minnesong

noun

min·​ne·​song

ˈminēˌsȯŋ,

-nəˌ-,

-säŋ

variants or minnesang

ˈminəˌzäŋ

1

: a song of a minnesinger

2

: the whole body of minnesongs constituting a musical form

another characteristic shared in common by English music and German minnesong

—Gilbert Reaney

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, minnesong partial translation of German minnelied; in sense 1, minnesang alteration (influenced by German minnesang) of minnesong; in sense 2, minnesong partial translation of German minnesang; in sense 2, minnesang from German, from Middle High German minnesanc, from minne love + sanc song, singing

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now