tala

1 of 2

noun (1)

ta·​la ˈtä-lə 

: one of the ancient traditional rhythmic patterns of South Asian music compare raga

tala

2 of 2

noun (2)

ta·​la ˈtä-lə 

-(ˌ)lä

plural tala or talas

the basic monetary unit of Samoa see Money Table

Examples of tala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

We are introduced to the building blocks of various music traditions, such as the raga and tala in Indian classical music. —John Check, WSJ, 16 Nov. 2023

Both also share certain melodic modes and deviously subdivided rhythmic patterns or cycles — known, respectively, as ragas and talas — that sound distinctly different from each other. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Sanskrit tāla, literally, hand-clapping

Noun (2)

Samoan, from English dollar

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1891, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1967, in the meaning defined above