A repeating figure that serves to unify works by composers such as Stravinsky and Debussy is called a(n):

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An ostinato is a repeating musical pattern or motif that serves as a unifying element in a composition. Both Stravinsky and Debussy frequently used ostinatos in their works. A passacaglia is also a repeating musical pattern, but it specifically refers to a repeating bassline. A ground bass is similar to a passacaglia in that it refers to a repeating bassline but is typically used in the context of Baroque music. A leitmotiv is a recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, idea, or emotion in opera or film music. While Stravinsky and Debussy did use recurring motifs, they were not typically referred to as leitmotivs.

A Repeating Figure That Serves to Unify Works by Composers