serenade

[ser-uh-neyd]

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.

verb (used with or without object)

serenaded, serenading 

1. to entertain with or perform a serenade.

serenade

/ 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

verb

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

2. (intr) to play a serenade

Other Word Forms

• serenader noun
• unserenaded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of serenade¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of serenade¹

C17: from French sérénade, from Italian serenata, from sereno peaceful, from Latin serēnus calm; also influenced in meaning by Italian sera evening, from Latin sērus late

Example Sentences

She knew her guests had studied the music of Stephen Foster in school, so she arranged for a group to serenade them with songs like “Oh! Susanna” and “My Old Kentucky Home.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That came under manager George Graham in an era that inspired the famous "1-0 to the Arsenal" chant to serenade a team with the kind of defensive resilience that Arteta's men are replicating.

Read more on BBC

At the Tuesday night gala, the president’s favorite tenor, Christopher Macchio, serenaded business executives.

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Sinner, who was taken to deuce just once in 10 service games, did not let up and sealed victory with an ace before being serenaded by his home crowd.

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Much of the group had been part of the 2020 title team that was denied such a serenade following that pandemic-altered campaign.

Read more on Los Angeles Times