polyrhythm
noun
poly·rhythm
ˈpä-lē-ˌri-t͟həm 
: the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in music
Examples of polyrhythm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Eighties Rush is a beast of its own, with walls of synths and an evolving approach from Peart, who began to embrace polyrhythms and reggae à la his friend Stewart Copeland.
—
Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
His emphasis on complex polyrhythms and the inclusion of traditional African instruments like the talking drum were revolutionary at the time — a rebellion against the dominance of Western pop and a marked effort to forge a post-colonial African identity.
—Ian Brennan, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Instruments drift in and out, sometimes accreting into subtle polyrhythms or harmonies, and other times lightly undergirding Ederra’s gorgeous runs.
—Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026
David Byrne needs to figure out the polyrhythms for Talking Heads’ Remain in Light?
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2026
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Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
His emphasis on complex polyrhythms and the inclusion of traditional African instruments like the talking drum were revolutionary at the time — a rebellion against the dominance of Western pop and a marked effort to forge a post-colonial African identity.
—Ian Brennan, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Instruments drift in and out, sometimes accreting into subtle polyrhythms or harmonies, and other times lightly undergirding Ederra’s gorgeous runs.
—Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026
David Byrne needs to figure out the polyrhythms for Talking Heads’ Remain in Light?
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyrhythm
Cite this Entry
“Polyrhythm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyrhythm. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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