singing the blues

phrase

: feeling sad and discouraged

He's been singing the blues since he lost his job.

Browse Nearby Words

singing muscle

singing the blues

singing voice

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Singing the blues.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/singing%20the%20blues. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

singing the blues

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

rash

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13

Games & Quizzes