Song

Definition

The term "song" refers to a musical composition intended to be sung, often accompanied by instruments, and typically characterized by melody and lyrics. It can also refer to the musical sounds produced by birds and other animals.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɔːŋ/, /sɑːŋ/
• Respelling: SAWNG, SAHNG

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɒŋ/
• Respelling: SONG

Etymology

The word "song" comes from Old English "sang," meaning "a singing, song," which is derived from Proto-Germanic "*sangwaz" and Proto-Indo-European "*sengwh-" meaning "to sing." It has been used in English since before the 12th century.

Derivatives

• Songwriter (noun)
• Songstress (noun)
• Sing-song (noun)
• Songbook (noun)
• Songful (adjective)

Synonyms

• Tune
• Melody
• Composition

Antonyms

• Silence
• None
• None

Usage

The term "song" is used in musical and poetic contexts to refer to a piece intended for singing. For example: "She performed a beautiful song during the recital," or "The bird’s song echoed through the forest."

Related Terms

• Music: The art of arranging sounds to create harmony, rhythm, and expression.
• Lyric: The words of a song.
• Chant: A repetitive, melodic phrase, often religious in nature.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A musical composition for singing: Refers to a piece created to be sung, typically with lyrics and melody.
  • Example: "The artist released a new song that quickly became a hit."
• The musical sound of birds or animals: Refers to the vocalizations of birds or other creatures, often melodious.
  • Example: "The song of the nightingale is famously beautiful."
• A poetic or literary composition: Refers to a lyrical or metrical work designed to be sung.
  • Example: "The poem was transformed into a moving song."