calypso

1 of 2

noun (1)

ca·​lyp·​so kə-ˈlip-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce calypso (audio)
1
capitalized : a sea nymph in Homer's Odyssey who keeps Odysseus seven years on the island of Ogygia
2
plural calypsos [New Latin, genus name, probably from Latin] : a bulbous bog orchid (Calypso bulbosa) of northern regions bearing a single white to purplish flower

calypso

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural calypsos or calypsoes
: a style of music originating in the West Indies, marked by lively duple meter, and having lyrics that are often improvised and usually satirize local personalities and events
also : a song in this style
calypsonian noun or adjective

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A type of folk song, calypso is originally from Trinidad but is also sung elsewhere in the Caribbean. The calypso tradition dates to the early 19th century. The subject of a calypso text, which is usually witty and satiric, is an event of political or social importance, and the lyric often incorporates Spanish, Creole, and African phrases. The exaggeration of local speech patterns is matched by an offbeat rhythm. Favorite accompanying instruments are the shak-shak (maraca), cuatro (a string instrument), and tamboo-bamboo (bamboo poles of various lengths struck on the ground), and steel drums.

Examples of calypso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Nevertheless, this is the most forward-looking of the late jazz musician’s works, full of undeniable momentum and contagious exuberance as branch and her ensemble meld folk, calypso, dub, and punk into fervent, free-flowing jazz. Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2024 Black actors such as Theresa Harris and the calypso singer Sir Lancelot have extraordinarily memorable moments of subversive power. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 Caribbean Culture Concert at Freedom Plaza In honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, this seven-hour celebration on Freedom Plaza includes calypso by the Image Band, reggae from Baltimore’s Strykers Posse, the Pan Masters Steelband Organization, dance performances, poetry and storytelling. Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 21 June 2024 Their fusion of roots reggae with an increasingly pop-leaning blend of soul, R&B, dub, calypso, and other dance styles proved a hit both on U.S. radio and in their Jamaican homeland, where the band moved after releasing debut LP Miracles. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 26 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calypso 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calypso.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin, from Greek Kalypsō

Noun (2)

Trinidad English, alteration of kaiso, perhaps ultimately of African origin; akin to eastern Caribbean English caliso, cariso satirical song

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1900, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near calypso

Cite this Entry

“Calypso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calypso. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

calypso

noun
ca·​lyp·​so
kə-ˈlip-sō
plural calypsos
: a folk song or style of singing of West Indian origin having a lively rhythm and words which are usually made up by the singer

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