song

noun

ˈsȯŋ How to pronounce song (audio)
plural songs
Synonyms of songnext
1
: the act or art of singing
rejoice in song
a culture famous for its song
2
: poetical composition
a hero honored in song and story
3
a
: a short musical composition of words and music
He sang a love song.
My favorite song was playing on the radio.
b
: a collection of such compositions
The wish to gather and preserve popular song …—Louise Pound
4
: a distinctive or characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird, insect, or whale)
the song of a sparrow
5
a
: a melody for a lyric poem or ballad
whistle a song
b
: an instrumental composition suggestive of vocal music (as in quality or technique)
c
: a poem intended or suited to be set to music
This year's middle-school musical is a story of adventure and courage, featuring … Tolkien's songs set to original music.—The Berkshire Eagle
6
a
: a habitual or characteristic manner (as of speaking, reacting, or arguing)
"Back then, he used to just tell me to go ahead and lose so we could go home!" says Josh [Stone]. Now, Harley is singing a different song.—WindSurfing
Perhaps once my internet is improved I will change my song on this, but for now, … it's just not feasible …—Zoe Hawkins
also : an often repeated statement, reaction, or sentiment
It is the same old song of misplaced optimism that has fueled the last few bear market rallies. —Bill Schmick
b
: a forceful, harsh, or noisy reaction
put up quite a song
7
: a small amount
The company sold for a song.
songlike
ˈsȯŋ-ˌlīk How to pronounce song (audio)
adjective
songlike sounds

see also art song, drinking song, fight song, folk song, part-song, shout song, siren song, song cycle, song and dance, swan song, theme song, torch song, work song

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of song in a Sentence

He sang a love song. The song was playing on the radio. The event was celebrated in song by a folk group. I could hear the song of a sparrow.
Recent Examples on the Web There are a couple of versions of the song floating around TikTok. —Sara Belcher, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 Director Says ‘Joker: Folie À Deux’ Is By Definition A Musical Co-written and directed by Todd Phillips, Joker: Folie à Deux—like its 2019 blockbuster predecessor Joker—is a crime drama, but adds a heavy musical element with song standards performed throughout by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 Each of the winners—in categories such as best song, best dance group, and best audiovisual, to name a few—received a full university scholarship, in accordance with IFARHU regulations. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2024 Roland: Roland was first popularized by Charlemagne’s supposedly eight-foot-tall nephew, who was seen as a romantic hero and celebrated in medieval poetry and songs. —Anna Moeslein, Parents, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for song 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'song.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sang; akin to Old English singan to sing

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of song was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing song

Dictionary Entries Near song

son et lumière

song

song and dance

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/song. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

song

noun
ˈsȯŋ How to pronounce song (audio)
1
: the act or art of singing
2
: poetical composition : poetry
3
: a short piece of music with words intended to be sung
4
: a characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird)
5
a
: a melody for a lyric poem or ballad
b
: a poem easily set to music
6
: a small amount
can be bought for a song

More from Merriam-Webster on song

Nglish: Translation of song for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of song for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about song

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

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

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

What does 'at large' mean?

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See All

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 Word Game 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?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
dog-hard-hat-hammer
Odd Jobs Quiz Work smarter, not harder, to figure out these occ...