serenade

American  

[ser-uh-neyd] / ˌsɛr əˈneɪd /

noun

1. a complimentary performance of vocal or instrumental music in the open air at night, as by a lover under the window of his lady.

2. a piece of music suitable for such performance.

3. serenata.

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verb (used with or without object)

serenaded, serenading

1. to entertain with or perform a serenade.

serenade British  

/ ˌsɛrɪˈneɪd /

noun

1. a piece of music appropriate to the evening, characteristically played outside the house of a woman

2. a piece of music indicative or suggestive of this

3. an extended composition in several movements similar to the modern suite or divertimento

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verb

1. (tr) to play a serenade for (someone)

2. (intr) to play a serenade

Other Word Forms

• serenader noun
• unserenaded adjective

Etymology

Origin of serenade

1640–50; < French sérénade < Italian serenata; serenata

Example Sentences

The rain did not dampen the spirits of a hearty and colourful band of about two dozen Zimbabwe fans, who danced and sang throughout the damp afternoon to serenade their team's qualification.

From Barron's

We lie quietly, staring at the crisped wooden beams of the loft, serenaded by the flap and flutter of the pigeons in their cages.

From Literature

At the very least, there is every reason to ignore the stale serenade of the bank lobby that any regulation will only hurt the people we are trying to help.

From Los Angeles Times

A teenager's dream came true after her favourite singer serenaded her in front of thousands of people and helped raise awareness of a medical condition.

From BBC

Its descending bass line, colored by Fender Rhodes piano and Mr. Frampton’s tender vocals, result in a soulful serenade: “Wanna be with you night and day / Ooh, baby, I love your way.”

From The Wall Street Journal