triple time

American  

noun

Music.

1. time or rhythm characterized by three beats to the measure with an accent on the first beat.

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triple time British  

noun

1. musical time with three beats in each bar

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Etymology

Origin of triple time

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

The second movement, a galloping scherzo in triple time, was brimming with character, and benefited greatly from Cox’s locomotive approach.

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2022

He exploited time signatures and forms; for “Night Music,” he wrote a waltz, two sarabandes, two mazurkas, a polonaise, an étude and a gigue — nearly an entire score written in permutations of triple time.

From New York Times • Nov. 26, 2021

Her flow — a laid-back drawl that she sometimes smoothed out to a harmonious lilt or speeded up triple time in whiplash fury — stood on its own, inspiring a new generation of female rappers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2017

Then suddenly, Blume, in sandals and a T-shirt with a faint glittery pattern, was tap-dancing, beaming, loose-limbed and quick: double time step, triple time step, triple time step.

From New York Times • May 18, 2015

Outside, in the distance, someone plays a harmonica—a haunting tune in triple time, although I can’t place it.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen