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

Example Sentences

The company moves quickly to update its technology, rolling out new and more advanced chip platforms on an annual cadence.

From MarketWatch

Together, these events highlighted not only a dramatic change in leadership but also the shifting cadence of society.

From The Wall Street Journal

SpaceX’s primary vehicle is the Falcon 9, a medium-lift vehicle with a reusable booster, which has been key to the company’s efforts to cut down the cost of launches and ramp up its launch cadence.

From MarketWatch

There’s a cadence to sales, a pattern to coupons, a small ecosystem of rewards programs and “oops” bins where imperfect or surplus food waits quietly for someone to notice.

From Salon

Being an effective auctioneer, students are told, is about controlling cadence, pitch, projection and resonance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accent
• inflection
• intonation
• lilt
• tempo