roundelay

noun roun·de·lay \ ˈrau̇n-də-ˌlā \

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

Recent Examples of roundelay from the Web

The classic noir triangle at the novel’s heart opens up to introduce a roundelay of characters, most of whom get their Rosebud moment.

— New York Times, "9 New Books We Recommend This Week," 22 June 2017
The fanciful twists of this romantic roundelay by the Argentinean director Matías Piñeiro keep the Shakespearean promise of the title.

— richard brody, The New Yorker, "Hermia & Helena," 29 May 2017
The script takes the form of a classic roundelay, but instead of romantic shenanigans the comic intrigue turns on social, financial, and political concerns.

— The New Yorker, "The Roundabout," 18 May 2017
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.

— richard brody, The New Yorker, "“Fifty Shades Darker”: Not Even the Sex Has Personality," 9 Feb. 2017

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.