sight–read

verb \-ˌrēd\

: to perform (written music) while reading it for the first time without practicing it

sight–read \-ˌred\sight–read·ing \-ˌrē-diŋ\

Full Definition of SIGHT-READ

transitive verb

: to read (as a foreign language) or perform (music) without previous preparation or study

intransitive verb

: to read at sight; especially : to perform music at sight

— sight reader noun

See sight–read defined for English-language learners

See sight-read defined for kids

back-formation from sight reader

First Known Use: 1903

Next Word in the Dictionary: sight rhymePrevious Word in the Dictionary: sight radiusAll Words Near: sight-read

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