tempo
noun
tem·po
ˈtem-(ˌ)pō 
plural tempi
ˈtem-(ˌ)pē
or tempos
or tempos
1
: the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (such as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking
2
: rate of motion or activity : pace
Examples of tempo in a Sentence
The song has a slow tempo.
The composition has many changes of tempo.
We walked at a fast tempo.
The tempo of the game slowed down.
The dance starts out fast and then switches tempo.
Recent Examples on the Web
Innuendo’s title track is a six-minute swirl of tempo changes recalling Queen’s proggy ‘70s work, and became their first No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart in nearly a decade.
—
Al Shipley, SPIN, 18 May 2024
Its anticipatory tempo at the outset gives way to a more comforting pace as the lyrics propose pride and protection in the place of loss or anger.
—Lisa Abelar, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempo 
Al Shipley, SPIN, 18 May 2024
Its anticipatory tempo at the outset gives way to a more comforting pace as the lyrics propose pride and protection in the place of loss or anger.
—Lisa Abelar, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempo
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tempo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tempo
Cite this Entry
“Tempo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempo. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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