Chant
/tʃænt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo sing or say rhythmically and repeatedly, often in a group.
/tʃænt/
To repeat or sing a rhythmic phrase, often in a group.
The fans chanted their team's name.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of people at a sports game yelling the same phrase over and over again – that's chanting! It's like a rhythmic song, but you don't need musical instruments.
👶 For kids: Saying the same thing again and again in a song-like way.
More Examples
The monks chanted prayers during the service.
How It's Used
"The monks chanted prayers throughout the night."
"The crowd chanted the team's name enthusiastically."
A rhythmic repetition of words or phrases, often sung or spoken in unison.
/tʃænt/
A rhythmic, repetitive phrase, often sung or spoken in unison.
The protesters chanted slogans.
💡 Simply: A chant is like a song that repeats the same words or phrase over and over again, often sung by a group of people together, like a cheering squad.
👶 For kids: A song that repeats the same words.
More Examples
The choir sang a beautiful chant.
How It's Used
"The protest was marked by a powerful chant against injustice."
"The song began with a haunting chant."
Idioms & expressions
chant down Babylon
To actively oppose or challenge a powerful and oppressive system or authority.
"The activists chanted down Babylon, fighting for social justice."
From Old French *chanter, from Latin cantare "to sing".
Chanting has been a part of religious and ceremonial practices for centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a 'chant' as a rhythmic 'song' repeated many times.