.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for song
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 20 Feb. 2026
Instead, Steele's music is driven by connection, when a listener feels understood, emotionally moved, or comforted by a song.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor, moderated the conversation and broke the news that the song had gone 5x platinum.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
Gaze out over the sea of winter coats as your neighbors recite poems, sing songs, share thoughts.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for song
Cite this Entry
“Song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/song. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
song
noun1
: the act or art of singing
2
: poetical composition : poetry
3
: a short piece of music with words intended to be sung
4
: a characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird)
5
a
: a melody for a lyric poem or ballad
b
: a poem easily set to music
6
: a small amount
can be bought for a song
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
