a cappella

Meanings

Noun

• A vocal performance with no instrumental accompaniment.

Adverb

• 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.
• In alla breve time.

Adjective

• Singing solely or mainly without instrumental accompaniment.
• Related to a form of purely vocal music mostly associated with American college performance groups.
• alla breve.

Origin

• Borrowed from Italian alla cappella ("in the manner of the [Sistine] chapel"), referring to non-instrumental choirs.