bass

noun (1)

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\ ˈbas

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

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

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

Definition of bass (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : basswood sense 1

2 : a coarse tough fiber from palms

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Synonyms & Antonyms for bass

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

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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Cite this Entry

“Bass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bass. Accessed 18 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for bass

bass

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of bass

: having or indicating a low sound or range

See the full definition for bass in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bass

noun

\ ˈbas

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

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

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bass

Definition of bass

Synonyms & Antonyms for bass

Examples of bass in a Sentence

First Known Use of bass

History and Etymology for bass

Learn More about bass

Dictionary Entries near bass

Statistics for bass

English Language Learners Definition of bass