la

la · noun/interjection

imported

Definitions

noun/interjection

  1. 1.

    (Music) The sixth note of the major scale in solmization (solfege), corresponding to the note A in the key of C major.

  2. 2.

    The syllable used to represent this note in sight-singing.

  3. 3.

    Used in singing as a syllable for vocalization, especially when words are forgotten or not needed.

  4. 4.

    (Archaic, British) An exclamation expressing surprise or emphasis.

Forms

plural: las

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    la-di-da — pretentious or snobbish (also "la-dee-da")
  • •
    tra-la-la — carefree singing or expression of happiness
  • •
    la la land — a state of being out of touch with reality

Related words

See also: do, mi, music, re, sol
Synonyms: A (note name)

Etymology

From Medieval Latin, taken from the first syllable of "labii" in the hymn "Ut queant laxis," used by Guido of Arezzo in the 11th century to create the solmization system. The syllable names were derived from the initial syllables of each line of the hymn.