tra-la

Also tra-la-la

[trah-lah]

noun

1. nonsense syllables sung as a refrain, expressing gaiety.

tra-la

/ ˌtrɑːlɑːˈlɑː, ˌtrɑːˈlɑː /

noun

1. a set of nonsensical syllables used in humming music, esp for a melody or refrain

Word History and Origins

Origin of tra-la¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Can’t I just take your point, stop interrupting and, tra-la, change the world?

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The "tra-la" was considered to render this sentence incomprehensible to the uninitiated.

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To the tune of ‘The Campbells Are Coming,’ he sang, ‘Your house is on fire, tra-la, tra-la!’

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“You are just as welcome as the flowers in spring, tra-la!” cried Helen, fairly dancing with delight.

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Springtime is here, tra-la, tra-la, Brooklets run clear, tra-la, tra-la, Birds are winging, flowers springing, For springtime is here, tra-la, tra-la.

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