canzonetta

British  

/ ˌkænzəˈnɛt, ˌkænzəˈnɛtə /

noun

1. a short cheerful or lively song, typically of the 16th to 18th centuries

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Etymology

Origin of canzonetta

C16: Italian canzonetta, diminutive of _canzone

Example Sentences

The Marchese had raised his eyebrows at the first words of the canzonetta, and at the end of the second verse he was smiling broadly.

From Olive in Italy by Dalton, Moray

Amongst other songs, I had learnt a Neapolitan canzonetta which was always greatly applauded.

From Nobody's Boy Sans Famille by Crewe-Jones, Florence

I told Zerbino and Dulcie to lie down, and I began to sing my canzonetta.

From Nobody's Boy Sans Famille by Crewe-Jones, Florence