# passacaglia

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌpasəˈkɑːlɪ.ə/

## Definitions
1. A form of historical Spanish or Italian dance characterised by a serious nature, triple meter, and use of a ground bass.
2. Any piece of classical music with similar characteristics.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Italian passacaglia, from Spanish pasacalle, from pasar (“to pass”) + calle (“street”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/passacaglia