shape note

noun

: one of a system of seven notes showing the musical scale degree by the shape of the note head

Examples of shape note in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eventually, by bending and tearing the hay to shape notes, her mother begins to teach her how to read and hear music, even if that music is playing only in her mind. —Mary Beth Keane, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2020

What’s wilder than the shape notes is that the singers never practice together. —Anna Beahm | [e-mail], al.com, 30 June 2019

Sacred Harp singing is also known as shape note singing. —Anna Beahm | [e-mail], al.com, 30 June 2019

Singers gathered in Judge Boohaker’s courtroom on the third floor of the Jefferson County Courthouse and sang from The Sacred Harp, a beloved shape note songbook which has been in publication since 1844. —Anna Beahm | [e-mail], al.com, 30 June 2019

Tradition of sacred choral music using shape note music. —Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati.com, 4 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shape note

• anecdote
• antidote
• asymptote
• creosote
• dimethoate
• epidote
• ferryboat
• motorboat
• overcoat
• petticoat
• riverboat
• undercoat