# chorus

/ˈkɔɹəs/ (US) · /kˈɔːɹəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chorus
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. repeated part of a song

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The song has a very catchy chorus that everyone started singing along to.
- While the verses provide the narrative detail, the chorus serves as the emotional anchor of the track, repeated four times for maximum impact.

### 2. group of singers

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- She joined the local community chorus to meet people who love music.
- The director decided to position the chorus behind the orchestra to create a more balanced acoustic profile during the final act.

### 3. collective sound or opinion

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: a simultaneous utterance or expression by a group of people or animals.

- A chorus of birds woke me up early this morning.
- The government's new policy was met with a chorus of disapproval from both the public and the media.

### 4. Greek drama

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

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

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

- The Greek chorus explained the background of the story to the audience.
- In Sophocles' tragedies, the chorus often represents the collective voice of the citizens, reflecting on the moral implications of the protagonist's choices.

## Examples

- Everyone joined in to sing the final chorus.
- The song features a catchy chorus that listeners find themselves humming long after the music stops.
- While the verses provide the narrative detail of the ballad, the soaring chorus serves as the emotional anchor, inviting the audience to participate in the shared refrain.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.