Chant

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /tʃɑːnt/, /tʃant/
• US IPA: /tʃænt/
• Rhymes: -ɑːnt

Alternative forms

• archaic chaunt

Origin

From Old French chanter, from Latin cantō ("to sing")

Full definition of chant

Verb

1. To sing, especially without instruments, and as applied to monophonic and pre-modern music.
• SpenserThe cheerful birds ... do chant sweet music.

Noun

1. Type of singing done generally without instruments and harmony.
2. (music) A short and simple melody, divided into two parts by double bars, to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung or recited. It is the most ancient form of choral music.
3. Twang; manner of speaking; a canting tone.
• MacaulayHis strange face, his strange chant.

Related terms

• enchant
• Gregorian chant
• incantation

Anagrams

• natch