cadence

American  

[keyd-ns] / ˈkeɪd ns /

noun

1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words.

   the cadence of language.

2. (in free verse) a rhythmic pattern that is nonmetrically structured.

3. the beat, rate, or measure of any rhythmic movement.

   The chorus line danced in rapid cadence.

   Synonyms:

   meter, rhythm, pulse, tempo

4. the flow or rhythm of events, especially the pattern in which something is experienced.

   the frenetic cadence of modern life.

5. a slight falling in pitch of the voice in speaking or reading, as at the end of a declarative sentence.

6. the general modulation of the voice.

7. Music. a sequence of notes or chords that indicates the momentary or complete end of a composition, section, phrase, etc.

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verb (used with object)

cadenced, cadencing

1. to make rhythmical.

cadence British  

/ ˈkeɪdəns /

noun

1. the beat or measure of something rhythmic

2. a fall in the pitch of the voice, as at the end of a sentence

3. modulation of the voice; intonation

4. a rhythm or rhythmic construction in verse or prose; measure

5. the close of a musical phrase or section

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Etymology

Origin of cadence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Italian cadenza cadenza

Explanation

The word cadence has its own lovely cadence — rhythm of sound as it's spoken. Cadence has come to mean "the rhythm of sounds" from its root cadere which means "to fall." Originally designating falling tones especially at the end of lines of music or poetry, cadence broadened to mean the rhythms of the tones and sometimes even the rhythm of sounds in general. Think of the cadence of the marching band at a football game or the cadence of the crickets on a warm spring night. You can remember the "fall" idea by thinking of one of the only words that contains it — decadence — which has the prefix de- at the front to mean down, or downfall.

Example Sentences

“We expect the cadence of AI-related order wins to accelerate and catalyze shares,” Dorsheimer wrote.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Do what gives you energy, Bryant says, whether it’s meditating, journaling or increasing the cadence of your therapy sessions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

At first I didn’t have my own cadence, so I was a little faster, and I was quicker with stories.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Stocks remain near records, but the all-hours cadence has spurred some investors to move money into foreign markets or other havens to escape the noise of the domestic headline cycle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

Todd speaks very rapidly in a singsong cadence, suggesting that he does this several times a day.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Related Words

• accent
• inflection
• intonation
• lilt
• tempo