refrain

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /rɪˈfreɪn/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: re‧frain

Noun

Singular refrain

Plural refrains

1. A refrain is part of a song. It is also called the chorus. The words (lyrics) of the refrain are the same words sung over and over after each verse in the song.

   I don't know the words but I can hum along during the refrain.

Verb

Plain form refrain

Third-person singular refrains

Past tense refrained

Past participle refrained

Present participle refraining

1. To refrain means to control or hold back.

   Stop making jokes! Will you refrain yourself?

   He refrained from making jokes during his teacher's farewell speech.