homophonic

American  

[hom-uh-fon-ik, hoh-muh-] / ˌhɒm əˈfɒn ɪk, ˌhoʊ mə- /

adjective

1. having the same sound.

2. Music. having one part or melody predominating (polyphonic ).

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homophonic British  

/ ˌhɒməˈfɒnɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to homophony

2. of or relating to music in which the parts move together rather than independently

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Other Word Forms

• homophonically adverb

Etymology

Origin of homophonic

1875–80; < Greek homóphōn ( os ) ( homophonous ) + -ic

Explanation

Two words or names that sound the same are homophonic. For example, the words threw and through are homophonic. Surprisingly, the Irish surnames Maher, Marr, and Meagher are also homophonic when pronounced the Irish way — all three sound like mar! Homophonic has another meaning in music. It describes a piece that has a single main melody line, with or without accompaniment by other voices or instruments. This is in contrast to polyphonic music, which has more than one melody line of equal importance. Homophonic ultimately comes from the Greek roots homo-, meaning "the same," and phonos, "sound."

Example Sentences

The letters used what’s known as a homophonic cipher, the researchers explain in a study published on Tuesday in the journal Cryptologia.

From Scientific American • Feb. 8, 2023

Enough to say that Locke’s homophonic title, “Gilt,” alludes both to the gold paint with which his sculptures are covered and to the politically instrumental uses and misuses of art over centuries.

From New York Times • Sep. 15, 2022

It’s all mostly homophonic, with every singer on the same page, but yet an individual amassing into a whole.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2021

Marcus begins the anthology reflecting on the homophonic nature of “riding” and “writing.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 3, 2021

Music that is mostly homophonic can become temporarily polyphonic if an independent countermelody is added.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones