1 ariosi | Definition of ariosi
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arioso

noun
ari·​o·​so | \ ˌär-ē-ˈō-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce arioso (audio) , -(ˌ)zō\
plural ariosos also ariosi\ -​(ˌ)sē How to pronounce ariosi (audio) , -​(ˌ)zē \

Definition of arioso

: a musical passage or composition having a mixture of free recitative and metrical song

Examples of arioso in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 But Monteverdi shows uncanny skill at writing extended vocal passages that shift seamlessly between recitative, arioso and aria. — Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, "Review: An Inspiring End to a 6-Month Tour of Monteverdi’s Operas," 22 Oct. 2017 Fischer inhabited her role completely, and the composer wrote long, lyrical arioso for her. — Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Opera makes history with Missy Mazzoli's 'Song from the Uproar'," 19 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'arioso.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of arioso

1820, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for arioso

Italian, from aria

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More from Merriam-Webster on arioso

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with arioso

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arioso

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