vibrato

[ vi-brah-toh, vahy- ]

noun

, Music.

, plural vi·bra·tos.

1. a pulsating effect, produced in singing by the rapid reiteration of emphasis on a tone, and on bowed instruments by a rapid change of pitch corresponding to the vocal tremolo.

vibrato

/ vɪˈbrɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. a slight, rapid, and regular fluctuation in the pitch of a note produced on a stringed instrument by a shaking movement of the hand stopping the strings
2. an oscillatory effect produced in singing by fluctuation in breath pressure or pitch

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibrato¹

1860–65; < Italian < Latin vibrātus (past participle); vibrate

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibrato¹

C19: from Italian, from Latin vibrāre to vibrate

Example Sentences

He’s described as having a quick vibrato, and a youthful spirit and vocal energy.

From Washington Blade

For this role, Mueller, who earned a Tony nomination for her turn in On a Clear Day, ironed the vibrato out of her Broadway alto.

From The Daily Beast

It took two years to fix the vibrato, and a few more to learn stagecraft.

From The Daily Beast

Anne-Marie struck a second chord, pressing down her fingers with a vehement vibrato.

From Project Gutenberg

Old Glynn he knew how to make that instrument talk, the vibrato: fifty pounds a year they say he had in Gardiner street.

From Project Gutenberg

At the same time the vibrato used to excess is quite as bad as an excessive tremulando in the voice.

From Project Gutenberg

One need only listen to Ysaye, Elman, Kreisler: artists such as these employ the quick, intense vibrato with ideal effect.

From Project Gutenberg

There must be an inner, emotional instinct, an electric spark within the player himself that sets the vibrato current in motion.

From Project Gutenberg