belt out a song

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformal

   To sing a song loudly and with strong feeling or energy.

   Grammar: The phrase is fixed with out; you belt out a song, not belt a song out. It takes an object.

   Patterns

   • belt out a song
   • belt out a tune
   • belt something out

   She belted out a song at the karaoke bar and everyone clapped.

   The choir belted out a song that filled the whole hall.

   He belted out a song in the car, not caring who heard him.

2. 2phraseidiominformal

   To perform a piece of music with great volume and power, especially in a confident way.

   Grammar: Often used for singers or musicians who sing or play very loudly.

   Patterns

   • belt out a tune
   • belt out a number

   The band belted out a tune that got everyone dancing.

   She belted out a number from the musical and received a standing ovation.

Common combinations

belt out a song

The children belted out a song during the assembly.

belt out a tune

He belted out a tune on the piano, and the room went quiet.

belt out a number

The actress belted out a number from the show.

belt out the lyrics

Everyone belted out the lyrics to the final song.

Synonyms and how they differ

sing loudly

This is a plain, neutral way to say it; belt out a song is more informal and suggests energy and confidence.

croon

Croon means to sing softly and gently, the opposite of belting out a song.

Opposites

Word family

belt verb

To sing or play loudly, often followed by out.

belter noun

A singer with a very loud, powerful voice.

Commonly confused: belt out a song or belt?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “belt out a song”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words