vibrato
noun
vi·bra·to
vi-ˈbrä-(ˌ)tō 
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
Examples of vibrato in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Julia McKenzie: The English actor played the part with vibrant vibrato and a delightfully batty edge in a 1993 revival at London’s National Theatre.
—
Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024
As a performer, Allison has a strong stylistic command of her vibrato, demonstrates good pitch and bow control across her full tessitura, and can perform with great musicality.
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024
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
Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024
As a performer, Allison has a strong stylistic command of her vibrato, demonstrates good pitch and bow control across her full tessitura, and can perform with great musicality.
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024
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
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.
Dictionary Entries Near vibrato
Cite this Entry
“Vibrato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibrato. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vibrato
noun
vi·bra·to
vi-ˈbrät-ō
vī-
plural vibratos
: a slightly trembling effect given to vocal or instrumental tone by slight and rapid variations in pitch
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