glissando

noun

glis·​san·​do gli-ˈsän-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce glissando (audio)
plural glissandi gli-ˈsän-(ˌ)dē How to pronounce glissando (audio) or glissandos
: a rapid sliding up or down the musical scale

Examples of glissando in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The album opens with a pair of love songs that practically shimmer with jazzy keyboard glissandos and dainty folk-pop fingerpicking. Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026 May contributes harp glissandos, which somehow don’t come off as a precocious affectation. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025 At 7:59, a thunderous clap followed by the sound of harp glissandos sends everyone to their seats. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025 Lauer contrasted that with an ascending glissando on his Wurlitzer in the middle of the bridge. Tom Roland, Billboard, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for glissando

Word History

Etymology

probably modification of French glissade

First Known Use

circa 1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glissando was circa 1854

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glissando.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glissando. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

glissando

noun
glis·​san·​do gli-ˈsän-dō How to pronounce glissando (audio)
plural glissandi -(ˌ)dē How to pronounce glissando (audio) or glissandos
: a rapid sliding up or down the musical scale
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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