serenade
[ ser-uh-neyd ]
/ ˌsɛr əˈneɪd /
Save This Word!
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.
verb (used with or without object), ser·e·nad·ed, ser·e·nad·ing.
to entertain with or perform a serenade.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of serenade
OTHER WORDS FROM serenade
ser·e·nad·er, nounun·ser·e·nad·ed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use serenade in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for serenade
serenade
/ (ˌsɛrɪˈneɪd) /
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 forms of serenade
serenader, nounWord 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