noun
downbeat
The first, accented beat of a musical measure.
The conductor marked the downbeat.
Etymology
The musical name refers to the conductor’s downward stroke. That gesture marks the first strong beat of the measure and supplies the beat’s name.
More examples
- The drummer accented the downbeat of each measure.
- The ensemble entered together on the downbeat.
- She raised the baton before giving the downbeat.
Forms
downbeat · downbeats
Similar words
- beat
- Beat is any pulse in the meter; downbeat identifies the first beat of the measure.
- upbeat
- An upbeat can be a preparatory or unaccented beat; the downbeat marks the measure’s beginning.