sing
SIHNG
Sing (verb) means to produce musical sounds with the voice, especially by following a tune. Example: “Would you sing something for us at the end of the evening?”
verb
1
To produce musical sounds with the voice, especially by following a tune.
"Would you sing something for us at the end of the evening?"
"She loves to sing in the shower."
"The choir sang beautifully at the wedding."
2
Of a bird, to produce a melodic call, typically to attract a mate or defend territory.
"Listen to the thrush sing from the top of that tall oak tree."
"A blackbird was singing outside the window at dawn."
"Birds begin to sing before sunrise in spring."
3
Informally, to give information to the authorities, especially about criminal activity.
"The suspect started to sing once the police offered him a deal."
"He would not sing, even when the detectives pressed him hard."
"Everyone knew the gang member would sing sooner or later."
How to use sing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make music with your voice, or (of birds) to call melodically; informally, to confess or inform.
Common pairings
sing a song
sing along
sing out of tune
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Word forms
- Plural
- sings
- Third person singular
- sings
- Past tense
- sang, sung, sungen
- Archaic forms
- singest, sungest, sangest, singeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Would you _____ something for us at the end of the evening?
Etymology
From Old English singan, from a very old Germanic root meaning "to sing" or "to recite."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for sing
See all rhymes for sing →Frequently asked questions
What does “sing” mean?
The word “sing” means to produce musical sounds with the voice, especially by following a tune. In plain terms, to make music with your voice, or (of birds) to call melodically; informally, to confess or inform.
How do you pronounce “sing”?
“Sing” is pronounced SIHNG (/ˈsɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sing” in a sentence?
Here is “sing” used in a sentence: “She loves to sing in the shower.”
What is the opposite of “sing”?
The opposite of “sing” — its antonyms — are lip-sync, lip sync, mime and mouth.
What part of speech is “sing”?
“Sing” is a verb.
Where does the word “sing” come from?
The word “sing” comes from Old English. From Old English singan, from a very old Germanic root meaning "to sing" or "to recite.".
Is “sing” a common word?
“Sing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “sing” have?
“Sing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to produce musical sounds with the voice, especially by following a tune.
What is the difference between singing and humming?
Singing means producing musical sounds with the voice, usually shaping words and following a tune with an open mouth. Humming keeps the lips closed, so you produce the melody as a continuous 'mmm' sound with no words. Humming is often a quieter, more casual way of carrying a tune.
Can singing be learned, or is it a natural talent?
It can be learned. While some people have a natural ear or vocal range, singing relies on skills — breath control, pitch, timing and tone — that improve with practice and training. Most people can noticeably develop their voice through lessons and regular use, even without being born especially gifted.
What are the main types of singing voice?
Voices are usually grouped by range. For women the common types are soprano, mezzo-soprano and alto (or contralto); for men they are tenor, baritone and bass. These labels describe how high or low someone can comfortably sing and are widely used in choirs and classical music.
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