# BIS

/ˈbɪs/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bis
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- The band played a loud bis at sunset.
- The military band played a sharp bis to signal the end of the parade.
- The ceremonial bis echoed across the square, marking the precise moment the dignitaries stepped onto the balcony.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.