Dirge
noun
A song or piece of music that people sing or play to express sadness, especially at a funeral.
During the funeral, they played a haunting dirge to honor the deceased.
Often appears as...
- sing a dirge
- play a dirge
noun
Something making you feel very sad.
Their loss left a dirge in their hearts that could never be filled.
Often appears as...
- dirge of despair
- dirge of sorrow
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A song or piece of music that people sing or play to express sadness, especially at a funeral.
During the funeral, they played a haunting dirge to honor the deceased.
Often appears as...
- sing a dirge
- play a dirge
noun
Something making you feel very sad.
Their loss left a dirge in their hearts that could never be filled.
Often appears as...
- dirge of despair
- dirge of sorrow
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Funeral Context
A 'dirge' is typically associated with funerals or somber ceremonies signaling mourning and respect.
The bagpipes sounded a mournful dirge that moved everyone to tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance
'Dirges' may vary culturally, but they universally express sorrow and are slow and somber.
The tribal ceremony included a traditional dirge unique to their culture.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Metaphorically, 'dirge' can describe any piece that evokes a deep sense of sadness.
The violinist played a piece so sad it could be called a dirge for lost love.
Pro Tip 1/3Funeral Context
A 'dirge' is typically associated with funerals or somber ceremonies signaling mourning and respect.
The bagpipes sounded a mournful dirge that moved everyone to tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance
'Dirges' may vary culturally, but they universally express sorrow and are slow and somber.
The tribal ceremony included a traditional dirge unique to their culture.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Metaphorically, 'dirge' can describe any piece that evokes a deep sense of sadness.
The violinist played a piece so sad it could be called a dirge for lost love.
Pro Tip 1/3Funeral Context
A 'dirge' is typically associated with funerals or somber ceremonies signaling mourning and respect.
The bagpipes sounded a mournful dirge that moved everyone to tears.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance
'Dirges' may vary culturally, but they universally express sorrow and are slow and somber.
The tribal ceremony included a traditional dirge unique to their culture.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Metaphorically, 'dirge' can describe any piece that evokes a deep sense of sadness.
The violinist played a piece so sad it could be called a dirge for lost love.
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Video examples
The gospel of doubt PIPE...
So I held on and I closed my eyes to listen, to wait. And the prayers got louder. And the shouts of response to the call of the prayer went up higher even still. And the organ rolled on in to add the dirge. And the heat came on to add to the sweat.
Video examples
The gospel of doubt PIPE...
So I held on and I closed my eyes to listen, to wait. And the prayers got louder. And the shouts of response to the call of the prayer went up higher even still. And the organ rolled on in to add the dirge. And the heat came on to add to the sweat.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Thomas Carlyle
Scottish Philosopher
Every day that is born into the world comes like a burst of music and rings the whole day through, and you make of it a dance, a dirge, or a life march, as you will.
Quote examples
William Collins
English Poet
By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung.
Quote examples
Thomas Carlyle
Scottish Philosopher
Every day that is born into the world comes like a burst of music and rings the whole day through, and you make of it a dance, a dirge, or a life march, as you will.
Quote examples
William Collins
English Poet
By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung.
Example 1 of 2
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