time signature

American  

noun

Music.

1. a numerical or other indication at the beginning of a piece showing the meter.

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time signature British  

noun

1. music a sign usually consisting of two figures, one above the other, the upper figure representing the number of beats per bar and the lower one the time value of each beat. This sign is placed after the key signature at the outset of a piece or section of a piece

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Etymology

Origin of time signature

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

time signature

“This is more like a six than a compound four,” Newman-Lessler said, referring to the segment’s tricky time signature.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2023

By “that” I meant the time signature changes, the instrumentation, and the unpredictable chords that allowed the melody to flow over them and carry the power of Warwick’s performance downstream.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 10, 2023

As she sings, her vocals occupy a different time signature to the rhythm track, creating a destabilising dissonance that heightens the sense of unease.

From BBC ● Feb. 1, 2022

Just listen to “The Temple,” its feverish 7/4 time signature is a nod to Prokofiev’s equally tumultuous seventh piano sonata, with nary a beat to take a breath.

From New York Times ● Oct. 12, 2021

For example, in a 2/4 time signature, there are two beats in a measure with the quarter note receiving one beat or one count.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin