broken chord

American  

noun

Music.

1. arpeggio.

---

broken chord British  

noun

1. music a chord played as an arpeggio

---

Example Sentences

Then it grows small again, a lonely keyboard wandering a broken chord as Bryant’s voiceover admits that his body can only play for so long.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2025

“Giuseppe,” the mother said again, in a soft, broken chord of muted anguish.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

As he listened, he lost his place, the music ended with a broken chord, and the musician sat silent in the dark.

From Little Women by Alcott, Louisa May

Severed—were it severed only By an idle thought of strife, Such as time might knit together; Not the broken chord of life!

From Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other Poems by Aytoun, W. E. (William Edmondstoune)

At the sound of her step, the man turned quickly, the music ending in a broken chord.

From Old Rose and Silver by Reed, Myrtle