rhapsody

noun

rhap·​so·​dy ˈrap-sə-dē 

plural rhapsodies

1

: a portion of an epic poem adapted for recitation

2

archaic : a miscellaneous collection

3

a(1)

: a highly emotional utterance

(2)

: a highly emotional literary work

(3)

: effusively rapturous or extravagant discourse

b

: rapture, ecstasy

4

: a musical composition of irregular form having an improvisatory character

Synonyms

• cloud nine
• ecstasy
• elatedness
• elation
• euphoria
• exhilaration
• heaven
• high
• intoxication
• paradise
• rapture
• seventh heaven
• swoon
• transport

Examples of rhapsody in a Sentence

The mayor launched into a long rhapsody about his plans for the city.

listening to Mozart always left him in a rhapsody that lingered for the remainder of the evening

Recent Examples on the Web

The Harris campaign wasted no time in ridiculing Trump's rhapsody to Palmer's physique. —Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024

Stiles didn’t mind revealing the shiny shards of his bohemian rhapsody in a barstool reverie. —Damian Panetta, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024

Like the rhapsody, the concerto employs plenty of jazz elements. —Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 25 Sep. 2024

Starting in September, the ensemble will perform three popular movie scores, concerti and several takes on rhapsodies — including Gershwin's famous one and a fusion of of his work with Queen. —The Indianapolis Star, 20 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin rhapsodia, from Greek rhapsōidia recitation of selections from epic poetry, rhapsody, from rhapsōidos rhapsodist, from rhaptein to sew, stitch together + aidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rhapsody

noun

rhap·​so·​dy ˈrap-səd-ē 

plural rhapsodies

1

: a written or spoken expression of great emotion

2

: a musical composition of irregular form

rhapsodic

rap-ˈsäd-ik

adjective

also rhapsodical

-i-kəl

rhapsodically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb