major scale

American  

noun

Music.

1. a scale consisting of a series of whole steps except for half steps between the third and fourth and seventh and eighth degrees.

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Etymology

Origin of major scale

First recorded in 1865–70

Compare meaning

How does major-scale compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• major scale vs. minor scale

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

major scale

That puts it on a major scale and, if developed, could see a surface mining-and-processing operation that supports alumina production of some 1.8 million tons a year over a 25-year period.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2026

But it had shown little sign of attempting to reignite the conflict on a major scale and renew its challenge to Assad’s rule - until now.

From BBC ● Dec. 2, 2024

There are a few locally funded programs around the state, like King County’s mobile medical van, but nothing on a major scale.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 24, 2020

“I hope to do that on a major scale someday,” James replied.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 20, 2019

The pattern for the minor scale starts a half step plus a whole step lower than the major scale pattern, so a relative minor is always three half steps lower than its relative major.

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