Bass: meaning, definitions and examples

This can also refer to a type of fish; used when talking about fishing or cooking.

• He caught a large bass in the lake.
• We're having grilled bass for dinner.

Specifically refers to a string instrument used in various music genres. Often mentioned in a musical performance or when talking about learning or playing the instrument.

• She's learning to play the bass guitar.
• The band’s bassist plays a red bass guitar.

Used when referring to a large string instrument mainly used in classical, jazz, and swing music. Often spoken about in the context of orchestras and jazz bands.

• The double bass added a rich sound to the orchestra.
• He is a skilled double bass player in the jazz band.

Refers to a type of bass guitar that requires an amplifier to produce sound. Commonly used in modern music genres such as rock, pop, and funk.

• The electric bass gives the band a powerful sound.
• She prefers playing electric bass over acoustic bass.

This term also refers to a low-frequency sound in music, typically the lower range of an instrumental or vocal range. It is used in musical contexts.

• The bass in that song is really powerful.
• He plays the bass guitar in their band.

This term is used to describe a type of fish that can live in both saltwater and freshwater. It is often targeted by anglers along the Atlantic coast.

• Striped bass are highly sought after in both recreational and commercial fishing.
• He shared his tips for catching striped bass in the bay.

This term is specific to a type of freshwater game fish that is popular in sport fishing. It should be used when discussing fishing, especially in North American contexts.

• Largemouth bass are often found in lakes and ponds.
• She prides herself on catching a record-breaking largemouth bass.

This term refers to another specific type of freshwater fish, also popular in sport fishing. It is slightly smaller than largemouth bass and found in rivers and lakes.

• Smallmouth bass are known for their spirited fight when hooked.
• They went on a trip specifically to fish for smallmouth bass in the river.

In a different context, it can also refer to a type of fish, specifically those in the family Serranidae or Moronidae.

• We went fishing and caught a large bass

Generally used to describe sounds that are lower in pitch, not necessarily specific to music, and can refer to any low-pitched sound.

• He spoke in low tones to avoid waking the baby
• The instrument produces pleasant low tones

This term is often used in technical or sound engineering contexts to discuss the lower end of the audio frequency spectrum.

• Adjust the equalizer to boost the deep frequencies
• The deep frequencies create that rumbling effect you feel during the movie

Used when specifically referring to the lower-pitched notes in a piece of music, either played by an instrument or sung by a voice.

• The bass notes in the symphony really resonate
• The pianist emphasized the bass notes to create a deeper sound