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

The story is told through a polyphony of outsiders—neighbors, business associates, schoolteachers, reporters. — Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026

The first lecture will be on the musical texture polyphony and its styles through the years. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

Given the linguistic polyphony, even Spanish speakers will need to consult translations to understand her litanies. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025

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

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