sheet music

American  

noun

1. music printed on unbound sheets of paper.

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sheet music British  

noun

1. the printed or written copy of a short composition or piece, esp in the form of unbound leaves

2. music in its written or printed form

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Etymology

Origin of sheet music

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

It was the first sheet music to sell more than one million copies and became a global phenomenon, translated into numerous other languages.

From The Wall Street Journal

In place of sheet music, he had a novel propped up.

From Literature

Before Armstrong became popular, most people would sing songs strictly as written, following the melody, rhythm and lyrics outlined on the sheet music.

From The Wall Street Journal

Growing up in Iowa, he was drawn to the sheet music of Broadway songs on his family piano, and with the help of a great teacher he won a spot at Juilliard.

From Los Angeles Times

“The German authorities at Auschwitz I”—the main camp of the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex—“had a good knowledge of classical music and incurred considerable costs to acquire musical instruments, scores and sheet music.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• songbook