plural songs
1
: the act or art of singing
rejoice in song
a culture famous for its song
2
: poetical composition
a hero honored in song and story
3
a
: a short musical composition of words and music
He sang a love song.
My favorite song was playing on the radio.
b
: a collection of such compositions
The wish to gather and preserve popular song …—
Louise Pound
Louise Pound4
: a distinctive or characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird, insect, or whale)
the song of a sparrow
5
a
: a melody for a lyric poem or ballad
whistle a song
b
: an instrumental composition suggestive of vocal music (as in quality or technique)
c
: a poem intended or suited to be set to music
This year's middle-school musical is a story of adventure and courage, featuring … Tolkien's songs set to original music.—The Berkshire Eagle
The Berkshire Eagle6
a
: a habitual or characteristic manner (as of speaking, reacting, or arguing)
"Back then, he used to just tell me to go ahead and lose so we could go home!" says Josh [Stone]. Now, Harley is singing a different song.—WindSurfing
WindSurfingPerhaps once my internet is improved I will change my song on this, but for now, … it's just not feasible …—Zoe Hawkins
Zoe Hawkins
also
: an often repeated statement, reaction, or sentiment
It is the same old song of misplaced optimism that has fueled the last few bear market rallies. —Bill Schmick
Bill Schmick
b
: a forceful, harsh, or noisy reaction
put up quite a song
7
: a small amount
The company sold for a song.
see also art song, drinking song, fight song, folk song, part-song, shout song, siren song, song cycle, song and dance, swan song, theme song, torch song, work song
Examples of song in a Sentence
He sang a love song.
The song was playing on the radio.
The event was celebrated in song by a folk group.
I could hear the song of a sparrow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Trouble spots arise as songs lean tackily into nostalgia.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
The song reached new audiences — and new generations — when it was featured in the incredibly popular 2018 biopic film of the same name, which was based on MercyMe singer Bart Millard’s life and focused in large part on the story behind the song.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
This brings the show to 58 categories, and songs will only be considered if their lyrics are at least 60% written in Spanish, Portuguese or a native regional dialect.
—Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Cheek to Cheek was a surprise hit, bringing Gershwin and Porter songs to the top of the Billboard 200 decades after their deaths; Gaga’s mojo had been slightly regained, but more importantly, her creative partnership and personal friendship with Bennett blossomed.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for song 
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.
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
The song reached new audiences — and new generations — when it was featured in the incredibly popular 2018 biopic film of the same name, which was based on MercyMe singer Bart Millard’s life and focused in large part on the story behind the song.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
This brings the show to 58 categories, and songs will only be considered if their lyrics are at least 60% written in Spanish, Portuguese or a native regional dialect.
—Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Cheek to Cheek was a surprise hit, bringing Gershwin and Porter songs to the top of the Billboard 200 decades after their deaths; Gaga’s mojo had been slightly regained, but more importantly, her creative partnership and personal friendship with Bennett blossomed.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for song
Dictionary Entries Near song
Cite this Entry
“Song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/song. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
song
noun1
: the act or art of singing
2
: poetical composition : poetry
3
: a short piece of music with words intended to be sung
4
: a characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird)
5
a
: a melody for a lyric poem or ballad
b
: a poem easily set to music
6
: a small amount
can be bought for a song
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share