noun
crescendo
krih-SHEHN-doh
Crescendo (noun) means a gradual increase in intensity, loudness, or excitement, often building to a peak. Example: “The applause built to a crescendo as the singer hit the final note.”
noun
1
A gradual increase in intensity, loudness, or excitement, often building to a peak.
"The applause built to a crescendo as the singer hit the final note."
"The campaign reached a crescendo in the final week before the vote."
How to use crescendo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA steady build-up to a high point.
Common mistake
Strictly it means a build-up TO a climax, not the climax itself — but "reach a crescendo" is now common and widely accepted.
Common pairings
build to a crescendo
reach a crescendo
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Word forms
- Plural
- crescendos, crescendi, crescendoes
- Third person singular
- crescendoes, crescendos
- Past tense
- crescendoed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The applause built to a _____ as the singer hit the final note.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian crescendo, "growing", from crescere, "to grow" — originally a musical instruction to play increasingly loudly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for crescendo
See all rhymes for crescendo →Frequently asked questions
What does “crescendo” mean?
The word “crescendo” means a gradual increase in intensity, loudness, or excitement, often building to a peak. In plain terms, a steady build-up to a high point.
How do you pronounce “crescendo”?
“Crescendo” is pronounced krih-SHEHN-doh (/kɹɪˈʃɛn.doʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “crescendo” in a sentence?
Here is “crescendo” used in a sentence: “The applause built to a crescendo as the singer hit the final note.”
What is another word for “crescendo”?
Words with a similar meaning to “crescendo” include amplification, ascension, boost, gain, growth and increase.
What is the opposite of “crescendo”?
The opposite of “crescendo” — its antonyms — are decrescendo, diminuendo, climax, conclusion and decrease.
What part of speech is “crescendo”?
“Crescendo” is a noun.
Where does the word “crescendo” come from?
The word “crescendo” comes from Italian. Borrowed from Italian crescendo, "growing", from crescere, "to grow" — originally a musical instruction to play increasingly loudly.
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