-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
shape note
noun
: one of a system of seven notes showing the musical scale degree by the shape of the note head
Examples of shape note in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Eventually, by bending and tearing the hay to shape notes, her mother begins to teach her how to read and hear music, even if that music is playing only in her mind.
—Mary Beth Keane, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2020
What’s wilder than the shape notes is that the singers never practice together.
—Anna Beahm | Abeahm@al.com, al.com, 30 June 2019
Sacred Harp singing is also known as shape note singing.
—Anna Beahm | Abeahm@al.com, al.com, 30 June 2019
Singers gathered in Judge Boohaker’s courtroom on the third floor of the Jefferson County Courthouse and sang from The Sacred Harp, a beloved shape note songbook which has been in publication since 1844.
—Anna Beahm | Abeahm@al.com, al.com, 30 June 2019
Tradition of sacred choral music using shape note music.
—Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati.com, 4 Apr. 2018
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1932, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near shape note
Cite this Entry
“Shape note.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shape%20note. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share