serenade

[ ser-uh-neyd ]

noun

1. a complimentary performance of vocal or instrumental music in the open air at night, as by a lover under the window of his lady.
2. a piece of music suitable for such performance.
3. serenata ( def 2 ).

verb (used with or without object)

, ser·e·nad·ed, ser·e·nad·ing.

1. to entertain with or perform a serenade.

serenade

/ ˌsɛrɪˈneɪd /

noun

1. a piece of music appropriate to the evening, characteristically played outside the house of a woman
2. a piece of music indicative or suggestive of this
3. an extended composition in several movements similar to the modern suite or divertimento

verb

1. tr to play a serenade for (someone)
2. intr to play a serenade

Derived Forms

• ˌsereˈnader, noun

Other Words From

• sere·nader noun
• unser·e·naded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of serenade¹

1640–50; < French sérénade < Italian serenata; serenata

Word History and Origins

Origin of serenade¹

C17: from French sérénade, from Italian serenata, from sereno peaceful, from Latin serēnus calm; also influenced in meaning by Italian sera evening, from Latin sērus late

Example Sentences

Anthony Davis is the league’s second-leading scorer, and as he’s stepped to the foul line, the crowd has serenaded him on multiple occasions.

From Los Angeles Times

“I play this game to win,” Hernández continued, the serenading from the stands amplifying with every word.

From Los Angeles Times

But as the boos from the sellout crowd of 87,453 serenaded the Cornhuskers, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the play on Oladejo for taunting gave Nebraska a first down.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers slugger has been serenaded with such chants for most of the season and will likely be a unanimous choice to win the National League most valuable player award in November.

From Los Angeles Times

At a record store appearance in New York, Martin serenaded a 70-year-old fan who had turned up to see them on her birthday.

From BBC