rhapsody

[ rap-suh-dee ]

noun

, plural rhap·so·dies.

1. Music. an instrumental composition irregular in form and suggestive of improvisation.
2. an ecstatic expression of feeling or enthusiasm.
3. an epic poem, or a part of such a poem, as a book of the Iliad, suitable for recitation at one time.
4. a similar piece of modern literature.
5. an unusually intense or irregular poem or piece of prose.
6. Archaic. a miscellaneous collection; jumble.

rhapsody

/ ˈræpsədɪ /

noun

1. music a composition free in structure and highly emotional in character
2. an expression of ecstatic enthusiasm
3. (in ancient Greece) an epic poem or part of an epic recited by a rhapsodist
4. a literary work composed in an intense or exalted style
5. rapturous delight or ecstasy
6. obsolete.
   a medley

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhapsody¹

1535–45; < Latin rhapsōdia < Greek rhapsōidía recital of epic poetry, equivalent to rhapsōid ( ós ) rhapsodist + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhapsody¹

C16: via Latin from Greek rhapsōidia , from rhaptein to sew together + ōidē song

Example Sentences

Remember: “Bohemian Rhapsody” won four Oscars.

From Los Angeles Times

Cowell, the show’s notoriously toughest judge, asked after the pair’s electrifying quarterfinals performance to a mash-up of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

From Los Angeles Times

The “Bohemian Rhapsody” musician said that he was transported to a hospital after the stroke and had “fantastic care” at Frimley Hospital in Surrey, England, according to the BBC.

From Los Angeles Times

Pelosi continued the rhapsody during the brief media scrum.

From Los Angeles Times

Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law-and handpicked choice for party co-chair, followed with a rhapsody on how there is more that unites Americans than divides us.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrangement
• concerto
• drama
• melody
• music
• piece
• poetry
• setup
• symphony
• theme
• tune
• writing