sing out

To call loudly to let someone know you need help or have noticed something.

• Sing out if you need help.
• He sang out when the path was clear.
• Just sing out when you are ready.

How to use it: sing out if/when… (Sing out when you see the boat.); sing out for something (She sang out for help from the roof.)

Similar words: call out, give a shout

Common phrases: sing out for help, sing out when ready

To say or shout something loudly so that people can hear.

• She sang out my name.
• The guard sang out a warning across the yard.
• He sings out a greeting whenever we pass.

How to use it: sing out something (The children sang out a cheerful greeting.)

Similar words: call out, shout, yell

Common phrases: sing out a greeting, sing out someone's name

To begin making music with your voice.

• The children sang out together.
• At dawn, the birds sang out from the trees.
• She suddenly sang out, and the whole choir joined her.

Similar words: start singing, break into song

Opposites: stop singing

Common phrases: sing out a song, sing out together

To suddenly make a loud sound because you are hurt or in pain.

• He sang out in pain.
• She sang out when the stone struck her foot.
• The wounded man suddenly sang out again.

How to use it: sing out in pain (He sang out in pain when the branch hit him.)

Similar words: cry out, yelp

Common phrases: sing out in pain, sing out sharply