noun

vibrato

vih-BRAH-toh

Vibrato (noun) means (music) A slight, rapid wavering in pitch used to add expression to a sung or played note. Example: “The violinist added a rich vibrato to the final note.”

noun

(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 notes

In 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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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The violinist added a rich _____ to the final note.

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian vibrato, the past participle of vibrare, "to vibrate."

Origin: Italian

Rhymes for vibrato

gato Mato Cato nato vato Kato Sato Dato Plato tomato potato gelato

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Frequently asked questions

What does “vibrato” mean?

The word “vibrato” means (music) A slight, rapid wavering in pitch used to add expression to a sung or played note. In plain terms, a wobbling, expressive effect used in singing or playing a musical note.

How do you pronounce “vibrato”?

“Vibrato” is pronounced vih-BRAH-toh (/vɪˈbɹɑːtoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “vibrato” in a sentence?

Here is “vibrato” used in a sentence: “The violinist added a rich vibrato to the final note.”

What part of speech is “vibrato”?

“Vibrato” is a noun.

Where does the word “vibrato” come from?

The word “vibrato” comes from Italian. Borrowed from Italian vibrato, the past participle of vibrare, "to vibrate.".

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Vocabulary lists that include vibrato:

Words with Italian origins