What does octave mean?
An octave is most commonly a musical interval consisting of eight successive notes, from one scale degree to the same degree an octave above or below. Because the two notes share the same letter name and sound different qualities, an octave can produce a strong sense of unity: the pitch changes while the melodic identity remains stable. In other contexts, an octave can mean a group of eight or, in poetry, an eight-line stanza, especially one forming a complete unit of thought. The word is useful in discussions of music, vocal performance, acoustics, and verse structure. Phrases such as “an octave higher” and “an octave lower” describe a change in register while preserving a close pitch relationship. Its name reflects its connection with the number eight, as does related words such as octet and octagonal.
nounIn music, an octave is the interval between two notes of the same pitch class, with the higher note twice the frequency of the lower. The word can also refer to a group of eight things or, in poetry, an eight-line stanza.
- A musical interval encompassing eight successive scale degrees, with the upper note twice the frequency of the lower.
- A range, register, or interval equivalent to an octave in pitch.
- A group or series of eight.
- An eight-line stanza, especially in formal poetry.
"The singer reached a note an octave higher without appearing to strain."
"Their voices rose in a perfect octave, one accompanying the other."
"The poem's final octave brings the argument to a pointed conclusion."
Used when referring to multiple musical intervals, registers, groups of eight, or poetic stanzas.
"The recording captures the same melody across several octaves."
An octave lets a melody feel familiar at a different height: the notes change, but their relationship remains the same.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does octave come from?
Octave comes through Old French from Medieval Latin octava, a feminine form of octavus meaning “eighth.” Latin octavus was formed from octo, meaning “eight.” The same numerical root appears in related words including octet, octagonal, and octogenarian.
Related word forms
How octave is actually used
In music, the term usually describes an interval rather than a single pitch. The broader sense of a group of eight is less common than the musical sense, while the poetic sense is chiefly associated with structured verse.
Easily confused with octave
An octave is a musical interval of eight scale degrees or a group organized around eight; an octet is usually a group of eight performers, speakers, or objects.