noun
- plural of semibreve; whole notes in musical notation, each having the time value of four quarter notes
Usage: music
Examples
- The opening measures contained several semibreves that created a slow, sustained melody.
- In 4/4 time, semibreves last for four beats each.
- The composer used semibreves to emphasize the solemn nature of the hymn.
- Students often confuse semibreves with minims when reading sheet music.
- The choir held the semibreves for their full duration during the performance.
- Semibreves appear as hollow oval notes without stems on the staff.