Definition

Proper noun: 1. A book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament: "Song of Songs" is the title of a biblical book, also known as the Song of Solomon or Canticles. It is a collection of lyrical love poems. 2. A supreme example of its kind: The phrase "song of songs" uses a Hebrew grammatical construction (the superlative) meaning "the greatest song" or "the most excellent song."

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Song of Songs is often interpreted as an allegory of divine love.
  • We studied the imagery in the Song of Songs in our literature class.

Advanced Usage

• As a superlative construction: The form "X of Xs" (e.g., "king of kings," "holy of holies") signifies the ultimate or supreme example. "Song of Songs" follows this pattern, implying it is the greatest song.
  • The poem was so beautiful, the critic called it the song of songs for our generation.

Variants and Related Words

• Song of Solomon (proper noun): An alternative name for the same biblical book.
• Canticles (proper noun): Another name for the book, derived from the Latin "Canticum Canticorum."
• Canticle (noun): A hymn or chant, typically with a biblical text.

Synonyms

• Masterpiece: A work of outstanding artistry or skill.
• Epitome: The perfect example of a particular quality or type.

Related Idioms

• The holy of holies: Refers to the innermost and most sacred part of the Jewish temple. This idiom uses the same superlative grammatical form as "song of songs."
  • His private study was the holy of holies; no one was allowed to enter.

Noun

1. an Old Testament book consisting of a collection of love poems traditionally attributed to Solomon but actually written much later