suspended cadence

noun

: deceptive cadence
especially : a musical cadence in which several harmonies are interpolated between the dominant harmony and the final tonic (see tonic entry 2 sense 2)

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suspended cadence was in 1854

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near suspended cadence

Cite this Entry

“Suspended cadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspended%20cadence. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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