treble

²treble

adj

Definition of TREBLE

1

a : having three parts or uses : threefold b : triple in number or amount

2

a : relating to or having the range or part of a treble b : high-pitched, shrill c : of, relating to, or having the range of treble in sound recording and broadcasting <treble frequencies>

— tre·bly \ˈtre-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of TREBLE

1. <the treble shrieks of children at play>
2. <a treble painting, with each panel telling a different part of the Nativity story>

Origin of TREBLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin triplus — more at triple

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TREBLE

Synonyms: high-pitched, piping, screeching, shrieking, squeaking, squeaky, shrill, whistling

Antonyms: bass, deep, grave, low, throaty

Related Words: peeping, thin, tinny; earsplitting, nasal, penetrating, piercing, sharp, strident; squealing, whining, whiny (also whiney), yapping, yelping

Near Antonyms: gruff, hoarse, husky, rough, smoky (also smokey)

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with TREBLE

pebble, rebel