semiquaver: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Musical
Quick answer
What does “semiquaver” mean?
A musical note with a duration of one quarter of a whole note.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical note with a duration of one quarter of a whole note.
In British music terminology, a semiquaver is a note played for half the duration of a quaver (eighth note). No other common extended meaning exists.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'semiquaver' is British English. In American English, the equivalent term is 'sixteenth note'.
Connotations
No difference in connotation, only a regional difference in terminology. 'Semiquaver' may sound more traditional or classical to an American ear.
Frequency
'Semiquaver' is standard in all UK music teaching and scores. 'Sixteenth note' is universal in the US. The British term is rarely, if ever, used in American contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “semiquaver” in a Sentence
[Verb] + a/the + semiquaver(s) (e.g., play, count, write)[Adjective] + semiquaver(s) (e.g., rapid, syncopated, consecutive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “semiquaver” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The violinist must accurately semiquaver through that rapid passage.
- The composer chose to semiquaver the melody in the flute part.
American English
- (Not used as a verb in AmE; 'play sixteenth notes' would be used.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The semiquaver rhythm is tricky for beginners.
- He has excellent semiquaver control.
American English
- (Not used adjectivally in AmE; 'sixteenth-note rhythm' is standard.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in musicology, theory, and performance studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of musical discussion.
Technical
Core, standard term in music notation and performance instructions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “semiquaver”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “semiquaver”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “semiquaver”
- Confusing it with a quaver (eighth note) or a demisemiquaver (thirty-second note).
- Using 'semiquaver' in American English contexts.
- Misspelling as 'semi-quaver' (though hyphenated form is sometimes seen).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a British English term. Americans exclusively use 'sixteenth note'.
A demisemiquaver (British) or thirty-second note (American).
Almost never. Its meaning is strictly confined to musical notation.
The prefix 'semi-' means 'half'. It is half the duration of a quaver (eighth note).
A musical note with a duration of one quarter of a whole note.
Semiquaver is usually technical/musical in register.
Semiquaver: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsem.iˌkweɪ.vər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsem.iˌkweɪ.vɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SEMI-quaver = HALF of a quaver (eighth note). A 'semi-' truck is half of a full trailer train; a semiquaver is half the length of its 'parent' quaver.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (on the musical staff). A semiquaver occupies a specific, measurable amount of that space relative to other notes.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary factor determining the use of 'semiquaver' vs. 'sixteenth note'?