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 of requiem

• lament
• elegy
• dirge

Examples of requiem in a Sentence

the choir will sing Mozart's Requiem

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Finally, 110 words into his statement, Trump closed with a proper requiem for the deceased. —Michael Collins, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025

In the process, Gimme Shelter became not just a record of a tour, but a requiem for the 1960s counterculture and its utopian promise. —Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025

Songs have been dedicated to her, and poems, novels, requiems, and symphonies. —Literary Hub, 20 Nov. 2025

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