ode

noun \ ˈōd \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of ode

: a lyric poem usually marked by exaltation of feeling and style, varying length of line, and complexity of stanza forms

Keats's ode "To a Nightingale"

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odist

play \ˈō-dist\ noun

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Examples of ode in a Sentence

This poem is titled, “An Ode to My Mother.”

Recent Examples of ode from the Web

Some are complex masterpieces full of historical symbolism, while others are cultural odes.

— ariella gintzler, Outside Online, "Grading 2018's Boston Marathon Shoes," 11 Apr. 2018
This week Henry Cavill joined the likes of Chris Hemsworth and Gerard Butler by posting a sentimental ode to his facial hair.

— megan gustashaw, GQ, "The Week in Excellent Celebrity Haircuts," 1 Apr. 2018
In this ode to Mother Earth, close-up and wide-angle color photos extol land, sea and air.

— susan faust, San Francisco Chronicle, "Roundup of new children’s books, March 25," 22 Mar. 2018
The late Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert launched his namesake ode to overlooked, underappreciated films in the town of his alma mater in 1999.

— lori rackl, chicagotribune.com, "Bicentennial bucket list," 19 Mar. 2018
Advertisement The video was a wonderful ode to the decadence of the decade and the trio looked the part of a funkadelic band, but according to Migos’ stylist, Zoe Costello, there wasn’t time for vision boards and custom looks.

— refinery29.com, "Migos’ “Walk It Talk It” Video Is An Ode To Decadent ‘70s Style," 19 Mar. 2018
Give yourself an extra dose of empowerment by listening (and singing along) to these 15 popular songs—both new and throwbacks—that are a direct ode to the strength of women.

— rachel epstein, Marie Claire, "15 Popular Songs That Are Actually Feminist Anthems," 9 Mar. 2018
Also Haider Ackermann, who is ever-refining his odes to high-voltage decay via a singular silhouette — the strong, square shoulder, nipped-in waist and lean leg; the flowing bias dress — remade in materials of a lavish sheen.

— vanessa friedman, New York Times, "Sweatpants Forever!," 4 Mar. 2018
The new area aims to capture a similar sense of whimsy and offer the detailed place-making found in the Imagineers' ode to another Pixar property, Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.

— arthur levine, USA TODAY, "Disney's Toy Story Land to open June 30," 9 Feb. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of ode

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin, from Greek ōidē, literally, song, from aeidein, aidein to sing; akin to Greek audē voice

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1538

in the meaning defined above

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