arpeggio
|ar-peg-gio|
🇺🇸
/ɑrˈpedʒioʊ/
🇬🇧
/ɑːˈpedʒiəʊ/
notes of a chord played in sequence
Etymology
'arpeggio' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'arpeggio', which is related to 'arpa' meaning 'harp'.
'arpeggio' came from Italian musical usage (derived from 'arpa' and the verb 'arpeggiare') and was adopted into English in the 18th century as the musical term 'arpeggio'.
Initially it referred specifically to a harp-like effect (related to the instrument 'harp'), and over time it came to mean more generally a 'broken chord' or the technique of playing chord notes in sequence.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a chord whose notes are played in rapid succession, one after another, rather than simultaneously; a broken chord.
The pianist practised arpeggios to improve hand coordination.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a passage or figure in music consisting of notes of a chord played successively; an instance of playing in this style.
The composer wrote a long arpeggio for the left hand.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/18 07:26