noun
Common
chorus
KAW-ruhs
Chorus (noun) means the part of a song that repeats after each verse, usually carrying the main hook. Example: “The verses are quiet, but the chorus is loud and joyful.”
noun
1
The part of a song that repeats after each verse, usually carrying the main hook.
"The verses are quiet, but the chorus is loud and joyful."
"Everyone sang along to the chorus."
"The chorus is so catchy it gets stuck in your head."
2
A group of singers performing together, or the sound made by many voices at once.
"A chorus of birdsong greeted us as we woke up."
"The church choir formed a chorus for the Christmas concert."
"A chorus of complaints followed the announcement."
verb
1
To say or sing something together in unison.
"The children chorused their thanks as the bus driver opened the doors."
"The whole crowd chorused the final line of the song."
"The class chorused "good morning" to the teacher."
How to use chorus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe repeated, catchy part of a song — or a group of people speaking, singing, or reacting together.
Common pairings
sing the chorus
a chorus of approval
a chorus of boos
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Word forms
- Plural
- choruses, chorusses, chori
- Third person singular
- choruses, chorusses
- Past tense
- chorused, chorussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The verses are quiet, but the _____ is loud and joyful.
Etymology
From Latin chorus, "group of dancers and singers," from Ancient Greek khorós.
Related words
Rhymes for chorus
See all rhymes for chorus →Frequently asked questions
What does “chorus” mean?
The word “chorus” means the part of a song that repeats after each verse, usually carrying the main hook. In plain terms, the repeated, catchy part of a song — or a group of people speaking, singing, or reacting together.
How do you pronounce “chorus”?
“Chorus” is pronounced KAW-ruhs (/ˈkoɹəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “chorus” in a sentence?
Here is “chorus” used in a sentence: “Everyone sang along to the chorus.”
What part of speech is “chorus”?
Depending on how it is used, “chorus” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chorus” come from?
The word “chorus” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin chorus, "group of dancers and singers," from Ancient Greek khorós.
Is “chorus” a common word?
“Chorus” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “chorus” have?
“Chorus” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the part of a song that repeats after each verse, usually carrying the main hook.
What is the difference between a chorus and a verse in a song?
In a song, the verse contains changing lyrics that move the story or idea forward, while the chorus is the repeated section that returns after each verse and usually carries the main hook. The chorus stays largely the same each time it appears, which is why it tends to be the most memorable part of a song.
What is the difference between a chorus and a refrain?
A chorus is a full repeated section of a song, typically several lines long and often containing the main hook, that returns after each verse. A refrain is usually shorter, sometimes just a single repeated line or phrase, and it may appear within a verse rather than standing on its own as a separate section.
What is the difference between a chorus and a choir?
Both can mean a group of singers performing together, and the two words overlap. "Choir" most often names an organized group of singers, especially in a religious or formal setting, while "chorus" is common in opera and musical theater and also names the repeated section of a song.
How do you use the phrase 'in chorus'?
"In chorus" describes people saying or singing something together in unison, all at the same time, as in "the class answered in chorus." It draws on the verb sense of chorus, meaning to say or sing something together, and applies to any group responding at once.
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