Definition of roundelay
1 : a simple song with a refrain
2 : a poem with a refrain recurring frequently or at fixed intervals as in a rondel
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of roundelay from the Web
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The classic noir triangle at the novel’s heart opens up to introduce a roundelay of characters, most of whom get their Rosebud moment.
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The fanciful twists of this romantic roundelay by the Argentinean director Matías Piñeiro keep the Shakespearean promise of the title.
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The film’s story consists, in large part, of the conflict that Ana faces between squiring Christian through his urgent roundelay of business functions and pushing her own editorial career ahead.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'roundelay.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of roundelay
Middle English, modification of Middle French rondelet, diminutive of rondel
Learn More about roundelay
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See words that rhyme with roundelay Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about roundelay
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