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Definition of sextet

sextet

/sɛksˈtɛt/
sex · tet
Plural:sextets
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sextet Lexical Profile

sextet Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A musical ensemble of six performers, or a musical composition written for six voices or instruments.

Example

"The jazz sextet opened the evening concert with a lively arrangement featuring trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, bass, and drums."

2

Any group or set of six people or things.

Example

"A sextet of historic townhouses lined the cobblestone square at the center of the neighborhood."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sextet

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'sestet' and 'sextet' share the same etymological root, 'sextet' is the standard term for a musical ensemble or general group of six, whereas 'sestet' is preferred in poetry for the last six lines of an Italian sonnet.

• Rhymes for sextet

• Nearby Words

sexpot
sext
sexter
sextet
sexting
sextortion
sextuple

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century as an alteration of 'sestet' (from Italian 'sestetto', diminutive of 'sesto', meaning 'sixth'), reshaped after the Latin numeral 'sex' ('six') on the model of 'duet' and 'quartet'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sextet. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sextet
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