Encore

/ˈɒŋkɔːr/

nounBeginner📊CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A repeated or additional performance at the end of a concert or play, given in response to audience demand.

/ˈɒŋkɔːr/

nounneutralBeginner
Action

A demand from an audience for a repetition or additional performance.

The audience demanded an encore after the singer's powerful performance.

💡 Simply: An 'encore' is when the audience loves a show so much that they yell for the performers to do it again! Imagine you really loved a song at a concert, and you shout 'encore!' to hear it again.

👶 For kids: When you clap and shout 'again!' after a show because you want to see more!

More Examples

2

The band played several encores before the end of the concert.

3

The comedian received a standing ovation and had to come back for an encore.

How It's Used

Performing Arts

"The crowd roared for an encore after the violinist's stunning solo."

Music Concerts

"The band played three encores before finally leaving the stage."

2

To demand or request an encore.

/ɒŋˈkɔːr/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To call for a repetition or additional performance.

The audience encores the band after their performance.

💡 Simply: To 'encore' someone is to shout out 'encore!' to make them come back and do more! Like when you cheer for your favorite band to play another song at a concert.

👶 For kids: To yell 'again!' after a show because you want to see more!

More Examples

2

After the amazing dance performance, the crowd encores the dancers.

3

They encores the violinist with cheers.

How It's Used

Performing Arts

"The enthusiastic audience began to encore the opera singers."

Music Concerts

"The fans encores the band with chants and applause."

Tip:Picture the audience yelling 'encore!' to remember the verb form.

Idioms & expressions

Call for an encore

To demand a repeat performance by shouting 'encore'.

"The audience called for an encore after the pianist's beautiful piece."

From French, literally 'again, once more'. It is derived from the Italian word 'ancora' (again, still). Initially used in opera and theater to request a repeat performance.

The term 'encore' gained popularity in the 19th century, primarily in the context of opera and theater performances. It was used as a written prompt in theater scripts.

Memory tip

Think of 'more, more' to remember an encore is a request for another performance.

Word Origin

LanguageFrench
Original meaning

"again, once more"

demand an encorecall for an encoreplay an encorereceive an encore

Common misspellings

enchorenkorankor

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written