Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Singing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎤
Add to dictionary

singing

[ˈsɪŋɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

The act of producing musical sounds with the voice, usually with words. Singing is a form of expression and communication that has been present in human cultures for centuries. It can convey emotions, tell stories, and bring people together through shared experiences.

Synonyms

chanting, crooning, vocalizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
singing

Used generally to describe the act of producing musical tones with the voice. It's the most common term and can apply to any style of producing melodic sounds.

  • She loves singing in the shower every morning.
  • The choir was singing beautifully during the concert.
vocalizing

Refers to the act of producing vocal sounds, which can include singing or other vocal practices. It is often technical and can be used in contexts involving training or warm-up exercises.

  • Before the performance, she spent time vocalizing to warm up her voice.
  • The speech therapist helped the child with his vocalizing exercises.
crooning

Describes a soft, smooth, and sentimental style of singing, often associated with romantic or soothing songs. It's commonly used to describe a specific genre popular in the mid-20th century.

  • He was crooning a love song to his sweetheart over the phone.
  • The lounge singer crooned ballads to the audience all night.
chanting

Often used for repetitive and rhythmic speaking or singing, typically with a spiritual or ritualistic element. It's frequently associated with religious or group activities.

  • The monks spent hours chanting prayers in the temple.
  • The fans began chanting the team's name during the game to show their support.

Examples of usage

  • Singing in a choir is a popular way to enjoy music with others.
  • She has a beautiful singing voice that captivates everyone who hears it.
  • Many people find joy and solace in singing their favorite songs.
  • The children were singing happily as they played in the park.
  • Professional singers often train rigorously to improve their singing abilities.
Context #2 | Verb

action

The act of producing musical sounds with the voice, often following a melody or lyrics. Singing can be done solo or in a group, and it is a popular form of artistic expression and entertainment.

Synonyms

performing, vocalizing, warbling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
singing

General use when someone is producing musical sounds with their voice, often with words and a melody.

  • She enjoys singing in the shower.
  • The children are singing Christmas carols.
vocalizing

Specific to producing sounds with one's voice, often used in a more technical or scientific context, such as in vocal training or animal communication.

  • The coach is helping the students with vocalizing exercises.
  • The bird was vocalizing loudly in the early morning.
performing

Used when someone is taking part in a public display, often on stage, which can include singing, but also acting, dancing, or other artistic acts.

  • He is performing in a Broadway play tonight.
  • They were performing live at the concert.
warbling

Describes singing with a series of quickly changing notes, often used in a literary or descriptive context to evoke imagery, often related to birds.

  • The songbird was warbling sweetly in the garden.
  • She couldn't help but smile at his cheerful warbling.

Examples of usage

  • She loves to sing along to her favorite songs on the radio.
  • We were singing together at the top of our lungs during the road trip.
  • The birds outside my window are singing a beautiful melody.
  • He sang a lullaby to put the baby to sleep.
  • The crowd joined in singing the national anthem at the sports event.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Singing has been part of human cultures worldwide for thousands of years, often used in rituals and celebrations.
  • Many cultures have specific styles, like 'kirtan' in India or 'caroling' during Christmas, showcasing community and tradition.

Psychology

  • Singing can boost mood by releasing endorphins, acting as a natural stress reliever.
  • It's been shown that group singing can improve feelings of connection and happiness among participants.

Health Benefits

  • Regular singing enhances lung function and can provide a workout for your diaphragm.
  • Engaging in singing can strengthen your immune system, as it promotes better breathing and relaxation.

Pop Culture

  • Reality television shows like 'American Idol' have turned singing into a competitive and mainstream spectacle.
  • Many popular songs from different genres, like pop or country, highlight emotions, stories, and experiences, making them relatable to audiences.

Origin of 'singing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'singan,' which means 'to make music with the voice.'
  • Related words in other languages include 'chanter' in French and 'cantare' in Italian, both meaning 'to sing.'

The word 'singing' originated from the Old English word 'singan', which means 'to chant or recite in a musical tone'. Singing has been an integral part of human culture since ancient times, with evidence of vocal music dating back thousands of years. It is a universal form of expression that transcends language barriers and has the power to evoke emotions and create connections among people.

See also: sang, sing, singe, singer, single, singly, singular.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,893, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.