Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of producing musical tones with the voice: "Singing" is the activity of making musical sounds with the vocal cords, often following a melody and rhythm.
   • The art or performance of a singer: "Singing" can refer to the skill, practice, or profession of vocal performance.

2. Adjective (Less Common):

   • Smooth and flowing; melodious: Describes a sound, quality, or movement that is reminiscent of or suitable for song; characterized by a continuous, pleasing flow.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • Her beautiful singing filled the concert hall. (The act of producing vocal music created a beautiful sound in the hall.)
  • He takes lessons to improve his singing. (He takes lessons to improve his skill in vocal music.)
  • The witness's testimony was the singing that led to the arrest. (The witness's act of disclosing information was the crucial evidence.)

• Adjective:

  • The singing kettle announced that the water was boiling. (The kettle made a smooth, flowing, melodious sound.)
  • She spoke in a singing voice that was very calming. (She spoke with a voice quality that was melodious and smooth.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be in fine singing voice": To be singing particularly well at a given time.
  • The soprano was in fine singing voice for the evening's performance.
• "All-singing, all-dancing" (Idiomatic): Used to describe something (often technology) that has many advanced and impressive features.
  • They bought the all-singing, all-dancing new model of the smartphone. (This idiom uses "singing" metaphorically, not referring to vocal music.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sing (v): To produce musical tones with the voice.
• Singer (n): A person who sings.
• Song (n): A short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung.
• Sing-song (adj/n): (As adjective) Having a repeated rising and falling rhythm. (As noun) Informal singing or chanting.

Synonyms

• Vocalizing: Producing sound with the voice.
• Chanting: Repeating a phrase or song rhythmically.
• Caroling: Singing festive songs, especially Christmas carols.
• Warbling: Singing with trills, runs, or other embellishments (often used for birds).

Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs

• Sing along: To sing together with a performer or a recording.
  • The audience loved to sing along to the chorus.
• Sing out: To sing or call out loudly and clearly.
  • If you know the answer, don't be shy—just sing out!
• Sing someone's/something's praises: To praise someone or something highly and enthusiastically.
  • She is always singing the praises of her new teacher.

Related Idioms

• For a song: For a very low price.
  • He bought that vintage chair for a song at the flea market. (This idiom is distantly related, originating from the low price a street singer might be paid.)
• It's not over until the fat lady sings: It's not finished until the very end (originating from opera, where a large soprano often has the final aria).
  • We're losing now, but remember, it's not over until the fat lady sings.

Adjective

1. smooth and flowing

Noun

1. disclosing information or giving evidence about another
2. the act of singing vocal music