singing
UK[ˈsɪŋɪŋ]US[ˈsɪŋɪŋ]
n
the activity of performing songs with the voice
n
the melodious sounds made by a bird or other animal
Etymology
the word 'singing' originates from the old english verb 'singan', which meant 'to chant, sing, or recite a poem'. this old english term is derived from the proto-germanic 'sengwan', a verb with the same meaning. the proto-germanic root can be traced further back to the proto-indo-European 'sengwh-', meaning 'to sing, make an incantation'. the modern form 'singing' combines the core verb with the '-ing' suffix, which in this case forms a gerund or present participle, transforming the action into a noun denoting the activity or art itself.
Analysis
the word 'singing' is a present participle and verbal noun formed from the verb 'sing' by adding the suffix '-ing'. the verb 'sing' is a simplex word of old english origin.
Examples
her beautiful singing captivated the entire audience.
the singing of the choir filled the cathedral with sound.
i could hear the birds singing outside my window at dawn.