time signature

noun

, Music.

1. a numerical or other indication at the beginning of a piece showing the meter.

time signature

noun

1. music a sign usually consisting of two figures, one above the other, the upper figure representing the number of beats per bar and the lower one the time value of each beat. This sign is placed after the key signature at the outset of a piece or section of a piece

Word History and Origins

Origin of time signature¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

There are times when the poetry, however evocative, could’ve used a little more prose, to keep the signposts and time signatures clearer.

From Seattle Times

While others stuck with power chords, simple rhymes and standard time signatures, Glassjaw has always been more of an art project for the duo rather than a commercial success.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a hip-hop record with funky beats, provocative time signatures, soul grooves, free-jazz interludes and psychedelic dips that maintains core elements of West Coast rap.

From Los Angeles Times

From its 1974 debut album to 2015, when the band played a farewell show at the Forum, Rush was the standard-bearer for elaborate, multi-part songs full of falsetto hollers, time signature changes and drum solos.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is more like a six than a compound four,” Newman-Lessler said, referring to the segment’s tricky time signature.

From Los Angeles Times