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chorus

/ˈkɔrəs/
/ˈkɔrəs/
IPA guide

Other forms: choruses; chorused; chorussed; chorusing; chorussing

A chorus is a group of singers or that catchy part of a song that repeats several times.

In ancient Greek tragedies, a khoros was a group of people that spoke in unison about the actions of the characters. And that's where we got the word chorus, which usually refers to a group of singers or performers, or the refrain of a song when a group of vocalists joins a soloist. A chorus of groans may follow a teacher's announcement of an upcoming test, which means that the entire class voices its dismay at the same time.

Definitions of chorus
  1. noun
    a company of actors who comment (by speaking or singing in unison) on the action in a classical Greek play
    synonyms: Greek chorus
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    type of:
    company, troupe
    an organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical)
  2. noun
    a group of people assembled to sing together
    see moresee less
    types:
    choir
    a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
    type of:
    musical group, musical organisation, musical organization
    an organization of musicians who perform together
  3. noun
    a body of dancers or singers who perform together
    synonyms: chorus line
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    types:
    corps de ballet, ensemble
    the chorus of a ballet company
    type of:
    line
    a formation of people or things one beside another
  4. noun
    the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
    synonyms: refrain
    see moresee less
    types:
    tra-la, tra-la-la
    a set of nonsensical syllables used while humming a refrain
    type of:
    music
    an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
  5. noun
    any utterance produced simultaneously by a group
    “a chorus of boos”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    sound
    the sudden occurrence of an audible event
  6. verb
    sing in a choir
    synonyms: choir
    see moresee less
    type of:
    sing
    produce tones with the voice
  7. verb
    utter in unison
    “`yes,' the children chorused
    see moresee less
    type of:
    emit, let loose, let out, utter
    express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)
Pronunciation
US
/ˈkɔrəs/
UK
/ˈkɔrəs/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘chorus'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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