adv Uncommon

bis

bihs

Bis (adv) means used to mark that something should be repeated, especially in music or numbered lists. Example: “The score was marked "bis" to signal the passage should be played twice.”

adv

Used to mark that something should be repeated, especially in music or numbered lists.

"The score was marked "bis" to signal the passage should be played twice."

How to use bis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA term meaning "repeat" or "again", mostly seen in music notation or formal lists.

When to use it

Formal/technical — mostly found in music scores and numbered documents (e.g. "12 bis").

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “bis” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The score was marked "_____" to signal the passage should be played twice.

Etymology

A learned borrowing from Latin bis, meaning "twice".

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “bis” mean?

The word “bis” means used to mark that something should be repeated, especially in music or numbered lists. In plain terms, a term meaning "repeat" or "again", mostly seen in music notation or formal lists.

How do you pronounce “bis”?

“Bis” is pronounced bihs (/bɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “bis” in a sentence?

Here is “bis” used in a sentence: “The score was marked "bis" to signal the passage should be played twice.”

What part of speech is “bis”?

“Bis” is an adverb.

Where does the word “bis” come from?

The word “bis” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin bis, meaning "twice".

Is “bis” a common word?

“Bis” is an uncommon word in modern English.