Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

plainsong

/plˈeɪnsˌɔŋ/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.75 in modern English

Syllables: plain-song
IPA: /plˈeɪnsˌɔŋ/

12

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A form of monophonic chant in unison using the Gregorian scale, sung in various Christian churches.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A cantus firmus or theme chosen for contrapuntal treatment; so called because often an actual fragment of plain-song.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

The simple notes of an air, without ornament or variation.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A plain unvarnished statement, without exaggeration.

Countable; Uncountable

Etymology

From plain + song, calque of Latin cantus planus.

Usage

Inflected Forms

plainsongs (plural) plain song (alternative) plain-song (alternative)

Phrases

Gregorian chant

Frequently Paired Words

Gregorian chant

Synonyms

plainchant

Questions

How do you pronounce plainsong?: The recorded pronunciation is /plˈeɪnsˌɔŋ/.
What does plainsong mean?: A form of monophonic chant in unison using the Gregorian scale, sung in various Christian churches.
Where does plainsong come from?: From plain + song, calque of Latin cantus planus.

How to pronounce plainsong

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “plainsong”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/plˈeɪnsˌɔŋ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “plainsong”.
Repeat and practice — Say “plainsong” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.