polyphony

noun

po·​lyph·​o·​ny pə-ˈli-fə-nē 

: a style of musical composition employing two or more simultaneous but relatively independent melodic lines : counterpoint

Examples of polyphony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tintinnabuli was inspired, in part, by Pärt’s interest in much earlier styles of Christian music, including Gregorian chant – the single-voice singing of Roman Catholicism – and Renaissance polyphony, which weaves together multiple melodic lines. —Jeffers Engelhardt, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025

The polyphony of proxy groups could now harmonize and syncopate so that the United States and its allies would always be offbeat. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025

Like so many great Mozart finales, the finale to last week’s show teemed with vocal polyphony. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025

For many cast members, this polyphony was a challenge and a thrill. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek polyphōnia variety of tones, from polyphōnos having many tones or voices, from poly- + phōnē voice — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyphony

• epiphany

Kids Definition

polyphony

noun

po·​lyph·​o·​ny pə-ˈlif-ə-nē 

: music consisting of two or more independent but harmonious melodies

polyphonic

ˌpäl-i-ˈfän-ik

adjective