calypso

1 of 2

noun (1)

ca·​lyp·​so kə-ˈlip-(ˌ)sō 

1

capitalized : a sea nymph in Homer's Odyssey who keeps Odysseus seven years on the island of Ogygia

2

plural calypsos [New Latin, genus name, probably from Latin] : a bulbous bog orchid (Calypso bulbosa) of northern regions bearing a single white to purplish flower

calypso

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural calypsos or calypsoes

: a style of music originating in the West Indies, marked by lively duple meter, and having lyrics that are often improvised and usually satirize local personalities and events

also : a song in this style

calypsonian

kə-ˌlip-ˈsō-nē-ən 

ˌka-(ˌ)lip-

noun or adjective

Did you know?

A type of folk song, calypso is originally from Trinidad but is also sung elsewhere in the Caribbean. The calypso tradition dates to the early 19th century. The subject of a calypso text, which is usually witty and satiric, is an event of political or social importance, and the lyric often incorporates Spanish, Creole, and African phrases. The exaggeration of local speech patterns is matched by an offbeat rhythm. Favorite accompanying instruments are the shak-shak (maraca), cuatro (a string instrument), and tamboo-bamboo (bamboo poles of various lengths struck on the ground), and steel drums.

Examples of calypso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Travel in June for the St. Kitts Music Festival, an annual three-day fete that brings local artists together with international stars representing a melange of genres, from R&B and soul to soca and calypso. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2024

Nevertheless, this is the most forward-looking of the late jazz musician’s works, full of undeniable momentum and contagious exuberance as branch and her ensemble meld folk, calypso, dub, and punk into fervent, free-flowing jazz. —Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2024

Black actors such as Theresa Harris and the calypso singer Sir Lancelot have extraordinarily memorable moments of subversive power. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024

Caribbean Culture Concert at Freedom Plaza In honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, this seven-hour celebration on Freedom Plaza includes calypso by the Image Band, reggae from Baltimore’s Strykers Posse, the Pan Masters Steelband Organization, dance performances, poetry and storytelling. —Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin, from Greek Kalypsō

Noun (2)

Trinidad English, alteration of kaiso, perhaps ultimately of African origin; akin to eastern Caribbean English caliso, cariso satirical song

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1900, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

calypso

noun

ca·​lyp·​so

kə-ˈlip-sō

plural calypsos

: a folk song or style of singing of West Indian origin having a lively rhythm and words which are usually made up by the singer