time signature

American  

noun

Music.

1. a numerical or other indication at the beginning of a piece showing the meter.

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time signature British  

noun

1. music a sign usually consisting of two figures, one above the other, the upper figure representing the number of beats per bar and the lower one the time value of each beat. This sign is placed after the key signature at the outset of a piece or section of a piece

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Etymology

Origin of time signature

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

“This is more like a six than a compound four,” Newman-Lessler said, referring to the segment’s tricky time signature.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 5, 2023

The time signature appears to shift and the scale drifts in and out of familiarity.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2023

“That’s why this particular time signature and beat is selected for this song,” he said, referring to the rollicking 6/8 tempo.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2023

By “that” I meant the time signature changes, the instrumentation, and the unpredictable chords that allowed the melody to flow over them and carry the power of Warwick’s performance downstream.

From Washington Post • Feb. 10, 2023

In a 4/4 time signature, there are four beats in a measure, and the quarter note also receives one beat or count.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin