ritornello

noun

ri·​tor·​nel·​lo ˌri-tər-ˈne-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce ritornello (audio)
ˌri-ˌtȯr-
plural ritornelli ˌri-tər-ˈne-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce ritornello (audio)
ˌri-ˌtȯr-
or ritornellos
1
a
: a short recurrent instrumental passage in a vocal composition
b
: an instrumental interlude in early opera
2
: a tutti passage in a concerto or rondo refrain

Examples of ritornello in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An orchestral ritornello serves as a bridge between each variation. Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, 30 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ritornello.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, diminutive of ritorno return, from ritornare to return, from ri- re- + tornare to turn, from Latin, to turn on a lathe — more at turn entry 1

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ritornello was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near ritornello

Cite this Entry

“Ritornello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ritornello. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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