motet

noun

mo·​tet mō-ˈtet 

: a polyphonic choral composition on a sacred text usually without instrumental accompaniment

Examples of motet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The man could make a discussion about strophic interludes, as found in medieval motets, sound interesting. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026

Latin polyphony and motets are being sung at the Offertory and during the distribution of Holy Communion. — Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025

Her husband, my grandfather, was not only a composer who wrote liturgical music, motets, symphonies, and string quartets but also a beloved music teacher who believed that music was as crucial to the development of the mind as math. — Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024

An early breakthrough came from listening to a traditional singer of the Serer people, whose plaintive melody reminded Catta of a Renaissance motet. — Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, diminutive of mot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for motet

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

motet

noun

mo·​tet mō-ˈtet 

: a form of church music to be sung by several voices usually without accompanying instruments and with several melodies woven together