chant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone
  2. verb recite with musical intonation; recite as a chant or a psalm
    cantillate; intonate; intone.
    • The rabbi chanted a prayer
  3. verb utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically
    tone; intone.
    • The students chanted the same slogan over and over again

WordNet

Chant transitive verb
Etymology
F. chanter, fr. L. cantare, intens. of canere to sing. Cf. Cant affected speaking, and see Hen.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Chanted; present participle & verbal noun Chanting
Definitions
  1. To utter with a melodious voice; to sing.
    The cheerful birds . . . do chant sweet music. Spenser.
  2. To celebrate in song.
    The poets chant in the theaters. Bramhall.
  3. (Mus.) To sing or recite after the manner of a chant, or to a tune called a chant.
Chant intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make melody with the voice; to sing. "Chant to the sound of the viol." Amos vi. 5.
  2. (Mus.) To sing, as in reciting a chant.
Chant noun
Etymology
F. chant, fr. L. cantus singing, song, fr. canere to sing. See Chant, v. t.
Definitions
  1. Song; melody.
  2. (Mus.) A short and simple melody, divided into two parts by double bars, to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung or recited. It is the most ancient form of choral music.
  3. A psalm, etc., arranged for chanting.
  4. Twang; manner of speaking; a canting tone. R.
    His strange face, his strange chant. Macaulay.

Webster 1913