1 tremolo | Definition of tremolo

tremolo

noun
trem·​o·​lo | \ ˈtre-mə-ˌlō How to pronounce tremolo (audio) \
plural tremolos

Definition of tremolo

1a : the rapid reiteration of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a tremulous effect
b : vocal vibrato especially when prominent or excessive
2 : a mechanical device in an organ for causing a tremulous effect

Examples of tremolo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of these events recurred, like glissandos, playing on the bridge, and furiously bowed tremolos. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: At Fresh Sound concert, Flux Quartet challenges listeners with daring works," 7 Aug. 2019 For example, his signature right-hand tremolo is fully established. Marc Myers, WSJ, "‘Classic Brunswick & Columbia Teddy Wilson Sessions 1934-1942’ Review: The Peacemaker of the Piano," 13 Apr. 2018 During the summer, they can be identified by their shiny black head and bill, small red eyes, and distinctive calls — tremolo, wail, yodel, and hoot. Margeaux Sippell, BostonGlobe.com, "Around July Fourth, look out for loon chicks," 1 July 2018 Preamp Tubes: Increase the amplitude of the audio signal from the guitar and send it to circuits that introduce effects like reverb and tremolo. 7. Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "What a Fender Amp Looks Like When You Tear It Apart," 24 Mar. 2015 The album is full of early rock and roll touches, with lots of reverb and tremolo guitars, so expect Williams to transform Johnny Brenda’s into a Twin Peaksian Roadhouse on Saturday night. Philly.com, "DJ Khaled, a tribute to the Beatles, Wine Pong and other things to do in Philadelphia March 23-30," 21 Mar. 2018 For example, Reyes learned Jiménez’s technique of adding a small drop of lead to a reed to change its pitch ever so slightly, creating a special tremolo vibrato effect. Daniel Sheehy, Smithsonian, "The Remarkable Rebirth of the Button Accordion," 22 Dec. 2017 Fats Domino announced himself with this single: a two-fisted boogie-woogie piano intro with tremolo flourishes, verses that establish his 200-pound physique and his New Orleans locale and a falsetto vocal like a trumpet solo. Jon Pareles, New York Times, "Fats Domino Songs: Listen to 12 Essential Tracks," 25 Oct. 2017 The eight-minute soundpiece draws on elements of the Polish composer’s early, avant-garde manner — here, tremolo glissandos in the strings and dense nine-part chords in the low brass — but uses them more subtly and poetically. John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "CSO presents a pretty premiere as part of Muti's dervish week of pre-tour activity," 29 Sep. 2017

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

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First Known Use of tremolo

circa 1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for tremolo

Italian, from tremolo tremulous, from Latin tremulus

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More Definitions for tremolo

tremolo

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tremolo

music : a musical sound made by a voice or instrument that seems to shake

More from Merriam-Webster on tremolo

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with tremolo

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tremolo