requiem

noun

re·​qui·​em

ˈre-kwē-əm,

 also  ˈrā-,

or

ˈrē- 

1

: a mass for the dead

2

a

: a solemn chant (such as a dirge) for the repose of the dead

b

: something that resembles such a solemn chant

3

a

: a musical setting of the mass for the dead

b

: a musical composition in honor of the dead

Synonyms

• dirge
• elegy
• lament
• threnody

Examples of requiem in a Sentence

the choir will sing Mozart's Requiem

Recent Examples on the Web

As part of the ongoing requiem over the JCPOA’s all-but-certain demise, policymakers are trying to craft a Plan B. —Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2023

That changed to a requiem when Mays suddenly passed away at 93 on Tuesday. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019

Some of my colleagues have written requiems for the Tea Party. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 15 May 2024

Let this be not a requiem for Clark but an appreciation. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin (first word of the introit of the requiem mass), accusative of requies rest, from re- + quies quiet, rest — more at while

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing requiem

• requiem shark

Kids Definition

requiem

noun

re·​qui·​em ˈrek-wē-əm 

 also  ˈrāk-,

 or  ˈrēk-

1

: a mass for a dead person

2

: a musical service or composition in honor of the dead

Etymology

Middle English requiem "a mass for the dead," from Latin requiem "rest," the first word of the phrase Requiem aeternum dona eis "Eternal rest grant to them," said or sung at the begining of the mass