serenade

1 of 2

noun

ser·​e·​nade ˌser-ə-ˈnād 

1

a

: a complimentary vocal or instrumental performance

especially : one given outdoors at night for a woman being courted

b

: a work so performed

2

: an instrumental composition in several movements, written for a small ensemble, and midway between the suite and the symphony in style

serenade

2 of 2

verb

serenaded; serenading

intransitive verb

: to play a serenade

transitive verb

: to perform a serenade in honor of

serenader noun

Examples of serenade in a Sentence

Verb

He serenaded her from the garden below her window.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The couple picked out outfits to wear for their date and received a private serenade from Wayne Newton. —Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024

On Sunday, the Puerto Rican trap star visited NPR Music for a performance that featured special guest, the singer Lia Kali, and a sweet serenade for his mom, who was in the crowd. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2024

Verb

After the film the night before, Weiner serenaded the audience on acoustic guitar, walking around and singing within a couple of feet of each person. —Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 16 Oct. 2024

Union commemorated their decade together by serenading her longtime love. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French sérénade, from Italian serenata, from sereno clear, calm (of weather), from Latin serenus serene

First Known Use

Noun

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1668, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

serenade

1 of 2 noun

ser·​e·​nade ˌser-ə-ˈnād 

: music as sung or played outdoors at night for a woman

serenade

2 of 2 verb

serenaded; serenading

: to entertain with or perform a serenade

serenader noun