chant

/t͡ʃɑːnt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: chants · chanted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To sing, especially without instruments, and as applied to monophonic and pre-modern music.

Verb

Examples

the cherefull birds of sundry kind / Do chaunt sweet musick, to delight his mind

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To sing or intone sacred text.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Type of singing done generally without instruments and harmony.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A short and simple melody to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung or recited.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “chant” mean?

To sing, especially without instruments, and as applied to monophonic and pre-modern music.

Is “chant” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.