noun ·2 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   A form of monophonic chant in unison using the Gregorian scale, sung in various Christian churches. countable, uncountable
2. 2
   (Roman Catholic Church) a liturgical chant consisting of a single, unaccompanied melodic line wordnet
3. 3
   A cantus firmus or theme chosen for contrapuntal treatment; so called because often an actual fragment of plain-song. countable, uncountable
4. 4
   The simple notes of an air, without ornament or variation. countable, uncountable
5. 5
   A plain unvarnished statement, without exaggeration. broadly, countable, uncountable

Synonyms

All synonyms

plainchantgregorian chant

Etymology

From plain + song, calque of Latin cantus planus.

Related phrases

gregorian chantgregorian scale

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.