1. secular vocal compositions, typically for several voices without instrumental accompaniment, popular especially in the Renaissance period
Usage: music; plural of madrigal

Examples

• The choir performed beautiful Italian madrigals from the 16th century.
• Renaissance madrigals often featured complex harmonies and poetic texts.
• She studied madrigals by composers like Monteverdi and Palestrina.
• The music class learned to sing traditional English madrigals.
• These madrigals showcase the intricate vocal writing of the period.
• The festival featured performances of both sacred motets and secular madrigals.