1
plural tempos also tempi
ˈtɛmpi 
: the speed at which a musical piece is played or sung
: the speed at which a musical piece is played or sung
The song has a slow/fast/upbeat tempo.
The composition has many changes of tempo.
2
plural tempos
: the speed at which something moves or happens : pace
We walked at a fast tempo.
The tempo of the game slowed down.
The dance starts out fast and then switches tempo.
Cite this Entry
“Tempo.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tempo. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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