Definition

Noun: 1. The act of singing popular songs in a sentimental manner: A style of singing characterized by a smooth, intimate, and emotionally expressive delivery, often associated with certain popular music. 2. Singing in a soft, low tone: The act of singing quietly and gently, often to soothe or comfort.

Usage Examples

• The singer's crooning was perfect for the romantic ballad.
• Her gentle crooning soon put the child to sleep.
• He is famous for his smooth crooning style from the 1950s.

Advanced Usage

• As a stylistic term: In music criticism, "crooning" specifically refers to a vocal technique developed with the advent of the microphone, allowing singers to use a softer, more conversational style instead of projecting loudly. It is closely associated with singers like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
• "To croon" (verb): The related verb form means to sing or hum in a soft, low voice, especially in a sentimental manner.
  • He would often croon old jazz standards to himself while working.

Variants and Related Words

• Croon (verb): To sing softly or sentimentally.
  • She crooned a lullaby to the baby.
• Crooner (noun): A singer, typically male, who specializes in a smooth, sentimental style of singing.
  • The classic crooners of the mid-20th century.

Synonyms

• Singing softly
• Humming
• Warbling (when referring to a melodious, fluctuating tone)

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To croon a tune: A common phrase meaning to sing a song in a soft, gentle, or sentimental way.
  • Grandpa liked to croon an old tune from his youth.

Noun

1. the act of singing popular songs in a sentimental manner
2. singing in a soft low tone
   • her crooning soon put the child to sleep