plural songs
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
Louise Pound4
: 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
The Berkshire Eagle6
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
WindSurfingPerhaps once my internet is improved I will change my song on this, but for now, … it's just not feasible …—Zoe Hawkins
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
Bill Schmick
b
: a forceful, harsh, or noisy reaction
put up quite a song
7
: a small amount
The company sold for a song.
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
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
John told Lennon if the song ascended to the top of the charts, Lennon would have to join him onstage to sing it.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
Although perceived as a vindictive album, Reputation is also a sentimental one, with its fair share of love songs.
—Lolita Mang, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Both songs spent the entire chart year on each global chart, but arrive at their high year-end finishes with different trajectories.
—Eric Frankenberg, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024
The song was then almost thirty years old, and in the first stages of a decades-long popular revival, sparked by Dylan’s own electrified and largely incomprehensible rendition of it at the 1991 Grammys.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for song 
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Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
Although perceived as a vindictive album, Reputation is also a sentimental one, with its fair share of love songs.
—Lolita Mang, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Both songs spent the entire chart year on each global chart, but arrive at their high year-end finishes with different trajectories.
—Eric Frankenberg, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024
The song was then almost thirty years old, and in the first stages of a decades-long popular revival, sparked by Dylan’s own electrified and largely incomprehensible rendition of it at the 1991 Grammys.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for song
Dictionary Entries Near song
Cite this Entry
“Song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/song. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
song
noun1
: 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
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