quarter note

noun

: a musical note with the time value of ¹/₄ of a whole note see note illustration

Examples of quarter note in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
So fewer 16th notes, fewer eighth notes, and fewer 32nd notes — a lot of, like, whole notes and quarter notes just to let that thing sing. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025 That said, the buds do a good job rendering the sub-bass kick that counts quarter notes while keeping the higher synth lines lively and clear. PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 Disco music was notable for its stratified textures, anchored in the four-on-the-floor beat, which has the tendency to put the bass drum on every quarter note. Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 23 Feb. 2025 The track requires a bit of power to keep up with its bass triplets and sub-bass quarter notes, which are ever-present throughout the tune. PCMAG, 8 Oct. 2024 The clarinet harks back to the descending four-note motive of the first movement and different speeds entangle the lines, with a return to the slow quarter note motive texture. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2023 These should tug against the constant quarter note pulse. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quarter note was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Quarter note.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quarter%20note. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

quarter note

noun
: a musical note equal in time to ¼ of a whole note
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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