al·la breve | \ ˌa-lə-ˈbrev 
, ˌä-lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)vā \
, ˌä-lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)vā \Definition of alla breve
(Entry 1 of 2)
: the sign marking a piece or passage to be played alla breve also : a passage so marked
alla breve
adverb or adjectiveDefinition of alla breve (Entry 2 of 2)
: in duple or quadruple time with the beat represented by the half note
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on alla breve
What made you want to look up alla breve? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share alla breve
Time Traveler for alla breve
The first known use of alla breve was circa 1731
See more words from the same year