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
1
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 notesIn 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").
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The score was marked "_____" to signal the passage should be played twice.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin bis, meaning "twice".
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.
