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; see serenata

Explanation

If you really want to win someone's heart, take your ukulele to his house at night and serenade him under his open window. When you serenade someone, you play or sing a song, often outdoors. In Italian, serenata means "an evening song," and the noun serenade is a tune played or sung, either for one specific person or for a larger audience, outside. It's still a serenade if you sing in the daytime, but the classic example of a serenade is a man singing below a woman's window at night. The word serenade can be both a noun — the song itself — and a verb — the act of singing or playing the song.

Example Sentences

The set builds patiently: The chimerical string orchestra of “Les Illuminations” adds Christopher Parkes’s splendid horn in the Serenade and then fiercely independent winds, harp and timpani in the Nocturne.

From New York Times • Aug. 24, 2022

This work had the luxury of fine live musicians performing Beethoven’s Serenade for String Trio in D, Op.

From Washington Post • Jun. 23, 2022

The program also includes Wagner’s “Siegfried Idyll” and Brahms’ Serenade No. 2.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2022

McGraw said Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam and Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas will share the space most Wednesdays for the rest of the season.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2021

"Serenade for old Epps Candage's girl—handed to her over his head."

From Blow The Man Down A Romance Of The Coast - 1916 by Day, Holman