song

noun

ˈsȯŋ 

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

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 

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

• ballad
• ditty
• jingle
• lay
• lyric
• vocal

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

Instead, a song that’s already been available for many years has finally managed to become something of a hit. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

After the song, Love blew out the candle on the cake that the Combs kids were sharing in their father's honor. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Over the next 12 years, the song bounced around the web but remained unidentified. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024

Quincy Jones is a multi-Grammy award winner and the genius behind some of of the most iconic songs and artists in the world. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing song

• art song
• change my song
• drinking song
• fight song
• folk song
• for a song
• make a song and dance about (something)
• part-song
• pre-song
• same old song
• same old song and dance
• shout song
• singing a different song
• siren song
• song and dance
• song cycle
• song sparrow
• song thrush
• swan song
• theme song
• torch song
• work song

Kids Definition

song

noun

ˈsȯŋ 

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