song of solomon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “song of solomon” mean?
A book of the Bible, also called the Song of Songs or Canticles, consisting of lyrical love poetry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A book of the Bible, also called the Song of Songs or Canticles, consisting of lyrical love poetry.
A term used to refer to the biblical book itself, its content, or by extension, any exceptionally beautiful or passionate love poetry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The alternative title 'Song of Songs' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries strong religious and literary connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both regions, primarily encountered in religious, academic, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “song of solomon” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (is) + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., The Song of Solomon is in the Old Testament.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, literary, and historical studies.
Everyday
Rare, except in religious discussion.
Technical
Used in biblical scholarship and commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “song of solomon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “song of solomon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “song of solomon”
- Incorrectly capitalising 'of' (it should be 'Song of Solomon').
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'He wrote a song of solomon' – incorrect unless deliberately metaphorical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is subject to interpretation. Many see it as a celebration of human, erotic love, while Jewish and Christian traditions have often read it as an allegory for the love between God and His people or Christ and the Church.
It would be unusual unless you are specifically discussing religion, literature, or making a deliberate poetic allusion. It is not a common phrase in casual speech.
It functions exclusively as a proper noun (the name of a specific text). It is not used as a verb, adjective, or adverb.
Yes, Toni Morrison's 1977 novel is titled 'Song of Solomon'. This use directly references the biblical book and its themes.
A book of the Bible, also called the Song of Songs or Canticles, consisting of lyrical love poetry.
Song of solomon is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Song of solomon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɒŋ əv ˈsɒləmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɔːŋ əv ˈsɑːləmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare] A Song of Solomon (meaning: an expression of exquisite love or beauty).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SOLOMON wrote wise proverbs and a SONG of love.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE LOVE IS HUMAN ROMANCE; SPIRITUAL UNION IS PHYSICAL INTIMACY.
Practice
Quiz
What is an alternative name for the Song of Solomon?