What does encored mean?
"Encored" is the past tense of the verb "encore," meaning either that an audience called upon performers to give an additional performance or that the performers themselves obliged by repeating or adding a piece. The word derives from the French "encore," meaning "again" or "some more," which entered English theatrical usage around the seventeenth century. It belongs almost exclusively to the world of live performance — concerts, opera, theater, stand-up comedy — where it conveys enthusiasm and appreciation on the part of spectators. A typical use reads: "The audience encored the violinist twice before letting her leave the stage." While the noun form is more frequent in everyday speech, the verb form offers a compact way of describing the interaction between crowd and artist. Related terms include the noun "encore" itself and the present participle "encoring."
verbPast tense of the verb 'encore': to call for a performer to give an additional performance, or for a performer to give such a repeat performance.
- (of an audience) called for a performer to repeat or add a performance.
- (of a performer) gave an additional, requested performance.
"The audience encored the pianist three times before she finally left the stage."
"The crowd encored the soprano so insistently that she sang two extra arias."
"The band encored with an acoustic version of their biggest hit."
The word 'encore' is French — but French audiences actually shout 'bis' instead, making 'encore' one of those words English borrowed from a language that barely uses it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of encored
"Encored" comes from the verb "encore," taken from the French adverb "encore" meaning "again" or "still." English adopted the term during the late seventeenth century as audiences began using the French word itself as a cry demanding a repetition. Ironically, modern French speakers typically say "bis" rather than "encore" when requesting another performance. The word shares its broader Latin-derived family with terms like "accord" and "concord."
Related word forms
How encored is actually used
Almost always used in theatrical or concert contexts. The verb is somewhat less common than the noun; writers often prefer constructions like 'the audience demanded an encore.' Both transitive ('the audience encored the singer') and intransitive uses are attested.
Easily confused with encored
'Uncorded' means freed from a cord or binding, whereas 'encored' refers to calling for or performing an additional piece in a show.