Definition

A type of poem or song that celebrates a bride and groom, often performed at weddings.

Example

The couple chose a beautiful epithalamium to be read during their wedding ceremony.

Conversation

Did you hear about the wedding next week?

Yeah, I heard they’re planning to have an epithalamium at the reception.

That sounds beautiful; I love when they include special songs.

Me too! It's such a nice way to celebrate the couple.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epithalamium is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or at) and "thalamos" (meaning chamber or bridal chamber in Greek). The word refers to a song or poem sung in honor of a bride and groom, typically performed at the entrance to the bridal chamber.

Memory Tip

Think of a song performed 'upon' ('epi-') entering the 'bridal chamber' ('thalamos') to remember that an epithalamium is a wedding song.

Visually Confused Words