1. (music) emphasis on the usually weak beats in 4/4 time, especially beats 2 and 4
   "The drummer's solid backbeat drove the rock song forward"

Derived forms: backbeats

Type of: beat, musical rhythm, rhythm

Part of: R&R, R'n'R [non-standard], rock, rock and roll, rock music, rock 'n' roll, rock-and-roll, rock'n'roll

Encyclopedia: Backbeat