serenade

1 of 2

noun

ser·​e·​nade ˌser-ə-ˈnād How to pronounce serenade (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And for those more interested in Mulaney’s musical stylings, the MLB graciously posted the below clip of his seventh inning stretch serenade. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025 Write a love letter, send flowers, or serenade that special person. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
Then the Canes fell behind early — their first deficit all season as that Tomahawk Chop chant serenaded the night. Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025 Jose Mourinho had just got up from his seat in the Benfica dugout, at the start of the game, when the Chelsea supporters in the Matthew Harding Stand at Stamford Bridge started to serenade him. Stuart James, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serenade

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of serenade was in 1649

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Serenade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serenade. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

serenade

1 of 2 noun
ser·​e·​nade ˌser-ə-ˈnād How to pronounce serenade (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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