Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for a cappella

a cappella

[ ah kuh-pel-uh; Italian ah kahp-pel-lah ]

adverb

, Music.
  1. Sometimes acappella. without instrumental accompaniment.
  2. in the style of church or chapel music.

a cappella

/ ɑː kəˈpɛlə /

adjective

  1. music without instrumental accompaniment

a cappella

  1. Choral singing performed without instruments. The expression means “in chapel style” in Italian. Centuries ago, religious music composed for use in chapels — which, unlike large churches , had no organs — was usually for voices only.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of a cappella1

First recorded in 1875–80; from Italian: literally, “in the manner of a chapel (choir)”

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of a cappella1

Italian: literally, according to (the style of the) chapel

Advertisement

Word of the Day

petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Browse

  • #
  • aa
  • bb
  • cc
  • dd
  • ee
  • ff
  • gg
  • hh
  • ii
  • jj
  • kk
  • ll
  • mm
  • nn
  • oo
  • pp
  • qq
  • rr
  • ss
  • tt
  • uu
  • vv
  • ww
  • xx
  • yy
  • zz