Free music dictionary with over 20,000 words and phrases in English, Italian, French, German, and Latin. Start by typing a term in the search bar below.

The music dictionary contains concise definitions of more than 20,000 words and phrases in English, Italian, French, German, and Latin.

In English, the dictionary currently includes three categories:

• Notes. Search for the note name, such as "C​​", "A-flat", or "D-sharp".
• Chords. Search for the chord symbol, such as "Dm", "Ebmaj7", or "F#m9".
• Scales. Search for the scale name, such as "E major scale", "B-flat blues scale", or "C-sharp natural minor scale".

More English musical terms will be added soon.

In Italian, French, German, and Latin, the dictionary includes words and phrases found in musical scores, such as tempo markings, performance directions, and instrument names. Search for a term, such as "allegro", "con spirito", or "tromba".

The music dictionary is written by Lasse Grubbe and Nina Agerskov, both of whom hold a master's degree in music from the University of Copenhagen. The text has been proofread by specialists in English, Italian, French, and German.

The dictionary is based on a wide range of authoritative sources, including dictionaries, textbooks, and music scores from the past 300 years.

Here are the most significant sources:

• Don Michael Randel: The Harvard Dictionary of Music (2003)
• Edward L. Stauff: Encyclopedia of Organ Stops (2025)
• John Stainer: A Dictionary of Musical Terms (1889)
• John Stowell Adams: Five Thousand Musical Terms (1861)
• HarperCollins Publishers: Collins Dictionary (2025)
• Michael Kennedy: Oxford Dictionary of Music (1998)
• Stanley Sadie: The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2001)
• Tom S. Wotton: A Dictionary of Foreign Musical Terms (1907)

Learn more about the team behind the dictionary here.