What does singing mean?
Singing is the act of making musical sounds with the voice, usually by performing words to a melody. As a noun, it can refer to the activity itself, the art of vocal performance, or the sound of someone singing: “The singing at the concert brought the audience to its feet.” As a verb, it describes the action of singing, including in everyday or informal expressions such as “singing in the shower.” The word is used in both British and American English and has a broad range of contexts, from professional music and religious worship to casual social activity. Its close association with song, melody, and vocal expression makes it useful whenever an author wants to emphasize the voice as an instrument or the act of musical vocalization.
The activity or art of producing musical sounds with the voice; a vocal performance.
"The singing of the choir was especially moving."
Typically uncountable when referring to the activity or performance.
To make musical sounds with the voice, especially by performing a song.
"He was singing softly while cooking dinner."
This is the present participle of “sing” and is commonly used in continuous constructions.
Singing began as a way to use the voice before written music existed, making it one of humanity’s oldest forms of musical expression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does singing come from?
The word derives from Old English singan, “to sing,” which was related to the Germanic root for producing vocal music. The present participle “singing” follows the ordinary English pattern of adding “-ing” to a verb. The related noun “song” comes from the same Old English vocabulary and originally referred to a musical vocal composition or act of singing.
Related word forms
How singing is actually used
The noun is usually uncountable, especially when referring to the activity or art of singing. As a verb, it is the present participle of “sing” and is used in continuous and progressive constructions.