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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quarter note.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near quarter note

Cite this Entry

“Quarter note.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quarter%20note. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

quarter note

noun
: a musical note equal in time to ¼ of a whole note
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