sonata

noun so·na·ta \sə-ˈnä-tə\

music : a piece of music written for one or two instruments that has usually three or four large sections that are different from each other in rhythm and mood

Full Definition of SONATA

: an instrumental musical composition typically of three or four movements in contrasting forms and keys

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Origin of SONATA

Italian, from sonare to sound, from Latin

First Known Use: 1694

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with SONATA

balata, cantata, errata, fermata, frittata, Maratha, pro rata, regatta, ricotta, Sorata, toccata

SONATA Defined for Kids

sonata

noun so·na·ta \sə-ˈnä-tə\

Definition of SONATA for Kids

: a musical composition for one or two instruments consisting of three or four separate sections in different forms and keys

Word Root of SONATA

The Latin word sonāre, meaning “to make a noise,” gives us the root son. Words from the Latin sonāre have something to do with making noise. A sound is a noise made by someone or something. Something sonic uses the waves noises make as they travel through the air. A sonata is a musical piece in which only one instrument makes noise. To resound is to become filled with noise.

Learn More About SONATA

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "sonata"

Nglish: Translation of "sonata" for Spanish speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "sonata"

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