noun
vibrato
vih-BRAH-toh
noun
1
(music) A slight, rapid wavering in pitch used to add expression to a sung or played note.
"The violinist added a rich vibrato to the final note."
How to Use Vibrato
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wobbling, expressive effect used in singing or playing a musical note.
Common pairings
heavy vibrato
use vibrato
wide vibrato
Word Forms
more vibrato comparative, vibratos plural, most vibrato superlative
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The violinist added a rich _____ to the final note.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian vibrato, the past participle of vibrare, "to vibrate."