song

noun

ˈsȯŋ 

plural songs

1

: the act or art of singing

rejoice in song

a culture famous for its song

2

: poetical composition

a hero honored in song and story

3

a

: a short musical composition of words and music

He sang a love song.

My favorite song was playing on the radio.

b

: a collection of such compositions

The wish to gather and preserve popular song …

—Louise Pound

4

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

the song of a sparrow

5

a

: a melody for a lyric poem or ballad

whistle a song

b

: an instrumental composition suggestive of vocal music (as in quality or technique)

c

: a poem intended or suited to be set to music

This year's middle-school musical is a story of adventure and courage, featuring … Tolkien's songs set to original music.

—The Berkshire Eagle

6

a

: a habitual or characteristic manner (as of speaking, reacting, or arguing)

"Back then, he used to just tell me to go ahead and lose so we could go home!" says Josh [Stone]. Now, Harley is singing a different song.

—WindSurfing

Perhaps once my internet is improved I will change my song on this, but for now, … it's just not feasible …

—Zoe Hawkins

also : an often repeated statement, reaction, or sentiment

It is the same old song of misplaced optimism that has fueled the last few bear market rallies.

—Bill Schmick

b

: a forceful, harsh, or noisy reaction

put up quite a song

7

: a small amount

The company sold for a song.

songlike

ˈsȯŋ-ˌlīk 

adjective

songlike sounds

see also art song, drinking song, fight song, folk song, part-song, shout song, siren song, song cycle, song and dance, swan song, theme song, torch song, work song

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

Trouble spots arise as songs lean tackily into nostalgia. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

The song reached new audiences — and new generations — when it was featured in the incredibly popular 2018 biopic film of the same name, which was based on MercyMe singer Bart Millard’s life and focused in large part on the story behind the song. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

This brings the show to 58 categories, and songs will only be considered if their lyrics are at least 60% written in Spanish, Portuguese or a native regional dialect. —Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024

Cheek to Cheek was a surprise hit, bringing Gershwin and Porter songs to the top of the Billboard 200 decades after their deaths; Gaga’s mojo had been slightly regained, but more importantly, her creative partnership and personal friendship with Bennett blossomed. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 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
• change my song
• drinking song
• fight song
• folk song
• for a song
• make a song and dance about (something)
• part-song
• pre-song
• same old song
• same old song and dance
• shout song
• singing a different 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