arpeggiation

American  

[ahr-pej-ee-ey-shuhn] / ɑrˌpɛdʒ iˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the writing or playing of arpeggios.

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Etymology

Origin of arpeggiation

First recorded in 1885–90; arpeggi(o) + -ation

Example Sentences

The pianist pauses, takes a preparatory breath, then with the left hand gently plays the notes of a chord, one after another, in a manner called arpeggiation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Warren: The arpeggiation in “Ordinary” — I’ll shut up about this song eventually — everyone thinks it’s a harp, but it’s a rubber bridge guitar.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

Now he composes his own pieces, often using more arpeggiation, which involves spreading out chords instead of playing them simultaneously.

From Washington Post • Jul. 27, 2019

It was expressed subtly in the opening of the Brahms, when Ms. Uchida reached the end of her phrase but continued to rock gently in time to the undulating arpeggiation in the strings.

From New York Times • Jul. 24, 2018

I'm currently stuck on basic power chords—thankfully, you can slow the lessons down while you practice—but I could eventually work my way up to major and minor seventh chords and arpeggiation.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2010