Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Croon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎶
Add to dictionary

croon

[kruːn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

singing softly

To sing or hum softly and soothingly, typically in a high-pitched voice.

Synonyms

hum, murmur, sing softly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
croon

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
sing softly

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
hum

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
murmur

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

Examples of usage

  • She would croon lullabies to her baby every night.
  • The singer crooned a romantic ballad to the audience.
  • As she rocked back and forth, she began to croon a familiar tune.
Context #2 | Verb

talking affectionately

To speak in a gentle, loving, or sentimental manner.

Synonyms

coo, murmur, whisper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
croon

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.
coo

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.
murmur

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.
whisper

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.

Examples of usage

  • He would croon sweet nothings into her ear.
  • The grandmother would croon stories of her youth to her grandchildren.
  • The old man would often croon about the good old days.
Context #3 | Noun

a soft singing voice

A soft, gentle singing or humming voice.

Synonyms

humming softly, murmur, singing softly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
croon

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
singing softly

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
humming softly

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

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

Examples of usage

  • Her croon was so melodious that it captivated everyone in the room.
  • The singer's croon was perfect for the romantic song.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • Crooners revolutionized popular music in the 1920s, introducing a new style of smooth, intimate singing.
  • Famous crooners like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra became icons of their era, influencing countless artists after them.
  • The use of microphones allowed crooners to sing softly, bringing a personal touch to recordings and live performances.

Psychology

  • Research shows that listening to soft singing can evoke feelings of calmness and relaxation, enhancing mood.
  • Singing softly or 'crooning' can also be a way of expressing affection, often used in nurturing relationships.
  • Psychologists suggest that melodic, soothing voices can create a sense of safety and comfort, especially in stressful situations.

Pop Culture

  • Crooners were often featured in classic films, further popularizing their style and making it a cultural staple.
  • Today, 'crooning' is not only a singing style but also appears in various media, from comedy sketches to modern music genres.
  • The revival of interest in classic crooning styles can be seen in contemporary artists who blend traditional smooth singing with modern beats.

Literature

  • Crooners and their soft singing styles have often been romanticized in novels, symbolizing love and intimacy.
  • In poetry, crooning can represent comfort, often invoking images of serenades or lullabies.
  • Literature from the 20th century frequently referenced crooners as symbols of nostalgia and simpler times.

Origin of 'croon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'croon' comes from the Scottish word 'cron' meaning to hum or sing softly.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 19th century and was often associated with sentimental songs.
  • The transition from a rustic term to a mainstream music style occurred with the rise of radio in the 1920s.

The word 'croon' originated in the late 19th century, possibly as an imitation of the sound made while humming or singing softly. It gained popularity in the early 20th century during the rise of crooners, male singers known for their soft, intimate vocal style. Crooning became associated with romantic ballads and sentimental songs, creating a genre of music that emphasized emotional expression. Today, 'croon' continues to evoke feelings of tenderness and nostalgia in both music and everyday communication.

See also: crooner, crooning.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,844, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.