up-tempo

adjective

up-tem·​po ˈəp-ˌtem-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce up-tempo (audio)
: having a fast-moving tempo
up-tempo music
an aggressive up-tempo style of basketball

Examples of up-tempo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Indiana’s up-tempo style is so potent because of the star guard. Tony East, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Murphy excelled in a new-look, up-tempo offense that employed short routes and deep shots down the field. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2025 During an up-tempo red-zone series, Shipley kept his balance along the left sideline while snagging a throw from Hurts. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025 Commercials were set to the tune of hard rock music and full of American, gas-guzzling bravado — a contrast to the up-tempo scene in west Detroit where Motley's Pretty Penny showed up. Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for up-tempo

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of up-tempo was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Up-tempo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-tempo. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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