tra-la

[ trah-lah ]

noun

1. nonsense syllables sung as a refrain, expressing gaiety.

tra-la

/ ˌtrɑːlɑːˈlɑː; ˌtrɑːˈlɑː /

noun

1. a set of nonsensical syllables used in humming music, esp for a melody or refrain

Word History and Origins

Origin of tra-la¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Can’t I just take your point, stop interrupting and, tra-la, change the world?

From The Guardian

The "tra-la" was considered to render this sentence incomprehensible to the uninitiated.

From Project Gutenberg

To the tune of ‘The Campbells Are Coming,’ he sang, ‘Your house is on fire, tra-la, tra-la!’

From Project Gutenberg

“You are just as welcome as the flowers in spring, tra-la!” cried Helen, fairly dancing with delight.

From Project Gutenberg

Springtime is here, tra-la, tra-la, Brooklets run clear, tra-la, tra-la, Birds are winging, flowers springing, For springtime is here, tra-la, tra-la.

From Project Gutenberg