a cappella

[ ah kuh-pel-uh; Italian ah kahp-pel-lah ]

adverb

, Music.

1. Sometimes acappella. without instrumental accompaniment.
2. in the style of church or chapel music.

a cappella

/ ɑː kəˈpɛlə /

adjective

1. music without instrumental accompaniment

a cappella

1. Choral singing performed without instruments. The expression means “in chapel style” in Italian. Centuries ago, religious music composed for use in chapels — which, unlike large churches , had no organs — was usually for voices only.

Word History and Origins

Origin of a cappella¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Italian: literally, “in the manner of a chapel (choir)”

Word History and Origins

Origin of a cappella¹

Italian: literally, according to (the style of the) chapel

Example Sentences

“Coming Back to Life” starts more or less a cappella, so it’s got to be spot-on.

From Los Angeles Times

I remember when Whitney was doing the a cappella part at the front, I was standing there and her mother was standing beside me.

From Los Angeles Times

Filming this version for Episode 2 “felt sacred,” said Hahn of the full-length, a cappella rendition, which begins with the witches visibly hesitant and ends with them holding hands and clearly connected.

From Los Angeles Times

Matthew started out singing with BJ and his younger brother Hezron when they were still at high school, often singing a cappella.

From BBC

They hung Christmas-style lights from ceilings, sang a cappella and rehearsed their best choreographed moves.

From Seattle Times