First Known Use: 1567
Dictionary
1chorus
noun cho·rus \ˈkȯr-əs\
: a group of singers and dancers in an ancient Greek play who take part in or talk about the things that are happening on stage
: a group of singers and dancers in a modern play, musical show, etc.
: a large group of singers
Full Definition of CHORUS
1
a : a company of singers and dancers in Athenian drama participating in or commenting on the action; also : a similar company in later plays b : a character in Elizabethan drama who speaks the prologue and epilogue and comments on the action c : an organized company of singers who sing in concert : choir; especially : a body of singers who sing the choral parts of a work (as in opera) d : a group of dancers and singers supporting the featured players in a musical comedy or revue
2
a : a part of a song or hymn recurring at intervals b : the part of a drama sung or spoken by the chorus c : a composition to be sung by a number of voices in concert d : the main part of a popular song; also : a jazz variation on a melodic theme
3
a : something performed, sung, or uttered simultaneously or unanimously by a number of persons or animals <a chorus of boos> <that eternal chorus of: “Are we there yet?” from the back seat — Sheila More> b : sounds so uttered <visitors are taken to the woods by car to hear the mournful choruses of howling wolves — Bob Gaines>
— in chorus
: in unison <answering in chorus>
See chorus defined for English-language learners
See chorus defined for kids
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Origin of CHORUS
Latin, ring dance, chorus, from Greek choros
Other Music Terms
2chorus
verb
: to say (something) all together : to say (something) in chorus
Full Definition of CHORUS
transitive verb
: to sing or utter in chorus
See chorus defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHORUS
1826
CHORUS[1] Defined for Kids
1chorus
noun cho·rus \ˈkȯr-əs\
Definition of CHORUS for Kids
1
: a group of singers : choir
2
: a group of dancers and singers (as in a musical comedy)
3
: a part of a song or hymn that is repeated every so often : refrain
4
: a song meant to be sung by a group : group singing
5
: sounds uttered by a group of persons or animals together <There was a chorus of deep growls … — Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book>
2chorus
verb
cho·rusedcho·rus·ing
Definition of CHORUS for Kids
: to speak, sing, or sound at the same time or together <“Yes, yes!” they chorused. “Come on! Let's go!” — Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach>
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