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

The encore was pure joy, with the English-language bops Dynamite and Butter cosying up to the nostalgic pop of 2019's Mikrokosmos.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Whether or not a Warner deal adds value, it’s hard to spot a weakness other than what management can do for an encore.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

Matt and Ross Duffer’s supernatural thriller debuted simultaneously on the streaming platform and some 600 cinemas on New Year’s Eve and held encore showings all through New Year’s Day.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

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

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

Kerr gave an encore performance of “Spagoni the Toreador” for oldtimes’ sake, but the greatest applause of the evening went to James, who composed a song he performed for the occasion:

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong