Dictionary

¹alla breve

noun al·la breve \ˌa-lə-ˈbrev, ˌä-lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)vā\

Definition of ALLA BREVE

: the sign marking a piece or passage to be played alla breve; also : a passage so marked

Italian, literally, according to the breve

First Known Use: circa 1740

adverb or adjective

: in duple or quadruple time with the beat represented by the half note

circa 1823

Next Word in the Dictionary: AllactagaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: all-All Words Near: alla breve

What made you want to look up alla breve? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears