rhapsody

[rap-suh-dee]

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noun, plural rhap·so·dies.

Music. an instrumental composition irregular in form and suggestive of improvisation.

an ecstatic expression of feeling or enthusiasm.

an epic poem, or a part of such a poem, as a book of the Iliad, suitable for recitation at one time.

a similar piece of modern literature.

an unusually intense or irregular poem or piece of prose.

Archaic. a miscellaneous collection; jumble.

Nearby words

Origin of rhapsody

1535–45; < Latin rhapsōdia < Greek rhapsōidía recital of epic poetry, equivalent to rhapsōid(ós) rhapsodist + -ia -y³

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for rhapsody

Rhapsody: I have a soft spot for Rhapsody since I was on the founding team and still use it everyday for my on-demand music fix.
The 24 Apps on We Heart It CEO Ranah Edelin’s Home Screen|Ranah Edelin|February 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She burst out into a rhapsody of hallelujah and thanksgivings.
The Boys of '61|Charles Carleton Coffin.
Having finished this rhapsody, Entragues wrote the beginning of the story of Gaetan Solange, which had long tormented him.
Very Woman|Remy de Gourmont
There is no subject so frivolous that does not merit a place in this rhapsody.
The Essays of Montaigne, Complete|Michel de Montaigne

He will now pour himself out in a rhapsody of praise of tears, which purify and refresh the soul, and open it to the love of God.
The Mediaeval Mind (Volume I of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor
“Have done with this rhapsody of impertinence,” said Matilda.
The Castle of Otranto|Horace Walpole

British Dictionary definitions for rhapsody

rhapsody

noun plural -dies

music a composition free in structure and highly emotional in character

an expression of ecstatic enthusiasm

(in ancient Greece) an epic poem or part of an epic recited by a rhapsodist

a literary work composed in an intense or exalted style

rapturous delight or ecstasy

obsolete a medley

Word Origin for rhapsody

C16: via Latin from Greek rhapsōidia, from rhaptein to sew together + ōidē song

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for rhapsody

rhapsody

1540s, "epic poem," from Middle French rhapsodie, from Latin rhapsodia, from Greek rhapsoidia "verse composition, recitation of epic poetry; a book, a lay, a canto," from rhapsodos "reciter of epic poems," literally "one who stitches or strings songs together," from rhaptein "to stitch, sew, weave" (see wrap (v.)) + oide "song" (see ode). Meaning "exalted enthusiastic feeling or expression" is from 1630s. Meaning "sprightly musical composition" is first recorded 1850s.