metronome

noun

met·​ro·​nome ˈme-trə-ˌnōm How to pronounce metronome (audio)
: a device designed to mark exact time by a regularly repeated tick

Illustration of metronome

Illustration of metronome

Did you know?

The patent for the metronome was entered in 1816: "John Malzl [sic], of Poland-street, Middlesex, Machinist; for an instrument . . . which he denominates a Metronome, or musical time-keeper." The courts, however, later proved that the aforementioned Johann Maelzel copied a pendulum design of Dietrich Winkel, making Winkel the actual inventor. Nonetheless, Maelzel was the more successful marketer of the metronome and even has a notation named after him. The "M.M." in notations like "M.M. = 60" stands for "Maelzel's metronome" and indicates a tempo of 60 beats per minute or a beat per tick of the metronome as it ticks 60 times, in the case of our example. The name of the invention itself is based on the Greek words metron, meaning "measure," and nomos, meaning "law."

Examples of metronome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The third-year kicker is as reliable as a metronome for Regis, connecting on 74 of 77 extra points and 20 of 26 field goals with a long of 52 yards over the past two seasons. Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025 The sooner leaders change their organizational metronome, through hybridization of business, the faster firms will shift from isolated traditional automation to compounding organizational advantage. John Sviokla, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 As consistent as a metronome and as humble as pie, the Marquette recruit racked up eye-popping personal statistics while helping the Fillies remain one of the state’s elite programs. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025 The ancient Amate tree leaned over a canyon like a broken metronome. Philip Holsinger, Time, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for metronome

Word History

Etymology

Greek metron + -nomos controlling, from nomos law — more at nimble

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metronome was in 1816

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Cite this Entry

“Metronome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metronome. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

metronome

noun
met·​ro·​nome ˈme-trə-ˌnōm How to pronounce metronome (audio)
: an instrument that ticks regularly to help a music student play in exact time

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