solmization

noun

sol·​mi·​za·​tion ˌsäl-mə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce solmization (audio)
: the act, practice, or system of using syllables to denote the tones of a musical scale

Word History

Etymology

French solmisation, from solmiser to sol-fa, from sol (from Medieval Latin) + mi (from Medieval Latin) + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solmization was in 1730

Dictionary Entries Near solmization

Cite this Entry

“Solmization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solmization. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on solmization

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!