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

In an age when far too many politicians serve past their sell-by date, a leader who knows when to take a bow and go out with an encore is rare.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

The “Wonderful Tonight” guitarist and singer was expected to return to the Movistar Arena stage for an encore but wrapped the set because of the incident.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

If that project happens, meet me back here for an encore.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

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

Tanasia brings in a new song idea for the encore because Ren says that all bands should be prepared for an encore, even though we won’t have time for one.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon