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Definition of madrigal

madrigal

/ˈmæd.rɪ.ɡəl/
mad · ri · gal
Plural:madrigals
•
Adjective:madrigalian
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madrigal Lexical Profile

madrigal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A secular polyphonic vocal music composition for several unaccompanied voices, originating in 14th-century Italy and flourishing across Europe during the Renaissance and early Baroque eras.

Example

"The chamber choir performed an intricate sixteenth-century madrigal at the spring concert."

2

A short lyric poem, typically dealing with love or pastoral themes, suitable for being set to music.

Example

"The anthology included a delicate pastoral madrigal written by an Elizabethan court poet."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for madrigal

• Nearby Words

madrassa
madre de dios
madrid
madrigal
madwoman
mae
mae klong

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Italian madrigale, via Medieval Latin matricale ('simple, primitive, or maternal song'), from Latin matrix ('womb' or 'source').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Madrigal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/madrigal
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