requiem

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

requiem

2 of 2

noun (2)

less common variant of requiem shark

: any of a family (Carcharhinidae) of sharks (such as the tiger shark or blue shark) that are found in tropical and temperate waters, are usually gray to brown above and yellow to white below, have a rounded snout with bladelike teeth, and include some that have been known to attack people

Synonyms of requiem

Noun (1)

• lament
• elegy
• dirge

Examples of requiem in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the choir will sing Mozart's Requiem

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And for me, ‘Amor Eterno,’ coincidentally also patterns how most requiems start, which is requiem eternum, eternal rest, eternal love. — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026

The biggest difference is probably how Laurie plays the final requiem. — Brent Lang, Variety, 4 May 2026

Any story is a history in which politics and event are portrayed in human terms—not as tract or politics but as inquiry, warning, requiem. — Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 2026

There, he was honored with salutes and a requiem. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (1)

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

Noun

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