fermata

noun fer·ma·ta \ fer-ˈmä-tə \

Definition of fermata

: a prolongation at the discretion of the performer of a musical note, chord, or rest beyond its given time value; also : the sign denoting such a prolongation — called also hold

Recent Examples of fermata from the Web

The mysterious ancient Hebrew word selah is one word for this response, which some believe is a musical notation akin to a fermata.

— virginia heffernan, WIRED, "Scrolling, Rickrolling, and Trolling," 12 Mar. 2018
The sound of a piano softly tinkles in the background, gradually building (strings are optional now) into a fermata.

— cmo today staff, WSJ, "CMO Today’s Cranky Holiday Wish List," 22 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fermata.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.