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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishA signature rhythm pattern that anchors Latin and Afro-Cuban music.
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Word forms
- Plural
- claves
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."
Rhymes for clave
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.".
