Sing: meaning, definitions and examples

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sing

[sɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

music

To make musical sounds with the voice. Singing involves producing musical notes and tones with the voice, often in harmony with other singers or musical accompaniment. Singing can be done as a solo performance or as part of a group.

Synonyms

chant, croon, serenade, vocalize, warble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sing	General term for producing musical sounds with the voice, applicable in most situations. She loves to sing in the shower. They sang a beautiful song at the concert.
vocalize	Used for producing sound or music with the voice without using words, often in the context of warm-ups or musical training. She vocalized to warm up her voice before the performance. The singing coach asked him to vocalize some scales.
chant	Used when talking about a repetitive, rhythmic manner of singing, often in religious or spiritual contexts or at sports events. The monks chant every morning. The crowd chanted the team's name.
croon	Describes singing in a soft, soothing, gentle manner, often used in romantic or intimate settings. He loves to croon old love songs. She crooned the baby to sleep.
warble	Refers to singing in a trilling or quavering manner, often depicting birds or people singing high notes with extra vibrato. The birds warbled in the trees. She warbled through the high notes of the aria.
serenade	Refers to singing or playing music usually to someone as a form of tribute or romantic gesture, often performed outdoors. He serenaded her under the balcony. The guitar player serenaded the diners.

Examples of usage

She loves to sing in the choir.
He sang a beautiful melody at the concert.
They were singing together in perfect harmony.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

music

The act of producing musical sounds with the voice. Singing is a form of vocal expression that can convey emotions, tell stories, and entertain audiences. It is often a central element in music performances and recordings.

Synonyms

chanting, crooning, serenading, vocalizing, warbling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sing	General term for vocalizing musical tones. She loves to sing in the shower The crowd sang along to the band's biggest hits
vocalizing	Refers to producing vocal sounds, which can include singing but also other forms of vocal expression. The singer was vocalizing to warm up her voice Vocalizing is an important part of the singer's practice
chanting	Often refers to rhythmic speaking or singing, usually for religious or ceremonial purposes. The monks were chanting prayers The crowd was chanting the team's name at the match
crooning	Softly singing in a smooth, sentimental manner, often associated with romantic or soothing songs. He was crooning a love song to her She likes to croon lullabies to her baby
warbling	Singing with frequent changes in pitch, often associated with birds or a quavering voice. The bird was warbling beautifully in the morning She started warbling through the song, adding her own style
serenading	Singing or playing music, usually outdoors and often to express love or admiration. He was serenading her with his guitar outside her window The band serenaded the audience with their hit songs

Examples of usage

Her singing was captivating.
The choir's singing brought tears to my eyes.
He has a natural talent for singing.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'sing' comes from Old English 'singan,' which means to make a melodious sound.
Singing has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, used in rituals, celebrations, and storytelling.
Ancient civilizations, like the Greeks and Romans, used singing as a way to educate and share knowledge.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, singing is a communal activity, bringing people together during festivals and gatherings.
Songs often carry deep cultural meaning, preserving history, traditions, and collective memories of communities.
Pop music, which became popular in the 20th century, has often highlighted social issues through powerful lyrics and melodies.

Science

Singing can improve lung capacity and respiratory health, as it involves deep breathing and controlled vocalization.
Studies show that singing releases endorphins, fostering a sense of happiness and reducing stress.
Research suggests that group singing can enhance social bonds and promote a sense of belonging among participants.

Psychology

Engaging in singing can boost self-esteem and confidence, allowing individuals to express emotions creatively.
Singing has therapeutic benefits and is often used in music therapy to aid emotional healing and cognitive function.
The brain releases dopamine during singing, which is linked to feelings of pleasure and motivation.

Literature

Many famous works of literature incorporate singing, symbolizing joy, love, or the passage of time.
Poets often use the act of singing metaphorically to convey deeper meanings about life and existence.
Songs are often transformed into poems, showcasing the lyrical quality of language and emotion.

Translations

Translations of the word "sing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cantar

🇮🇳 गाना

🇩🇪 singen

🇮🇩 menyanyi

🇺🇦 співати

🇵🇱 śpiewać

🇯🇵 歌う (うたう)

🇫🇷 chanter

🇪🇸 cantar

🇹🇷 şarkı söylemek

🇰🇷 노래하다 (noraehada)

🇸🇦 يغني

🇨🇿 zpívat

🇸🇰 spievať

🇨🇳 唱 (chàng)

🇸🇮 peti

🇮🇸 syngja

🇰🇿 ән айту

🇬🇪 სიმღერა

🇦🇿 oxumaq

🇲🇽 cantar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,226, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4223 stared
4224 enlarged
4225 explicit
4226 sing
4227 damaged
4228 throne
4229 fold
...