melisma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “melisma” mean?
A single syllable of text sung to a passage of multiple notes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single syllable of text sung to a passage of multiple notes; a florid vocal run or ornament.
In music, a decorative vocal technique where a syllable is extended over a sequence of notes, often used for expressive or ornamental effect, especially in vocal genres like blues, gospel, and early music.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage difference between UK and US English. It is a technical term used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and descriptive in both varieties. Associated with technical musical analysis.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “melisma” in a Sentence
[subject] sings/uses/employs a melisma on [syllable]The [song/passage] contains/features a melisma.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “melisma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The soprano will melismatise the final 'amen'.
American English
- The singer melismatized the last syllable.
adverb
British English
- She sang the phrase melismatically.
American English
- He ornamented the hymn melismatically.
adjective
British English
- The piece has a highly melismatic vocal line.
American English
- Her melismatic style is influenced by gospel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in musicology, historical music studies, and ethnomusicology papers.
Everyday
Rare; only used by musicians or informed music enthusiasts.
Technical
The primary context. Used in vocal scores, music theory, and criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “melisma”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “melisma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “melisma”
- Misspelling as 'melismah' or 'melismia'.
- Using it to describe instrumental music (it is specifically vocal).
- Pronouncing the 's' as /z/ (it is /mɪˈlɪzmə/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While prominent in Baroque and early music, it is also a key feature in genres like gospel, R&B, blues, and even pop.
They are largely synonymous in modern usage. 'Melisma' is the formal technical term, while 'vocal run' is a more general, colloquial description.
Syllabic singing, where each syllable of text is matched to a single note.
Strictly speaking, 'melisma' refers to a vocal technique. An instrumental passage that mimics this style would be described as 'melodic ornamentation' or simply 'a run'.
A single syllable of text sung to a passage of multiple notes.
Melisma is usually technical / formal in register.
Melisma: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈlɪzmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈlɪzmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None applicable”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a singer MELting a single syllable into ISMooth sequence of Many notes: MEL-IS-MA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A syllable is stretched like taffy into a long, flowing strand of notes.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'melisma'?