Marche
/mɑːrʃ/noun
A musical composition or movement written in the style of a march.
Did you know?In French, marche can mean both “a march” and “a step,” linking musical performance to the physical act of moving forward in measured rhythm.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*markōn
“To mark out or establish a boundary; a proposed Germanic source connected with measured limits and movement.”
Old French
Old French
marchier
“To walk or march; the verb is commonly linked to Germanic boundary or marking vocabulary, though details remain debated.”
12th Century
French
marche
“A walk, march, or measured movement.”
17th Century
French
marche
“A march, including a piece of music with a regular marching rhythm.”
18th Century
English
marche
“A borrowed musical term for a march or march-like composition.”
Modern English
English
marche
“A musical march, especially in titles or formal musical descriptions.”