electric bass

noun

plural electric basses

: an electrically amplified bass guitar

By 1951, when Fender unveiled the first fretted electric bass, … the trademark twang of Fender guitars had already begun to dominate chart hits.—

Rolling Stone

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of electric bass was in 1951

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“Electric bass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electric%20bass. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Entry added

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electric bass

noun

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