up-tempo

adjective

up-tem·​po ˈəp-ˌtem-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce up-tempo (audio)
: having a fast-moving tempo
up-tempo music
an aggressive up-tempo style of basketball

Examples of up-tempo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition, early on, FIU’s defense had trouble lining up correctly due to Kennesaw’s up-tempo offense, but Simmons seemed most bothered by the tackling. Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025 This was an up-tempo contest with scoring chances throughout, and former teammates Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic both played exceptionally well. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 There are times when— like the touchdown was kind of an up-tempo play. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025 Brown is also distancing himself from Thibodeau by employing an up-tempo offense. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for up-tempo

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of up-tempo was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Up-tempo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-tempo. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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