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Music vocabulary · Melody, Form and Songwriting

Chorus

Meaning in music, with examples

/ˈkɔːrəs/nounCore term

In music, chorus means: The section of a song that repeats with the same words and melody, usually the catchiest part and the one that contains the song's main message or title.

In Turkish: nakarat

How it is used

Songwriters talk about a strong, big or catchy chorus; producers make the chorus 'lift' or 'hit harder'. The short section that builds up to it is the 'pre-chorus'. In rehearsal: 'Let's go straight to the chorus'.

Example sentences

  1. The chorus needs to lift, so let's bring in the strings and double the vocals.

  2. Everyone in the crowd was singing the chorus by the end of the show.

Common collocations

  • catchy chorus
  • pre-chorus
  • final chorus
  • sing the chorus
  • double chorus
  • verseA section of a song that tells the story or develops the idea. Verses usually share the same melody but have different words each time.
  • bridgeA contrasting section of a song, usually heard once after the second chorus, that brings new chords or a new melody before the final chorus.
  • melodyA sequence of single notes that forms a recognisable musical line, often the part that people remember and sing along to.
  • lyricsThe words of a song. The person who writes them is a lyricist, and the words are protected by copyright just like the music.
  • riffA short, catchy musical phrase that is repeated many times, often on guitar, bass or keyboard, and becomes the signature idea of a song.

More terms: Melody, Form and Songwriting

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