Sing: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

General term for vocalizing musical tones.

• She loves to sing in the shower
• The crowd sang along to the band's biggest hits

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

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

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

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

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