segue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical (especially in arts/media), educated
Quick answer
What does “segue” mean?
To move smoothly and without interruption from one topic, piece of music, or situation to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move smoothly and without interruption from one topic, piece of music, or situation to another.
A seamless transition or connection between two distinct but related things, often used in music, film, conversation, or writing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in American English, particularly in media and business jargon.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of sophistication, smoothness, and intentional design in the transition.
Frequency
More frequent in US English, especially in contexts like radio, film editing, and presentations.
Grammar
How to Use “segue” in a Sentence
segue from X into Ysegue into Ysegue to YX segues into YVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “segue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lecturer segued brilliantly from medieval history to modern politics.
- The documentary segues from the personal story to the broader historical context.
American English
- After the commercial, we'll segue into the interview segment.
- She seamlessly segued from her administrative duties into a strategic discussion.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used as an adjective]
- [Rarely used as an adjective]
American English
- [Rarely used as an adjective]
- [Rarely used as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in presentations and meetings to describe moving between agenda items or topics smoothly. 'Let me segue now to the Q3 financials.'
Academic
Used in lectures and writing to indicate a logical shift in argument. 'The discussion of theory segues into an analysis of the data.'
Everyday
Used in conversation to describe a natural change of subject. 'From talking about holidays, we segued into a debate about climate change.'
Technical
Essential in music (a connecting passage), film/radio (a transition between scenes or segments), and writing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “segue”
- Misspelling as 'segway' (the brand of vehicle).
- Pronouncing it as /siːɡ/ or /seɡ/.
- Using it for an abrupt or clumsy change.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are homophones. 'Segue' comes from Italian, while 'Segway' is a brand name.
Yes, though less common. Example: 'The segue between the two movements was almost imperceptible.'
It is considered fairly formal or technical. In casual conversation, 'move on to' or 'transition to' are more common.
The most common mistake is spelling it 'segway' due to the influence of the trademarked vehicle name.
To move smoothly and without interruption from one topic, piece of music, or situation to another.
Segue: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛɡweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛɡweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself functions metaphorically.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SEGUE as a SEG-ment you glUE together smoothly.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT ALONG A PATH (a journey from one point to another without stopping).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'segue' MOST appropriately used?