encore

American  

[ahng-kawr, -kohr, ahn-] / ˈɑŋ kɔr, -koʊr, ˈɑn- /

interjection

1. again; once more (used by an audience in calling for an additional number or piece).

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noun

1. a demand, as by applause, for a repetition of a song, act, etc., or for a performance of a number or piece additional to those on a program, or for a reappearance by the performers, as at the end of a concert, recital, etc.

2. the performance or reappearance in response to such a demand.

   He chose a Chopin nocturne for his encore.

3. any repeated or additional performance or appearance, as a rerun of a telecast or a rematch in sports.

verb (used with object)

encored, encoring

1. to call for a repetition of.

2. to call for an encore from (a performer).

encore British  

/ ˈɒŋkɔː /

interjection

1. again; once more: used by an audience to demand an extra or repeated performance

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noun

1. an extra or repeated performance given in response to enthusiastic demand

verb

1. (tr) to demand an extra or repeated performance of (a work, piece of music, etc) by (a performer)

Etymology

Origin of encore

1705–15; < French: still, yet, besides < Latin hinc hā hōrā or hinc ad hōram until this hour

Explanation

A performance that's repeated or added to the regular performance is called an encore. If you can't hear anything because of last night's concert, it might be because the band played for two hours and then did a thirty minute encore. Encore is a French word meaning "again." Audiences often yell "Encore!" if a play, song, or other act has been particularly good. In essence they are shouting "Again!" After a musical number, the encore may take the form of a repeated verse or chorus. At the end of a concert, the encore may be a whole extra set. The word is sometimes used sarcastically: "Well, you flunked math. What are you going to do for an encore?"

Example Sentences

His teammates were determined to give him an encore in the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Sugaree, my intrepid pet, sees repetition in God’s creation not as mere recurrence but as theatrical encore.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

He joined Arcade Fire after one of its original members quit in the middle of an encore following a fight with the lead singer — Butler’s older brother, Win Butler.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

"I had this tune that nobody else had, and it was a really good encore."

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

Yes, he gets my name wrong, much like Andrea from Death-Cast so many hours ago it feels like it could’ve been a different day—I’ve lived a lifetime today and this moment is my encore.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera