RHAPSODY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does rhapsody mean? 

• RHAPSODY (noun)
  The noun RHAPSODY has 3 senses:

1. an enthusiastic expression of emotion

2. (music) a free instrumental composition in one extended movement; typically emotional or exuberant in character

3. (in ancient Greece) an epic poem adapted for recitation

  Familiarity information: RHAPSODY used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RHAPSODY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An enthusiastic expression of emotion

Classified under:

Nouns denoting feelings and emotions

Context example:

rhapsodies of joy

Hypernyms ("rhapsody" is a kind of...):

joy; joyfulness; joyousness (the emotion of great happiness)

Derivation:

rhapsodize (say (something) with great enthusiasm)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(music) a free instrumental composition in one extended movement; typically emotional or exuberant in character

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rhapsody" is a kind of...):

music (an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner)

Domain category:

music (an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner)

Sense 3

Meaning:

(in ancient Greece) an epic poem adapted for recitation

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("rhapsody" is a kind of...):

epic; epic poem; epos; heroic poem (a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds)

Derivation:

rhapsodise; rhapsodize (recite a rhapsody)

 Context examples 

Martin paused from his rhapsody, only to break out afresh.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)