French word

sérénade

Pronunciation

IPA/seʁenad/

Meaning

  • feminine nounserenade

Example

Il lui a fait une sérénade devant sa fenêtre.

He performed a serenade for her in front of her window.

Illustration for sérénade (serenade)

More examples

Ils ont organisé une sérénade sur la terrasse.

They organized a serenade on the terrace.

Core concept

A musician performing beneath a loved one's window in the calm evening air.

Common phrases

  • faire une sérénade

    give a serenade

  • chanter une sérénade

    sing a serenade

  • une sérénade nocturne

    a nighttime serenade

Similar words

chanson: A song with lyrics that is sung aloud.
mélodie: The memorable melodic line that runs through a musical piece.
air: A short, easily remembered melody from a song or musical work.
chant: The act of singing with the voice.

Definition in French

Chant ou composition destinée à être exécutée au crépuscule ou la nuit, souvent pour déclarer son amour ou rendre hommage.

Word origin

French sérénade comes from Italian serenata, related to sereno and ultimately to Latin serenus, meaning clear or calm.

Usage tips

  • The usual construction is faire une sérénade à quelqu'un, with à introducing the person receiving the performance.

Opposites

Related words

  • sérénaderserenadeverb

Word lists with this word