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
  • 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
  • The future of opera may depend less on who sings the next great aria than on who feels invited to stay after the curtain falls.
    Helmut Paul, Chicago Tribune, 9 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
  • Songs or chants made up by Entrants are acceptable as long as they are performed live on the recording and Entrant notes in Entrant's submission form that the song/chant was composed by Entrant.
    August 16, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Written on his deathbed in 1988, Feldman‘s piece reflects a final harmonic vision combining mismatched patterning of Turkish rugs and Hebraic chant.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In group sessions, where Cody typically doesn’t say much, the others speak for what Cody might be going through, Greek chorus-style.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Their chorus of howls and yowls was all that kept them connected to the hunters who lagged far behind.
    Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • There are intoxicating traces of chanson, jazz, chamber pop, and folk.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 2 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Violin player Nina de Vitry provided an especially tasteful complement on this ballad, making one fiddle sound like a whole string section.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The ballad shot to the top of the charts in Britain and the United States and has had more than 1 billion streams, boosted by real eclipses in 2017, 2024 and most recently during last week’s solar eclipse.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The book will also be accompanied by a forthcoming lullaby written and performed by Mercer, extending the story beyond the page, while the audiobook edition will be narrated by the musician himself.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Motet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motet. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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