What does rhapsody mean?
A rhapsody is an intensely enthusiastic or ecstatic expression, especially one delivered in vivid speech, writing, or music. The word can describe a spontaneous outpouring of praise, as in “a rhapsody of praise,” or a free-form musical composition marked by expressive and often improvisatory passages. Its use carries a literary and elevated tone, suggesting that the speaker or writer is overwhelmed by admiration, joy, or excitement. As a verb, “to rhapsody” means to speak or write with rapturous enthusiasm, though this use is less common. Rhapsody is especially memorable because of its ancient origin: the word comes from Greek elements associated with stitching and song. Its modern associations combine creative freedom, emotional abundance, and artistic exuberance, making it useful for describing language or music that feels intensely expressive rather than restrained.
An expression of intense enthusiasm or delight, especially in speech or writing. It may also refer to a free-form, exuberantly expressive instrumental composition or a lyrical poem.
"The audience responded to the performance with a rhapsody of applause and admiration."
The noun is often literary or celebratory. In music, it generally suggests a composition with an expansive, improvisatory character rather than a tightly structured form.
To speak or write with intense enthusiasm or admiration.
"She rhapsodized about the architecture and the beauty of the old city."
The verb is literary and relatively uncommon; “rhapsodize” is more frequently used in formal writing.
The standard plural adds -ies to form rhapsodies.
"The collection contains several rhapsodies for piano and orchestra."
From ancient Greek words meaning “to stitch” and “song,” a rhapsody began as a song made from pieces stitched together, and it still suggests something exuberant and emotionally overflowing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rhapsody come from?
English borrowed the word in the early 17th century from Latin rhapsodia, a borrowing of Greek rhapsōidía, from rháptein, “to stitch,” and aōidḗ, “song.” The original sense referred to a poem composed of pieces stitched together, and the word later came to denote an enthusiastic or highly expressive composition. Its relatives include rhapsode, rhapsodist, and the English derivatives rhapsodic and rhapsodize.
Related word forms
How rhapsody is actually used
The noun is literary and elevated in tone, suggesting an enthusiastic or emotionally overflowing expression. In music, it denotes a freer, less rigid form than a conventional sonata or symphony. The verb is less common and is especially associated with enthusiastic speech or writing.
Easily confused with rhapsody
A rhapsody expresses intense enthusiasm or delight, whereas a parody imitates or ridicules a work for comic effect.