sight-read

verb

sight-read ˈsīt-ˌred How to pronounce sight-read (audio) ; sight-reading ˈsīt-ˌrē-diŋ How to pronounce sight-read (audio)

transitive verb

: to read (something, such as a foreign language) or perform (music) without previous preparation or study

intransitive verb

: to read at sight
especially : to perform music at sight
sight reader noun

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from sight reader

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of sight-read was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near sight-read

Cite this Entry

“Sight-read.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sight-read. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sight-read

verb
ˈsīt-ˌrēd
sight-read
-ˌred
; sight-reading
-ˌrēd-iŋ
: to read something written in a foreign language or play music without first practicing or studying it
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