shivaree

noun

shiv·a·ree | \ ˌshi-və-ˈrē

, ˈshi-və-ˌrē\

Definition of shivaree

: a noisy mock serenade to a newly married couple

Other Words from shivaree Did You Know? Learn More about shivaree

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

In 19th century rural America, a newly-married couple might be treated to a mock serenade, performed with pots, pans, homemade instruments, and other noisemakers. Such cacophonous serenades were traditionally considered especially appropriate for second marriages or for unions deemed incongruous because of an age discrepancy or some other cause. In the eastern U.S. this custom, imported from rural England, was simply called a "serenade" or known under various local names. In much of the central U.S. and Canada, however, it was called a "shivaree," a loan from French charivari, which denotes the same folk custom in France. In more recent years, "shivaree" has also developed broader senses; it is sometimes used to mean simply "a cacophony" or "a celebration."

Keep scrolling for more

shivaree

Definition of shivaree

Other Words from shivaree

Did You Know?

First Known Use of shivaree

History and Etymology for shivaree

shivaree

Definition of shivaree

Other Words from shivaree

Did You Know?

First Known Use of shivaree

History and Etymology for shivaree

WORD OF THE DAY