chorus

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːrəs/

noun (plural choruses)

  • 1a part of a song which is repeated after each verse: strong guitar-driven songs with big, big choruses
  • a piece of choral music, especially one forming part of a larger work such as an opera: a selection of choruses from the ‘Messiah’
  • a simple song for group singing in informal Christian worship: a typical service includes several hymns and choruses sung by all
  • 2a large organized group of singers, especially one which performs with an orchestra or opera company: he has words of praise for the RSNO Chorus
  • a group of singers or dancers performing together in a supporting role in a musical or opera: the orchestra lacked polish and the chorus were inclined to rush ahead regardless
  • 3a simultaneous utterance of something by many people: a growing chorus of complaint ‘Good morning,’ we replied in chorus
  • 4(in ancient Greek tragedy) a group of performers who comment together on the main action: Sophocles no longer gave the chorus the major role
  • a single character who speaks the prologue and other linking parts of the play, especially in Elizabethan drama.
  • a section of text spoken by the chorus in drama.
  • 5a device used with an amplified musical instrument to give the impression that more than one instrument is being played: [as modifier]: a chorus pedal

verb (choruses, chorusing, chorused)

[with object]
  • (of a group of people) say the same thing at the same time: [with direct speech]: ‘Morning, Sister,’ the nurses chorused

Origin:

mid 16th century (denoting a character speaking the prologue of a play): from Latin, from Greek khoros

Spelling rule

Add -es to make the plural of nouns that end in -s: (choruses).