melisma
noun
me·lis·ma
mi-ˈliz-mə 
plural melismata
mi-ˈliz-mə-tə
1
: a group of notes or tones sung on one syllable in plainsong
2
: melodic embellishment
3
: cadenza
Examples of melisma in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This tortuous series of rhetorical oppositions is filtered through classic gestures of lament: long melismas unfurl in circuitous stepwise patterns, generally tending downward.
—
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
And this cast sings the score as if it is embedded in their very DNA, with all the tonal shifts, subtle shadings, deft harmonies and tricky melismas delivered with virtuosic panache.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024
All of Opera Neo’s singers understand the dramatic details of Handel’s vocal writing, in which melismas become emotional flourishes, alternatively celebratory, spiteful, pathetic.
—Luke Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2023
Her impassioned flow — which navigates through whirling R&B melismas and fiery rap bars — and endearing personality shined through early in the series.
—Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 10 May 2023
The most obvious comparison with Joy is Vaughan herself — the rich lower register, the baroque melodic ornamentation, swoops up and down octaves from word to word, multi-note melisma stretching one-syllable words to infinity.
—Jon Garelick, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022
Sullivan has developed into a poised if still sassy front person, reclaiming Mariah Carey-style melisma as a key part of her impressive vocals.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2022
In the place of the Mariah Carey melisma that young vocalists often try to use to prove their chops, a lot of the newbie emcees attempt the high-speed, rat-a-tat delivery of rappers like Twista and Eminem.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2019
But, even beyond Simone’s lyrics, her integrative technique itself—her use of gospel piano, blues melisma, classical riffs—refutes myths of black deprivation.
—Emily Lordi, The New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2019
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
And this cast sings the score as if it is embedded in their very DNA, with all the tonal shifts, subtle shadings, deft harmonies and tricky melismas delivered with virtuosic panache.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024
All of Opera Neo’s singers understand the dramatic details of Handel’s vocal writing, in which melismas become emotional flourishes, alternatively celebratory, spiteful, pathetic.
—Luke Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2023
Her impassioned flow — which navigates through whirling R&B melismas and fiery rap bars — and endearing personality shined through early in the series.
—Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 10 May 2023
The most obvious comparison with Joy is Vaughan herself — the rich lower register, the baroque melodic ornamentation, swoops up and down octaves from word to word, multi-note melisma stretching one-syllable words to infinity.
—Jon Garelick, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022
Sullivan has developed into a poised if still sassy front person, reclaiming Mariah Carey-style melisma as a key part of her impressive vocals.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2022
In the place of the Mariah Carey melisma that young vocalists often try to use to prove their chops, a lot of the newbie emcees attempt the high-speed, rat-a-tat delivery of rappers like Twista and Eminem.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2019
But, even beyond Simone’s lyrics, her integrative technique itself—her use of gospel piano, blues melisma, classical riffs—refutes myths of black deprivation.
—Emily Lordi, The New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2019
Dictionary Entries Near melisma
Cite this Entry
“Melisma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melisma. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share