nocturne Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a pensive lyrical piece of music (especially for the piano)
    notturno.

WordNet

Noc*turne" noun
Etymology
F. See Nocturn.
Definitions
  1. (Mus.) A night piece, or serenade. The name is now used for a certain graceful and expressive form of instrumental composition, as the nocturne for orchestra in Mendelsohn's "Midsummer-Night's Dream" music.

Webster 1913