dirge — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A mournful poem or piece of music composed or performed as a memorial to a deceased person.

   Synonyms

   lamentrequiemcoronachthrenodyelegytrental

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   Therefore our ſometimes Siſter, now our Queen, / Th’ imperiall Ioyntreſſe of this warlike State, / Haue we, as ’twere, with a defeated ioy, / With one Auſpicious, and one Dropping eye, / With mirth in Funerall, and with Dirge in Marriage, / In equall Scale weighing Delight and Dole / Taken to Wife […]

   While I watched the tempest, so beautiful yet terrific, I wandered on with a hasty step. This noble war in the sky elevated my spirits; I clasped my hands, and exclaimed aloud, “William, dear angel! this is thy funeral, this thy dirge!”

   It was as if the night sang dirges with clenched teeth.

   More examples (1)

   Over six sections – a prologue, a life-story, a dream-quest, a dirge, a masque and an epilogue – they meditate on their lives, their hopes, their losses, and on the human condition.

2. A song or piece of music that is considered too slow, bland or boring.

   Usage

   • Informal

Verb

1. To sing dirges

Noun

1. a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person

   Synonyms

   coronachlamentrequiemthrenody

   Broader terms

   songvocal