What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lullaby
Example
The mother sang a lullaby to her baby to help him fall asleep. [lullaby: noun]
Example
The sound of the waves crashing on the shore was like a lullaby, lulling me into a peaceful state. [lulling: verb]
serenade
Example
He serenaded his girlfriend with a love song on the guitar. [serenaded: past tense verb]
Example
The band gave a serenade to the audience, playing their most popular songs. [serenade: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lullaby is more commonly used than serenade in everyday language. Lullabies are a common part of many cultures and are often sung to children to help them sleep. Serenades are less common and are usually associated with romantic gestures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lullaby and serenade?
Serenade is typically associated with a more formal tone, while lullaby is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.