The 9/8 time signature is a compound time signature, meaning it divides each measure into larger beats that are further divisible into smaller units. In 9/8, there are typically three beats per measure, each of which divides into three eighth notes, for a total of nine eighth notes per measure. This contrasts with simple time signatures like 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4, where each beat divides into two. The 9/8 time signature is common in various forms of music, including classical, folk, and world music. One common use of 9/8 time is in the traditional Irish slip jig, a dance form that has a light, skipping rhythm. A well-known example is the traditional tune The Butterfly