First Known Use: 1501
Dictionary
elegy
noun el·e·gy \ˈe-lə-jē\
: a sad poem or song : a poem or song that expresses sorrow for someone who is dead
plural el·e·gies
Full Definition of ELEGY
1
: a poem in elegiac couplets
2
a : a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who is dead b : something (as a speech) resembling such a song or poem
3
a : a pensive or reflective poem that is usually nostalgic or melancholy b : a short pensive musical composition
See elegy defined for English-language learners
See elegy defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ELEGY
Latin elegia poem in elegiac couplets, from Greek elegeia, elegeion, from elegos song of mourning
Learn More About ELEGY
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up elegy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).