chorus

/ˈkɔrəs/

/ˈkɔrəs/

Other forms: choruses; chorused; chorussed; chorusing; chorussing

A chorus is a group of singers or that catchy part of a song that repeats several times.

In ancient Greek tragedies, a khoros was a group of people that spoke in unison about the actions of the characters. And that's where we got the word chorus, which usually refers to a group of singers or performers, or the refrain of a song when a group of vocalists joins a soloist. A chorus of groans may follow a teacher's announcement of an upcoming test, which means that the entire class voices its dismay at the same time.

Definitions of chorus

1. noun

   a company of actors who comment (by speaking or singing in unison) on the action in a classical Greek play
   synonyms: Greek chorus

   type of:

   company, troupe

   an organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical)
2. noun

   a group of people assembled to sing together
   types:

   choir

   a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony

   type of:

   musical group, musical organisation, musical organization

   an organization of musicians who perform together
3. noun

   a body of dancers or singers who perform together
   synonyms: chorus line

   types:

   corps de ballet, ensemble

   the chorus of a ballet company

   type of:

   line

   a formation of people or things one beside another
4. noun

   the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
   synonyms: refrain

   types:

   tra-la, tra-la-la

   a set of nonsensical syllables used while humming a refrain

   type of:

   music

   an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
5. noun

   any utterance produced simultaneously by a group
   “a chorus of boos”

   type of:

   sound

   the sudden occurrence of an audible event
6. verb

   sing in a choir
   synonyms: choir

   type of:

   sing

   produce tones with the voice
7. verb

   utter in unison
   “`yes,' the children chorused”

   type of:

   emit, let loose, let out, utter

   express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)