serenade

1 of 2

noun

ser·​e·​nade ˌser-ə-ˈnād 

1

a

: a complimentary vocal or instrumental performance

especially : one given outdoors at night for a woman being courted

b

: a work so performed

2

: an instrumental composition in several movements, written for a small ensemble, and midway between the suite and the symphony in style

serenade

2 of 2

verb

serenaded; serenading

intransitive verb

: to play a serenade

transitive verb

: to perform a serenade in honor of

serenader noun

Examples of serenade in a Sentence

Verb

He serenaded her from the garden below her window.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On Sunday, the Puerto Rican trap star visited NPR Music for a performance that featured special guest, the singer Lia Kali, and a sweet serenade for his mom, who was in the crowd. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2024

Cake is served for my brother’s birthday and my son is very excited and sings a lovely birthday serenade. —R29 Team, refinery29.com, 4 Oct. 2024

Verb

The lovebirds are all smiles while headed to their private karaoke room for a sweet (and at times steamy) session where Tyla serenades him. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2024

The Daily Mail newspaper reports that Swift became emotional as she was serenaded by the crowd with three minutes of sustained applause, and acknowledged her parents in the crowd. —Caroline Frost, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French sérénade, from Italian serenata, from sereno clear, calm (of weather), from Latin serenus serene

First Known Use

Noun

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1668, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

serenade

1 of 2 noun

ser·​e·​nade ˌser-ə-ˈnād 

: music as sung or played outdoors at night for a woman

serenade

2 of 2 verb

serenaded; serenading

: to entertain with or perform a serenade

serenader noun