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 ( def 2 ).

verb (used with or without object)

, ser·e·nad·ed, ser·e·nad·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˌsereˈnader, noun

Other Words From

• sere·nader noun
• unser·e·naded 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

Combining individual male’s serenades pulled from the trove of poolside recordings, the researchers made a variety of trios.

From Science News

When Elias investigated, he found a remarkably elaborate serenade of vibrations accompany the guys’ moves.

From Science News For Students

We took a second look at some of the portable speakers we’ve recommended for outdoor use and inspected our own homes to find out what works and what doesn’t when it comes to a shower serenade.

From Popular-Science

When Elias investigated further, he found that male jumping spiders accompany their moves with a remarkably elaborate serenade of vibrations, sent through the ground to the females, beyond human perception.

From Science News

Crystal brought out a surprise chorus of stars that included Carol Burnett and Oprah Winfrey to serenade Leno “Goodbye.”

From The Daily Beast

For her birthday, her father hired a band that would show up at her doorstep to serenade her.

From The Daily Beast

PLUS see a video interview with the group, including an office a capella serenade to one of our employees.

From The Daily Beast

Which is how Upton's landed herself a birthday serenade from none other than Boehner himself.

From The Daily Beast

Yet Serenade for Strings in C Major sounded nothing like the Nutcracker or Swan Lake.

From The Daily Beast

Sudden swallows swiftly skimming,Sunset's slowly spreading shade, Silvery songsters sweetly singing,Summer's soothing serenade.

From Project Gutenberg

The walk ended at our stopping place just as the German guns north of us beyond the river resumed their afternoon serenade.

From Project Gutenberg

It won't necessarily be the Glee and Banjo Club, you understand, but it will be a real, old-fashioned serenade.

From Project Gutenberg

In telling his afternoon's experience Champney, also, had his reserves: of the coming serenade he said never a word to the priest.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it not better to be worthy of the respect and reverence of thinkers, than to receive the serenade of sounding brass?

From Project Gutenberg