backbeat

noun

back·​beat ˈbak-ˌbēt How to pronounce backbeat (audio)
: a steady pronounced rhythm stressing the second and fourth beats of a four-beat measure

Examples of backbeat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Advertisement What had been the backbeat of a bygone epoch, the waltz amazingly survived in the 20th century. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 Along with resonate vocals from both, credit Mars’ rhythmic instincts for including drums that power the urgency of the song’s lyrics, with fills nudging the chorus instead of existing merely as a backbeat. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and Jonathan and Jordan Knight half-rap over an irritating electronic backbeat like wannabe Beastie Boys. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 Producer Arif Mardin brought John Prine to Nashville to record his third album Sweet Revenge, a move that gave the singer-songwriter a distinct backbeat and a rowdier spirit. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for backbeat 

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backbeat was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near backbeat

Cite this Entry

“Backbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbeat. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

backbeat

noun
back·​beat -ˌbēt How to pronounce backbeat (audio)
: a steady pronounced rhythm stressing the second and fourth beats of a four-beat measure

More from Merriam-Webster on backbeat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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