Serenade
/ˌsɛrəˈneɪd/noun
A musical performance given in someone’s honor, often in the evening or outdoors.
Did you know?Serenade entered English through Italian and French from a root tied to 'serene'—the calm evening sky—because these songs were originally associated with performing at dusk or night.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
serenus
“clear, calm, bright, unclouded”
Old French
Old French
seren
“clear, calm; evening, nightfall”
Italian
Italian
serenata
“a song performed in the evening”
16th Century
French
sérénade
“an evening song or musical tribute”
17th Century
English
serenade
“a song sung outdoors, especially in the evening, often to honor or court someone”
Modern English
English
serenade
“a musical tribute or romantic evening performance”