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Definition of oom-pah-pah

oom-pah-pah

Plural:oom-pah-pahs
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• interjection

1

Used to vocally imitate the rhythmic triple-meter sound of a tuba and accompanying brass instruments in a waltz or beer-hall song.

Example

"The crowd swayed their steins back and forth, singing "oom-pah-pah, oom-pah-pah" in time with the band."

• noun

1

A rhythmic musical accompaniment in triple time (3/4 meter), consisting of a deep bass note on the first beat followed by two higher chordal beats, characteristic of waltzes and traditional brass bands.

Example

"The steady oom-pah-pah of the tuba and horns echoed across the town square during the autumn celebration."

• adjective

1

Characterized by or producing a rhythmic triple-time accompaniment played by low brass instruments, typical of traditional German or Austrian band music.

Example

"The festival tent was filled with lively oom-pah-pah music as couples danced the waltz."

Word Nuance & Usage

While "oom-pah" imitates a duple meter (2/4 time) typical of marches and polkas, "oom-pah-pah" specifically represents a triple meter (3/4 time) characteristic of waltzes and German Ländler.

• Nearby Words

oof
ooh
oolong
oom-pah-pah
oompah
oomph
oop

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oom-pah-pah. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oom--pah--pah
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