✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

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.
The fans never faltered, nor did SDFC’s up-tempo efforts to score twice more. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025 In those three comebacks, Lindsey has had success when the offense goes into an up-tempo speed; his predecessor, Max Bosmer, had success in that style, too. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Nov. 2025 Did the Heat’s new up-tempo offense take some time for Jovic to get used to? Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025 Al Horford sat out, but the defense was still able to handle Ja Morant and an up-tempo Grizzlies offense. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Up-tempo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up-tempo. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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