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singing

n. · adj.
US //ˈsɪŋɪŋ// UK //sˈɪŋɪŋ// singing
  1. 1 making music with the voice (n.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    the act of making musical sounds with your voice.

    the production of musical sounds using the voice. Uncountable in most contexts.

    Example

    Her singing was so beautiful that the whole room went quiet to listen.

    Example

    The choir's singing resonated through the cathedral, demonstrating a perfect balance between the soprano and alto sections.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable; when referring to a specific event, it can be used with 'a' in some dialects.
  2. 2 confessing or informing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang Law

    giving information to the police about someone else's crimes.

    the act of disclosing incriminating information to authorities about accomplices or criminal activity.

    Example

    The thief started singing to the police as soon as they caught him.

    Example

    The detective suspected that once the pressure mounted, one of the suspects would start singing to secure a plea deal.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a metaphorical use of the verb 'to sing' common in crime fiction and police procedurals.
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  1. 3 smooth and flowing (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Music

    having a smooth, musical, and pleasant sound.

    characterised by a smooth, flowing, and melodic quality; often used to describe a style of playing an instrument.

    Example

    The pianist played with a lovely singing tone that moved the audience.

    Example

    The instructor urged the violinist to adopt a more singing style during the second movement to highlight the composer's lyrical intentions.
Origin

From Middle English syngyng; equivalent to sing + -ing.

Idioms1 entry

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