appoggiatura

noun

ap·​pog·​gia·​tu·​ra ə-ˌpä-jə-ˈtu̇r-ə How to pronounce appoggiatura (audio)
: an embellishing note or tone preceding an essential melodic note or tone and usually written as a note of smaller size

Examples of appoggiatura in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Welser-Most adopted a pace that was leisurely but not indulgent, giving the strings time to lean on those heavenly appoggiaturas and showcase the luminous clarity for which the Cleveland Orchestra is renowned. Zachary Lewis, cleveland, 27 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appoggiatura.' 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, literally, support

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appoggiatura was in 1743

Dictionary Entries Near appoggiatura

Cite this Entry

“Appoggiatura.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appoggiatura. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on appoggiatura

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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