1. A song used to court somebody, traditionally sung by a man in the evening outside a woman's window, or the performance of such a song: The group of troubadours sang a serenade or a song of love below the queen's balcony at the palace.
2. An instrumental work similar to a sonata, designed for evening outdoor performance by a small ensemble of musicians: Count Rudolfski was famous for the serenades which he composed; especially, the songs of romance that were presented throughout the royal court.
3. Etymology: "musical performance at night in open air"; especially, one given by a lover under the window of his lady; from French sérénade, from Italian serenata, "an evening song".

Literally, "calm sky" from sereno, "the open air"; the noun use of sereno, "clear, calm"; from Latin serenus, "peaceful, calm, serene".

To perform a song of love, extolling romance; especially, in an outdoor setting: Much to Maude's amusement, her lover chose to serenade her while he was still sitting on his horse.