polyphony

noun

po·​lyph·​o·​ny pə-ˈli-fə-nē How to pronounce polyphony (audio)
: a style of musical composition employing two or more simultaneous but relatively independent melodic lines : counterpoint

Examples of polyphony 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.
For many cast members, this polyphony was a challenge and a thrill. — Jamie Lang, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025 The first lecture will be on the musical texture polyphony and its styles through the years. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 Like so many great Mozart finales, the finale to last week’s show teemed with vocal polyphony. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025 The story is told through a polyphony of outsiders—neighbors, business associates, schoolteachers, reporters. — Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polyphony

Word History

Etymology

Greek polyphōnia variety of tones, from polyphōnos having many tones or voices, from poly- + phōnē voice — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyphony was in 1790

Rhymes for polyphony

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Browse Nearby Words

polyphonist
polyphony
polyphosphate
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Cite this Entry

“Polyphony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyphony. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

polyphony

noun
po·​lyph·​o·​ny pə-ˈlif-ə-nē How to pronounce polyphony (audio)
: music consisting of two or more independent but harmonious melodies
polyphonic
ˌpäl-i-ˈfän-ik
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on polyphony

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyphony

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