drinking song

American  

noun

1. a song of hearty character suitable for singing by a group engaged in convivial drinking.

---

Etymology

Origin of drinking song

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

The words may be wily, but the Russian baritone, whether poisoning Otello with lies or hosting a drinking song, sings with agreeable gusto.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2023

And then Schmidt passed out the lyrics to the first verse of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” the English drinking song that provided the melody for our national anthem.

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2018

An interminable sequence in Bilbo’s hutch culminates in a dorky, dwarven drinking song, performed alongside animated plates and spoons.

From Slate • Dec. 13, 2012

The tune – an old English drinking song with words by Francis Scott Key – is difficult, covering one and a half octaves.

From The Guardian • Feb. 12, 2011

He played a ballad, then a light, quick drinking song, then a slow, sad melody in a language that I didn’t recognize but suspected might be Yllish.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss