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whole step

American  

noun

Music.
  1. an interval of two semitones, as A-B or B-C♯; a major second.


Etymology

Origin of whole step

First recorded in 1895–1900

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is a half step where a whole step is needed.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2023

“This could be a whole step forward for understanding magmatism—and the global composition of the bulk Earth.”

From Science Magazine • May 25, 2023

When I get to a point where I got to go more than a whole step down, it’s probably time to hang it up.

From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2018

Professorial but also constructive and collegial, he offered tips for improving a trill, the quicksilver oscillation of notes a half or a whole step apart.

From New York Times • Jul. 3, 2010

Transpose C parts up one whole step for B flat instruments.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

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