English Reference
noun

song

n.
US /ˈsɔŋ/ UK /sˈɒŋ/ song UK spelling song's, song's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner Music

    a short piece of music with words that you sing.

    a musical composition intended for the human voice, typically featuring lyrics.

    Simple

    She wrote a beautiful song about her childhood home.

    In context

    The lead singer performed a haunting acoustic song that showcased her impressive vocal range and emotional depth.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    the musical sounds made by birds or other animals like whales.

    a series of melodious sounds produced by certain animals, especially birds, for communication or mating.

    Simple

    We woke up early to the sound of bird song outside our window.

    In context

    Ornithologists study the complex song of the nightingale to understand how regional dialects develop within the species.

    callchirpwarble
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    a poem or a piece of poetry.

    a poetical composition or verse, often intended to be rhythmic or lyrical.

    Simple

    The old book was filled with songs of love and loss.

    In context

    The epic poem functions as a song of praise for the fallen heroes of the revolution.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Informal

    used in the phrase 'for a song' to mean buying something for a very low price.

    a negligible or very small amount of money; almost exclusively used in the idiom 'for a song'.

    Simple

    She bought that antique table for a song at the garage sale.

    In context

    Because the developer was facing bankruptcy, the entire estate was sold off for a song to a private equity firm.

    Usage

    Usually appears in the prepositional phrase 'for a song'.

    bargainpittance

Usage song contest

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated