1. a French song, especially a lyrical or popular song
2. a type of French medieval lyric poetry set to music
Usage: historical; literary

Examples

• The café featured live performances of traditional French chansons.
• She learned to sing several beautiful chansons during her time in Paris.
• The medieval chanson told stories of courtly love and chivalry.
• His favorite chanson was performed by Édith Piaf.
• The music class studied the structure of 12th-century chansons.
• The singer’s repertoire included both modern and classical chansons.