polyrhythm

noun

poly·​rhythm ˈpä-lē-ˌri-t͟həm How to pronounce polyrhythm (audio)
: the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in music
polyrhythmic adjective
polyrhythmically adverb

Examples of polyrhythm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Mirada is one of Cornejo’s most mature efforts yet, extending his brand of melancholy corridos and mixing them with alt-rock sounds and surprising polyrhythms. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024 In this way, Koenig most resembles Simon, whose music—including its deft (if ballsy) adoption of polyrhythms from sub-Saharan Africa—has always been a major touchstone for the band. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024 Anton starts with rhythm guitar, and then my guitar melody comes in, and then Arthur’s texture of strings takes over that, and eventually, the bass and drums playing a polyrhythm against the rest of us. Liza Lentini, SPIN, 2 Feb. 2024 Still, Levant’s inability to play Gershwin’s basic syncopations and polyrhythms correctly didn’t stop him from selling many performances and recording of the piece. Ethan Iverson, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polyrhythm 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polyrhythm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyrhythm was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near polyrhythm

Cite this Entry

“Polyrhythm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyrhythm. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

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