cho·rus / ˈkôrəs/ • n. (pl. -rus·es) 1. a large organized group of singers, esp. one that performs together with an orchestra or opera company. ∎  a group of singers or dancers performing together in a supporting role in a stage musical or opera. ∎  a piece of choral music, esp. one forming part of a larger work such as an opera or oratorio. ∎  a part of a song that is repeated after each verse, typically by more than one singer. ∎  a simple song for group singing, esp. in informal Christian worship.2. (in ancient Greek tragedy) a group of performers who comment on the main action, typically speaking and moving together. ∎  a simultaneous utterance of something by many people: a growing chorus of complaint. ∎  a single character who speaks the prologue and other linking parts of the play, esp. in Elizabethan drama. ∎  a section of text spoken by the chorus in drama. ∎  a device used with an amplified musical instrument to give the impression that more than one instrument is being played: [as adj.] a chorus pedal. • v. (-rused, -rus·ing) [tr.] (of a group of people) say the same thing at the same time: they chorused a noisy amen.

chorus In Greek tragedy, the choros danced and chanted commentary. Today, a chorus refers to a group of voices. Major works with chorus parts include cantatas, operas and oratorios. See also choir

chorus.
1. See choir or chorus.

2. Old name for bagpipe.

3. Old str. instr.—generally the crwth.

chorus in ancient Greek tragedy, a group of performers who comment on the main action, typically speaking and moving together; a single character who speaks the prologue and other linking parts of the play, especially in Elizabethan drama.

The word is recorded from the mid 16th century (denoting a character speaking the prologue and epilogue in a play and serving to comment on events), and comes via Latin from Greek khoros.

Chorus

a company of singers; a simultaneous outburst of speech. See also carol, choir.

Examples: chorus of bad language; of complaints; of conversation, 1845; of Greek actors; of laughter; of planets, 1660; of porpoises, 1698; of singers, 1656.