-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
time signature
noun
: a sign used in music to indicate meter and usually written as a fraction with the bottom number indicating the kind of note used as a unit of time and the top number indicating the number of units in each measure
Examples of time signature in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Everything is off-balance, including the time signature, which is in 5/4.
—
Nate Jones, Vulture, 20 May 2024
Most of the track is in 5/4 [time signature], which is a very unusual time.
—
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2024
Though there are notable variations (the former is in a minor key, for example, and follows a different time signature), the melodies of the main themes are nearly identical.
—
Stephen Cox, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024
He’s unfailingly forged his own path, characterized by rambunctious psychedelic sounds and unconventional time signatures that have led to some pretty epic mosh pits in a live setting, regardless of the venue.
—
Holly Alvarado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for time signature ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-08-15--15-22-11-hrh2al/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'time signature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1875, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to time signature
Dictionary Entries Near time signature
Cite this Entry
“Time signature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time%20signature. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
time signature
noun
: a sign used to indicate musical meter and usually written with one number above another with the bottom number indicating the kind of note used as a unit of time and the top number indicating the number of these units in each measure
More from Merriam-Webster on time signature
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about time signature
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share