rhapsody

noun

rhap·​so·​dy ˈrap-sə-dē 

plural rhapsodies

1

: a portion of an epic poem adapted for recitation

2

archaic : a miscellaneous collection

3

a(1)

: a highly emotional utterance

(2)

: a highly emotional literary work

(3)

: effusively rapturous or extravagant discourse

b

: rapture, ecstasy

4

: a musical composition of irregular form having an improvisatory character

Synonyms

• ecstasy
• heaven
• joy

Examples of rhapsody in a Sentence

The mayor launched into a long rhapsody about his plans for the city.

listening to Mozart always left him in a rhapsody that lingered for the remainder of the evening

Recent Examples on the Web

The other work by Ravel, Tzigane, is a fiery, virtuosic showcase for the violinist in the style of a Hungarian rhapsody. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

The rest of this rhapsody in blue at the Alamodome? —Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

Despite his rhapsody about YouTube’s scale, growth and potential, Nathanson in the report actually lowered his 12-month price target on parent Alphabet’s shares by $10, putting it at $210. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025

The Music Box Revue, Music Box The fourth of these annual rhapsodies in expense. —The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin rhapsodia, from Greek rhapsōidia recitation of selections from epic poetry, rhapsody, from rhapsōidos rhapsodist, from rhaptein to sew, stitch together + aidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rhapsody

noun

rhap·​so·​dy ˈrap-səd-ē 

plural rhapsodies

1

: a written or spoken expression of great emotion

2

: a musical composition of irregular form

rhapsodic

rap-ˈsäd-ik

adjective

also rhapsodical

-i-kəl

rhapsodically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb