noun

cadence

KAY-duhns

Cadence (noun) means a rhythmic flow or beat, especially in speech, music, or movement. Example: “The poet read with a slow, deliberate cadence.”

noun

A rhythmic flow or beat, especially in speech, music, or movement.

"The poet read with a slow, deliberate cadence."

"Runners fell into the same steady cadence along the trail."

(music) A sequence of chords that brings a musical phrase or piece to a close.

"The symphony ended on a triumphant cadence."

(cycling) The rate at which a cyclist pedals, measured in revolutions per minute.

"She kept a high cadence on the climb to save her legs."

How to use cadence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rhythmic pattern — in speech, music, running, or cycling.

Common pairings

a steady cadence rhythmic cadence pedal cadence

Word forms

cadenced past tense, cadences plural, cadences singular

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The poet read with a slow, deliberate _____.

Etymology

Via Middle French cadence from Old Italian cadenza ("a falling"), from Latin cadere, "to fall" — the same root behind "cadenza" and "chance."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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beat measure meter metre cadency

Related words

time hit action rate amount round step fall

Rhymes for cadence

hence fence whence thence Spence valence absence science silence defence essence ambience

See all rhymes for cadence →

Frequently asked questions

What does “cadence” mean?

The word “cadence” means a rhythmic flow or beat, especially in speech, music, or movement. In plain terms, a rhythmic pattern — in speech, music, running, or cycling.

How do you pronounce “cadence”?

“Cadence” is pronounced KAY-duhns (/ˈkeɪ̯dəns/ in IPA).

How do you use “cadence” in a sentence?

Here is “cadence” used in a sentence: “The poet read with a slow, deliberate cadence.”

What part of speech is “cadence”?

“Cadence” is a noun.

Where does the word “cadence” come from?

The word “cadence” comes from Latin. Via Middle French cadence from Old Italian cadenza ("a falling"), from Latin cadere, "to fall" — the same root behind "cadenza" and "chance.".

How many meanings does “cadence” have?

“Cadence” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rhythmic flow or beat, especially in speech, music, or movement.

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