sing sing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral (used across all registers from informal to formal)
Quick answer
What does “sing sing” mean?
to produce musical sounds with the voice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to produce musical sounds with the voice
to make melodious sounds; to perform songs; to describe or praise in verse or song; (of a kettle) to make a high-pitched whistling sound before boiling
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The past tense 'sang' is strongly preferred in both, though 'sung' as a simple past is occasionally heard in some dialects (non-standard). The noun 'sing' meaning a singing session (e.g., 'a community sing') is slightly more common in UK usage.
Connotations
Identical core connotations.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “sing sing” in a Sentence
[V] (intransitive)[V NP] (transitive)[V to NP][V for NP][V ADV]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sing sing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She loves to sing in the bath.
- The choir will sing at the cathedral next week.
- Can you sing us a tune?
- The kettle's singing; I'll make tea.
American English
- He sings in a barbershop quartet.
- They sang the national anthem before the game.
- Sing it louder so everyone can hear!
- My ears are singing after that loud concert.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective is 'singing' as in 'a singing teacher' or 'singing voice').
American English
- N/A (The adjective is 'singing' as in 'a singing telegram' or 'singing sensation').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally. Metaphorically: 'The new product is singing in the marketplace.'
Academic
Used in musicology, literature (e.g., 'the poet sings of nature'), and anthropology (communal singing).
Everyday
Extremely common for musical performance, from shower singing to professional concerts.
Technical
In computing: 'The hard drive is singing' (indicating a high-pitched whine). In ornithology: describing bird calls.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sing sing”
- Using 'sung' as the simple past tense instead of 'sang' (e.g., 'He sung a song' is non-standard).
- Using 'sing' instead of 'play' for instruments.
- Incorrect preposition: 'sing on the radio' vs. 'sing on the radio show' (better: 'sing on the radio' or 'be sung on the radio').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The correct past participle is 'sung'. The correct form is 'I have sung' or 'I sang' (simple past).
Yes, informally. A kettle 'sings' when it heats up, and a bullet 'sings' through the air, meaning it makes a high-pitched sound.
'Sing' typically involves melody and a wider pitch range. 'Chant' involves repeating words or sounds in a rhythmic, often monotone or limited-pitch way, common in rituals, protests, or sports crowds.
It means you have to work or perform a task in order to receive a reward or benefit, hearkening back to when travelling entertainers would perform for food and lodging.
to produce musical sounds with the voice.
Sing sing is usually neutral (used across all registers from informal to formal) in register.
Sing sing: in British English it is pronounced /sɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sing for your supper”
- “sing a different tune”
- “sing like a canary”
- “make the rafters ring”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SING: Sounds In Nice Grooves.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPRESSING HAPPINESS IS SINGING (e.g., 'Her heart was singing'); REVEALING INFORMATION IS SINGING (e.g., 'He sang like a canary to the police').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the standard simple past tense of 'sing'?