What does "rhapsode" mean?

One who performs the poetry of a poet for an audience; not necessarily a writer of poetry.

What is a synonym for "rhapsode"?

Common synonyms include: balladeer, balladmonger, bard, elegist, folk singer, jongleur.

//ˈɹæpˌsoʊd// noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
One who performs the poetry of a poet for an audience; not necessarily a writer of poetry.
"Socrates: And do the Epidaurians have contests of rhapsodes at the festival?"
2
The interpreter of a poem.

"Socrates: And do the Epidaurians have contests of rhapsodes at the festival?"

From Ancient Greek ῥαψῳδός (rhapsōidós).

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