: consisting of five tones
specifically : being or relating to a scale in which the tones are arranged like a major scale with the fourth and seventh tones omitted

Examples of pentatonic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Traditional Ethiopian music also uses pentatonic scales: Specifically, a set of four five-note modes with wide intervals (called qeñet) between the notes form the music’s basic foundation. Michael J. West, Washington Post, 18 June 2024 The tubes are professionally tuned to a pentatonic C major scale which results in deep, rich chime rings. Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pentatonic was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Pentatonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pentatonic. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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