Dirge
/dɜːrdʒ/
Definitions
A mournful song, piece of music, or poem of lamentation, typically one performed at a funeral or memorial service.
/dɜːrdʒ/
A lament for the dead.
The orchestra played a slow, mournful dirge.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super sad song they play at a funeral. It's all about remembering someone who has passed away. It's like a musical hug that expresses the sadness of loss.
👶 For kids: A sad song that people sing when someone they love dies.
More Examples
The poet wrote a dirge to commemorate the soldiers lost in battle.
The mournful dirge echoed through the chapel.
How It's Used
"The poem was a mournful dirge for a fallen hero."
"The funeral service featured a somber dirge played on the organ."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sing a dirge
To express or perform a mournful lament.
"The novelist sings a dirge for the lost innocence of his characters."
From Latin *dirige* (imperative of *dirigere* 'to direct'), the first word of a Latin antiphon in the Office for the Dead. Related to 'direct' and 'dare'.
Historically, dirges were specifically associated with funeral rites and often sung in Latin or the vernacular languages as part of religious services.
Memory tip
Think of a funeral march. The 'dirge' is the sad song that goes with it.
Word Origin
"To direct (as in prayer)"