backbeat

noun

back·​beat ˈbak-ˌbēt How to pronounce backbeat (audio)
Synonyms of backbeatnext
: a steady pronounced rhythm stressing the second and fourth beats of a four-beat measure

Examples of backbeat in a Sentence

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The lyrics are complemented by a southern rock backbeat and swampy slide guitar that give the whole thing a chill vibe. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025 The ascent from quiet guitar picking to soul backbeat to power chords feels inevitable but satisfying. — Jon Pareles, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 Advertisement What had been the backbeat of a bygone epoch, the waltz amazingly survived in the 20th century. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 Along with resonate vocals from both, credit Mars’ rhythmic instincts for including drums that power the urgency of the song’s lyrics, with fills nudging the chorus instead of existing merely as a backbeat. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for backbeat

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backbeat was in 1928

Rhymes for backbeat

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“Backbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbeat. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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backbeat

noun
back·​beat -ˌbēt How to pronounce backbeat (audio)
: a steady pronounced rhythm stressing the second and fourth beats of a four-beat measure

More from Merriam-Webster on backbeat

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