chantey

noun

chan·​tey ˈshan-tē How to pronounce chantey (audio) ˈchan- How to pronounce chantey (audio)
variants or chanty or
ˈshan- How to pronounce chantey (audio)
plural chanteys or chanties or shanties
Synonyms of chanteynext
: a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work

Examples of chantey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters chorus is an outreach programs of the U.S. Navy and performs a variety of music ranging from traditional choral works to sea chanteys, patriotic fare, and even opera. — oregonlive, 8 Mar. 2023 Ralph Tufo plays a sea chantey on his concertina. — Cindy Cantrell, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

modification of French chanter

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chantey was in 1856

Rhymes for chantey

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Cite this Entry

“Chantey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chantey. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

chantey

noun
chan·​tey
variants or chanty
ˈshant-ē,
ˈchant-
 or shanty
ˈshant-
plural chanteys or chanties or shanties
: a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work
Etymology

from French chanter "to sing," derived from Latin canere "to sing" — related to cantata, chant, charm

More from Merriam-Webster on chantey

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chantey

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chantey

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