dirge — a lament for the dead, especially one forming part of a funeral rite
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a lament for the dead, especially one forming part of a funeral rite
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɜːrdʒ/
Example Sentences
- The bagpiper played a haunting dirge as the coffin was lowered into the ground.
- My neighbor's karaoke sounds like a dirge for my eardrums every weekend.
- The wind through the old church bells created a natural dirge.
dirge
NOUN[/dɜːrdʒ/]
a lament for the dead, especially one forming part of a funeral rite

The choir sang a mournful dirge as the coffin was carried through the village.

Dear J gets a dirge - a mournful funeral song

As ocean waves surge, mourning voices merge in a dirge.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'dirige' (imperative form of 'dirigere,' meaning 'to direct'), which was the opening word of the antiphon sung in the Office for the Dead in medieval Christian funeral services.
Breakdown
Latin 'dirige' (direct) → used as the name for the funeral chant → English 'dirge' (a mournful song or lament for the dead)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The bagpiper played a haunting dirge as the coffin was lowered into the ground.”
“My neighbor's karaoke sounds like a dirge for my eardrums every weekend.”
“The wind through the old church bells created a natural dirge.”
“After hearing my cooking attempts, even the smoke alarm joined in with its own electronic dirge.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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