sonata

noun

so·​na·​ta sə-ˈnä-tə 

: an instrumental musical composition typically of three or four movements in contrasting forms and keys

Examples of sonata in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adapting Su Tong’s 1990 novel Wives and Concubines, Zhang took a stark tale of female oppression and turned it into a haunting sonata of color, light, composition, mood, and sound, without diluting its slow-burn savagery. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

During his Timucua show, Serrano will perform four sonatas, each from a different century, starting with the 18th century. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

The first officer stood at the front of the 737’s cabin and played the serene, sweet notes of a sonata. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Beethoven has composed many piano sonatas in his life, which have inspired countless concert pianists, teachers, students and listeners. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from sonare to sound, from Latin

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sonata

• sonata form

Rhymes for sonata

• agata
• bharata
• cantata
• costata
• ephrata
• errata
• falcata
• mahratta
• regatta
• serrata
• stigmata
• striata

Kids Definition

sonata

noun

so·​na·​ta sə-ˈnät-ə 

: a piece of music written for instruments and usually having three or four main parts in different styles and different keys

Medical Definition

Sonata

trademark

So·​na·​ta sō-ˈnä-tə 

—used for a preparation of zaleplon