polyrhythm
noun
poly·rhythm
ˈpä-lē-ˌri-t͟həm 
: the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in music
Examples of polyrhythm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Seldom settling for straightforward linearity or conventional structure, the group arranged sophisticated polyrhythms into the aural equivalent of jigsaw puzzles, and juggled scales and time signatures with profound dexterity.
—
Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024
Mirada is one of Cornejo’s most mature efforts yet, extending his brand of melancholy corridos and mixing them with alt-rock sounds and surprising polyrhythms.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024
In this way, Koenig most resembles Simon, whose music—including its deft (if ballsy) adoption of polyrhythms from sub-Saharan Africa—has always been a major touchstone for the band.
—Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
Anton starts with rhythm guitar, and then my guitar melody comes in, and then Arthur’s texture of strings takes over that, and eventually, the bass and drums playing a polyrhythm against the rest of us.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 2 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polyrhythm 
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.
Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024
Mirada is one of Cornejo’s most mature efforts yet, extending his brand of melancholy corridos and mixing them with alt-rock sounds and surprising polyrhythms.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024
In this way, Koenig most resembles Simon, whose music—including its deft (if ballsy) adoption of polyrhythms from sub-Saharan Africa—has always been a major touchstone for the band.
—Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
Anton starts with rhythm guitar, and then my guitar melody comes in, and then Arthur’s texture of strings takes over that, and eventually, the bass and drums playing a polyrhythm against the rest of us.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 2 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polyrhythm
Dictionary Entries Near polyrhythm
Cite this Entry
“Polyrhythm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyrhythm. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share