Rondeau

/ˈɹɑnˌdoʊ/ name, noun

name, noun ·Moderate ·College level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: A fixed form of verse based on two rhyme sounds and consisting usually of 13 lines in three stanzas with the opening words of the first line of the first stanza used as an independent refrain after the second and third stanzas.
  • Grammar: rondeau is listed as name, noun.
  • Nearest alternatives: alba, anacreontic, balada, ballad.
  • Useful contrasts: free verse.
  • Usage evidence: Though we have the English rondels of Occleve and a set of rondeaus in the Rolliad (written by Dr. Lawrence, the friend of Burke, according to Mr. Edmund Gosse, who has given us an admirable essay upon exotic forms of verse), […].

How to use "rondeau"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "rondeau" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "rondeau" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "rondeau" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "rondeau" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

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  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
  • Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.

Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "rondeau" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "alba" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

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Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "rondeau", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A fixed form of verse based on two rhyme sounds and consisting usually of 13 lines in three stanzas with the opening words of the first line of the first stanza used as an independent refrain after the second and third stanzas.

    "Though we have the English rondels of Occleve and a set of rondeaus in the Rolliad (written by Dr. Lawrence, the friend of Burke, according to Mr. Edmund Gosse, who has given us an admirable essay upon exotic forms of verse), […]."

  2. 2
    a French verse form of 10 or 13 lines running on two rhymes; the opening phrase is repeated as the refrain of the second and third stanzas wordnet
  3. 3
    A monophonic song with a two-part refrain.

    "Still should not reference perchance be made to the rondeaus [which?] C. P. E. Bach presented in his last sonata collection?"

  4. 4
    a musical form that is often the last movement of a sonata wordnet
  5. 5
    Synonym of rondeau pan; a shallow pot or pan that can be used for braising.
Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A surname.

Antonyms

free verse

Example

"Though we have the English rondels of Occleve and a set of rondeaus in the Rolliad (written by Dr. Lawrence, the friend of Burke, according to Mr. Edmund Gosse, who has given us an admirable essay upon exotic forms of verse), […]."

Common questions

What does "rondeau" mean?

A fixed form of verse based on two rhyme sounds and consisting usually of 13 lines in three stanzas with the opening words of the first line of the first stanza used as an independent refrain after the second and third stanzas.

What is a synonym for "rondeau"?

Common synonyms include: alba, anacreontic, balada, ballad, ballade, bucolic.

How do you use "rondeau" in a sentence?

Though we have the English rondels of Occleve and a set of rondeaus in the Rolliad (written by Dr. Lawrence, the friend of Burke, according to Mr. Edmund Gosse, who has given us an admirable essay upon exotic forms of verse), […].

How do you pronounce "rondeau"?

Pronounced /ˈɹɑnˌdoʊ/.

Etymology

From Middle French rondeau, from Old French rondel. Doublet of rondo.

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