Definition of syncopation
1 : a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent in music caused typically by stressing the weak beat
2 : a syncopated rhythm, passage, or dance step
Read the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of syncopation from the Web
-
His jams double as both the movie’s soundtrack and its door-slamming, chase-choreographing, explosion-exploding syncopation (a product of director Edgar Wright’s obsessive genius).
-
Salgán, the most exquisite composer of all, is the king of virtuosity, syncopation and counterpoint.
-
What better sign that summer is around the corner than the sound of syncopation and the taste of rum.
-
Insistent syncopations, deliberate sonic overloads, whistled melodies, music-box tinklings, jaunty motifs that repeat and trip over themselves—
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'syncopation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of syncopation
1597
SYNCOPATION Defined for English Language Learners
syncopation
playDefinition of syncopation for English Language Learners
-
music : musical rhythm in which stress is given to the weak beats instead of the strong beats
SYNCOPATION Defined for Kids
syncopation
playDefinition of syncopation for Students
: an instance of temporarily accenting a normally weak beat in music to vary the rhythm
Learn More about syncopation
-
See words that rhyme with syncopation Spanish Central: Translation of syncopation Nglish: Translation of syncopation for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about syncopation
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up syncopation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!