time signature: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “time signature” mean?
A musical notation at the beginning of a piece or section indicating the number of beats per measure and the note value that receives one beat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical notation at the beginning of a piece or section indicating the number of beats per measure and the note value that receives one beat.
In the figurative sense, a predictable or established pattern or rhythm in a non-musical context, such as in a process, narrative, or sequence of events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the term identically in musical contexts.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equal frequency in musical discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “time signature” in a Sentence
The piece has a [adjective] time signature.The time signature changes to [number/number].Play in [number/number] time signature.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time signature” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as a standard adjective. Can be used attributively: 'time-signature changes']
American English
- [Not applicable as a standard adjective. Can be used attributively: 'time-signature changes']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Not applicable]
Academic
Used in musicology, ethnomusicology, and performance studies papers.
Everyday
Used by musicians, music students, and hobbyists discussing sheet music.
Technical
Essential term in music notation, composition, and theory. Precise definitions govern the grouping of beats.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time signature”
- Pronouncing 'signature' as /sɪɡˈneɪ.tʃə(r)/ (like an autograph) instead of the standard /ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃə(r)/ for this compound.
- Confusing 'time signature' (the notation) with 'tempo' (the speed).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tempo (e.g., Allegro, 120 BPM) refers to the speed of the beat. Time signature (e.g., 3/4) refers to the organization of beats into measures.
It indicates the note value that represents one beat. For example, a '4' means a quarter note (crotchet) gets one beat.
Yes. Many contemporary and classical pieces use changing or mixed meters, where the time signature changes throughout the piece.
In simple time (e.g., 2/4, 3/4, 4/4), the beat divides into two equal parts. In compound time (e.g., 6/8, 9/8, 12/8), the main beat divides into three equal parts.
Time signature is usually technical / formal in register.
Time signature: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌsɪɡ.nə.tʃə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌsɪɡ.nə.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a signature at the start of a piece of music that tells you how to count TIME.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY / MUSIC IS MATHEMATICS
Practice
Quiz
What does the top number in a time signature indicate?