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

There’s perfect pitch, and there’s whatever level of musical genius is possessed by the titular figure in “Tuner.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

“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

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