ostinato
/ˌɑstɪˈnɑtoʊ/
noun
- A short musical phrase or rhythm that is repeated persistently throughout a piece or section of music.
- The bass line in that song is a simple ostinato that repeats over and over.
- Many Baroque pieces use an ostinato pattern in the lower instruments.
- The drummer played a steady ostinato on the hi-hat while the melody changed.