ditty

noun

ˈdi-tē How to pronounce ditty (audio)
Definition of dittynext
as in ballad
a short musical composition for the human voice often with instrumental accompaniment sung a little ditty in a minor key

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ditty The vocal tracks are broken up by instrumental ditties whose cutesiness is almost creepier. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 23 Apr. 2026 The songs, by Randy Newman, are simple but charming little ditties, particularly the ensemble numbers where this makeshift band of misfits express their devotion to one another. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026 To announce the enrollment period, Mamdani released a short-form video on social media with Cardi B launching a 2-K jingle competition, where people can write an original 15 to 30-second ditty urging parents to apply. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 Later, orange lanterns carrying well-wishes floated toward the stars, mingling with the distant strains of Lao ditties from the karaoke machines of the ramshackle bars that lined the banks. — Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ditty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ditty
  1. ballad
  2. song
  3. lyric
  4. jingle
  5. hymn
  6. anthem
Noun
  • Taylor doffed his signature pageboy cap for a humble bow following the soothing ballad.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The first co-write between Henley and Frey was a bona fide cowboy ballad if cowboys kept grand pianos around campfires.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ballad
Noun
  • The latest version includes a handful of unreleased tunes, in addition to the original 2006 songs.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Artists using the library to record, produce and distribute songs is not unheard of.
    — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • Writers were impressed by her ability to infuse emotion into lyrics.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Her lyrics were representative of America throughout different decades, including the changing experiences of women who demanded equality.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of lyric
Noun
  • Decked out in regalia featuring feathers, jingles, beads and colorful fabrics, these dancers from across Californian and North American tribal communities did prayer ceremonies in the Shingle Springs Rancheria’s open-air dance circle.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Our heroine, Allie (Monica Barbaro), is a singer who records commercial jingles for products that treat acne and vaginal dryness (presumably less of a problem, given the current non-state of affairs).
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of jingle
Noun
  • The scholar of religion Friedrich Max Müller (1823–1900) noticed that many Vedic hymns praise different deities using the same superlatives and ascribe to them the same mythological feats.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Avie Lee filled the family's two-room home with music by singing hymns, folk songs and traditional mountain music.
    — Devarrick Turner, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of hymn
Noun
  • If the night had ended after that soaring anthem, few in the heavily female and predominantly middle-aged crowd could have complained.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Those who condemned his protest chose to focus on his kneeling during the anthem — as opposed to the police violence that drove him to do it.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of anthem

Browse Nearby Words

dittos
ditty
ditty bag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ditty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ditty. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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