refrain

1 of 2

verb

re·​frain ri-ˈfrān How to pronounce refrain (audio)
refrained; refraining; refrains

intransitive verb

: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse
refrained from having dessert
refrainment noun

refrain

2 of 2

noun

1
: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus
also : the musical setting of a refrain
2
: a comment or statement that is often repeated

Examples of refrain in a Sentence

Verb I was going to make a joke but I refrained. Noun A common refrain among teachers these days is that the schools need more funding. I didn't know the verses of the song, so I only sang on the refrain.
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.
Verb
Greater uncertainty can lead firms to hold off investing and households to refrain from spending. London Business School, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 For example, if there’s a frenemy at work, do your best to refrain from hugs, handshakes, or prolonged eye contact. Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
That has been an all-too-familiar refrain for frustrated Comcast viewers since the regional sports network, the successor to NBC Sports Chicago, launched in October as the new TV home of the Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 Batteries of loudspeakers throbbed with a song whose refrain has become a catchphrase for those who want Mr. Yoon ousted. Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for refrain

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum

Noun

Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere — more at refract

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refrain was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Refrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refrain. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

refrain

1 of 2 verb
re·​frain ri-ˈfrān How to pronounce refrain (audio)
: to hold oneself back
refrain from laughing

refrain

2 of 2 noun
: a regularly repeated phrase or verse of a poem or song : chorus

More from Merriam-Webster on refrain

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