song

noun

ˈsȯŋ 

1

: the act or art of singing

2

: poetical composition

3

a

: a short musical composition of words and music

b

: a collection of such compositions

4

: a distinctive or characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird, insect, or whale)

5

a

: a melody for a lyric poem or ballad

b

: a poem easily set to music

6

a

: a habitual or characteristic manner

b

: a violent, abusive, or noisy reaction

put up quite a song

7

: a small amount

sold for a song

songlike

ˈsȯŋ-ˌlīk 

adjective

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

Others credited on the song include Cole Bat (who also directed the video), Devon Francis, Quadeca, and drum machinist Devstacks. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 3 May 2024

Unlike most K-pop groups, which combine choreography and song, XDINARY HEROES weave and balance their unique instruments and melodies into a song. —Jenna Wang, Peoplemag, 3 May 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
• drinking song
• fight song
• folk song
• for a song
• make a song and dance about (something)
• part-song
• pre-song
• shout 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