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

At one stage in the second half he was being serenaded by the Matthew Harding Stand at one end and the Shed at the other.

Read more on BBC

Instead of hostility, they could only hear the sound of European fans sweetly serenading them.

Read more on BBC

So, when he then emerged for the start of the first inning, they serenaded him with an extended ovation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Stewart and the correspondents then serenaded the president with an off-key tune filled with compliments and praises.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Crawleys’ exclusive dinner with Noël Coward is an unmitigated success, crowned by Coward serenading her with his hit “Poor Little Rich Girl” and citing Mary as the inspiration for his next play.

Read more on Salon