refrain

1 of 2

verb

re·​frain ri-ˈfrān 

refrained; refraining; refrains

transitive verb

archaic : curb, restrain

intransitive verb

: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse

refrained from having dessert

refrainment

ri-ˈfrān-mənt 

noun

refrain

2 of 2

noun

1

: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus

also : the musical setting of a refrain

2

: a comment or statement that is often repeated

Synonyms of refrain

Verb

• keep (from)
• avoid
• withhold (from)
• abstain (from)

Noun

• chorus

Examples of refrain in a Sentence

Verb

I was going to make a joke but I refrained.

Noun

A common refrain among teachers these days is that the schools need more funding.

I didn't know the verses of the song, so I only sang on the refrain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Business leaders often refrain from speaking out on political issues for fear of alienating customers or their own employees. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

Normal gym etiquette is to refrain from taking up time on machines when the place is busy. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Noun

This is punctured by a wailing refrain from Lyons, whose runs serve as a continual anchor to the jazz tradition throughout his time with Taylor. — Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026

Of late, however, Ah Gau had given up his old refrain for a new one. — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum

Noun

Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere — more at refract

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for refrain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

refrain

1 of 2 verb

re·​frain ri-ˈfrān 

: to hold oneself back

refrain from laughing

refrain

2 of 2 noun

: a regularly repeated phrase or verse of a poem or song : chorus