étude

[ ey-tood, ey-tyood, ey-tood, ey-tyood; French ey-tyd ]

noun

, plural é·tudes [ey, -toodz, ey, -tyoodz, ey-, toodz, ey-, tyoodz, ey-, tyd].

1. a musical composition, usually instrumental, intended mainly for the practice of some point of technique.
2. study ( def 12 ).

étude

/ etyd; ˈeɪtjuːd /

noun

1. a short musical composition for a solo instrument, esp one designed as an exercise or exploiting technical virtuosity

Word History and Origins

Origin of étude¹

From French, dating back to 1830–40; study

Word History and Origins

Origin of étude¹

C19: from French: study

Example Sentences

Each étude must also be transposed, for it would never do to play an étude twice in the same key for my father.

From Project Gutenberg

In this étude he doubled the number of sixths in each measure; the effect was wonderful and beautiful.

From Project Gutenberg

I forget what it was—but his manner was very short and dignified, and he walked away very stiffly towards the door of the étude.

From Project Gutenberg

She has composed several piano suites and a concert étude, besides a number of successful songs.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a Carlylesque étude on Spedding, written from dictation by his niece, but signed by the man himself in a breaking hand.

From Project Gutenberg