chanson

American

[shan-suhn, shahn-sawn] / ˈʃæn sən, ʃɑ̃ˈsɔ̃ /

noun

plural

chansons

any of several types of song with French lyrics, occurring from the Middle Ages to the present in a variety of musical styles.

Etymology

Origin of chanson

1595–1605; < French < Latin cantiōn- (stem of cantiō ) song; canzone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fizzing with freedom and joy, it combines elements of chanson and French-Caribbean zouk, and looks set for a top 10 placing.

From BBC • May 9, 2025

Spectacular to look at, the production is unfailingly exuberant, a parade of color and catchy chanson.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

Brel is a modern representative of the French chanson tradition, a poetic style of songwriting that can trace its origins back to the medieval period.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2021

The second is a popular chanson by German singer Hildegard Knef called “It Shall Rain Red Roses for Me.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2021

Then there was the sound of chanson music and accordions and lots of clinking wineglasses as they celebrated.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023