refrain
n. countablen. a phrase or line that is repeated several times in a song or poem. It can also mean a comment or complaint that people make very often.
n. a recurring phrase or verse that appears at intervals throughout a poem or song, typically at the end of a stanza. In a broader sense, it refers to a frequently repeated comment, complaint, or idea.
The crowd sang the catchy refrain along with the band.
The politician's speech was filled with the familiar refrain of lower taxes and better services.
While the verses of the ballad explore different historical events, the haunting refrain serves as a constant reminder of the underlying theme of loss and reconciliation.
From Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-Norman refrener, Old French refrener (from Latin refrenare), and influenced by Old French refraindre (from Latin refringere).
From French refrain, from the Old French verb refraindre (“to break off, repeat”), from Latin re- (“back, again”) + frangō (“break”); compare Occitan refranhs (“a refrain”), refranher (“to repeat”). See refract and the verb refrain.
Often used with the verb 'to sing' in a musical context or 'to hear' when referring to a repeated idea.