English Dictionary

Definition of “vibrato

vibrato (vɪˈbrɑːtəʊPronunciation for vibrato

Definitions

noun

music 
  1. a slight, rapid, and regular fluctuation in the pitch of a note produced on a stringed instrument by a shaking movement of the hand stopping the strings
  2. an oscillatory effect produced in singing by fluctuation in breath pressure or pitch

Compare

tremolo

Word Origin

C19: from Italian, from Latin vibrāre to vibrate

Usage examples

  • The glass of the window shivered, and her teeth held the faint vibrato of an ache.
    Gee, Maggie, Lost Children (1994)
  • Effects such as vibrato and the way someone "attacks" or leads into a note, are recorded separately and added in.
    New Scientist (2003)
  • His tone is strong, clear and unforced; vibrato is light and unobtrusive; his range of volume is wide.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • And they played beautifully, with no vibrato but a lot of dynamic flux.
    Independent (1999)

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