chantey

1 of 3

noun (1)

chan·​tey ˈshan-tē How to pronounce chantey (audio) ˈchan- How to pronounce chantey (audio)
variants or chanty or shanty
ˈshan- How to pronounce chantey (audio)
plural chanteys or chanties or shanties
Synonyms of chanteynext
: a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work

shanty

2 of 3

noun (2)

shan·​ty ˈshan- How to pronounce shanty (audio)

variant spelling of chantey

: a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work

shanty

3 of 3

noun (3)

shan·​ty ˈshan-tē How to pronounce shanty (audio)
plural shanties
: a small crudely built dwelling or shelter usually of wood

Synonyms of chantey

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Noun (3)

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Examples of chantey in a Sentence

Noun (3) lived just off the beach in a crude shanty
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Sea chantey TikToks are choral performances that will never see the inside of a concert hall, even if the folks behind them get record deals. — Angela Watercutter, Wired, 12 Apr. 2021 Since 1871, the group has serenaded audiences with folk songs, love songs, show tunes, sea chanteys, and semi-classical music. — Kathy Shiels Tully, BostonGlobe.com, 25 May 2018
Noun
His voice conjured cannons and sea shanties. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 Check out Fishtown, home to historic fishing shanties that now house cool small businesses. — Katy Spratte Joyce, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for chantey

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

modification of French chanter

Noun (3)

probably from Canadian French chantier lumber camp, hut, from French, builder's yard, ways, support for barrels, from Old French chantier, gantier support — more at gantry

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1856, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chantey was in 1820

Rhymes for chantey

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Browse Nearby Words

chanteuse
chantey
chanteyman
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Cite this Entry

“Chantey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chantey. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chantey

noun
chan·​tey
variants or chanty
ˈshant-ē, 
ˈchant-
 or shanty
ˈshant-
plural chanteys or chanties or shanties
: a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work
Etymology

Noun

from French chanter "to sing," derived from Latin canere "to sing" — related to cantata, chant, charm

More from Merriam-Webster on chantey

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chantey

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