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bass

noun (1)
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\ ˈbas How to pronounce bass (audio) \
plural bass or basses

Definition of bass

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: any of numerous edible marine or freshwater bony fishes (especially families Centrarchidae, Serranidae, and Percichthyidae of the order Perciformes)

bass

adjective
\ ˈbās How to pronounce bass (audio) \

Definition of bass (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : deep or grave in tone
2a : of low pitch
b : relating to or having the range or part of a bass

bass

noun (2)
\ ˈbās How to pronounce bass (audio) \

Definition of bass (Entry 3 of 4)

1a : the lowest voice part in a 4-part chorus
b : the lower half of the whole vocal or instrumental tonal range — compare treble entry 1
c : the lowest adult male singing voice also : a person having this voice
d : a member of a family of instruments having the lowest range especially : double bass
2 : a deep or grave tone : a low-pitched sound

bass

noun (3)
\ ˈbas How to pronounce bass (audio) \

Definition of bass (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : basswood sense 1
2 : a coarse tough fiber from palms
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing bass Learn More About bass

Synonyms & Antonyms for bass

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

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Examples of bass in a Sentence

Adjective the sound of the bass drum a man with an impressive bass voice

First Known Use of bass

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (3)

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bass

Noun (1)

Middle English base, bærs, from Old English bærs; akin to Old High German bersich perch

Adjective

Middle English bas base — more at base entry 3

Noun (2)

Middle English bas, noun derivative of bas base entry 2

Noun (3)

alteration of bast

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Time Traveler for bass

Time Traveler

The first known use of bass was before the 12th century

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Dictionary Entries Near bass

bas-relief

bass

bassa

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Cite this Entry

“Bass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bass. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for bass

bass

noun
\ ˈbas How to pronounce bass (audio) \
plural bass or basses

Kids Definition of bass

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: any of numerous freshwater or saltwater fishes that are caught for sport and food

bass

noun
\ ˈbās How to pronounce bass (audio) \

Kids Definition of bass (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a tone of low pitch
2 : the lowest part in harmony that has four parts
3 : the lower half of the musical pitch range
4 : the lowest male singing voice
5 : a singer or an instrument having a bass range or part

bass

adjective

Kids Definition of bass (Entry 3 of 3)

: having a very low sound or range bass drums

More from Merriam-Webster on bass

Nglish: Translation of bass for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of bass for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bass

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