canorous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of canorous
1640–50; < Latin canōrus, equivalent to canōr- (stem of canor song, equivalent to can ( ere ) to sing + -or -or 1 ) + -us -ous
Explanation
Canorous describes something melodious and pleasing to the ear, like a beautiful piece of music or the sound of birds singing. The word canorous comes from the Latin word canor, which means "melody" or "song." It may be used to describe sounds that are musical and harmonious, pleasant to listen to, like a song. One might use the word canorous to describe a choir's performance; the peaceful and relaxing sound of a flowing river; or the cheerful chirping of songbirds in the morning. Someone might even describe the words of a poem or the sound of laughter as canorous.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A whisp of a canorous clarinet or a rumbling rattle is all it takes for a kind of instant transport to a far-off time and place.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2025
The graceful trio and canorous brilliancy of this dance make it a favored number.
From Chopin : the Man and His Music by James Huneker
In a twinkling his rifle was at his shoulder, and through the wild canorous note of the wind, Stane caught his hail.
From A Mating in the Wilds by Ottwell Binns
She would solicit thus, canorous of phrase, a fan of her cardboard likenesses held out, invitational.
From Humoresque A Laugh on Life with a Tear Behind It by Fannie Hurst
His engines had frightened her with their canorous roar.
From The Trail of '98 A Northland Romance by Robert W. (Robert William) Service
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