leitmotif

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noun leit·mo·tif \ ˈlīt-mō-ˌtēf \

variants: or less commonly leitmotiv

Definition of leitmotif

1 :an associated melodic phrase or figure that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation especially in a Wagnerian music drama

2 :a dominant recurring theme

leitmotif was our Word of the Day on 11/18/2014. Hear the podcast!

Recent Examples of leitmotif from the Web

Jobs' leitmotif, or individual melody, is composed of frenetic, folk-esque guitar sounds (Jobs was a guitar enthusiast) mixed with sound effects from old Apple electronics.

— valentina palladino, Ars Technica, "The dramatic details of Steve Jobs’ life are playing out in a new opera," 25 July 2017
But a minority—just three out of 112—sang hybrid tunes, mixing leitmotifs from both the outgoing melody and the incipient one.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Humpback Whales Remix Their Old Songs," 24 July 2017
The leitmotif of small cone hats and sensual face veils gave the silken 61-piece show a feel for the theatricality of the 1920s.

— patrick cooley, cleveland.com, "Rusted Root coming to Cleveland," 6 July 2017
The leitmotif of small cone hats and sensual face veils gave the silken 61-piece show a feel for the theatricality of the 1920s.

— patrick cooley, cleveland.com, "Rusted Root coming to Cleveland," 6 July 2017
The leitmotif of small cone hats and sensual face veils gave the silken 61-piece show a feel for the theatricality of the 1920s.

— Bloomberg.com, "Chanel Aims High With Starry 'Eiffel Tower' Paris Show," 4 July 2017
An oversize tubular cuff that mirrored the sleeve of a kimono was a leitmotif in Sacai’s 49-piece display that showcased both men’s and women’s designs.

— thomas adamson, The Seattle Times, "Dior designer celebrates decade at helm at Paris menswear," 24 June 2017
Like most things Prada, this season’s theme was anything but literal, with Miuccia Prada using abstract comic book prints as the leitmotif that held her sporty, streamlined collection together.

— steff yotka, Vogue, "It’s A Comic Book Fantasy at Prada Men’s Spring 2018," 18 June 2017
Across the nine stories, in the leitmotif department, trepidations about turning 50 would get the nod.

— elinor lipman, New York Times, "Helen Simpson’s Stories Explore Trepidations About Turning 50," 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leitmotif.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The English word leitmotif (or leitmotiv, as it is also spelled) comes from the German Leitmotiv, meaning "leading motive" and formed from leiten ("to lead") and Motiv (motive). In its original sense, the word applies to opera music and was first used by writers interpreting the works of composer Richard Wagner, who was famous for associating a melody with a character or important dramatic element. Leitmotif is still commonly used with reference to music and musical drama but is now also used more broadly to refer to any recurring theme in the arts or in everyday life.