roundelay

[ roun-dl-ey ]

noun

1. a song in which a phrase, line, or the like, is continually repeated.
2. the music for such a song.
3. a dance in a circle; round dance.

roundelay

/ ˈraʊndɪˌleɪ /

noun

1. Also calledroundel a slow medieval dance performed in a circle
2. a song in which a line or phrase is repeated as a refrain

Word History and Origins

Origin of roundelay¹

1565–75; alteration (influenced by lay ⁴ ) of Middle French rondelet, diminutive of rondel roundel

Word History and Origins

Origin of roundelay¹

C16: from Old French rondelet a little rondel, from rondel ; also influenced by lay ⁴

Example Sentences

Man, that’s an ambition worth an endless roundelay of soulless mid-level convention venues, empty hotel rooms and backseat rides in SUVs sitting next to people telling you how many points you’re down in the polls.

From Salon

A ticket is an entree to a 70-minute roundelay of dire versions of children’s playground games, with Korean snacks, claw games and shopping to follow.

From New York Times

Lapine, making his feature film debut, doesn’t have the technique to turn this amatory whirl into a lyrical roundelay.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s not a narrative concept album, but the songs are connected by recurring threads: a roundelay of infidelities and reunions, betrayals and connections, self-doubt and self-affirmation.

From New York Times

Throughout these effusive roundelays, they yearn — for meaning, former lovers, lost intimacy, an escape.

From New York Times