piz·zi·ca·to
ˌpit-si-ˈkä-(ˌ)tō 
plural pizzicati
ˌpit-si-ˈkä-(ˌ)tē
: a note or passage played by plucking strings
pizzicato
2 of 2adverb or adjective
: by means of plucking instead of bowing
—used as a direction in music
compare arco
Examples of pizzicato in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
oregonlive, 25 Jan. 2023
It is comprised of staccato and pizzicato motifs.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Oct. 2022
Muted brass are heard over a riot of pizzicato.
—Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2022
The first movement was nigh-on perfect, a model of musical forces in unshakeable balance, and the Scherzo was thrilling in its depth of dynamic contrast and exquisitely refined pizzicato.
—Zachary Lewis, cleveland, 11 Feb. 2022
Her language thus had its necessary counterpoint: the Bronx’s fullness against her poetry’s economy; the streetcorner’s pizzicato against her versifier’s swing.
—Helen Shaw, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2022
Ken, besides his classical roots, is deeply invested in the pop sound world and particularly the use of pizzicato on the cello and all the possibilities there.
—Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2022
Both Greensmith and violist Jonathan Vinocour were impressive in their ability to blend and drive through unison tremolos and pizzicato passages.
—Lukas Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022
Its bustle of puffing trumpets and pizzicato strings were cut by entrancing interjections of oboe.
—Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2022
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Noun
The Portland Columbia Symphony, celebrating its 40th anniversary all season long, and will offer a VIP fundraiser and public concert this weekend featuring headliner Alexander Markov, an awarding winning virtuoso known for his interpretation of the left-hand pizzicato section of the 24th Caprice.
—oregonlive, 25 Jan. 2023
It is comprised of staccato and pizzicato motifs.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Oct. 2022
Muted brass are heard over a riot of pizzicato.
—Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2022
The first movement was nigh-on perfect, a model of musical forces in unshakeable balance, and the Scherzo was thrilling in its depth of dynamic contrast and exquisitely refined pizzicato.
—Zachary Lewis, cleveland, 11 Feb. 2022
Her language thus had its necessary counterpoint: the Bronx’s fullness against her poetry’s economy; the streetcorner’s pizzicato against her versifier’s swing.
—Helen Shaw, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2022
Ken, besides his classical roots, is deeply invested in the pop sound world and particularly the use of pizzicato on the cello and all the possibilities there.
—Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2022
Both Greensmith and violist Jonathan Vinocour were impressive in their ability to blend and drive through unison tremolos and pizzicato passages.
—Lukas Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022
Its bustle of puffing trumpets and pizzicato strings were cut by entrancing interjections of oboe.
—Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pizzicato.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Pizzicato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pizzicato. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
pizzicato
adverb or adjective
piz·zi·ca·to
ˌpit-si-ˈkät-ō
: by means of plucking by the fingers instead of bowing
—used as a direction in music
More from Merriam-Webster on pizzicato
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pizzicato
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