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 songLouise 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 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alphonse Pierre’s Off the Dome column covers songs, mixtapes, albums, scenes, snippets, movies, Meek Mill tweets, fashion trends—and anything else that catches his attention. Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 18 Apr. 2025 The song, which was featured on Post Malone’s country album F-1 Trillion, was also No. 1 on Billboard‘s 2024 Songs of the Summer chart. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2025 In addition, there’s a post-credits scene that features the young version of Sammie signing a song, which, like the mid-credits scene, doesn’t serve as a springboard for a sequel. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Hopefully, that will make genre transitions less jarring without changing how a song sounds. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for song

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

Cite this Entry

“Song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/song. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

song

noun
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

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