Definition of CHANT

chant

Meanings

Plural: chants

Noun

  • a repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone
  • Type of singing done generally without instruments and harmony.
  • A short and simple melody to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung or recited.
  • A short and simple melody to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung or recited.
  • A harmonized melody used in Anglican chant, usually split into two two-bar phrases, to which the words of a psalm are sung by a choir; typically, each musical phrase corresponds to the text of half of a verse.
  • Twang; manner of speaking; a canting tone.
  • A repetitive song, typically an incantation or part of a ritual.

Verb

  • recite with musical intonation; recite as a chant or a psalm
    • "The rabbi chanted a prayer"
  • utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically
    • "The students chanted the same slogan over and over again"
  • To sing, especially without instruments, and as applied to monophonic and pre-modern music.
  • To sing or intone sacred text.
  • To utter or repeat in a strongly rhythmical manner, especially as a group.
  • To sell horses fraudulently, exaggerating their merits.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English chaunten, from Old French chanter, from Latin cantāre (“sing”). Doublet of cant.

Scrabble Score: 10

chant is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
chant is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
chant is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

chant is a valid Words With Friends word