Croon: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is singing or speaking in a soft, gentle, and somewhat emotional or romantic manner. Often associated with smooth, soothing music.

• She would croon lullabies to her baby every night
• He crooned a love song to his girlfriend during their dinner date

Describes the action of singing quietly and gently, without much force or volume. It's often used when trying not to disturb others or to create a peaceful atmosphere.

• She sang softly to her child to help him fall asleep
• He decided to sing softly to himself while reading the book

Applies when someone is making a low, continuous sound with their lips closed, often while they are busy with something or when they don't know the lyrics to a song.

• She hummed to herself while doing the dishes
• He began to hum the tune as he walked down the street

Used for low, indistinct, and often continuous sounds, typically when speaking quietly or when a group of people is talking in the background. It can also denote a quiet, comforting sound.

• The students murmured as the teacher entered the room
• The gentle murmur of the brook was relaxing

This word is best used when someone is singing or speaking softly and tunefully. It often connotes a sense of intimacy or affection, frequently found in lullabies or romantic songs.

• He crooned a lullaby to his baby to help her fall asleep.
• The singer crooned a popular love song to the small, attentive audience.

This word is typically used to describe the soft, murmuring sound made by doves and pigeons or expressions of affection in a low, soothing voice, often between lovers or towards a baby.

• The baby cooed happily as she played with her toys.
• They sat on the bench, cooing sweet nothings to each other.

This word indicates speaking softly or indistinctly, often in a manner that's difficult to hear or understand. It's commonly used in contexts where people are talking quietly, either to avoid being heard or because they are tired or dreamy.

• She murmured her agreement, barely audible over the noise of the party.
• He murmured in his sleep, lost in a dream.

This word is used for speaking very softly using one's breath without vocal cords, typically to avoid being overheard. It can convey secrecy, urgency, or affection depending on the situation.

• She leaned in close and whispered something in his ear.
• The children whispered so they wouldn't wake their parents.

This word is often used to describe a soft, sentimental manner of singing, typically associated with jazz or romantic ballads. It evokes an intimate, soothing atmosphere.

• He would croon love songs to her every night
• The jazz singer crooned into the microphone, entrancing the audience

This phrase is a general descriptor for performing a song in a quiet, gentle voice. It can be used in any context where the volume is intentionally kept low.

• She was singing softly to herself as she walked home
• The mother spent the evening singing softly to her child

This phrase is used when someone is humming in a particularly gentle and soft manner. It can be in any informal or relaxed setting.

• She was humming softly as she worked on her art project
• He sat in the garden, humming softly to himself

Murmur generally refers to speaking or making a low continuous sound. In singing, it suggests a very soft, subdued vocalization, almost like whispering a melody.

• The congregation murmured their response during the prayer
• She murmured a tune as she drifted off to sleep