crooning

[/ˈkruːnɪŋ/]
noun/verb (gerund/present participle)
cantarolar, cantar em tom suave
1. singing in a soft, gentle, and sentimental manner, often in a low voice
The singer was crooning a love song to the audience.
O cantor estava cantarolando uma música de amor para o público.
2. making a soft, murmuring sound; humming contentedly
She was crooning to the baby to help it fall asleep.
Ela estava cantarolando para o bebê para ajudá-lo a adormecer.
3. the act or practice of singing popular songs in a smooth, intimate style
Crooning was popular in the 1930s and 1940s with singers like Frank Sinatra.
O cantarolar era popular nos anos 1930 e 1940 com cantores como Frank Sinatra.
Crooning is historically associated with American popular music from the 1930s-1950s, exemplified by singers like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. In Brazil, 'cantarolar' is often associated with bossa nova, samba, and romantic serenades. The term carries connotations of intimacy, nostalgia, and emotional expression in both cultures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
singing softlyhummingwarblingcooingserenading
Antonyms / Antônimos
shoutingscreamingbellowingroaring

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cantarolar, cantar em tom suave
most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cantarolando, serenata
associated with bossa nova and romantic traditions
São Paulo
cantarolar, murmúrio melódico
used in more formal or artistic contexts
Portugal
cantar em tom suave, sussurrar melodiosamente
less commonly used; European Portuguese prefers 'cantar em voz baixa'

Related Words

crooncroonermelodyvocalistserenadeballadlullaby

Related Idioms & Phrases

croon a tune
croon a lullaby
croon to someone's ear
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