perfect pitch

American  

noun

1. absolute pitch.

---

perfect pitch British  

noun

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

---

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 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

“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

People with perfect pitch, of course, can play this game forever.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell