Performance Definition

performance
noun
  1. a dramatic or musical entertainment; "they listened to ten different performances"; "the play ran for 100 performances"; "the frequent performances of the symphony testify to its popularity"
  2. the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment; "we congratulated him on his performance at the rehearsal"; "an inspired performance of Mozart's C minor concerto"
  3. the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it; "they criticised his performance as mayor"; "experience generally improves performance"
  4. any recognized accomplishment; "they admired his performance under stress"; "when Roger Maris powered four home runs in one game his performance merits awe"
  5. process or manner of functioning or operating; "the power of its engine determines its operation"; "the plane's operation in high winds"; "they compared the cooking performance of each oven"; "the jet's performance conformed to high standards"

"Performance" in song lyrics

See how performance is used in real songs:

  • "Now focus the pawn, I been sworn to mic performance"
    1.4.0. Productions f/ Chapel, Wise — Lock N Load
  • "Straight lace Zeniths, rag tops, buckets, high performance"
    415 — Side Show
  • "epidermal assortments; Esoteric torments, your performance"
    7L and Esoteric f/ Beyonder, Virtuoso — Be Alert

Usage tips for "performance"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "performance" 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 performance to find words that pair well.

Look up another word