How is homophonic texture defined in music?

Homophonic texture in music is characterized by a distinct melody that is accompanied by one or more additional parts that provide harmony or support, and these accompanying parts typically move in the same rhythm as the primary melody. This creates a cohesive sound where the listener can easily identify and follow the main melodic line, while the harmony enriches the texture without overshadowing it.

This type of texture contrasts with others, such as monophonic, where there is only a single melody line without any accompanying harmony, or polyphonic, where multiple independent melodies are happening simultaneously. It also differs from textures where rhythms of the accompanying parts vary independence from the melody, which can create a more complex interplay rather than the unified rhythmic support found in a homophonic setting.