chorus
UK: ˈkɔːrəs | US: ˈkɔːrəs
n. 1. A group of singers performing together, typically in an opera or musical.
n. 2. A repeated refrain or section in a song.
n. 3. (Ancient Greek drama) A group of performers who comment on the main action.
chorus = chor<dance, choir> + us<noun suffix>
- chor (from Greek khoros meaning "dance, choir"): Refers to a group performing in unison, originally linked to circular dances in rituals.
- us (Latin noun suffix): Denotes a collective or state, often used in Latin loanwords.
Etymology Origin:
The word chorus traces back to Greek khoros, which described a circular dance or band of singers/dancers in religious festivals. Adopted into Latin as chorus, it retained its collective performance sense. Over time, it expanded to theatrical and musical contexts, evolving into its modern meanings of a singing group or song refrain. The morpheme chor- preserves the original Greek spelling, while -us reflects Latinization.
The chorus delivered a powerful performance in the opera's finale.
The song's chorus is so catchy that everyone sings along.
In ancient Greek plays, the chorus provided narrative commentary.
She joined the school chorus to improve her singing skills.
The audience clapped when the chorus repeated the uplifting refrain.