octet

noun

oc·​tet äk-ˈtet How to pronounce octet (audio)
Synonyms of octetnext
1
: a musical composition for eight instruments or voices
2
: a group or set of eight: such as
a
: octave sense 2b
b
: the performers of an octet

Examples of octet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Joy’s voice sits inside a rich octet, where horns and piano converse like old friends. — Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 Oct. 2025 Stephen Uhl will accompany the octet. — Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026 Despite their levels of fame and notoriety, the members of this octet have yet to headline films of their own. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025 The only member of this octet who hasn’t looked like a lock for the playoff rotation, Gonzalez saw meaningful playing time in just one of Boston’s final seven games. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for octet

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of octet was in 1800

Rhymes for octet

See All Rhymes for octet

Browse Nearby Words

octennial
octet
octillion
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Cite this Entry

“Octet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/octet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

octet

noun
oc·​tet äk-ˈtet How to pronounce octet (audio)
1
a
: a piece of music written for eight voices or eight instruments
b
: the performers of an octet
2
: a group or set of eight

More from Merriam-Webster on octet

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for octet

Nglish: Translation of octet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about octet

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