motet

Definition of motetnext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motet Latin polyphony and motets are being sung at the Offertory and during the distribution of Holy Communion. Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025 Her husband, my grandfather, was not only a composer who wrote liturgical music, motets, symphonies, and string quartets but also a beloved music teacher who believed that music was as crucial to the development of the mind as math. Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024 An early breakthrough came from listening to a traditional singer of the Serer people, whose plaintive melody reminded Catta of a Renaissance motet. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2022 Philippe Herreweghe led his Ghent choir in a fine performance of Mendelssohn’s motet. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for motet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motet
Noun
  • The concert will include Renaissance madrigals—one English and one French.
    Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
  • This is a lovely fundraiser to assist in the preservation of the cemetery, and the day is filled with master gardeners offering advice, madrigals singing, an archaeology talk, refreshments, kids’ activities and lots of lovely spring plants for sale.
    Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • If Rae had said no, Costanzo said the company might have sought a young singer or as a last resort cut the character's four arias and one duet, leaving only Aspasia's recitative.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The opera contains five arias, and Baby Doe sings three big duets all set to a uniquely American melodies.
    Libby Smith, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Orff originally wrote it for tenor, that soloist’s single appearance in the cantata.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Symphony San Jose is presenting the cantata in partnership with several Chinese American organizations, promising a performance of grandeur and a call for peace in the world.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Well, the internet cooked up the idea that the chant originated from late-1800s and early-1900s imagery and stories that depicted Black children being used as bait to catch alligators.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Wrexham started the night being serenaded with a chant questioning their Welshness.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • When late summer rolls around, Taylor Fritz joins a chorus of Americans in extoling the virtues of hard courts and talking about how the North American swing is his favorite time of year.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In the wake of Thursday’s ruling, a chorus of Missouri Republicans have attacked the court over its decision.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Astra offers a more polished dance floor beneath its ceiling of fiber-optic stars, while Lola keeps jazz and chanson at conversational volume.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Above one entryway, a sword is lodged in the stone, said to have found its place there in the eighth century after being thrown more than 100 miles by Roland, the hero of the medieval chanson that bears his name.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But Robin Hood, the ballads all postdate the Peasants’ Revolt and were wildly popular and continued to resonate and echo down.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The project featured eight tracks that were mostly recorded in Spanish with the help of Rudy Pérez, a Grammy-winning producer behind some of the biggest ballads in Latin music.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Gotta be honest, this instrumental version from one of those cover compilations of rock songs done lullaby-style for hipster parents is kind of great.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Reilly, who composed the song wholesale, seems content to swap his Satie-esque irresolution for something straightforwardly plaintive, like a lullaby.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Motet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motet. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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