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whole step

noun

Definition of whole step

: a musical interval (such as C–D or C–B♭) comprising two half steps — called also whole tone

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First Known Use of whole step

circa 1899

in the meaning defined above

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WHOLE STEP Defined for English Language Learners

whole step

noun

Definition of whole step for English Language Learners

  • music : a difference in pitch that is equal to 1/6 of an octave

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