é·tude / āˈt(y)oōd/ • n. a short musical composition, typically for one instrument, designed as an exercise to improve the technique or demonstrate the skill of the player.

étude (Fr.). Study. Comp. intended as a basis for the improvement of the performer's technique. In pf. mus. the term is especially applied to a short piece restricted to the exploitation of one kind of passage. Masterpieces of this kind suitable for public perf. as well as private practice were written by Chopin and Debussy.