plural bass or basses
: any of numerous edible marine or freshwater bony fishes (especially families Centrarchidae, Serranidae, and Percichthyidae of the order Perciformes)
1
: deep or grave in tone
2
a
: of low pitch
b
: relating to or having the range or part of a bass
1
a
: the lowest voice part in a 4-part chorus
b
: the lower half of the whole vocal or instrumental tonal range compare treble entry 1
c
: the lowest adult male singing voice
also
: a person having this voice
d
: a member of a family of instruments having the lowest range
especially
: double bass
2
: a deep or grave tone : a low-pitched sound
1
2
: a coarse tough fiber from palms
Examples of bass in a Sentence
Adjective
the sound of the bass drum
a man with an impressive bass voice
Recent Examples on the Web
Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Many are tailored for specific genres, and some have basic bass or treble adjustments.
—PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
In her social posts, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee also took the time to acknowledge her band of 15 years — comprised of Fred Eltringham (drums, percussion), Audley Freed (electric guitar), Jen Gunderman (keyboards), Robert Kearns (bass), and Peter Stroud (electric guitar).
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 18 July 2025
The album's players include Fred Eltringham and Julian Dorio on drums, Dominic Davis on bass, Peter Levin on keys, Zach Setchfield on guitar, and Rothman on guitar.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bass
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Since those early days, several companies have tried to blend the best aspects of electrostatic panels for their superior mid and upper frequencies with moving-coil drivers for a deep bass.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Many are tailored for specific genres, and some have basic bass or treble adjustments.
—PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
In her social posts, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee also took the time to acknowledge her band of 15 years — comprised of Fred Eltringham (drums, percussion), Audley Freed (electric guitar), Jen Gunderman (keyboards), Robert Kearns (bass), and Peter Stroud (electric guitar).
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 18 July 2025
The album's players include Fred Eltringham and Julian Dorio on drums, Dominic Davis on bass, Peter Levin on keys, Zach Setchfield on guitar, and Rothman on guitar.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bass
Cite this Entry
“Bass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bass. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bass
1 of 2 noun
plural bass or basses
: any of various spiny-finned freshwater or saltwater sport and food fishes
bass
2 of 2 noun1
a
: the lowest musical part in harmony for four parts compare alto sense 1b, soprano entry 2 sense 1, tenor sense 2a
b
: the lower half of a musical tone range compare treble
2
a
: the lowest male singing voice or a person who has this voice
b
: a person or instrument performing the bass part
bass
adjective
Etymology
Noun
Old English bærs "bass"
Noun
Middle English bas (adjective) "being or having a low solemn tone"
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share