Definition of pedal point
: a single tone usually the tonic or dominant that is normally sustained in the bass and sounds against changing harmonies in the other parts
Learn More About pedal point
Statistics for pedal point
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Pedal point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedal%20point. Accessed 4 Jul. 2022.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Food
-
- Name these cookies!
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Brand Name Vocabulary Quiz
You’re gonna need some moxie to ace this quiz
Take the quiz
-
Commonly Confused Words Quiz
Take a (break/brake) and (pore/pour) over this (c...
Take the quiz
-
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quiz
-
Spelling Bee Quiz
Can you outdo past winners of the National Spelli...
Take the quiz
Share pedal point
Time Traveler for pedal point
The first known use of pedal point was in 1846
See more words from the same year