sing

verb \ ˈsiŋ \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Examples: sing in a Sentence

Definition of sing

sang play \ˈsaŋ\ or sung play \ˈsəŋ\; sung; singing play \ˈsiŋ-iŋ\

intransitive verb

1 a : to produce musical tones by means of the voice

b : to utter words in musical tones and with musical inflections and modulations

c : to deliver songs as a trained or professional singer

2 : to make a shrill whining or whistling sound

3 a : to relate or celebrate something in verse

b : to compose poetry

c : to create in or through words a feeling or sense of song

prose that sings

4 : to produce musical or harmonious sounds

birds singing

5 : buzz, ring

6 : to make a cry : call

7 : to give information or evidence

transitive verb

1 : to utter with musical inflections; especially : to interpret in musical tones produced by the voice

2 : to relate or celebrate in verse

3 : chant, intone

4 : to bring or accompany to a place or state by singing

sings the child to sleep

—

singable

play \ˈsiŋ-ə-bəl\ adjective

See sing defined for English-language learners

See sing defined for kids

Examples of sing in a Sentence

She sings in the choir.
The children danced and sang.
He sang softly to the baby.
She's a great actress, and she can dance and sing, too.
We all stood and sang the national anthem.
I can't sing the high notes.
Do you hear the birds singing?
The kettle sang on the stove.
The bullet sang past his helmet.

Recent Examples of sing from the Web

Entertainment by Vincent Talarico, a dynamic and multi-talented entertainer, who dances, sings in three languages, and wows the audience with his drum solos.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Vernon Edition," 5 June 2018
Isabella Dehmlow sang the National Anthem and Samia Abdul-Qadir and Nathan Warwick were chosen to address the Class of 2018.

— jane donahue, Naperville Sun, "School gifts, popular colleges and other things to know about Naperville's five graduating classes," 31 May 2018
The contest is open to amateur singers in third through 12th grade, who may sing as soloists or part of a duet.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "Singing youths sought for RB Idol contest," 16 May 2018
Babes as young as 1 can participate in parent-child yoga that includes poses, singing and games.

— lauren chval, RedEye Chicago, "The cool mom's guide to Chicago," 8 May 2018
My whole life is about singing and performing in front of a live audience.

— vanity fair, HWD, "Why John Legend Took on the Challenge of Jesus Christ Superstar," 4 May 2018
Jim Dunaway hosted in his absence and led the full ballroom in singing happy birthday to the recovering Stewart.

— michael casagrande, AL.com, "Chris Stewart provides update after serious medical scare," 2 May 2018
The event will feature music for dancing and sing-alongs and a performance by juggler Jason Kollum.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "This Week in Naperville," 25 May 2018
Entertainment by Vincent Talarico, a dynamic and multi-talented entertainer, who dances, sings in three languages, and wows the audience with his drum solos.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Vernon Edition," 21 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sing

Middle English, from Old English singan; akin to Old High German singan to sing, Greek omphē voice

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

sing Synonyms

Synonyms

inform, rat (on), snitch, squeal, talk, tell (on);

Related Words

betray, give away, turn in;

backstab, cross, double-cross, sell (out), two-time;

blab, tattle;

tip (off);

sing

noun

Definition of sing

: a session of group singing

Recent Examples of sing from the Web

Despite the Colombian singer’s absence, Payne recited his Spanish lyrics to the crowd, who included fans capable of the dual-language sing-along challenge.

— heran mamo, Billboard, "Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran & More of the Biggest Pop Stars Played BBC Radio 1's The Biggest Weekend: See Video," 29 May 2018
The tone of Gallagher’s set was wry and boisterous before the poignant closer, with the crowd growing increasingly jovial with every passing sing-along -- the perfect warm-up for the main event, and an ideal scenario for all involved.

— hilary hughes, Billboard, "The Rolling Stones Kicked Off a Happy Homecoming Run in London With Liam Gallagher," 23 May 2018
While the surface of his tunes on the recent Hollow Ground (Jagjaguwar) appear ripe for joyful sing-alongs, the words that fall out of his mouth in catchy, hypertuneful bunches convey a darkness at odds with the warmth of his vintage pop touch.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Chicago native Max Clarke uncoils the darkness in his cheerful melodies on the debut full-length by Cut Worms," 17 May 2018
So expect some impressive sing-alongs and dance moves to Salt-N-Pepa.

— kate storey, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Will Include Her Friend Benita Litt's Daughters In the Royal Wedding," 16 May 2018
The event starts at 6 p.m. with crafts for all ages, followed by a sing-along at 7:30 p.m. and a costume showcase at 8:15 p.m. The Hamilton Birthday Bash & Sing-along is open to all ages.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Don't throw away your shot to celebrate Alexander Hamilton's birthday," 4 Jan. 2018
Dance-a-Vision Presents: Toddler Time at Bay Street Interactive storytelling, dancing, sing-along, arts and crafts for children (ages 1-3) and their caregivers.

— chronicle staff report, San Francisco Chronicle, "Kids listings," 10 May 2018
Rachel was a workhorse during the event, from making sure my Clementine Bakery Cake came out on time for the Happy Birthday sing-along, to reminding each and every guest to take their swag bag.

— mariah smith, The Cut, "My Sponsored Birthday Party Made Me Rethink My Dream of Being an Influencer," 10 May 2018
The series kicks off on June 21 with a performance from indie rocker Cary Brothers and a sure-to-be infectious sing-along screening of The Greatest Showman; check back for updates on the rest of the lineup.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Outdoor Movies Collide with Concerts at This New Rooftop Summer Series," 10 May 2018