Definition

1. Noun:
   • A singer, typically a male vocalist, who performs popular sentimental ballads or love songs in a soft, smooth, and intimate style, often with a microphone.

Usage

• The word "crooner" specifically refers to a type of singer and the style of singing. It is most commonly used to describe male singers from the mid-20th century who specialized in this intimate vocal style.
• It is a neutral or positive term when discussing the musical genre, but can sometimes be used informally or humorously.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Frank Sinatra is considered one of the greatest crooners of all time.
  • The radio station played classic songs from famous crooners like Bing Crosby and Dean Martin.
  • He has a soft, gentle voice perfect for a modern-day crooner.

Advanced Usage

• "A lounge crooner": A singer who performs in a relaxed, intimate setting like a lounge or piano bar.
  • He made a living as a lounge crooner in Las Vegas for many years.

Variants and Related Words

• Croon (verb): To sing softly in a gentle, intimate manner.
  • He would croon lullabies to his daughter.

Synonyms

• Balladeer
• Torch singer (though this often implies a female singer performing emotional songs)
• Vocalist

Antonyms

• Shouter (informal for a singer who uses a loud, forceful style)
• Screamer (informal for a singer in genres like heavy metal or punk)

Related Phrases

• "In the style of a crooner": Performing music with the characteristic soft, smooth, and sentimental delivery.
  • The young singer performed the jazz standard in the style of a classic crooner.

Noun

1. a singer of popular ballads