sing out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal (as a phrasal verb), Formal/Specialized (in nautical contexts)
Quick answer
What does “sing out” mean?
To sing loudly and with energy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To sing loudly and with energy; to shout or call out clearly.
To speak up or make one's opinion, feelings, or needs known openly and strongly. In maritime contexts: to call out an announcement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Nautical use ('sing out a command') is recognized but dated in both. American English may have a slightly stronger association with informal encouragement ('Sing out if you need anything'). British English might be slightly more likely in informal contexts related to choir singing.
Connotations
Positive connotations of confidence, joy, or helpfulness. In nautical context, it is neutral/functional.
Frequency
Low-medium frequency in both varieties. Not a rare term, but not part of core high-frequency vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “sing out” in a Sentence
[Subject] sing out[Subject] sing out [Direct Object][Subject] sing out to [Indirect Object][Subject] sing out that [Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sing out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lead chorister will sing out the starting note.
- Sing out if you'd like another cup of tea.
- The bosun sang out the depth readings.
American English
- Sing out the next line so everyone can join in.
- If you have a question, just sing out.
- The foreman sang out instructions to the crew.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal team settings: 'If you see a problem, sing out.'
Academic
Very rare, except in literary analysis of texts containing the phrase.
Everyday
Most common in encouraging someone to speak: 'Sing out if you're lost.' Also used for enthusiastic singing.
Technical
Specific use in historical naval/maritime contexts for hailing or giving commands.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sing out”
- Using 'sing out' to mean 'finish singing' (incorrect).
- Using it in overly formal written contexts where 'announce' or 'state' is better.
- Incorrect word order: 'He sang out it' instead of 'He sang it out'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily informal when encouraging someone to speak. It can be formal/technical in historical maritime contexts.
Yes, it very commonly means to shout or call out clearly, not necessarily to sing musically.
Yes. You can say 'She sang the anthem out' or 'She sang out the anthem.' Pronouns must go in the middle: 'Sing it out.'
'Sing out' often implies more melody, joy, or ringing clarity in the voice. 'Call out' is more neutral and common.
To sing loudly and with energy.
Sing out: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋ ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋ ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sing out for [something] (to loudly request)”
- “Sing from the rooftops (related idiom for proclaiming joyfully)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SINGer stepping OUT from a crowd to be heard. 'SING' + 'OUT' = projecting your voice OUTward.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS PROJECTED SOUND (like music). BEING ASSERTIVE IS SINGING LOUDLY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sing out' LEAST likely to be used?