English

Alternative forms

• a capella
• acapella

Adverb

a cappella ‎(not comparable)

1. (music) In a manner of a choir with no instrumental accompaniment; literally, "in the style of the (Sistine) Chapel (in Rome)", such as a musical Mass done a cappella. [First attested in the late 19th century.]^[1]

   Groups of teens singing a cappella on street corners got recording contracts.

2. (obsolete, music) In alla breve time.

Translations

Adjective

a cappella ‎(not comparable)

1. (music) Singing solely or mainly without instrumental accompaniment. [First attested in the late 19th century.]^[1]

   An a cappella group sang during the wedding reception.

2. (music, US) Related to a form of purely vocal music mostly associated with American college performance groups.
   • 2012. Powerful Voices. Joshua S. Duchan.

     Socially, a cappella groups tend to be tight-knit ensembles in which close interpersonal relationships are formed.

3. (obsolete, music) alla breve.

See also

• cappella
• chapel

References

1. 1 2 Brown, Lesley, ed. The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. 5th. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.

Italian

Adverb

a cappella

1. (music) a cappella

Portuguese

Alternative forms

• a capela

Adverb

a cappella (not comparable)

1. (music) a cappella (performed by a choir with no instrumental accompaniment)

Spanish

Adverb

a cappella

1. a cappella