Crooning: meaning, definitions and examples

🎤
Add to dictionary

crooning

 

[ˈkruːnɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

singing softly

To sing or speak in a soft, low, soothing voice, especially in a sentimental manner.

Synonyms

hum, murmur, warble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
crooning

Crooning is often used to describe someone singing in a soothing, sentimental, and smooth manner, especially popular in jazz or pop music.

  • The lounge singer was crooning beautifully, setting a romantic mood.
  • He spent the evening crooning love songs to his sweetheart.
murmur

Murmur refers to speaking or singing in a low and indistinct manner, often almost whispering. It can also describe soft, gentle background sounds.

  • Children murmured their secrets to each other during class.
  • The crowd's murmur grew louder as the speaker took the stage.
hum

Hum is when someone sings with their mouth closed, producing a continuous, soft sound. It can be used in casual, everyday settings.

  • She likes to hum while doing chores around the house.
  • He started to hum the tune of their favorite song.
warble

Warble is used to describe a quavering or trilling sound in singing, often associated with birds or people who have a high, trembling pitch in their voice.

  • The canary warbled happily in its cage.
  • She tried to warble the high notes of the song, but struggled.

Examples of usage

  • He was crooning a lullaby to his baby daughter.
  • The old man sat on the porch, crooning to his pet cat.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originated around the 19th century as a way to describe a soft, gentle style of singing.
  • It is believed to have derived from the Scottish word 'croon,' which means to hum or sing softly.
  • The use of the word became popular with the rise of the American crooners in the 1920s and 1930s, changing the music scene significantly.

Music History

  • The style became particularly associated with artists like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, who often sang romantic ballads.
  • Crooning marked a shift in vocal techniques, moving away from belting and towards a more intimate sound.
  • Radiophones helped popularize crooning by bringing softer voices directly into people's homes, creating a personal connection.

Cultural Impact

  • The crooning technique influenced the development of soft rock and pop genres in subsequent decades.
  • It has been immortalized in films and literature, often representing romance and nostalgia.
  • Contemporary artists continue to use this technique, blending it with modern genres to evoke emotions.

Psychology

  • Studies show that soft, melodic singing can have calming effects on listeners, often used in therapy settings.
  • Crooning may evoke feelings of comfort or nostalgia, as it often reminds listeners of intimate moments or loved ones.
  • The soothing nature of crooning can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and trust.

Literature

  • Crooning appears in various literary works, often symbolizing the expression of deep emotions and intimacy.
  • Authors use the imagery of soft singing to evoke tranquility and serenity in their narratives.
  • Poetry and songs often elevate the act of crooning to an art form, tapping into its emotive power.

Translations

Translations of the word "crooning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cantar suavemente

🇮🇳 मधुर गाना

🇩🇪 schmusen

🇮🇩 bernyanyi dengan lembut

🇺🇦 наспівування

🇵🇱 śpiewać kołysankę

🇯🇵 甘く歌う

🇫🇷 chanter doucement

🇪🇸 cantar suavemente

🇹🇷 yumuşakça şarkı söylemek

🇰🇷 부드럽게 노래하기

🇸🇦 الغناء بلطف

🇨🇿 zpívat jemně

🇸🇰 spievať jemne

🇨🇳 低声吟唱

🇸🇮 mehko peti

🇮🇸 syngja mjúklega

🇰🇿 жұмсақ ән айту

🇬🇪 ნაზად მღერა

🇦🇿 yumşaq mahnı oxumaq

🇲🇽 cantar suavemente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,425 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.