plainsong: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical (Musicology, Religious Studies, History)
Quick answer
What does “plainsong” mean?
The traditional, unison, monophonic chant of Christian liturgies, especially Gregorian chant, sung without instrumental accompaniment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The traditional, unison, monophonic chant of Christian liturgies, especially Gregorian chant, sung without instrumental accompaniment.
Any simple, unaccompanied vocal melody in a free rhythm, often with a religious or solemn character. By extension, it can refer to something simple, unadorned, or fundamental.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term is used identically in academic and religious contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it connotes antiquity, solemnity, and ecclesiastical tradition. It may also connote simplicity or austerity.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts due to the established state church and cathedral traditions, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “plainsong” in a Sentence
[Subject] sings/perform/studies plainsongthe plainsong of [Location/Period]a piece/chant of plainsongVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plainsong” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The choir will plainsong the mass according to the Sarum rite.
- He has spent years plainsonging in the abbey.
American English
- The schola plainsonged the compline service.
- She specializes in plainsonging the proper chants.
adverb
British English
- The psalm was sung plainsong, without any harmony.
- They performed the piece entirely plainsong.
American English
- The service was conducted plainsong, evoking a medieval atmosphere.
- The choir sang plainsong throughout the ceremony.
adjective
British English
- The plainsong tradition remains vibrant here.
- They offer a plainsong workshop for beginners.
American English
- The plainsong repertoire is extensive.
- He has a plainsong manuscript from the 12th century.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, medieval studies, theology, and religious history. (e.g., 'The dissertation examines the notation of early plainsong.')
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used when discussing a visit to a historic church or cathedral.
Technical
Core term in music history and liturgical studies. Precisely distinguishes monophonic chant from later polyphonic developments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plainsong”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plainsong”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plainsong”
- Confusing 'plainsong' with 'plainchant' (they are synonyms). Spelling it as two words: 'plain song' (should be one word or hyphenated: plain-song). Using it to describe any simple folk song.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Gregorian chant is the most famous and codified type of plainsong. 'Plainsong' is the broader category of unaccompanied liturgical chant, which includes other rites like Ambrosian or Mozarabic chant.
No, by definition, plainsong is monophonic (a single melodic line). The addition of harmony or accompaniment would make it polyphonic or homophonic music, not plainsong.
Yes, it is actively used in many Roman Catholic, Anglican, and monastic communities around the world, both in traditional liturgy and as a subject of academic and performance study.
There is no substantive difference; they are synonyms. 'Plainchant' is perhaps slightly more common in modern academic writing, but both are perfectly correct and interchangeable.
The traditional, unison, monophonic chant of Christian liturgies, especially Gregorian chant, sung without instrumental accompaniment.
Plainsong is usually formal, technical (musicology, religious studies, history) in register.
Plainsong: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpleɪnsɒŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpleɪnsɔːŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the wide, flat PLAINS where things are simple and unadorned. PLAINsong is the simple, unadorned, foundational SONG of the church.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIMPLICITY IS PURITY / TRADITION IS A FOUNDATION (Plainsong is metaphorically the pure, simple, bedrock layer of Western music.)
Practice
Quiz
In a technical music history context, 'plainsong' is most specifically defined as: