whole step

American  

noun

Music.

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

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Etymology

Origin of whole step

First recorded in 1895–1900

Compare meaning

How does whole-step compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• whole step vs. half step

Example Sentences

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

You can’t get a whole step; maybe you can get a half-step.

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2011

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

Start with pieces written in C, and play them only a half step or whole step lower or higher than written.

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