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

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

He filmed the process for TikTok, giggling at his flubs and using his hands to accentuate the rhythmic cadence of the language.

From The Wall Street Journal

I listened drowsily to the soothing cadence of Togbe’s voice taking me back out onto the Volta, where the boy was fishing with his father, exploring a small creek in their canoe.

From Literature

The cadence was the perfect balance to keep the energy high, and of course, what’s R&B without some ballads and sad love songs?

From Los Angeles Times

That would pile on the frustration for economists, investors and policymakers who rely on the regular cadence of data releases to understand the state of the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accent
• inflection
• intonation
• lilt
• tempo