scherzo

noun

scher·​zo ˈskert-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce scherzo (audio)
plural scherzos or scherzi ˈskert-(ˌ)sē How to pronounce scherzo (audio)
: a sprightly humorous instrumental musical composition or movement commonly in quick triple time

Examples of scherzo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The energy was restored by a beefy, vivacious scherzo, boosted by sturdy bassoons and a gorgeous trio of horns. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 The whimsical, bristling pizzicato-fest of the third movement scherzo would tickle any ASMR enthusiast — the dynamic gales blowing through the orchestra lifted harmonic swells to unexpected heights. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2023 The orchestra delivered a performance to take pride in, with the first few movements punctuated memorably by the precise and powerful timpani accents of percussionist Toby Grace; the second movement scherzo was light on its feet without sacrificing gravitas. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2023 The scherzo was crisp and memorable, providing, like Bruckner’s similar movements, a complete contrast. Dan Hathaway, cleveland, 6 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for scherzo 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scherzo.' 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

Italian, literally, joke, from scherzare

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scherzo was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near scherzo

Cite this Entry

“Scherzo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scherzo. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

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