Metre
The recurring pattern of strong and weak beats that organises music into regular groups.
Category
rhythm
Pronunciation
/ˈmiːtə/
Origin
Greek (metron, measure)
Length
189 words · 1 min read
About Metre
Metre (spelled "meter" in American English) is the underlying rhythmic framework that groups beats into bars. Simple metres divide each beat into two equal parts (duple subdivision), whilst compound metres divide each beat into three.
More rhythm terms
Polyrhythm
View all rhythmterms →The simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythmic patterns
AnacrusisOne or more notes that precede the first full bar of a piece, functioning as an upbeat or pickup.
QuaverA note lasting half a beat in common time, equivalent to an eighth note in American terminology.
BeatThe basic unit of time in music — the regular pulse a listener feels
OffbeatAny beat or subdivision that falls between the main beats of a bar, often used for rhythmic interest and lift.
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →