tempo
noun
tem·po
| \ ˈtem-(ˌ)pō
\
\
plural tempi\ ˈtem-(ˌ)pē
\
or tempos
\
or tempos
Definition of tempo
1
: the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (such as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking
2
: rate of motion or activity : pace
Sentence
The song has a slow tempo.
The composition has many changes of tempo.
We walked at a fast tempo.
The tempo of the game slowed down.
The dance starts out fast and then switches tempo.
Examples of tempo in a Sentence
The song has a slow tempo.
The composition has many changes of tempo.
We walked at a fast tempo.
The tempo of the game slowed down.
The dance starts out fast and then switches tempo.
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Recent Examples on the Web
In Fickell's estimation, UCLA's offense should be more efficient and run at a much faster tempo. — Fletcher Page, Cincinnati.com, "As UC readies for UCLA rematch, optimism for Bearcats football has replaced doubt," 28 Aug. 2019 Mike White’s team played at the slowest tempo in the SEC and made up for poor defensive rebounding and shaky defense in the paint by trying to limit how many shots opponents took. — The Si Staff, SI.com, "Identifying the Best Value Bets to Win the 2020 National Title," 15 Aug. 2019 The coaches who have adjusted or in Avalos’ case, developed, more streamlined keys to allow players to read and react faster are proving their worth, particularly against up-tempo offenses. — James Crepea | The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive.com, "The biggest beneficiary in Andy Avalos’ defense at Oregon? Look no further than Bryson Young," 9 Aug. 2019 The Lions practice at a little faster tempo than the Patriots. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions training camp observations: 2-minute offense, defense need work," 5 Aug. 2019 The reason Nebraska is favored in a wide-open division is Adrian Martinez, who was the most productive freshman quarterback in the nation and whose running and passing abilities are perfectly suited to Frost’s up-tempo offense. — Eric Olson, The Denver Post, "Nebraska’s Scott Frost: Big 10 West favorite label fueling Huskers’ confidence," 1 Aug. 2019 If Brady or Jackson, or any other quarterback the Dolphins face this season, employ a no-huddle, tempo offense at points during their games this season, the Dolphins’ defense could be at a disadvantage. — Safid Deen, sun-sentinel.com, "Here’s one area where the new Miami Dolphins defense could struggle this season," 1 Aug. 2019 Leaving Brussels, the 176 Tour competitors started their loop south of the city at a fast tempo as a group of four riders led by Greg Van Avermaet, a one-day classics specialist from Belgium, immediately formed at the front. — John Leicester, BostonGlobe.com, "Mike Teunissen wins Tour opening stage," 6 July 2019 Much like one of his primary mentors, tenor sax master George Coleman, the 50-year-old New Yorker combines extraordinary fluency at every tempo with a clear, rounded tone and an expansive harmonic palette. — Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, "Sax man Eric Alexander brings his gorgeous tones to SF Bay Area shows," 18 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tempo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for tempo
tempo
noun
English Language Learners Definition of tempo
: the speed at which a musical piece is played or sung
: the speed at which something moves or happens
See the full definition for tempo in the English Language Learners Dictionary
tempo
noun
tem·po
| \ ˈtem-pō
\
\
plural tempi\ -ˌpē \
or tempos
Kids Definition of tempo
: the rate of speed at which a musical composition is played or sung
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