chorine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low / RareFormal / Historical / Specialized (Theatrical)
Quick answer
What does “chorine” mean?
A female dancer or singer in the chorus line of a musical show, especially in the early to mid-20th century.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female dancer or singer in the chorus line of a musical show, especially in the early to mid-20th century.
While its primary historical use is for chorus line performers in stage productions, it can occasionally be used to refer to a less prominent female singer in a choral group, though this is rare. The term evokes a specific era of entertainment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and is more commonly associated with American theatrical history (Broadway, Hollywood). While understood in the UK, 'chorus girl' is the more common British equivalent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a bygone era of show business. It may have a slightly more glamorous or 'show-biz' connotation in American usage due to its Hollywood links.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, but marginally higher in historical American texts about theatre and film.
Grammar
How to Use “chorine” in a Sentence
Former [chorine]Aspiring [chorine]Work as a [chorine][Chorine] in a musicalVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theatre, or film studies contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary conversation.
Technical
Specific term within theatre history and criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chorine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chorine”
- Using it for modern backup dancers.
- Using it to refer to a solo singer.
- Misspelling as 'chlorine' (the chemical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical term. Modern equivalents would be 'ensemble dancer', 'chorus line dancer', or simply 'ensemble member'.
A chorine is specifically a theatrical performer (dancer/singer) in a chorus line. A chorister is a singer in a choir, often but not exclusively in a religious context.
No, 'chorine' is specifically feminine. The male equivalent is 'chorus boy' or 'chorus man'.
The specific style of large, synchronised chorus lines it describes is less central to mainstream entertainment than it was in the mid-20th century, and the term itself has fallen out of fashion.
A female dancer or singer in the chorus line of a musical show, especially in the early to mid-20th century.
Chorine is usually formal / historical / specialized (theatrical) in register.
Chorine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːriːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHORus lINE' – a chorine was a woman in the chorus line.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERFORMER AS A COG IN A MACHINE (part of a large, synchronized, often anonymous group).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'chorine' be most appropriately used?