a cappella

American  

[ah kuh-pel-uh, ah kahp-pel-lah] / ˌɑ kəˈpɛl ə, ˌɑ kɑpˈpɛl lɑ /

adverb

Music.

1. Sometimes acappella without instrumental accompaniment.

2. in the style of church or chapel music.

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a cappella British  

/ ɑː kəˈpɛlə /

adjective

1. music without instrumental accompaniment

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a cappella Cultural  

1. Choral singing performed without instruments. The expression means “in chapel style” in Italian. Centuries ago, religious music composed for use in chapels — which, unlike large churches, had no organs — was usually for voices only.

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Etymology

Origin of a cappella

First recorded in 1875–80; from Italian: literally, “in the manner of a chapel (choir)”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

a cappella

The atmosphere softened for an a cappella version of 'Grace', the well-known Irish ballad linked to the 1916 Easter Rising, before the national anthem rang out.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026

Earlier in the day, Hill and Jean surprised fans with a pop-up appearance in London's Piccadilly Circus, performing an a cappella rendition of Ready or Not.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

He along with Houston co-star and producer Kevin Costner argued for an a cappella beginning and slow build.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

The first thing Seyfried recorded in studio was an a cappella song for a scene late in the film — the lyric is “How can I but love my dear faithful children?”

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 24, 2025

“I quit the a cappella group,” I hear her say.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein