rhapsody

[ rap-suh-dee ]

/ ˈræp sə di /

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See synonyms for rhapsody on Thesaurus.com

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.

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Origin of rhapsody

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

Words nearby rhapsody

rhamphotheca, rhanja, rhapsodic, rhapsodist, rhapsodize, rhapsody, Rhapsody in Blue, rhatany, rhathymia, r.h.b., rhd

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use rhapsody in a sentence

I read Proust for his mad rhapsodies and not for his “therapeutic effect.”
Literature Should Be Taught Like Science - Issue 97: Wonder|Kevin Berger|February 24, 2021|Nautilus
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
To honor the occasion, DVF presented a collection—or rather, a party—that was dubbed “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Fashion’s Most Powerful Women: Victoria Beckham & Diane von Furstenberg Show at New York Fashion Week|Erin Cunningham|February 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The youngster shouts and jumps wildly about, reciting lyrics as if rap were pure rhapsody.
Chicago Rapper Lil JoJo Went to His Grave for Taunting a Rival Gang Member|Michael Daly|October 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST

She also played his Fourteenth Rhapsody with orchestral accompaniment in most bold and dashing style.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
The Koran is a rhapsody, without connection, without order, and without art.
A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 1 (of 10)|Franois-Marie Arouet (AKA Voltaire)
John knew them all, from the latest pop melodies to a swing version of the classic Rhapsody of The Stars.
The Holes and John Smith|Edward W. Ludwig
"Lots of girls are stage-struck," he said presently, breaking in on Mr. Martel's rhapsody.
Quin|Alice Hegan Rice
Hildebrand asked, quietly, when the King had run to the end of his rhapsody.
The Proud Prince|Justin Huntly McCarthy

British Dictionary definitions for rhapsody

rhapsody

/ (ˈræpsədɪ) /

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

rhapsody

Origin of rhapsody

Words nearby rhapsody

Words related to rhapsody

How to use rhapsody in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for rhapsody

Word Origin for rhapsody