noun

clave

KLAH-vay

Clave (noun) means a repeating rhythmic pattern used in Latin music, most famously the two-bar 3-2 son clave. Example: “The whole band locked into the clave before the horns came in.”

noun

A repeating rhythmic pattern used in Latin music, most famously the two-bar 3-2 son clave.

"The whole band locked into the clave before the horns came in."

How to use clave

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA signature rhythm pattern that anchors Latin and Afro-Cuban music.

Word forms

claves plural

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

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The whole band locked into the _____ before the horns came in.

Etymology

From Spanish clave ("key"), from Latin clavis — the same root behind "clef" and "clavicle."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for clave

ave gave save have wave cave nave pave rave fave Dave weave

See all rhymes for clave →

Frequently asked questions

What does “clave” mean?

The word “clave” means a repeating rhythmic pattern used in Latin music, most famously the two-bar 3-2 son clave. In plain terms, a signature rhythm pattern that anchors Latin and Afro-Cuban music.

How do you pronounce “clave”?

“Clave” is pronounced KLAH-vay (/ˈklɑːveɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “clave” in a sentence?

Here is “clave” used in a sentence: “The whole band locked into the clave before the horns came in.”

What part of speech is “clave”?

“Clave” is a noun.

Where does the word “clave” come from?

The word “clave” comes from Latin. From Spanish clave ("key"), from Latin clavis — the same root behind "clef" and "clavicle.".