dithyramb

[ dith-uh-ram, -ramb ]

noun

1. a Greek choral song or chant of vehement or wild character and of usually irregular form, originally in honor of Dionysus or Bacchus.
2. any poem or other composition having similar characteristics, as an impassioned or exalted theme or irregular form.
3. any wildly enthusiastic speech or writing.

dithyramb

/ -ˌræmb; ˈdɪθɪˌræm /

noun

1. (in ancient Greece) a passionate choral hymn in honour of Dionysus; the forerunner of Greek drama
2. any utterance or a piece of writing that resembles this

Word History and Origins

Origin of dithyramb¹

1595–1605; < Latin dīthyrambus < Greek dīthýrambos

Word History and Origins

Origin of dithyramb¹

C17: from Latin dīthyrambus, from Greek dithurambos; related to iambos iamb

Example Sentences

It seems to have resolved itself into something which wants a name,something which is partly dithyramb and partly rhetoric.

From Project Gutenberg

(Ἀντηνορίδαι, the first of the dithyrambs), and breaks off after verse 11 of the last dithyramb,Ἴδας.

From Project Gutenberg

Tragedy—as also Comedy—was at first mere improvisation—the one (tragedy) originated with the leaders of the Dithyramb.

From Project Gutenberg

It is only quite 84lately that they have come at all to see that the Dithyramb was a Spring Song, a primitive rite.

From Project Gutenberg

And even as the dithyramb had been pressed into the service of poetry, so was drinking made rhythmic by music.

From Project Gutenberg