SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

ritenuto

adjective
Save Word
ri·​te·​nu·​to | \ ˌrētəˈnü(ˌ)tō \

Definition of ritenuto

: held back in tempo —used as a direction in music usually indicating an abrupt slowing down

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for ritenuto

Italian, past participle of ritenere to hold back, detain, restrain, retain, from Latin retinēre

Learn More About ritenuto

Dictionary Entries Near ritenuto

ritenente

ritenuto

rite of intensification

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for ritenuto

Cite this Entry

“Ritenuto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ritenuto. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

riposte

Listen to the pronunciation of riposte

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks

  • image1926873504
  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games