ENGLISH
REFERENCE

BIS

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈbɪs// bis Government Law Music
Definition

n. a short, loud musical piece played by a military band to signal an order or mark an event.

n. a short, rhythmic composition for military band, used to signal commands or mark ceremonial occasions.


SIMPLE

The band played a loud bis at sunset.

CONTEXTUAL

The military band played a sharp bis to signal the end of the parade.

COMPLEX

The ceremonial bis echoed across the square, marking the precise moment the dignitaries stepped onto the balcony.

Related words

Last updated May 4, 2026