Definition

1. Noun:
   • A symbol in musical notation: A musical time signature is a symbol, typically written as two numbers one above the other at the beginning of a piece of music, after the clef and key signature. It indicates the meter of the music.
   • Specifies the beat structure: It tells the performer two key pieces of information: how many beats are in each measure (bar) and what type of note (e.g., quarter note, half note) receives one beat.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The piece begins with a musical time signature of 4/4, which is very common.
  • A change in the musical time signature from 3/4 to 6/8 can alter the feel of the music dramatically.
  • Before you start playing, always check the musical time signature.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in [time signature]": This phrase describes the meter a piece of music is using.
  • This waltz is in 3/4 time.
  • The composer wrote the final movement in a complex 7/8 time signature.
• "Common time" and "Cut time": These are specific symbols for time signatures. "Common time" (𝄴) is equivalent to 4/4. "Cut time" or "Alla breve" (𝄵) is equivalent to 2/2.
  • The march was written in cut time.

Variants and Related Words

• Time Signature (n): The more common, shortened form of "musical time signature." They are synonymous.
  • The time signature for this song is 12/8.
• Meter (n): The recurring pattern of beats in a piece of music, as defined by the time signature.
  • The poem has a regular meter, just like the music.
• Measure/Bar (n): A segment of time defined by a given number of beats, as shown by the time signature.
  • Each measure contains four beats according to the time signature.

Synonyms

• Meter Signature: A less common but accurate synonym.
• Metrical Signature: A formal synonym emphasizing the metric structure.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Numerator (Upper Number): In a time signature like 3/4, the "3" is the numerator. It indicates the number of beats per measure.
• Denominator (Lower Number): In a time signature like 3/4, the "4" is the denominator. It indicates which note value (here, a quarter note) constitutes one beat.
• Simple Meter: A meter where the beat divides naturally into two equal parts (e.g., 2/4, 3/4, 4/4).
• Compound Meter: A meter where the beat divides naturally into three equal parts (e.g., 6/8, 9/8, 12/8).

Noun

1. a musical notation indicating the number of beats to a measure and kind of note that takes a beat