octet

or oc·tette

[ ok-tet ]

noun

1. a company of eight singers or musicians.
2. a musical composition for eight voices or instruments.
3. Prosody. octave ( def 4 ).
4. any group of eight.

octet

/ ɒkˈtɛt /

noun

1. any group of eight, esp eight singers or musicians
2. a piece of music composed for such a group
3. prosody another word for octave
4. chem a group of eight electrons forming a stable shell in an atom

Word History and Origins

Origin of octet¹

1860–65; oct- + -et, as in duet

Word History and Origins

Origin of octet¹

C19: from Latin octo eight, on the model of duet

Example Sentences

The quartet are actually an octet, if their AI counterparts are to be counted – an inventive exercise in transmedia storytelling to match their forward-thinking pop sound.

From Seattle Times

An octet of guest artists improvises in certain passages embedded within the score but also plays written-out music with the rest of the orchestra.

From Seattle Times

Aespa, the K-pop girl group, frequently perform alongside their digital avatars — the quartet is meant to be viewed as an octet with digital twins.

From Seattle Times

So just what did the octet of programs provide for those in attendance?

From Seattle Times

For the flashing lights, booming electronics and pitch-bending vocal octet of a slew of premieres.

From New York Times

Related Words

• assemblage
• band
• cast
• choir
• chorus
• orchestra
• quartet
• quintet
• sextet
• trio
• troupe