sharps

Noun

sharp (plural sharps)

1. The symbol ⟨♯⟩, placed after the name of a note in the key signature or before a note on the staff to indicate that the note is to be played one chromatic semitone higher.
   • The pitch pipe sounded out a perfect F♯ (F sharp).
2. A note that is played one chromatic semitone higher than usual; denoted by the name of the note that is followed by the symbol ⟨♯⟩.
3. A note that is sharp in a particular key.
   • The piece was difficult to read after it had been transposed, since in the new key many notes were sharps.
4. The scale having a particular sharp note as its tonic.
   • Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata is written in C♯ minor (C sharp minor).
5. (plural-normally) Something that is sharp.
   • Place sharps in the specially marked red container for safe disposal.
   1. (plural-normally) A hypodermic syringe.

See all 49 meanings of sharp