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• ode
  ode

  noun

  a lyric poem typically of elaborate or irregular metrical form and expressive of exalted or enthusiastic emotion.
• -ode
  -ode

  a suffix of nouns, appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “like”; used in the formation of compound words.

ode

¹ American  

[ohd] / oʊd /

noun

1. a lyric poem typically of elaborate or irregular metrical form and expressive of exalted or enthusiastic emotion.

2. (originally) a poem intended to be sung.

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-ode ² American  

1. a suffix of nouns, appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “like”; used in the formation of compound words.

   phyllode.

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-ode ³ American  

1. a combining form meaning “way,” “road,” used in the formation of compound words.

   anode; electrode.

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-ode ¹ British  

combining form

1. denoting a path or way

   electrode

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-ode ² British  

combining form

1. denoting resemblance

   nematode

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ode ³ British  

/ əʊd /

noun

1. a lyric poem, typically addressed to a particular subject, with lines of varying lengths and complex rhythms See also Horatian ode Pindaric ode

2. (formerly) a poem meant to be sung

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ode Cultural  

1. A kind of poem devoted to the praise of a person, animal, or thing. An ode is usually written in an elevated style and often expresses deep feeling. An example is “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” by John Keats.

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Usage

What else does ode mean? In literature, an ode is a type of lyrical poem enthusiastically praising a person or event. The slang ode, pronounced [ oh-dee ], is an intensifying adverb meaning "really" or "very."How is ode pronounced?[ ohd ] or [ oh-dee ]What are other forms of ode?odeeWhat are some other words related to ode?

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• hella

What does -ode mean? The combining form -ode is used like a suffix that has two distinct senses. The first of these senses is “like,” and this form of -ode is very occasionally used in a variety of scientific terms, especially in biology. This sense of -ode comes from Greek -ōdēs, roughly meaning “smell.” This suffix in Greek likely comes from words that describe smells and is related to the verb ózein, which means "to smell."The second of these senses is “way” or "road," and this form of -ode is occasionally used in a variety of technical terms, especially in electrical terms. This sense of -ode comes from Greek hodós, meaning "way."

Etymology

Origin of ode¹

1580–90; < Middle French < Late Latin ōda < Greek ōidḗ, contraction of aoidḗ song, derivative of aeídein to sing

Origin of -ode²

< Greek -ōdēs, probably generalized from adjectives describing smells, as kēṓdēs smelling like incense; base ōd- of ózein to smell, give off odor

Origin of -ode³

< Greek -odos, combining form of hodós

Explanation

An ode is a kind of poem, usually praising something. A famous example is John Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn." Apparently, Keats was really into urns. An ode is a form of lyric poetry — expressing emotion — and it's usually addressed to someone or something, or it represents the poet's musings on that person or thing, as Keats' ode tells us what he thought as he looked at the Grecian urn. The word ode comes from a Greek word for "song," and like a song, an ode is made up of verses and can have a complex meter.

Example Sentences

They know it won't happen, but it won't stop Manchester United's fans belting out their ode to the Brazilian when he makes his final Old Trafford appearance for the club against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

The French fashion house has unveiled an ode to the golden age of cinema in Los Angeles at its highly anticipated Cruise 2027 show, the first of its kind under creative director Jonathan Anderson.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

But the most loving ode to Route 66 may in fact be at the Disneyland Resort, specifically at Disney California Adventure.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

“Lives of the Saints” is an ode to the folly—and the ecstasy—of clinging to beautiful delusions long past their expiration dates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Our backyard was an ode to nesting and flight—part bird zoo and part art exhibit.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King