Burden Definition & Meaning

burden
noun
  1. an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of responsibility"; "that's a load off my mind"
  2. weight to be borne or conveyed
  3. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
  4. the central idea that is expanded in a document or discourse
verb
  1. weight down with a load
  2. impose a task upon, assign a responsibility to; "He charged her with cleaning up all the files over the weekend"

"Burden" in song lyrics

See how burden is used in real songs:

  • "and list picking from the arrangement under burden"
    Aesop Rock — Spare a Match
  • "But all it's doin is increasing the burden"
    Alexipharmic — Colossus
  • "My cross is heavy, I carry it, this is my burden"
    Annakin Slayd f/ Killah Priest — Walkin' the Line

Usage tips for "burden"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "burden" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for burden to find words that pair well.

Use "burden" in a verse

Now that you know what "burden" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Look up another word