up-tempo

adjective

up-tem·​po ˈəp-ˌtem-(ˌ)pō 

: 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

In place of a liquor shelf (the establishment sells only beer and cider), there’s a turntable and a library of vinyl—this evening’s up-tempo jazz struggled to compete with the din of a full house. — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026

Lebby is a disciple of Tennessee’s Josh Heupel and his up-tempo veer-and-shoot offense, which Heupel learned from former Baylor coach Art Briles. — Pj Green september 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Stokes and Memphis’ up-tempo system are significant reasons why the Tigers are viewed as College Football Playoff contenders. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Topping Sumrall’s list is a pass defense that was too often left flat-footed, timid and struggling to communicate against the Owls’ up-tempo attack. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for up-tempo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo