perfect pitch

American  

noun

1. absolute pitch.

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perfect pitch British  

noun

1. another name (not in technical usage) for absolute pitch

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Etymology

Origin of perfect pitch

First recorded in 1945–50

Compare meaning

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

• perfect pitch vs. relative pitch

Example Sentences

“He has perfect pitch and he’s singing so great, where he gets the power I don’t know.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

For prosecutors, as McAfee once was, the opinion sings in perfect pitch about their special responsibilities to the judicial system:

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2024

He falls into a trance as he gently chisels the back of a violin’s front piece, measuring the thickness with an instrument to achieve perfect pitch.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2024

You would have to hear it yourself to believe the perfect pitch, the harmony parts, how the volume rolled up and down.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd