singsong

American  

[sing-sawng, -song] / ˈsɪŋˌsɔŋ, -ˌsɒŋ /

noun

1. verse, or a piece of verse, that is monotonously jingly in rhythm and pattern of pitch.

2. monotonous rhythmical cadence, tone, or sound.

3. British. an unrehearsed singing of well-known songs by an audience or other informal, untrained group; a community sing.

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adjective

1. monotonous in rhythm and in pitch.

singsong British  

/ ˈsɪŋˌsɒŋ /

noun

1. an accent, metre, or intonation that is characterized by an alternately rising and falling rhythm, as in a person's voice, piece of verse, etc

2. an informal session of singing, esp of popular or traditional songs

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adjective

1. having a regular or monotonous rising and falling rhythm

   a singsong accent

Etymology

Origin of singsong

First recorded in 1600–10; sing + song

Example Sentences

It has this singsong rhythm, which makes it seem cheerful, but the words are so depressing.

From Literature

“The wedding’s already happened, you missed it,” Law Roach told “Access Hollywood” in a singsong voice at the Actor Awards, adding, “It’s very true,” after the shocked reporter asked if he was being truthful.

From Los Angeles Times

“Message!” she said in a high, singsong voice, and she pulled up a fat little gnome who wriggled with excitement.

From Literature

She eyed the boy and Maya-Jade and then through her teeth hissed a singsong “What are they doing here?” to Julio.

From Literature

He is so many stages beyond the phase of life when I would speak to him in a singsong voice about patchwork elephants that it is laughable even to think of it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• belt out
• chant
• croon
• hum
• intone
• serenade
• shout
• wait
• warble
• whistle