cantillate

verb

can·​til·​late ˈkan-tə-ˌlāt How to pronounce cantillate (audio)
cantillated; cantillating

transitive verb

: to recite with musical tones
cantillation noun

Examples of cantillate in a Sentence

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.
Despite the vast altars on which networks make gruesome sacrifices while cantillating to their gods, neither of these shows will last forever. Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Latin cantilatus, past participle of cantilare to sing, perhaps from cantilena

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cantillate was circa 1828

Dictionary Entries Near cantillate

Cite this Entry

“Cantillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantillate. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!