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

We started with some scales and arpeggios, and then I had a book of sonatinas that I’d bought when I got the piano, and we decided to work from there.

From Vox

It is doubtful whether even the forms most peculiar to him (such as the arpeggio-prelude) are of his invention.

From Project Gutenberg

Begin by making the class sing them in arpeggio, and in a definite rhythm, so as to get precision.

From Project Gutenberg

He gloats a while over the Second's gloomy outlook, and yawns in that irritating arpeggio, the foretaste of a good sound sleep.

From Project Gutenberg

In a large number of his themes the arpeggio predominates, and always with a special interest and a special personality.

From Project Gutenberg

All this had been the merest muted arpeggio accompaniment to the steady practical advance of her housekeeper's mind.

From Project Gutenberg