time signature

noun

, Music.

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

time signature

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of time signature¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Described by Momo in Elle as “a sad story about wanting to make the day you break up with someone the best, perfect day,” the track surprises when its pre-chorus switches to a time signature of ¾ to mimic that of waltz music.

From Time

Wagner attains an infinitely greater variety of styles and expression with only two interruptions of his original time signature.

From Project Gutenberg

Prolation, together with tempus, corresponds roughly to the concept of time signature in modern music.

From Project Gutenberg