What does "chorus" mean?

1. (repeated part of a song) the part of a song that is repeated after every verse. 2. (group of singers) a large group of people who sing together, especially in an opera or a play. 3. (collective sound or opinion) many people or animals making the same sound or saying the same thing at once. 4. (Greek drama) in ancient plays, a group of actors who describe and comment on the main action.

chorus

US //ˈkɔɹəs// UK //kˈɔːɹəs// cho·rus

1 repeated part of a song (n.)
B1 Intermediate Music

the part of a song that is repeated after every verse.

the refrain of a song, typically following each verse and containing the main lyrical or melodic theme.

Example

The song has a very catchy chorus that everyone started singing along to.

Example

While the verses provide the narrative detail, the chorus serves as the emotional anchor of the track, repeated four times for maximum impact.
- refrain
- hook
- verse
2 group of singers (n.)
B1 Intermediate Music

a large group of people who sing together, especially in an opera or a play.

a large organized group of singers, especially one that performs together in an opera, oratorio, or musical.

Example

She joined the local community chorus to meet people who love music.

Example

The director decided to position the chorus behind the orchestra to create a more balanced acoustic profile during the final act.
- choir
- ensemble
- soloist

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3 collective sound or opinion (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

many people or animals making the same sound or saying the same thing at once.

a simultaneous utterance or expression by a group of people or animals.

Example

A chorus of birds woke me up early this morning.

Example

The government's new policy was met with a chorus of disapproval from both the public and the media.
- unison
- accord
- discord
4 Greek drama (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Academic Theatre

in ancient plays, a group of actors who describe and comment on the main action.

a group of performers in Ancient Greek drama who comment on the action through song, dance, and recitation.

Example

The Greek chorus explained the background of the story to the audience.

Example

In Sophocles' tragedies, the chorus often represents the collective voice of the citizens, reflecting on the moral implications of the protagonist's choices.

Origin

The noun is borrowed from Medieval Latin chorus (“church choir”), Latin chorus (“group of dancers and singers; dance”), from Ancient Greek χορός (khorós, “group of dancers and singers, choir, chorus; dance accompanied by song; round dance”); The verb is derived from the noun. Doublet of choir, chore, and hora.