Compound meter is a type of musical meter where each beat is divided into three equal parts, creating a flowing and lilting feel. It is typically notated with a time signature that has a top number of 6, 9, or 12, such as 6/8, 9/8, or 12/8. In these signatures, the beats are grouped in a way that emphasizes the triplet feel, making the music feel more dynamic and lively. In compound meter, the main beats are often felt as dotted notes, which are longer than the subdivisions. For example, in 6/8, there are two main beats per measure, each consisting of three eighth notes. This structure allows for a variety of rhythmic patterns and is commonly found in genres like jazz, folk, and classical music.