singing-man

A singing-man performs a song on a small stage.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A male singer: "singing-man" refers to a man who sings, especially as a performer or in a professional capacity. This term is somewhat archaic or formal in modern usage.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The choir was led by a talented singing-man from the local church. (A male singer leading a group.)
  • In medieval times, a singing-man often performed at courtly events. (A professional male vocalist in a historical context.)

Advanced Usage

• "singing-man" as a historical role: In certain contexts, particularly in church or cathedral settings, a "singing-man" was a layman employed to sing in the choir, distinct from clergy.
  • The cathedral employed several singing-men to enhance the liturgical music. (Lay male singers hired for religious services.)

Variants and Related Words

• Singing-woman (n): a female singer (archaic or gender-specific counterpart).
  • The singing-woman captivated the audience with her voice. (A female performer.)
• Singing (adj/n): the act of producing musical sounds with the voice.
  • Her singing was beautiful. (The art or activity of vocal music.)

Synonyms

• Singer: a person who sings, especially professionally.
• Vocalist: a singer, often used in formal or musical contexts.
• Chorister: a singer in a choir (may be male or female).

Related Idioms

• To be a singing-man: (archaic) to be a professional male singer, often implying a role in a church or court.
  • He was a singing-man in the king's chapel. (He served as a professional male vocalist in a royal religious setting.)

Phrasal Verbs