polyphony

noun

po·​lyph·​o·​ny pə-ˈli-fə-nē How to pronounce polyphony (audio)
: a style of musical composition employing two or more simultaneous but relatively independent melodic lines : counterpoint

Examples of polyphony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Simultaneity in music substitutes a polyphony of chords instead of a linear succession—the kind of effect pursued in many of the works on display. Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019 The polyphony of the ports produced a music that was richer and more complex than the segmented high and low musics of the metropolitan capitals, the isolated musics of rural peasantries, or those of the single-class mining and mill towns dominated by an industrial logic. Michael Denning, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2015 Thus these colonial ports were not only a counterpoint of products but a polyphony of peoples, elaborately distinguished by color, caste, language, and religion. Michael Denning, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2015 Even when its juxtapositions appear strained, various individual paintings gain new light—and hue—in this exhibition’s vibrant polyphony. Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for polyphony 

Word History

Etymology

Greek polyphōnia variety of tones, from polyphōnos having many tones or voices, from poly- + phōnē voice — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyphony was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near polyphony

Cite this Entry

“Polyphony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyphony. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

polyphony

noun
po·​lyph·​o·​ny pə-ˈlif-ə-nē How to pronounce polyphony (audio)
: music consisting of two or more independent but harmonious melodies
polyphonic
ˌpäl-i-ˈfän-ik
adjective

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