What does sing mean?
Sing means to make musical sounds with the voice, usually by combining words with a melody. It can describe both an informal performance and professional vocal activity: a person may sing a song, sing in a choir, or sing in harmony with others. The word can also refer to the characteristic sounds made by birds and other animals. Figuratively, it may describe speaking loudly, emotionally, or continuously, sometimes with a mildly critical implication. Although typically associated with music, singing is also a form of linguistic expression in which familiar words are shaped through rhythm, pitch, and vocal emphasis. The noun meaning an act or performance of singing is common chiefly in British informal usage, where it may also mean a song. Related forms include singer, singing, singable, and sung.
To make musical sounds with the voice; to perform a song or vocal part.
"The choir sang two traditional arrangements."
Also used figuratively for speaking loudly, emphatically, or continuously.
An act or performance of singing; informally, a song.
"He gave us a lively sing at the party."
This noun sense is chiefly British and informal.
The plural is uncommon; the noun is chiefly British and informal, and “songs” or “performances” is often more natural.
"The programme included several traditional sings."
Singing turns language into melody without changing a single word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sing come from?
The word comes from Old English singan, “to sing,” which continued through Middle English in the modern form sing. Old English singan was inherited from Proto-Germanic, the ancestral language of English, German, Dutch, and several other European languages. Its close cognates include German singen, Dutch zingen, Swedish sjunga, and Icelandic syngja.
Related word forms
How sing is actually used
The verb is standard in British and American English. In formal writing, “sing” may figuratively mean to complain loudly or to speak theatrically, as in “sing a protest.” The noun is chiefly British and informal; in American English, “song” or “performance” is usually more natural.
Easily confused with sing
Sing means to make music with the voice, whereas sign can mean to write or gesture a symbol or message.
Sing ends in the consonant sound /ŋ/, while sin ends in /n/.