motet

noun

mo·​tet mō-ˈtet How to pronounce motet (audio)
: a polyphonic choral composition on a sacred text usually without instrumental accompaniment

Examples of motet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Repetition with fidelity led, with the aid of print, to longer organized forms such as the motet, a vocal music composition, and the conductus, a Latin song with a rhythmic structure. Lynn Whidden, Scientific American, 26 July 2024 According to Francisco, the composers represented no less than 30 print collections of solo songs, cantatas, motets, polyphonic works, settings for psalms and masses, a magnificat, a vespers service, a dozen sonatas, and scores for nine operas and other staged works. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024 In Alium, the famous 40-part motet. Corey Seymour, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2021 In between the driving turbulence of its first movement and an unremittingly grim passacaglia as its final movement was an adaptation of a medieval form—the isorhythmic motet—in which searing gestures alternated with passages of ethereal tranquility. Walter Simmons, Harper's Magazine, 25 May 2021 See all Example Sentences for motet 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, diminutive of mot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motet was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near motet

Cite this Entry

“Motet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motet. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

motet

noun
mo·​tet mō-ˈtet How to pronounce motet (audio)
: a form of church music to be sung by several voices usually without accompanying instruments and with several melodies woven together

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