song: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral; common in all registers from informal to formal, especially in artistic, cultural, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “song” mean?
A short musical composition for the human voice, typically with words, that is intended to be sung.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short musical composition for the human voice, typically with words, that is intended to be sung.
The art or act of singing; the melodious sounds produced by certain birds or animals; a poem or other piece of writing that can be or is intended to be sung.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. The idiom 'on song' (meaning performing very well) is primarily British. The phrase 'song and dance' (meaning a fuss or elaborate story) is common in both, but 'make a song and dance about' is slightly more British.
Connotations
Largely identical connotations. In both varieties, 'song' carries positive associations of artistry, emotion, and culture.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “song” in a Sentence
sing a songwrite a songperform a songlisten to a songa song about [something]a song by [artist]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “song” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The poet would song of ancient heroes. (archaic)
American English
- (Not standard; the verb form is archaic and rarely used in modern English.)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no adverbial form.)
American English
- (Not standard; no adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- She has a lovely song-like voice.
- The song thrush is a common garden bird.
American English
- Her voice was very song-like.
- We heard a song sparrow in the marsh.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in industries like music, entertainment, or marketing (e.g., 'The company's jingle is a catchy song').
Academic
Used in musicology, literature (studying lyric poetry), cultural studies, and ornithology.
Everyday
Extremely common for discussing music, artists, personal preferences, and memories.
Technical
In music theory: a structured vocal composition. In computing: a digital audio file.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “song”
- Using 'music' as a direct synonym (music is the broader category; a song is a piece of music with singing). Incorrect: 'I love this music by The Beatles.' Correct: 'I love this song by The Beatles.'
- Omitting the article: Incorrect: 'She sang song.' Correct: 'She sang a song.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it can refer to the melodious sounds of birds or insects, and poetically to other harmonious sounds (e.g., the song of a stream). Instrumental pieces are usually not called songs.
A 'song' specifically implies singing/lyrics. A 'tune' is a melody, which can be instrumental or vocal. All songs have a tune, but not all tunes are songs.
In modern English, 'song' is almost exclusively a noun. The verb 'to sing' is used instead. The archaic verb 'to song' (meaning to sing or celebrate in song) is obsolete.
A 'swan song' is a person's final public performance, creative work, or gesture before retirement or death, based on the ancient belief that swans sing a beautiful song just before they die.
A short musical composition for the human voice, typically with words, that is intended to be sung.
Song is usually neutral; common in all registers from informal to formal, especially in artistic, cultural, and everyday contexts. in register.
Song: in British English it is pronounced /sɒŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɔːŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “for a song”
- “make a song and dance about something”
- “on song”
- “swan song”
- “song and dance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a strong (song) singer singing a long song.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SONG (e.g., 'the song of life'), COMMUNICATION IS SINGING (e.g., 'he was just singing her praises'), A STORY IS A SONG (e.g., 'the same old song').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the meaning of the idiom 'for a song'?