1. a type of medieval church music consisting of a single melodic line without harmony, typically sung in unison
Usage: music; religious

Examples

• The monks sang plainsong during the evening service.
• Medieval plainsong forms the foundation of Western church music.
• The cathedral choir performed ancient plainsong melodies.
• Plainsong lacks the complex harmonies found in later musical styles.
• Gregorian chant is the most famous form of plainsong.
• The simple beauty of plainsong creates a meditative atmosphere.