vibrato

noun

vi·​bra·​to vi-ˈbrä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce vibrato (audio)
vī-
plural vibratos
: a slightly tremulous effect imparted to vocal or instrumental tone for added warmth and expressiveness by slight and rapid variations in pitch
vibratoless adjective

Examples of vibrato in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Coleman’s razor-sharp vibrato rattles the melody to its core. Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2024 Each key was associated with a particular note, but the pitch of the note could be tuned by rolling back and forth on the key, similar to how a violinist might produce a vibrato or glissando. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Feb. 2024 The more Kaylee hits her runs and shows off her slow vibrato, neither John nor Niall can remain seated. Maggie Fremont, EW.com, 4 Oct. 2023 The set not only showcased Moreno’s exquisite vibrato, but also paid homage to the rich heritage of Latin American folk music. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 4 Feb. 2024 Y’all, Clarkson slipped into the track with ease, effortlessly hitting high notes and peppering her signature vibrato throughout the track. Starr Bowenbank, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2023 With the sincere rasp of haircut influencer Peso Pluma and the silken vibrato of Eslabón Armado’s Pedro Tovar, however, the moment is dreamy and longing, even when Doble P’s dropping googly-eyed bars about a particular woman’s physique. Pitchfork, 13 Dec. 2023 His vibrato was steady, with a lilting note of elegy. Geoffrey Mak, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2023 Preceding Adès on the first half was viol consort music by Byrd, Dowland, Orlando Gibbons, and Henry Purcell played without vibrato by Marwood, Kenny, and Itzkoff, with Maiya Papach and Itsuki Yamamoto on violas, and the addition of Anri Tsukji on cello. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vibrato.' 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, from past participle of vibrare to vibrate, from Latin

First Known Use

circa 1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vibrato was circa 1876

Dictionary Entries Near vibrato

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

vibrato

noun
vi·​bra·​to vi-ˈbrät-ō How to pronounce vibrato (audio)
vī-
plural vibratos
: a slightly trembling effect given to vocal or instrumental tone by slight and rapid variations in pitch

More from Merriam-Webster on vibrato

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!