chanter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequencyNeutral to formal, sometimes poetic or religious.
Quick answer
What does “chanter” mean?
To sing, especially in a steady, monotonous, or repetitive manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To sing, especially in a steady, monotonous, or repetitive manner.
To speak or recite in a sing-song or repetitive way; also refers to someone who chants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In religious contexts, 'chanter' is used in both to denote a singer of psalms or prayers. As a noun for a part of a bagpipe, equally known in both.
Connotations
In both, can carry connotations of monotony if used negatively. In positive contexts, associated with ritual, ceremony, or musical tradition.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher potential frequency in UK due to bagpipe terminology ('chanter' as the melody pipe).
Grammar
How to Use “chanter” in a Sentence
[Subject] chants [Object][Subject] chants [Adverbial]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chanter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The monks would chant vespers in the chapel every evening.
- The crowd began to chant 'Eng-er-land!' during the match.
- She chanted the spell from the old book.
American English
- The protesters chanted 'No justice, no peace!' outside the courthouse.
- He chanted the team's fight song all the way home.
- The yoga instructor chanted 'om' to begin the session.
adverb
British English
- He spoke chantingly, lulling the children to sleep.
- The prayer was delivered chantingly.
American English
- She repeated the phrase chantingly, almost like a mantra.
- He read the list chantingly, without inflection.
adjective
British English
- The chanting crowd grew louder.
- A chanting voice echoed through the hall.
American English
- The chanting protesters moved down the street.
- We heard a chanting chorus from the temple.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphorical use: 'The CEO chanted the company's new core values at every meeting.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, musicology, and anthropology: 'The priest would chant the ancient hymns.'
Everyday
Limited. 'The protesters began to chant slogans.' 'He chanted the same complaints every day.'
Technical
In music: refers to the melody pipe of a bagpipe. In religion: a person who leads liturgical singing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chanter”
- Confusing 'chant' with 'sing' in non-musical contexts (e.g., 'chant a story' is odd).
- Using 'chanter' as a common noun for any singer (it's specific).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a low-frequency word. The verb 'chant' is more common, while 'chanter' as a noun is quite specific.
No. 'Chant' implies a rhythmic, often repeated, and sometimes musical or ceremonial manner of vocalisation. Normal speech is not chanting.
It is the melody pipe on a bagpipe, the part with finger holes that the player uses to play the tune.
'Sing' is a broad term for musical vocalisation. 'Chant' is a specific type of singing or speaking characterised by repetition, limited melody, and often a ritualistic or monotone quality.
To sing, especially in a steady, monotonous, or repetitive manner.
Chanter is usually neutral to formal, sometimes poetic or religious. in register.
Chanter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɑːntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæntər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chant (someone's) praises”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CANTER (a horse's gait) - a horse cantering has a steady rhythm, just like someone CHANTING.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPETITIVE SPEECH IS RITUAL MUSIC.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'to chant'?