What does "arpeggio" mean?
The notes of a chord played individually instead of simultaneously, usually moving from lowest to highest.
Arpeggio
/ɑɹˈpɛ.d͡ʒi.oʊ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The notes of a chord played individually instead of simultaneously, usually moving from lowest to highest.
- Grammar: arpeggio is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: arpeggiated chord, arpeggiated figure, arpeggios, broken chord.
- Useful contrasts: block chord, simultaneous chord.
- Usage evidence: He struck the opening chords of the passage; but this time Irene's voice was silent. Victor stopped in the middle of an arpeggio.
How to use "arpeggio"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "arpeggio" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "arpeggio" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "arpeggio" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The notes of a chord played individually instead of simultaneously, usually moving from lowest to highest.
"He struck the opening chords of the passage; but this time Irene's voice was silent. Victor stopped in the middle of an arpeggio."
- 2 a chord whose notes are played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously wordnet
Verb
- 1 To play (a chord) as an arpeggio; to play (a piece of music) with arpeggios. transitive
"1819, Abraham Rees (ed.), The Cyclopædia, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown, Volume 14, entry “Fingering on Keyed Instruments,” In practising quick passages, the fingers should be lifted up with a spring, and not allowed to hang on the keys, till wanted again, unless in arpeggioing chords, or in passages of expression."
- 2 To produce arpeggios; to produce sounds resembling arpeggios. intransitive
"Herr Schlitz seated himself on the piano chair, pushed it a little back, drew it a little forward to the original place, looked under the piano at the pedals, took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and hands, and after arpeggioing up and down the keyboard, swung into a waltz of Chopin’s […]"
- 3 To move (the hand or fingers) against a surface as if playing arpeggios on a keyboard; to touch different points in succession along a surface. ambitransitive, figuratively
"Her hand was still arpeggioing softly on his arm."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
block chordsimultaneous chord
Example
"He struck the opening chords of the passage; but this time Irene's voice was silent. Victor stopped in the middle of an arpeggio."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "arpeggio"?
Common synonyms include: arpeggiated chord, arpeggiated figure, arpeggios, broken chord, chord, concord.
How do you use "arpeggio" in a sentence?
He struck the opening chords of the passage; but this time Irene's voice was silent. Victor stopped in the middle of an arpeggio.
How do you pronounce "arpeggio"?
Pronounced /ɑɹˈpɛ.d͡ʒi.oʊ/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian arpeggio, from arpeggiare (“to play a harp”).