noun

fugue

FYG

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Fugue (noun) means a musical composition in which a melody is introduced by one voice and then echoed and layered by others. Example: “Bach's fugues are famous for their intricate, interweaving melodies.”

noun

A musical composition in which a melody is introduced by one voice and then echoed and layered by others.

"Bach's fugues are famous for their intricate, interweaving melodies."

A dissociative state in which a person may travel or act without full awareness, sometimes forgetting their identity.

"Doctors described his sudden disappearance as a dissociative fugue."

How to use fugue

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA layered musical form where a melody is passed between voices, or a rare psychological state involving memory loss and wandering.

Common pairings

a Bach fugue dissociative fugue fugue state

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: fugues
Third person singular: fugues
Past tense: fugued

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Bach's _____ are famous for their intricate, interweaving melodies.

Etymology

From Italian fuga, "flight," from Latin fugiō, "to flee" — the musical sense comes from one melodic line seeming to "flee" ahead of the others.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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psychogenic fugue

Rhymes for fugue

rue due sue cue hue blue true flue clue glue imbue pique

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Frequently asked questions

What does “fugue” mean?

The word “fugue” means a musical composition in which a melody is introduced by one voice and then echoed and layered by others. In plain terms, a layered musical form where a melody is passed between voices, or a rare psychological state involving memory loss and wandering.

How do you pronounce “fugue”?

“Fugue” is pronounced FYG (/ˈfyɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “fugue” in a sentence?

Here is “fugue” used in a sentence: “Bach's fugues are famous for their intricate, interweaving melodies.”

What part of speech is “fugue”?

“Fugue” is a noun.

Where does the word “fugue” come from?

The word “fugue” comes from Latin. From Italian fuga, "flight," from Latin fugiō, "to flee" — the musical sense comes from one melodic line seeming to "flee" ahead of the others.

How many meanings does “fugue” have?

“Fugue” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a musical composition in which a melody is introduced by one voice and then echoed and layered by others.