spiccato

1 of 2

adjective

spic·​ca·​to spi-ˈkä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce spiccato (audio)
: performed with a slight lifting of the bow after each note
used as a direction in music

spiccato

2 of 2

noun

plural spiccatos
: a spiccato technique, performance, or passage

Examples of spiccato in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Every tackle and pass intertwined with serene pizzicati, rhythmic spiccato and even the droning noise of electric guitars. BenoÎt Morenne, New York Times, 23 June 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spiccato.' 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

Adjective

Italian, past participle of spiccare to detach, pick off

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiccato was circa 1724

Dictionary Entries Near spiccato

Cite this Entry

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

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