ditty

noun

ˈdi-tē How to pronounce ditty (audio)
Definition of dittynext
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment sung a little ditty in a minor key

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ditty The songs, by Randy Newman, are simple but charming little ditties, particularly the ensemble numbers where this makeshift band of misfits express their devotion to one another. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026 To announce the enrollment period, Mamdani released a short-form video on social media with Cardi B launching a 2-K jingle competition, where people can write an original 15 to 30-second ditty urging parents to apply. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 Later, orange lanterns carrying well-wishes floated toward the stars, mingling with the distant strains of Lao ditties from the karaoke machines of the ramshackle bars that lined the banks. — Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026 Sparkling water lightens it, but play around with the ratios—and write your own ditty to remember the recipe. — Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ditty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ditty
  1. ballad
  2. song
  3. lyric
  4. jingle
  5. hymn
  6. anthem
Noun
  • The power ballad rises dramatically on both of the company’s worldwide songs tallies after debuting on the pair only one frame ago.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Originally conceived as a slow ballad, the song evolved into a brighter, more expansive arrangement.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 20 July 2026
Definition of ballad
Noun
  • The concert marked Phish’s 92nd performance at the famed arena, and the quartet celebrated by performing a setlist made up entirely of songs from its 1992 repertoire.
    — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 23 July 2026
  • In Japan, fans come up with a song for each player and sing it happily and relentlessly.
    — Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • But Smith’s energy goes toward perfecting the Damon Albarn impression in its silly hook rather than galvanizing the otherwise lackluster depictions of friendship in his lyrics.
    — Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
  • The musical, which won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2025, features a book by Jethro Compton, music by Darren Clark, and lyrics by Clark and Compton.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 July 2026
Definition of lyric
Noun
  • World Cup games also play a specific jingle for the team that scores, giving them a moment to party after a goals.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • The artists will be fine, but the guys who do commercial music, film music, advertising music, jingles, and everything, they will be replaced.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Definition of jingle
Noun
  • Faithful gather to sing hymns and sip Bloody Marys, and a revolving cast of chaplains, including one who once served at the University of Texas chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, lead services.
    — Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • One of six children, Tyler grew up idolizing Tina Turner and Janis Joplin and singing hymns in the Anglican church her parents attended.
    — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Definition of hymn
Noun
  • Boy that served as the event’s anthem this time around, remains one of the biggest hits in the world.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • This is about marching behind a singular flag and singing a singular anthem.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of anthem

Browse Nearby Words

dittos
ditty
ditty bag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ditty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ditty. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ditty

Nglish: Translation of ditty for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of comely

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All