rondo

noun

ron·​do ˈrän-(ˌ)dō 

rän-ˈdō

plural rondos

1

: an instrumental composition typically with a refrain recurring four times in the tonic and with three couplets in contrasting keys

2

: the musical form of a rondo used especially for a movement in a concerto or sonata

Examples of rondo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Observing their midfield do a rondo in the warm-up would probably be more entertaining than many whole games elsewhere. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 May 2026

It’s structured as a rondo, in which an initial or main melody is repeated in between one or more contrasting segments. — Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026

The Dardennes, typically allergic to the manipulations of music, here remind us that life is as cyclical as a rondo, and just as swift. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2026

Like a rondo, the refrain of family alternates with the contrasting themes, ultimately building to its chilling coda. — Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian rondò, from Middle French rondeau

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rondo

• condo
• mondo
• cuando
• rolando