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serenade

[ser-uh-neyd]
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noun

a complimentary performance of vocal or instrumental music in the open air at night, as by a lover under the window of his lady.
a piece of music suitable for such performance.
serenata(def 2).

verb (used with or without object), ser·e·nad·ed, ser·e·nad·ing.

to entertain with or perform a serenade.

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RELATED WORDS

serenade, chant, warble, whistle, shout, croon, hum, wait, intone, sue, invite, pursue, seek, please, entice, praise, woo, charm, solicit, propose

Origin of serenade

1640–50; < French sérénade < Italian serenata; see serenata
Related formsser·e·nad·er, nounun·ser·e·nad·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for serenading

Historical Examples of serenading

British Dictionary definitions for serenading

serenade

noun

a piece of music appropriate to the evening, characteristically played outside the house of a woman
a piece of music indicative or suggestive of this
an extended composition in several movements similar to the modern suite or divertimento

verb

(tr) to play a serenade for (someone)
(intr) to play a serenade
Compare aubade
Derived Formsserenader, noun

Word Origin for serenade

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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for serenading

serenade

n.

1640s, "musical performance at night in open air" (especially one given by a lover under the window of his lady), from French sérénade (16c.), from Italian serenata "an evening song," literally "calm sky," from sereno "the open air," noun use of sereno "clear, calm," from Latin serenus "peaceful, calm, serene." Sense influenced by Italian sera "evening," from Latin sera, fem. of serus "late." Meaning "piece of music suitable for a serenade" is attested from 1728.

serenade

v.

1660s, from serenade (n.). Related: Serenaded; serenading.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper