pizzicato

1 of 2

noun

piz·​zi·​ca·​to ˌpit-si-ˈkä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce pizzicato (audio)
plural pizzicati ˌpit-si-ˈkä-(ˌ)tē How to pronounce pizzicato (audio)
: a note or passage played by plucking strings

pizzicato

2 of 2

adverb 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
Noun
The music has luxurious legato sections and boisterous cadenzas, plus intriguing pizzicato. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024 That pizzicato hook — a blend of synthesizer and guitar — is undeniable. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024 Taylor was especially exciting to watch through this second half, locking into charming pizzicato figures with the cello and violas under bright, unfurling violins. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 Generous pizzicato added an edge of suspense to the piece, and there was a strange bell-like sound created in the second movement. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 26 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pizzicato 

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.

Word History

Etymology

Adverb or adjective

Italian, past participle of pizzicare to pluck

First Known Use

Noun

1790, in the meaning defined above

Adverb Or Adjective

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pizzicato was circa 1771

Dictionary Entries Near pizzicato

Cite this Entry

“Pizzicato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pizzicato. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

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

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