verb
Uncommon
chant
chahnt
Chant (verb) means to sing or speak words in a repetitive, rhythmic way, often as a group. Example: “The fans chanted the team's name as the players walked out.”
verb
1
To sing or speak words in a repetitive, rhythmic way, often as a group.
"The fans chanted the team's name as the players walked out."
"Monks chanted softly during the evening service."
"The children chanted the same rhyme over and over while they skipped."
noun
1
A repeated rhythmic phrase, or a simple melody used for religious or ritual singing.
"The protest march was full of chants demanding change."
"The crowd's chant grew louder as the runners crossed the finish line."
"We could hear the monks' low chant drifting through the old chapel."
How to use chant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRhythmic, repeated singing or speaking, often used at protests, sports events, or religious ceremonies.
Common pairings
chant a slogan
crowd chant
Gregorian chant
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Word forms
- Plural
- chants
- Third person singular
- chants
- Past tense
- chanted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fans _____ the team's name as the players walked out.
Etymology
From Old French chanter, from Latin cantare ("to sing") — a doublet of "cant."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for chant
See all rhymes for chant →Frequently asked questions
What does “chant” mean?
The word “chant” means to sing or speak words in a repetitive, rhythmic way, often as a group. In plain terms, rhythmic, repeated singing or speaking, often used at protests, sports events, or religious ceremonies.
How do you pronounce “chant”?
“Chant” is pronounced chahnt (/t͡ʃænt/ in IPA).
How do you use “chant” in a sentence?
Here is “chant” used in a sentence: “The fans chanted the team's name as the players walked out.”
What part of speech is “chant”?
Depending on how it is used, “chant” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “chant” come from?
The word “chant” comes from Latin. From Old French chanter, from Latin cantare ("to sing") — a doublet of "cant.".
Is “chant” a common word?
“Chant” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “chant” have?
“Chant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to sing or speak words in a repetitive, rhythmic way, often as a group.
What is the difference between a chant and a song?
A chant is typically simpler and more repetitive than a song, often using a limited melody or rhythmic speech rather than a fully developed tune. Chants are also frequently used in group or ritual settings, such as religious services or crowds at events.
Can chant be used as both a verb and a noun?
Yes. As a verb, to chant means to sing or speak words in a repetitive, rhythmic way, as in 'the crowd chanted the team's name.' As a noun, a chant refers to the repeated phrase or simple melody itself.
Where are chants commonly used?
Chants are commonly used in religious or ritual singing, protest marches, and sports crowds, where a group repeats a phrase or short melody together. The repetitive, rhythmic quality makes chants easy for groups to join in unison.
