arpeggio

[ ahr-pej-ee-oh, -pej-oh ]

noun

, Music.

, plural ar·peg·gi·os.

1. the sounding of the notes of a chord in rapid succession instead of simultaneously.
2. a chord thus sounded.

arpeggio

/ ɑːˈpɛdʒɪəʊ /

noun

1. a chord whose notes are played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously
2. an ascending and descending figuration used in practising the piano, voice, etc

Other Words From

• ar·peggi·ated ar·peggi·oed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arpeggio¹

1735–45; < Italian: literally, a harping, noun derivative of arpeggi ( are ) to play on the harp (< Germanic; compare Old English hearpi ( g ) an to harp)

Word History and Origins

Origin of arpeggio¹

C18: from Italian, from arpeggiare to perform on the harp, from arpa harp

Example Sentences

When Berry implored the band to rock out again, the group switched gears and made 1994’s “Monster,” in which Buck ditches his arpeggios for power chords run through a distortion pedal.

From Los Angeles Times

Her voice sails over choppy piano chords as she announces her “big feelings,” and when she sings, “Yes, I have problems, problems,” she turns “problems” into a six-syllable arpeggio.

From New York Times

The strings’ opening melody in the Rachmaninoff had Romantic grandeur and beguiling translucence, blanketing but not muffling the piano’s arpeggios with gauzy tone.

From New York Times

Quasi-Baroque keyboard arpeggios pace a track that holds back, recognizes that “Time doesn’t stop for a sad little girl” and surges as she decides, “This time I think I’m found.”

From New York Times

Released in the run-up to Future’s highly anticipated second album, “Honest,” “Karate Chop” features a kaleidoscopic mix of sparkling arpeggios and buzzing synths.

From New York Times