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rubato

noun ru·ba·to \ rü-ˈbä-(ˌ)tō \
|Updated on: 17 May 2018

Definition of rubato

plural rubatos
: a fluctuation of tempo within a musical phrase often against a rhythmically steady accompaniment

Recent Examples of rubato from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rubato.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rubato

Italian, literally, robbed

Learn More about rubato

  1. See words that rhyme with rubato Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rubato

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