clef

American  

[klef] / klɛf /

noun

Music.

clefs plural

1. a symbol placed upon a staff to indicate the name and pitch of the notes corresponding to its lines and spaces.

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clef British  

/ klɛf /

noun

1. one of several symbols placed on the left-hand side beginning of each stave indicating the pitch of the music written after it See also alto clef bass clef C clef soprano clef tenor clef treble clef

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• clefs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of clef

1570–80; < Middle French < Latin clāvis key

Example Sentences

She soon found herself onstage at the Treble Clef bar and cafe, harmonizing with the band on folk songs like “Down by the Riverside” and “Banks of the Ohio.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 11, 2022

Clef eventually changed its name to Verve; about the same time, Mr. Ostin changed his name as well.

From New York Times • Aug. 1, 2022

In the late 1950s, Sinatra tried to buy Verve Records, which had taken over Clef.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2022

Carla Washington of Philadelphia’s Clef Club who is a friend of the family says Alexander died Aug. 31.

From Washington Times • Sep. 6, 2019

Henry crosses the Sea: lands at Clef de Caus: lays Siege to Harfleur.

From Henry of Monmouth, Volume 2 Memoirs of Henry the Fifth by Tyler, James Endell

Related Words

• conceive
• design
• devise
• form
• invent
• orchestrate
• pen
• produce
• set up
• write