WordGarden.iosong
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɒŋ/
US
- /ˈsɔŋ/
Meanings
Noun
a musical piece with words that is meant to be sung
the musical call or series of notes made by a bird
Beyond the definition
A song is not just any piece of music; it is usually made to be sung and often includes words called lyrics. You can think of it as a story, idea, or feeling carried by melody and rhythm. It can make you feel happy, sad, calm, or full of energy. It is one of the main ways people share emotions, remember events, or celebrate important moments.
You might hear one on the radio, at a concert, or catch yourself humming one while doing chores. We often think of people first, but the word is also used for the musical calls of some birds. Whether it is a strong ballad by a pop star or the morning notes of a robin, it usually has a pattern you can recognize and repeat. The word can also be used in a figurative way, such as when someone is "singing the same old song," meaning they are repeating the same old excuses or ideas.
A song is a distinct musical work that combines vocal melody with poetic lyrics. It stands apart from purely instrumental music because the human voice takes center stage, using language to convey specific meaning. This combination of harmony, rhythm, and words creates a unique form of artistic expression that is deeply woven into the fabric of human culture.
Historically, songs were the primary vehicle for oral tradition. Before widespread literacy, folk ballads and work songs were used to pass down legends and history through generations. Today, songs exist in every imaginable genre—from the structured movements of a classical aria to the catchy hooks of a pop hit. Each genre uses the "song" format to explore different themes, from social commentary and political protest to the universal experience of love.
The word "song" also appears in several common English idioms. If you buy something "for a song," you are getting it very cheaply. If you are "in fine song," it means you are performing or speaking with great energy and skill. In a more metaphorical sense, a "song and dance" refers to an over-elaborate story or explanation, often used to distract or excuse someone.
Ultimately, a song is a universal language. It is a powerful tool for connection that transcends borders, allowing a simple melody with meaningful words to resonate with listeners across different cultures and time periods.
Examples
- 1
Music preference
What’s your favorite song right now?
- 2
Album
The album has twelve songs, but I only liked two of them.
- 3
Songwriting
She wrote a song about her hometown.
- 4
Radio
That song came on the radio three times today.
- Phrasecome on
start playing
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Singing together
We all sang along when they played our wedding song.
- Phrasesing along
sing with the music
- 6
Memory
This song reminds me of summer vacations with my cousins.
- Patternremind someone of + person/place/thing
make them think of it
- 7
Television
The show opens with the same theme song every week.
- Phrasetheme song
the piece of music regularly used for a show
- 8
Repeated complaint
It’s the same old song: they promise changes, and nothing happens.
- Phrasethe same old song
the same thing being said again and again
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- songnoun
Forms
- songspluralnoun