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

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 sang Beatles songs in perfect pitch and shrieked in glee whenever a lighthouse came into view.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 31, 2023

“A year of missed birthdays and holidays, school plays, soccer games, just that smile. A year of everyday joy is gone forever. The bend of his smile, the perfect pitch of her laugh.”

From New York Times • May 24, 2023

He could remember the toughest calculus formulas and had nearly perfect pitch as a musician, but he literally could not remember to put his pants on.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride