serenade
n.n. a musical performance played for someone you love, usually at night. It is often a romantic way to show your feelings.
n. a musical composition or performance intended to be played or sung at night, typically as a romantic gesture. Often performed on a balcony or in a public space to impress a specific person.
He played a beautiful serenade for his girlfriend.
The young violinist gave a romantic serenade to the audience, hoping to win the heart of a local musician.
Borrowed from French sérénade, from Italian serenata, from the past participle of serenare, from Latin serenare, from serenus (“calm”), of uncertain origin (see there).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 18, 2026