coda

noun

co·​da ˈkō-də How to pronounce coda (audio)
1
a
: a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure
b
: a concluding part of a literary or dramatic work
2
: something that serves to round out, conclude, or summarize and usually has its own interest

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New Meaning of CODA

CODA is an abbreviation of child (or children) of deaf adults. It refers to a person who is typically hearing and has one or more parents or guardians who are wholly or partly deaf. Learn more >

Examples of coda in a Sentence

The movie's coda shows the main character as an adult 25 years later.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Arguably the definitive Sabbath song, its unconventional structure somehow combines a slow, doom-laden intro, a stop-start rhythm on the verses, and a classic riff on the instrumental passages that lead into the chorus, and even a coda with a different instrumental section. Monte Conner, Variety, 22 July 2025 After the violence settles, a brief coda reveals where everyone in Eddington ended up. Nate Jones, Vulture, 18 July 2025 Sinner plowed through an ailing Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, in a match that could serve as a sad, unfortunate coda to one of the most remarkable grass careers in tennis history. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 July 2025 As Squid Game marched through its final six episodes to a stunningly dark denouement (including that A-list cameo from Cate Blanchett for the final coda), Myung-gi was there all along, his fate uncertain to the bitter end. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for coda

Word History

Etymology

Italian, literally, tail, from Latin cauda

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of coda was in 1740

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Cite this Entry

“Coda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coda. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

coda

noun
co·​da ˈkōd-ə How to pronounce coda (audio)
: a closing section in a musical composition
Etymology

Italian, literally, "tail," from Latin coda, cauda "tail" — related to coward, cue entry 3, queue see Word History at coward, queue

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