1. the simultaneous use of two or more different rhythms in music
Usage: music

Examples

• The jazz drummer created complex polyrhythms by playing different patterns with each hand.
• African music often features intricate polyrhythms that challenge Western listeners.
• The composer incorporated polyrhythms to add tension and complexity to the piece.
• Students struggled to clap the polyrhythms accurately during music class.
• The band’s use of polyrhythms gave their songs a distinctive, layered sound.
• Polyrhythms are common in Latin American percussion ensembles.