croon

[kroon]

verb (used without object)

1. to sing or hum in a soft, soothing voice.

   to croon to a baby.

2. to sing in an evenly modulated, slightly exaggerated manner.

   Popular singers began crooning in the 1930s.

3. to utter a low murmuring sound.

4. Scot. and North England.

   1. to bellow; low.

   2. to lament; mourn.

verb (used with object)

1. to sing (a song) in a crooning manner.

2. to lull by singing or humming to in a soft, soothing voice.

   to croon a child to sleep.

noun

1. the act or sound of crooning.

croon

/ kruːn /

verb

1. to sing or speak in a soft low tone

noun

1. a soft low singing or humming

Other Word Forms

• crooner noun
• crooningly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of croon¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English cronen, from Middle Dutch: “to lament”

Word History and Origins

Origin of croon¹

C14: via Middle Dutch crōnen to groan; compare Old High German chrōnan to chatter, Latin gingrīre to cackle (of geese)

Example Sentences

The tour comes hot on the heels of Gaga's latest album, Mayhem, widely regarded as a return to high-concept pop after a spell of method acting and jazz crooning.

From BBC

Three men behind me even sobbed into each other’s chests during “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and the stadium filled with cellphone lights as Noel Gallagher crooned “Talk Tonight.”

From Los Angeles Times

There are several performance scenes that showcase Madekwe’s ability to croon in a convincing limber lilt but little engagement with his actual music.

From Los Angeles Times

He even looked younger, swapping his clean-shaven exuberance for a moodier vibe, crooning ballads beneath a cap and shades that hid his face.

From BBC

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, where the birds sing words and the flowers croon, presented by Dole.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hum 
• murmur 
• wail