decrescendo

1 of 2

noun

de·​cre·​scen·​do ˌdā-krə-ˈshen-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce decrescendo (audio)
plural decrescendos
1
: a gradual decrease in volume of a musical passage
2
: a decrescendo musical passage

Illustration of decrescendo

Illustration of decrescendo
  • mark indicating decrescendo 2

decrescendo

2 of 2

adverb or adjective

: with a decrease in volume
used as a direction in music

Examples of decrescendo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Crescendos and decrescendos were exquisitely controlled. Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 28 Apr. 2023 There were eloquent solos, too, from DSO principals Gregory Raden (the clarinet’s final decrescendo in the second movement fading down to nothing) and bassoonist Ted Soluri. Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 27 Mar. 2023 In between extreme dynamics, Luisi boldly sculpted phrases, crescendos and decrescendos. Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 17 Mar. 2023 Deren’s last decade was a depressing decrescendo. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2022 The weeks following Labor Day on Block Island become a decrescendo of day trippers looking for an afternoon of beach parties, out-of-town families on weekend excursions, and adventurous travelers looking to explore the rural beauty beyond the town’s main stops. Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Sep. 2022 Hasaan’s career went from decrescendo to catastrophe. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2021 Spano coaxed lush, sweet sonorities from the FWSO strings, building to a sumptuous climax before fading away in a long decrescendo. Dallas News, 15 Jan. 2022 The loveliest moment was the last, when the soloist loosened a string while bowing, trailing off with a drooping decrescendo. Zachary Lewis, cleveland, 21 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decrescendo.' 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

Noun

Italian, literally, decreasing, from Latin decrescendum, gerund of decrescere

First Known Use

Noun

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb Or Adjective

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decrescendo was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near decrescendo

Cite this Entry

“Decrescendo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decrescendo. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

decrescendo

1 of 2 noun
de·​cre·​scen·​do ˌdā-krə-ˈshen-dō How to pronounce decrescendo (audio)
plural decrescendos
: a lessening in volume of sound

decrescendo

2 of 2 adverb or adjective
: with diminishing volume
used as a direction in music
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