A whole note is a musical symbol that represents a sound lasting for four beats in common time. It looks like a hollow oval with no stem, making it easy to recognize. When you see a whole note in a piece of music, it tells you to hold the note for a longer duration compared to other notes, like a half note or quarter note. In a measure of music, a whole note can fill the entire space, allowing musicians to create a sustained sound. This note is often used in compositions to emphasize a particular moment or to provide a pause in the melody, giving the listener a chance to absorb the music.