treble clef

American  

noun

Music.

1. a sign that locates the G above middle C, placed on the second line of the staff, counting up; G clef.

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treble clef British  

noun

1. music the clef that establishes G a fifth above middle C as being on the second line of the staff

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Etymology

Origin of treble clef

First recorded in 1795–1805

Compare meaning

How does treble-clef compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bass clef vs. treble clef

Example Sentences

Prosecutors showed a 2012 memo noting one such arrangement for Calamari Sr. bearing the former president’s initial — a D resembling a treble clef — and the handwritten notation, “OK.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 10, 2022

Dede chose a tattoo design that features a one-of-a-kind treble clef, fish hook, ribbon and heart on her right forearm.

From Fox News • Nov. 1, 2021

Another tattoo of a treble clef is on her right forearm.

From Washington Times • Aug. 18, 2017

About the treble clef that she and her husband, Paul, gave Emilie, the cheerful eldest, when she started loving her violin.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2013

Voices and instruments with higher ranges usually learn to read treble clef, while voices and instruments with lower ranges usually learn to read bass clef.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones