major key

noun

, Music.

1. a key whose essential harmony is based on the major scale.

Word History and Origins

Origin of major key¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Like the Carter Family tune, the song stays in a major key while the ship sinks ever deeper.

From The Daily Beast

It is as though the term 'dominant' when applied to a Minor key were made to mean the dominant of the relative Major key.

From Project Gutenberg

The delightful harmony in which they had lived fell below the major key into minors, that touched and pierced her.

From Project Gutenberg

His mood brightens and the nocturne ends with an exquisite transition to the major key.

From Project Gutenberg

He played the minor strains, or what should have been minor, in the major key.

From Project Gutenberg

A peaceful closing section in the major key and in triple time expresses the consoled minds of the survivors.

From Project Gutenberg