A Cappella
adverb / adjective /ˌæ kəˈpɛl.ə/ — Singing without any instrumental accompaniment.
Definition
Performed by voices alone, without any instrumental accompaniment. The term refers to the human voice in its purest musical form — no instruments to fill silences, support pitch, or carry rhythm. A cappella requires absolute trust in the voice.
Beyond the definition
A cappella is the sound of nothing but people. When a choir sings a cappella, the music is made entirely of breath and intention. It is the most human possible sound.
Origin & history
Italian: 'a cappella' (in the manner of the chapel). Referring to the vocal music performed in church without organ accompaniment. Chapel music was originally entirely vocal.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The choir's a cappella version of the hymn was so pure it felt like a prayer answered.
She sang one note, a cappella, into the empty theatre — just to hear the room.
A cappella removes the safety net. Every breath, every pitch, is entirely yours.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “A Cappella” when the meaning fits your context: Performed by voices alone, without any instrumental accompaniment. The term refers to the human voice in its purest musical form — no instruments to fill silences, support pitch, or carry rhythm. A cappella requires absolute trust in the voice.
Synonyms
unaccompanied, vocal only, pure voice
Antonyms
accompanied, instrumental, orchestrated
Related words
A Cappella vs unaccompanied
A cappella specifically refers to vocal music performed without instruments. Unaccompanied is a broad term that can apply to any instrument playing solo.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Adult in Vast Empty Room
An adult sits alone in a large, empty room with a window overlooking an open landscape.
The stark lack of furniture or secondary elements mirrors the purity of an a cappella performance. The image highlights the absence of supporting 'instruments,' requiring the person to exist as the sole focus of the space.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "A Cappella" mean?
A Cappella is adverb / adjective meaning: Singing without any instrumental accompaniment.. Performed by voices alone, without any instrumental accompaniment. The term refers to the human voice in its purest musical form — no instruments to fill silences, support pitch, or carry rhythm. A cappella requires absolute trust in the voice.
Where does the word "A Cappella" come from?
Italian: 'a cappella' (in the manner of the chapel). Referring to the vocal music performed in church without organ accompaniment. Chapel music was originally entirely vocal.