rhapsody

noun

rhap·​so·​dy ˈrap-sə-dē How to pronounce rhapsody (audio)
plural rhapsodies
Synonyms of rhapsodynext
1
: a portion of an epic poem adapted for recitation
2
archaic : a miscellaneous collection
3
a(1)
: a highly emotional utterance
(2)
: a highly emotional literary work
(3)
: effusively rapturous or extravagant discourse
b
: rapture, ecstasy
4
: a musical composition of irregular form having an improvisatory character

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of rhapsody in a Sentence

The mayor launched into a long rhapsody about his plans for the city. listening to Mozart always left him in a rhapsody that lingered for the remainder of the evening
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 Harris campaign wasted no time in ridiculing Trump's rhapsody to Palmer's physique. —Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 Stiles didn’t mind revealing the shiny shards of his bohemian rhapsody in a barstool reverie. —Damian Panetta, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024 Like the rhapsody, the concerto employs plenty of jazz elements. —Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 25 Sep. 2024 Starting in September, the ensemble will perform three popular movie scores, concerti and several takes on rhapsodies — including Gershwin's famous one and a fusion of of his work with Queen. —The Indianapolis Star, 20 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rhapsody 

Word History

Etymology

Latin rhapsodia, from Greek rhapsōidia recitation of selections from epic poetry, rhapsody, from rhapsōidos rhapsodist, from rhaptein to sew, stitch together + aidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhapsody was in 1542

Dictionary Entries Near rhapsody

rhapsodize

rhapsody

rhason

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Rhapsody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhapsody. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

rhapsody

noun
rhap·​so·​dy ˈrap-səd-ē How to pronounce rhapsody (audio)
plural rhapsodies
1
: a written or spoken expression of great emotion
2
: a musical composition of irregular form
rhapsodic
rap-ˈsäd-ik
adjective
also rhapsodical
-i-kəl
rhapsodically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on rhapsody

Nglish: Translation of rhapsody for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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